Shelliscape, American Jewel win big in Kentucky

Shelliscape and American Jewel were victorious in their respective $70,000 divisions of the Bluegrass for 3-year-old filly pacers Saturday night at The Red Mile. Shelliscape scored her third win in 13 starts this year with a 1:49.1 effort, while American Jewel posted a 1:50.1 effort for her sixth win in a dozen attempts in 2012.

 

Shelliscape's win came after a stretch duel with the Yannick Gingras-driven Romantic Moment. Finishing third was Lightning Paige and Brian Sears.

 

"The fast fractions certainly set up well," said Campbell. "I was third-over but the cover moved right up. I was put in real good striking range at the head of the stretch and when I tipped her she marched home strong."

 

A daughter of Artiscape, Shelliscape came into the Bluegrass off a 1-3 performance in the Sept. 19 Jugette at Delaware, Ohio. Her elimination victory was a world-record 1:50.1 clocking. Shelliscape is a homebred of Robert McIntosh Stables, CSX Stables and DM Stables, and trained by Bob McIntosh.

 

American Jewel had the driving services of Tim Tetrick, who said after the victory that the daughter of American Ideal is "just a great, great filly."

 

American Jewel led past a :56.1 half and approaching three-quarters a breaking Sarandon Blue Chip in midpack scattered the trailers, including the 2011 Two-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year Economy Terror, who lost all chance at the victory. With the field essentially cut in half by the breaker, American Jewel had no problems as she won easily over Destiny's Chance (Gingras) and Rockaround Sue (Andy Miller). Sears was able to gather Economy Terror to salvage fourth money.

 

After the race, driver David Miller said Sarandon Blue Chip broke for no apparent reason and her brought her back to the paddock with no soundness issues.

 

Jimmy Takter trains American Jewel for breeder-owner Brittany Farms. The win increased her seasonal earnings to more than $800,000 and career total to more than $1.48 million.