Kelly's Keepsake holds on for 1:53 victory

Kelly’s Keepsake fought off a host of challengers down the stretch and captured the $143,000 American National for 2-year-old filly pacers in 1:53 at Balmoral Park Saturday night. Desirable Cindy and Dragonfest closed late to be second and third, respectively.

Kelly’s Keepsake, the Orange & Blue winner on Super Night at Balmoral, took the lead before the :54.3 half, passed the three quarters in 1:23.2 and then took on all comers down the lane.

First it was Beachy Girl, but she faded badly in mid stretch. Then early leader Wondrous Grace challenged, but she couldn’t reach. Finally Desirable Cindy took her shot as Dragonfest came up the inside. But it was all too late.

Trained by Ervin Miller for Jack and Peggy Hood, Mystical Marker Farm and Kenneth Duffy, Kelly’s Keepsake, a daughter of Sportsmaster, scored her sixth triumph of the year in 15 starts.

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