FRESHMAN FILLY TROTTERS FACE THE HEAT AT MONTICELLO RACEWAY NEW YORK SIRE STAKES

June 24, 2025

Monticello, NY (June 23, 2025) – On the hottest day of the season, three sets of Two-Year-Old Trotting Fillies competed for over $126,000 in purses with two dashes of New York Sire Stakes and a division of the $20,000 Excelsior Stakes.

The first event of $53,500 Sire Stakes saw My Philomene (Jason Bartlett) starting from post position six, let the early front action settle down before giving up the two hole to take the lead past the first quarter of 30.2. By the half in 1:01.3, My Philomene opened a three-length gap while Nezuko Kamado S patiently sat fourth for most of the mile. Entering the third turn, My Philomene was on top now by four-lengths. Seven-lengths off the lead, Brett Beckwith steered Nezuko Kamado S to the outside and closed the gap at the next panel in 1:32.4. Turning for home, My Philomene had a two-length lead. Nezuko Kamado S threw down a last quarter of 28.1 but it wasn’t enough as My Philomene prevailed by a neck in 2:01 over Nezuko Kamado S with Modesty Blasie (A, Svanstead) finishing third. My Philomene (Chapter Seven – Irish Melody Fr) picked up her first lifetime win in the process for trainer Jared Bako.

The second heat of Sire Stakes was another six horse $53,500 dash with the betting public making Overalls (Devious Man – Overjoyed) from the rail the 3/2 favorite. She left enough to protect her position to take the pack through splits of 29.4, 1:01.2. Down the back side the tempo quickened as Sharp Seven (J. Gregory) mounted a challenge to the leader at 1:31.2. Shortly after Seven Winds made a break in the paddock turn leaving Overalls alone on the front end and well within herself with driver Jordan Stratton in 2:01.3. Seven Winds (A. Svansted) finished second followed by Grace In Heaven (B. Beckwith). Overalls, the smooth gaited son of Devious Man is trained by Stratton.

Also on the card was a $20,000 Excelsior event with a full field of nine with a George Ducharme entry of Elqueen and Makeittothebell, despite the bulky field the fillies were well behaved. Lucky Ellie (C. Kelly) was the first to the lead, briefly before making a break. Giving the lead to Elqueen (J. Bartlett) who went wire-to-wire winner in 2:02.4, turning back Makeittothebell (B. Beckwith) and My Girl Charlie (J. Gregory) the winner and second place finisher were trained by George Ducharme.

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