Red Mile: Mission Brief romps in Bluegrass

Mission Brief strolled around The Red Mile on Saturday evening to capture her $72,000 Bluegrass division for 3-year-old filly trotters with complete ease.

Mission Brief ducked in fourth as Classical Annie was quickest off the wings of the gate in the 29 2/5 opening quarter. Livininthefastlane then brushed to the front and was followed by Mission Brief and Yannick Gingras. Once in command prior to the 57 2/5 half, the pair opened up a sizable margin with a 29 1/5 third quarter and continued to build that cushion through the lane.

Ultimately Mission Brief won by 4-3/4 lengths over Classical Annie in 1:54 4/5, with Speak To Me finishing nicely from last to get third.

“All we want to do is get around (the track) without hurting her; mission accomplished,” said trainer Ron Burke on the effort.

All indications are that Mission Brief will start in a race next Saturday at the Red Mile, but don’t expect any world records.

“The Breeders Crown is six days later,” explained Burke. “I just want to win three races and go home.”

The victory was the 8th in 10 starts this year for Mission Brief ($2.10 to win), who is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stable, J&T Stable and Weaver Bruscemi.

In the second division for sophomore trotting fillies, Hambletonian Oaks winner Wild Honey grinded first-over for the strong score in 1:55 4/5.

I’m So Fancy put up fractions of 29 and 57 4/5 before Wild Honey was sent to the rim by driver John Campbell. The Jimmy Takter trainee would get up to the leader at three quarters in 1:27 1/5 before pulling away under very light urging.

Lilu Hanover finished second ahead of Lady Winona.

“She was awesome tonight and has just been a terrific filly all around for us at 2 and 3,” said co-owner John Fielding.