Vernon: Chapter Seven fillies sweep in NY Sire Stakes

Vernon Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Friday (August 19),

In Italian (Jordan Stratton) won the $35,900 first flight via placing.

Mari (Jack Killeen) was first to the quarter in 28 1/5, but In Italian ($7.10) went to the front going around the turn. Her time on the top was short lived, though, as Royal Filly (Brian Sears) brushed by as the reached the top of the backstretch. She was first to the half in 59 1/5 and continued to show the way to three-quarters in 1:27 2/5.

As they reached the stretch In Italian popped the pocket and went for the lead. Meanwhile, Royal Filly, who appeared to still have plenty left, went off the course inside the last eighth, and although she crossed the wire first, she was placed last for the trangression. That gave the victory to In Italian, who had held off a late charge from Pride N Joy (Andrew McCarthy). Mari finished third.

In Italian, who broke her maiden with this triumph, is a Chapter Seven-Hemi Blue Chip filly and is a full sister to the great trotting mare Atlanta. She is owned by Bradley Grant and Howard Taylor while trained by Ron Burke.

Instagram Model (McCarthy), the Jim Doherty Memorial champion, cruised to win in the $35,900 second section.

Woolco (Tyler Buter) led to the first quarter in 27 3/5, but Instagram Model ($2.60) took over as they headed for the backstretch. After taking command, Instagram Model clicked off the half in 58 3/5 and then breezed to three-quarters in 1:27 4/5.

As they made the turn for home, Instagram Model had plenty in the tank and won in 1:55 4/5. Woolco held on for second, and Unicorn Blue Chip (Sears) finished third.

Instagram Model is a daughter of Chapter Seven-Check Out Trixie. She is owned by R. Lynn Curry and trained by Annie Stoebe. She now has three wins in four lifetime starts.

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Ruth Honig (Buter) took the $35,900 third split.

Ruth Honig ($3.70) led to the quarter in 28 2/5 and then backed down the tempo with a 30 3/5 second quarter to hit the half in 59 seconds. Kayleigh S (Sears) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn, but Ruth Honig led to three-quarters in 1:28.

Through the stretch drive, Ruth Honig found another gear and won easily in a lifetime-best of 1:56 3/5. Midwind Success (Stratton) came up to finish second, and Jean's Action (McCarthy) was third.

sRuth Honig is a Chapter Seven-Lady Grey filly, and she is owned by the Shermay Stables and trained by Lucas Wallin. She now has three lifetime wins.

--edited press release (Vernon)--