Miss Wisconsin wins in Lex

Five John Simpson Memorial stakes were conducted at The Red Mile over a sloppy race track Friday night after day-long rains in Lexington. There was some talk by management of cancelling the card early in the day due to the bleak weather forecast, but the track was more than serviceable with most of the winners coming from off the pace.

Three divisions of sophomore filly trots were on the bill, each with a purse of over $24,000.

The improving Dream Vacation filly Susie’s Magic took the first division in 1:56.3 for David Miller and trainer Bobby Stewart. Susie’s Magic has blossomed of late and appears to be more cooperative in the race, allowing herself to be rated and using her reserves in a more timely fashion. Driver Miller held her off the lead in fourth through the early stages as Tresokay and then Klipspringer took turns on the front. When called on for trot around the last turn Susie’s Magic responded and drew away to an easy score for owners L & L Devisser, Lyn Jones and Susan Atkins. Tucson Yankee (Lindy Lane) and Patti’s Gift (Muscles Yankee) both closed well for board positions.

The classy Miss Wisconsin had an easy time of it in division two. Driver Mike Lachance put the Muscles Yankee filly on the lead from the start and never faced a serious challenge winning in 1:58.2 well in hand. Owned by the aptly named Miss Wisconsin Stable, this filly appears to be finding her best form heading in to the upcoming Red Mile Grand Circuit stakes for trainer Ronnie Gurfein. A pair of SJ’s Photo fillies, Bedswerver and Clareen took the minor awards.

Keystone Gratitude (Yankee Glide) won the third and last filly trot in 1:58.4 for Ron Pierce, picking up the drive for owner-trainer Jan Johnson. Pierce sent her to the lead early, let favored My Foolish Dream cross over at the half and then rallied wide late for the win. Carmen Hall (Conway Hall) engaged the favorite at the five-eighths and wore that one down in a game effort for second. Classical Girl (Malabar Man) rallied late for third.

Freshman pacing fillies were also on display Friday evening and Real Girl (Real Desire) made amends for her disappointing effort in last week’s KYSS final by winning easily from off the pace in 1:54.3 for David Miller. Mark Harder is the conditioner for the TLP Stable, Lamera and Loconte all of New Jersey. Pop Diva (Western Hanover) came first over for John Campbell and wore down Al’s Girl (Artsplace) for second.

Cabana Fever completed a double credit for first crop sire Real Desire in the second Simpson filly pace split. It was her fourth win in five career outings, for owners L & L Devisser, Sawgrass Farms and the Helping Hand Stable, trainer Joe Seekman and catch driver Ryan Anderson. Anderson settled the winner in fifth early, allowed his main rival, the Campbell driven Little Miss Dragon in just ahead of him on turn one and then used that filly’s cover until he fanned Cabana Fever wide in the home stretch for the winning move in 1:55.3. Liberty Skiberty (All American Ingot) closed to be second while Gisele Blue Chip (Artsplace) just nipped the first-over Little Miss Dragon for third. (files from The Red Mile)

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