A grandiose KYSS win

Grandiose Gal, with driver Mike Lachance subbing for the injured Glenn Berger, won the $60,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old filly pacers Sunday night. The 7-5 second choice behind even-money-favorite Designer Gal, Grandiose Gal beat that one by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:51.1. Clova was third.

Lachance left with Grandiose Gal from the outside nine post, securing the lead by the opening :27.4 quarter, He then relinquished the top spot to the fast-moving first-over Designer Gal and driver Marcus Johansson at the :55.4 half. Lachance was then content to sit the pocket through a 1:23.4 three-quarters before tipping out and around the leader in the stretch to go on to the victory.

The time was a career-best for the daughter of Jate Lobell bred by Tom Crouch and owned by Lightning Stable. Tony Mannino trains the four-time career winner who increased her earnings to $134,307 with the victory.

Allstar Hall and Main Stage took center stage in their respective $20,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes splits for 2-year-old colt trotters. All 15 trotters in the two divisions were sired by Like A Prayer.

Allstar Hall, a $270,000 yearling purchase of ACL Stuteri Inc., held off a game Memphis Hall (Jeff Smith) to win in 1:59.2. Twin B Navigator (Dan Shetler) was third. Allstar Hall had won his maiden start but had broke in his two subsequent outings until Sunday night's career-best effort. Anette Lorentzon trains and drives the winner.

Mike Lachance picked up the late catch-drive behind Main Stage who posted his third straight victory and eighth win in nine career starts. Kim Ireland trains the winner for owner Lew Hayden. Pembroke Prayer (Tony Hall) was second with Onawing Andaprayer (Tom Sells) third.

Also, Fox Stake division winner Wildridge Sam took advantage of racing right back in a non-winners of one pari-mutuel race and Steve Waller directed the freshman son of Artiscape to a 1:54.2 victory decision over his overmatched rivals. Caviart Cody (Del S. Miller) finished 1 1/4 lengths behind the 1-2 favorite. Trained by Jim Redfern, Wildridge Sam is owned by Johnny Mulligan.

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