Freshman colt trotters in ISS action

He's Spooky won the first of five divisions of the $345,000 International Stallion Stake (ISS) for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters on a cool Thursday afternoon at The Red Mile. Driven by Mike Lachance, He's Spooky trotted the mile in 1:56 to earn his maiden-breaking victory in his sixth attempt.

 

Lachance got away fourth with He's Spooky from post one and was sitting there was Caviar De Vie had the lead at the first quarter of :29.3. Kash's Caviar and Chip Noble then rushed up to take command and that trotter had the lead at the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.2. Lachance had He's Spooky on the move around the final turn and it took the entire stretch for the son of Cantab Hall to put his nose in front of Kash's Caviar. Olla Podriga and Brian Sears finished third.

 

Frank Antonacci, who trains He's Spooky for owners Lindy Racing Stable and Robert Rudolph, said a change in sulky was key to the victory.

 

"He's been threatening all year," said Antonacci. "I switched him to a Harmer bike (AdvantEdge) today and Mike just had to guide him home."

 

The second ISS division went to Wishing Stone for trainer Dewayne Minor's Cowboyland Aalborg's Wishing Stone, who won his second straight Grand Circuit event with a 1:55.3 effort. John Campbell was in the sulky behind the diminutive son of Conway Hall as he won for the third time in seven starts.

 

Ron Pierce had Hard Livin on top through the opening three quarters before Campbell tipped Wishing Stone off the pylons from third. Trotting first-over around the final bend, Wishing Stone took control in midstretch. Hard Livin just held on for second over the Tim Tetrick-driven Sailaway Dream.

 

"This colt showed ability right along through training. Hopefully he can continue it through the Breeders Crown," said Minor of Wishing Stone, now a winner of more than $155,000.

 

With rain now falling, Winning Fireworks, 2-year-old half brother of standout sophomore trotter Explosive Matter, scored his first lifetime win in his third start in the third ISS division. Driven by Ron Pierce, Winning Fireworks rallied from far back and a third-over trip to reach the wire in 1:56.4, just ahead of Keystone Bernard and Brian Sears, with Scent Of Oil and Campbell third.

 

"They can both go pretty good," Pierce answered when asked to compare the sibling trotters.

 

A son of Credit Winner, Winning Fireworks is trained by Noel Daley for owners Adam Victor & Son Stable and Lindy Farms of Conn. In his previous two attempts in divisions of the Simpson Memorial and Bluegrass at The Red Mile, Winning Fireworks posted a pair of runner-up finishes.

 

With the rain beginning to fall harder, Baximum sprung a 32-1 surprise in the fourth ISS division, breaking his maiden in his 12th start for driver David Miller in 1:56.2.

 

Trond Smedshammer rushed Priority Photo to the lead early down the backstretch and that colt held the lead through three quarters, but could not withstand the stretch charge of Baximum. Classic Son also rallied past Priority Photo to finish second, with the early leader settling for third.

 

Jonas Czneryson trains the winning son of Cantab Hall for owner Robert Rosenheim Stables. Baximum increased his earnings to more than $85,000 with the win.

 

Lucky Chucky rolled to his fourth straight victory in the fifth and final ISS split, trotting to a 1:56.2 win for driver Campbell and trainer Chuck Sylvester. Muscle Massive finished second for Pierce, with Temple Of Doom and Miller third.

 

A son of Windsong's Legacy, Lucky Chucky's current win streak includes the Valley Victory final at Harrah's Chester and a Bluegrass division last week at The Red Mile. Owned by Sylvester, Neal Goldman and Amy Stoltzfus, the win increased his earnings to more than $407,000.