Filly trotters star Wed. at Lex

The Red Mile 2006 Grand Circuit begins Wednesday with six divisions of 2-year-old filly trotters racing in the Bluegrass Stakes for a purse of $80,000 each. Titled the “Norman Woolworth Memorial” in remembrance of one of the greatest personalities in the sport’s history, the race is sponsored by a group of Mr. Woolworth’s close friends and associates.

All of the division leaders thus far are in attendance for the race, led by the unbeaten Pampered Princess. A product of the exciting first crop of Andover Hall, Pampered Princess is unbeaten in six starts and has earned nearly $400,000 for owners Bob and David Anderson. Trained by Jimmy Takter and driven by John Campbell, she comes to Lexington fresh off of a victory in the $500,000 Oakville Stake in Canada.

Possess The Magic (Self Possessed) has shown remarkable ability this season for trainer Ronnie Gurfein. She was a sensation at The Meadowlands, trotting to a 1:56.1 win there in late July, still the fastest for her division this year.

Possess The Magic has won six of nine starts and over $300,000 this season for owner and breeder Brittany Farms. Mike Lachance, who has driven so many champions for the Gurfein – Brittany connection including her Hambletonian winning sire, is the regular driver for the filly.

The Kentucky Sire Stake champion for this division, Godiva Hall, is also on the bill for today’s matinee. From the first crop of Kentucky Futurity winner Like A Prayer, Godiva Hall was sensational in her Red Mile appearances throughout that program. She was an easy winner in each of the three races and set her lifetime mark of 1:57.3 in one of the preliminary legs. Overall, she has compiled a record of five wins in seven starts for earnings of $160,000.

Regular pilot Dave Palone is due in from The Meadows to drive Godiva Hall for owners Stephen & Gene Oldford and the North South Partnership #2. Kentucky horseman Pete Foley trains the filly.

A total of 49 of the most impeccably bred, talent-laden trotting fillies in North America will compete on the racing program, launching the Grand Circuit meet here at the historic Red Mile in fabulous fashion. (Red Mile)

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