Monticello: Splash Blue Chip captures NY Sire Stakes event

Splash Blue Chip led all the way and won today's lone $114,000 New York Sire Stakes race for sophomore trotting fillies at Monticello Raceway in 1:57 1/5.

Driven by trainer Ake Svanstedt, Splash Blue Chip shot out to the lead from post four and was unchallenged through panels of 29 1/5, 58 2/5, and 1:27 3/5. Behind her, Aela Jamieson (Andy Miller) tried a first-over attack out of fourth coming off the third turn, but her advance stalled after getting into a joint second with pocket-sitting and Svanstedt-trained Illuminata (Mark MacDonald) on the final bend, allowing Splash Blue Chip to turn for home with a clear advantage.

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In the lane Aela Jamieson made a break, ending her chances, but Illuminata was able to gain up the passing lane and looked like she might be able to get by Splash Blue Chip. Unfortunately for her and her connections, Illuminata rolled into a break in deep stretch, allowing Splash Blue Chip to hit the wire half a length to the good. Illuminata crossed the wire on the run in second, but after an inquiry, she was left in that position, and Titans Hope (Jason Bartlett) was third after sitting on the inside in the three-hole.

Svanstedt also co-owns Splash Blue Chip, a daughter of E L Titan-Dunk The Donato (Donato Hanover), with partner Mellby Gard Inc. Splash Blue Chip, bred by Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc., is a half-sister to Svanstedt's world champion Plunge Blue Chip (1:49 4/5, $1,576,176) and sold for $265,000 at the 2019 Standardbred Horse Sale. Splash Blue Chip has put together a record of 3-5-3 from 16 career tries, and she has now put away $277,068. Sent off as the 1-5 favorite, she returned $2.60 to win.