Check Me Out remains perfect with PASS win
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There may have been $222,536 in total purses on the line in four divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 2-year-old filly trotters Friday afternoon at Harrah’s Chester, but all eyes were focused on the match-up in the second split between Check Me Out, six-for-six in her career, and Maven, perfect in four starts.
Emerging from the race with her record intact was the Merrie Annabelle winner Check Me Out, who trotted to a 1:55.2 track-record victory. Maven had to settle for third after making a break approaching the three quarters while in close pursuit of Check Me Out.
Check Me Out, driven by Tim Tetrick, got away third as the 2-5 betting favorite but was quarter-pole moved to the front, reaching the half well ahead of the :57.2 clocking. Heading toward the three-quarter pole the Yannick Gingras-driven Maven went on a break while sitting third, leaving only the pocket-sitting Superstar Hanover and Dave Palone with any chance of an upset.
Under a confident stretch drive by Tetrick, Check Me Out held Superstar Hanover at bay to win by a length. Now seven-for-seven over her career, the daughter of Donato Hanover has career earnings of just under a quarter-million dollars for owners Charles Iannazzo and trainer Ray Schnittker.
The first PASS split went to Sand Violent Blu, who overcame being forced three wide early in the mile as he was moved to the lead by driver Brett Miller to score in 1:56.2. What made Sand Violent Blu’s win easier despite the tough early going was that there was a parade of breakers behind him throughout the mile. Delicious, driven by Matt Kakaley, chased Sand Violet Blu across the finish line five lengths behind, with the stretch-breaking Carry A Torch and Trond Smedshammer holding on for third.
A daughter of Tom Ridge, Sand Violet Blu is owned by breeder Bill Sanders. The win was the Tye Loy trainee’s fourth in six starts, increasing her earnings to more than $60,000.
Love Walked In lived up to her role as the even-money favorite in her PASS split as she cruised to a three-length win in 1:57.1 over Blue Yonder, with Uncommon Knight third.