Red Mile: Shartin proves too tough in Allerage Farms Mares Open Pace

Shartin had a chance to display her toughness, and she did just that, going overland to wear down Caviart Ally and capture the $98,500 Allerage Farms Open for fillies and mares on Sunday afternoon at The Red Mile. With Tim Tetrick in the bike, the 7-5 favored Shartin N scored in a career-best 1:48 2/5 clocking.

The early skirmish put Caviart Ally on top through a 26 3/5 opening panel for driver Andrew McCarthy. The 9-5 second choice was able to control the fractions through a moderate half of 54 3/5 but had to quicken the action once Shartin moved at her without cover.

Those two matched strides through a 1:21 3/5 three-quarters, but once into the stretch Tetrick guided his mare to take a short lead and managed to maintain a safe advantage right through the wire as Caviart Ally fought gamely in second, with Pure Country holding late for third.

Now with 16 wins in 21 starts this year, Shartin has become one of the top candidates for Horse of the Year for trainer Jim King Jr. and owners Richard Poillucci and Jo Ann Looney-King. The 5-year-old daughter of Tintin In America has now won 23 of her 34 career starts.

"Got her off the gate good today," said Tetrick. "I wasn't worried racing on the outside."

Trainer King was looking ahead.

"Now we have enough money to make the $35,000 supplemental payment to the Breeders Crown," King said in jest.