Andover America fastest in PASS splits

On the lead at every call in his previous victories, Andover America unveiled a new wrinkle Monday night at The Meadows, rating in the pocket and firing late to remain undefeated and capture the fastest split of a $118,540 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for freshman trotting colts.

The stake, known as the Florida Pro, was contested over six divisions, with Production, Lancer Springs, Pembroke Lane, Intimidator and In Focus taking the other splits. Dave Palone scored a driving triple (Andover America, Production, In Focus) in the stakes.

An $80,000 yearling purchase, Andover America was a facile winner on the lead in two earlier starts. In the Florida Pro, he waited patiently behind the front-ending Dennis, then poured through the “Lightning Lane” to score in 1:58.3. Parakean was three-quarters of a length back in second while Dennis saved show.

“He's a little better than he shows on paper. He's above average,” said Paul Doherty, second trainer for Ray Schnittker, who conditions the son of Andover Hall for Neal Goldman, Alan Caplan, Keith Dickstein and Richard Timbo. “Every time you race or train him, he gets better.”

Doherty said Andover America is ticketed for late-season stakes at The Red Mile.

Production, a strapping son of Broadway Hall that trainer Kelly O'Donnell purchased for Jack Tramonte and KO Racing Stables just before his racing career began, had no trouble handling his size, winning handily on the engine. It was Production's fifth win in six career starts.

“He should actually be undefeated,” Palone said. “The only time he got beat I got locked in, and he was raging with trot that night. For a big horse, he's been handy all along and a gentleman to drive. Normally with big horses, they have to catch their gait before they get themselves set.”

Production prevailed in 1:58.4, a neck better than the pocket-sitting Dauntless De Vie. Twin B Caviar was well back in third.

Lancer Springs, who won his career debut in a PASS at The Meadows, broke stride in his next race at Georgian Downs, a mishap that trainer Chris Beaver attributed to a minor injury.

"He had a splint come up and got locked on the right line, and they couldn't get him rigged off it at Georgian,” Beaver said of the $6,000 yearling acquisition. “He's getting there. He's still laying on the pole a little bit, but he's getting better.”

Dick Stillings sent the newly rigged son of Lindy Lane to a decisive quarter-pole move en route to a three-length victory in 2:01.1 over Clapton Blue Chip, with Cleve Hanover finishing third. Beaver, James Gallagher and David Lang own Lancer Springs, who is eligible for significant stakes in Canada. (The Meadows)

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