Sherrie's a delight in ISOBA

Sherrie's Delight continued his stranglehold on the 3-year-old colt trotting set in Illinois Thursday night as he posted his 11th win in 13 starts this year while taking top honors in a $15,000 ISOBA stakes event. The victory was not without its anxious moments though as the 3-5 favorite was put to a severe test in a stirring stretch drive with both Vanished and The Vicster before prevailing by a hard-fought head in 1:57.



Floated away from the outside starting spot in the compact field of six by driver Tony Morgan, Sherrie's Delight settled in fourth as Vanished took advantage of the inside post while taking the field through a :28.2 opening split. With the pace slowing notably on the backside Morgan decided he had seen enough and sent his colt on a mission for the lead. Battling head and head with Vanished down the backstretch these two were on even terms as they trotted through a half mile in :58.2.



Heading around the far turn Sherrie's Delight finally cleared to the top and was trotting comfortably in front as The Vicster, who had spotted the field about 10 lengths because of a break in the first turn, came roaring alongside to challenge. These two were separated by only a half length with Vanished sitting in a tight pocket in third as the trotters rolled by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:28.3.



In the stretch The Vicster was able to poke a head in front while racing out in the center of the track. Sherrie's Delight was still battling gamely down along the inside while Vanished was looming boldly while trotting between these two. Coming to the wire the early deficit finally started to get the best of The Vicster as he began to tire just a bit.



Vanished was finding his best stride while splitting rivals as Sherrie's Delight seemed to find a little something extra. Showing the grit and determination that has put him at the top of the division all season long, the Tom Harmer trainee dug in bravely to hold off the hard charging Vanished in a tight photo. The Vicster wound up third, 2-¼ lengths behind the top pair.



Now sporting a record of 11 wins in 13 starts this year with earnings of $153,597 this son of Keystone Kim looks to have a lock on the divisional title. (Balmoral Park)

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