Vulcanize, Flash Lightning win Filly Futurity elims

October 05, 2007

Vulcanize brushed off a second-over trip to win the first of two eliminations for the $377,000 Kentucky Filly Futurity Friday afternoon at The Red Mile, while Flash Lightning took the lead at the quarter pole and led the rest of the distance to capture the second elim.

In the first elim, George Brennan protected his inside post position with supplemental entry Exotic Destination as he forced John Campbell into the pocket around the first turn with I Gotta Feelin. Exotic Destination led through fractions of :27.1, :55.2 and 1:24.3 as an outer flow developed around the final turn, led by the first-over Radiant Lindy and the second-over Vulcanize.

Driver David Miller swung Vulcanize wide coming off the last bend and the daughter of Muscles Yankee went on to the 1:54 victory. Caress The Senses rallied late for Andy Miller to finish second, with Bruschette and Jan Johnson third. Radiant Lindy settled for fourth while Exotic Destination hung on to finish fifth and earn the final spot on the starting gate in the second heat.

Bob McIntosh trains the winner for the Lothlorien Equestrian Center, whose owner Audrey Campbell, recently died. The win was her eighth in 16 starts this year.

In the second elim, Ron Pierce got away third with Flash Lightning as Southwind Serena and Yannick Gingras were first to the front. But coming out of the first turn Pierce tipped his charge and Flash Lightning was able to move to the lead, reaching the first quarter in :29. Flash Lightning then posted fractions of :57/3 amd 1:25.4 before trotting home in :28 flat to seal the 1:53.4 victory.

Southwind Serena finished second after Gingras tipped his charge back out in a futile attempt to catch the winner. Falls For You finished third for Brian Sears, with Wishful Me and Hambletonian Oaks winner Danae also earning a return ticket for the second heat.

Tony Mannino trains the winner for the Lightning Stable. The daughter of Dream Vacation now has six wins in 16 starts this year.

Here is the draw for the Filly Futurity final, with Exotic Destination being scratched after drawing post 10.

1. Flash Lightning

2. Vulcanize

3. Caress The Senses

4. Southwind Serena

5. Falls For You

6. Bruschette

7. Radiant Lindy--driver change to John Campbell

8. Wishful Me--driver change to Dave Palone

9. Danae

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