Trattoria Simpson surprise

The first of four $10,500 Simpson Stakes divisions for 2-year-old filly trotters contested at The Red Mile Thursday night went to longshot Trattoria who closed from well off the lead to return a $75.20 mutuel for trainer-driver Dan Shetler, who owns the Yankee Glide filly in partnership with Tommy Thompson of Versailles, Ky.

Favored Loggia (Varenne) moved to the lead as the field approached the half with the eventual winner tucked away in fourth. Syrinx Song (Conway Hall) rushed toward the leader on the final turn and Shetler was able to position his charge behind that one until mid-stretch. Shetler fanned his filly off cover and Trattoria responded willingly to get up in the final strides. Indy’s Lindy (SJ’s Caviar) shook loose late for second and Loggia held third in 1:59.3.

Fabulous Kemp sat just off the lead early for driver Marcus Johansson, moved by the leader in mid-stretch and was a comfortable 1:59.4 winner in the second Simpson split. This Yankee Glide lass is owned by Zotambo AS of Sweden and trained in the Takter stable. Likeavirgin Lindy (Like A Prayer) took over just past the quarter and held safe for the place. Endorphin Annie (Enjoy Lavec) rallied well late, darting up the inside to be third.

Takter’s barn sent out the winner of division three as well with the Conway Hall filly Dream N Lindy driven to a front-stepping victory by Johansson for owner Bud Hatfield in 1:58.4. Sheer Soul dogged the winner throughout. Never finding a spot along the rail, this Yankee Glide lass was uncovered from before the half and was still digging in at the end, beaten just a length. Madame Volo (Yankee Glide) parlayed her ground saving trip into a show finish.

Sexpot Hall gave Conway Hall a pair of winners on the evening lowering her personal record to 2:00 for driver Tom Sells. Trained by Freddie Grant for Walnut Hall Ltd., Sexpot Hall was reserved off the lead as Peaceful Harmony (Self Possessed) broke away on the lead through a fast :28.2 third panel. Peaceful Harmony takes big steps, but they were coming a bit slower near the finish and Sells was able to rally his mount past edging away at the end. Society Hall (Conway Hall) was third. (Red Mile)

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