Western Ace upset in NJSS

Despite losing the use of his whip when it became entangled in the lines in the stretch, Mike Lachance was able to rally Artstanding and just catch the heavily-favored Western Ace to win the $175,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old pacing colts Thursday night at the Meadowlands.



Ron Pierce moved the undefeated Western Ace to the lead from third down the backstretch, reaching the half in :56 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Lachance had pulled his charge from fifth early and was sitting fourth turning for home, and midway down the lane his whip got caught so he was unable to use it. Still, Artstanding kept closing and was able to nip Western Ace at the wire in 1:52.2. Karbonator finished third for driver Brian Sears.



Trained by Tom Fanning, the son of Artsplace is owned by James Swilyk and Bob Gorney. The win was his first in four starts, including two baby races.



"He got a perfect trip tonight," Lachance said. "He has been a good colt every time I have sat behind him. He is well bred and has a beautiful long gait."



"I am very happy," added Fanning. "I didn't know he could go that fast at this point in his career. He is a nice horse. He has always acted like a nice horse and I am just real happy. He has the Niatross (July 21 at the Meadowlands) next."

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