by T.J. Burkett, for The Red Mile

Lexington, KY — Cinderella Guy emerged from the shadow of fellow sophomore pacing colt Digital Z Tam to win his $30,350 John Simpson Memorial division in 1:49.1 at The Red Mile on Saturday night, September 22. Digital Z Tam was upset in the other Simpson division by Pop Z Pop in 1:50.

Ron Pierce drove Cinderella Guy to a lifetime best win for trainer Steve Elliott and owner Perfect World Enterprises. A Real Desire gelding, Cinderella Guy had finished behind Kentucky Sires Stakes champion Digital Z Tam in his last two starts.

Pop Z Pop shipped in from New York to take down a tiring Digital Z Tam in the other Simpson division for pacing colts. Pop Z Pop, by Riverboat King, was driven by Andy Miller for trainer Erv Miller and owner Kidz LLC.

Sexpot Hall was impressive in her 1:54.1 win in a $26,000 Simpson division for sophomore filly trotters. This Conway Hall filly trotted to her second consecutive win with Mike Lachance aboard for trainer Fred Grant and co-owners Denim Stable and breeder Walnut Hall Limited.

In another $25,500 Simpson division for filly trotters, Flash Lightning and Pierce won in 1:55. Flash Lightning finished second in last week’s Moni Maker final at The Red Mile, but picked up the win here for trainer Anthony Mannino and owner Lightning Stable.

Bruschette used a late rally to win her $25,500 Simpson division in 1:55.1. Trainer Jan Johnson guided the Andover Hall filly home for owner Caroline Gerry.

The Championship Meet concludes at The Red Mile on Sunday night, September 23, with a 6:30 p.m. first post. Grand Circuit action begins at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25. Five divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies will go to the gate in the Norman S. Woolworth Memorial Bluegrass Stakes.