One week--almost to the minute--after she set a track record for filly and mare trotters of any age at Harrah’s Chester, Stacelita did it again, speeding the mile in 1:54.2 to capture Thursday’s Open Handicap. Her victory shaved one-fifth of a second off of her previous track mark of 1:54.3 set on July 19. Partnered by regular driver Catello Manzi, Stacelita again flashed her vaunted early speed while clearing to the front nearing the first quarter-mile in :27.3. After cruising through strong middle fractions of :57 and 1:25.3, Stacelita was set down for the drive by Manzi in front by slightly more than a length. A fast-closing Beach Nut Brand made it close at the wire, but the winner held on by a diminishing half length. It was another half length back to Euro Hanover, who rallied from last to finish third. Stacelita has now won 10 of 52 races lifetime and has earned $131,318. She is co-owned by Cito and Ellen Manzi. (Harrah's Chester)
|




