by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

East Rutherford, NJ — Sarandon Blue Chip rallied for a 3-1/2 length victory in 1:50.1, capturing the 29th edition of the $150,000 Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey on Saturday afternoon (August 4) at the Meadowlands.

Sarandon Blue Chip ($9.00, $4.80, $4.00), unraced at two, held off longshot Mikeleh ($32.60, $14.60) and Pirouette Hanover ($4.80) who was 4-1/2 lengths back in third. All three top finishers are daughters of Western Ideal.

The Miss New Jersey is restricted to New Jersey-sired 3-year-old fillies and is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Sarandon Blue Chip, driven by David Miller and trained by Casie Coleman, was a tick off the 1:50 stakes record set by Put On A Show in 2010.

“We were first over, and I was concerned that I might have moved her too soon,” said Miller. “She was awfully game. She raced tremendous.”

The fourth race victory improved Sarandon Blue Chip’s record to three wins and two seconds in eight tries. Her earnings now sit at $159,030 for co-owners Casie Coleman and Tom Hill.