Ultimate Cameron's 1:53.3 ties Elegantimage mark

Ultimate Cameron followed her mom to the Elegantimage winner's circle. Back in 2002, Cameron Hall won the Elegantimage Stakes. On Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack, Ultimate Cameron, her 3-year-old daughter sired by Yankee Glide, captured the $557,000 with a 1:53.3 victory.

 

Trotting specialist Trevor Ritchie drove Ultimate Cameron to the victory for trainer Bob Stewart and owner Diamond Creek Farm. Ritchie and the filly started from post two and went straight for the lead. They took command quickly and hit the first quarter in :27, which put a few lengths between them and the rest of the field. A break in stride by Bon A Fide, who was racing third, put more space between the leader and the field, and Ritchie allowed the filly to loaf to the half in :57.1--a :30.1 second panel.

 

Jesse's Messenger and Poof She's Gone finally got into the race in the last turn, tracking first and secon-over, respectively, but they couldn't get by Ultimate Cameron in the stretch drive. Emmylou Who, who stayed as close to Ritchie's back as she could while racing along the pylons, got up for second, finishing one-half length behind the winner, with Poof She's Gone third, Bar Slide taking fourth, and Jesse's Messenger holding on for fifth.

 

Ritchie said he felt confident about Ultimate Cameron's chances, especially when he saw the half time flash on the trackside indicator. "After the half, I knew they were going to have to go some to get by her," he said.

 

Ultimate Cameron's 1:53.3 clocking equaled the stakes record. The filly is now undefeated this season.