Vernon: The Ice Dutchess triumphant in Zweig Memorial for fillies

The Ice Dutchess failed to qualify for the Hambletonian Oaks final, but the Muscle Hill-sired filly brought her "A" game to Vernon Downs on Saturday night and was impressive, going virtually wire-to-wire to capture the $135,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig filly division.

Starita and driver Dexter Dunn blasted out to quick control with The Ice Dutchess and Yannick Gingras patiently waiting and then hustling to the front before the 27 1/5 opening quarter. Favored Evident Beauty took an early tuck, but the second quarter slowed dramatically as Miss Trixton pulled to flush Evident Beauty. David Miller refused the bait until past the half, though, allowing The Ice Dutchess to stroll there in 56 2/5.

The Ice Dutchess maintained a solid advantage while still under rating, hitting three-quarters in 1:25 1/5 and losing pocket-sitter Starita into the homestretch. Evident Beauty started to close in late but only for minor spoils as the 9-5 The Ice Dutchess cruised to victory in 1:52 4/5 with her final quarter in 27 3/5. Starita finished third, with Miss Trixton fourth.

Coyote Wynd Farms owns The Ice Dutchess and Nancy Johansson trains the filly with four wins in eight sophomore starts.