Saratoga Springs, NY — Two-year-old trotting fillies took center stage on Monday afternoon (June 20) at Saratoga Casino Hotel as a pair of New York Sire Stakes races highlighted the 12-race card.

Most fillies were making their lifetime debut when they took part in the co-featured races for the rookie trotters.

Canterbury Hanover stopped the timer in 1:59. Melissa Simser photo.

Stablemates Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) and Kayleigh S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) recorded victories in the big races for trainer Marcus Melander and driver Brian Sears.

Canterbury Hanover cruised on the front end under the guidance of the Hall of Famer Sears in her $78,700 Sire Stake race. Canterbury Hanover, the 4-5 betting favorite, cruised to a decisive score. The freshman filly stopped the timer in 1:59. Canterbury Hanover is owned by Holly Lane Stud East LTD.

Sears wasted little time moving Kayleigh S to the front and the Melander trainee held off a mild challenge from favorite Bourbon On Ice in the stretch before scoring in 2:00.4 in the $77,300 event. Kayleigh S, who paid $5.80 to win as her race’s second choice in the wagering, is owned by Courant Inc.

While Sears won the two biggest races of the day, Jason Bartlett piloted three winners on the matinee card.

Live racing resumes on Friday evening at Saratoga with a first post time set for 5 p.m..