by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Delaware, OH — Sister Stroll and Lucy’s Pearl hooked up for a stretch duel in the $50,143 Standardbred Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers on Thursday (Sept. 19) at the Delaware County Fair and remained side by side right to the wire. The two horses finished in a dead heat for win in 1:54.3.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Sister Stroll (right) and Lucy’s Pearl finished in a dead heat for win in 1:54.3 in the $50,143 Standardbred Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers on Thursday at the Delaware County Fair.

Sister Stroll (Art Official-So Western) and driver Yannick Gingras took the lead from early pace-setter Fits Well at the half-mile point, with Lucy’s Pearl (Well Said-Remember When) and driver Matt Kakaley advancing into second place with a first-over move.

The two were noses apart as they approached three-quarters, but Lucy’s Pearl slipped back some on the final turn before regaining her momentum and challenging Sister Stroll to the finish.

Sister Stroll paid $3.20 to win and Lucy’s Pearl paid $2.60. Fits Well finished third.

“I really thought we had that by ourselves,” said Matt Kakaley. “She really raced well and I’m really proud of how she did out there.”

“I actually thought I got beat,” said Yannick Gingras, “because his bike was in front of mine but he does have a little filly. That might have made a difference.

“I drove her (Sister Stroll) early in the year and I really liked her. I raced her in the (PA All Stars) at Chester in her second race of the year. She was game and I raced her the next week and she was good. I haven’t raced her since then, but I did know a little bit about her.”

— Kimberly French also contributed to this report