by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Defying her 30-1 odds, Temple Blue Chip patiently stalked the leader and charged late to capture a division of Wednesday’s (August 31) $100,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series event at The Meadows in a stakes-record 1:57.4.

The stakes for 2-year-old filly trotters was contested over five divisions, with Can’t Be Seduced, Transgressive, Say What and Pilgrims Honey taking the other splits. Trainer Trond Smedshammer enjoyed a stakes double with Temple Blue Chip and Can’t Be Seduced.

Chris Gooden photo

Temple Blue Chip captured a division of Wednesday’s Pennsylvania Stallion Series in a stakes-record 1:57.4.

Although winless in three previous starts, Temple Blue Chip trotted evenly in two earlier Stallion Series legs, hitting the board in each. On Wednesday, she showed late pop as well, coming home in :29.1 for Greg Grismore to culminate a first-over journey and defeat End Of Innocence. Early leader Upfront Carol was third. The time erased the stakes mark of 1:59 established earlier in the card by Can’t Be Seduced.

“On paper, she didn’t really look like she could go that much,” Grismore said. “But she got out of the gate perfect, and you couldn’t ask for a better trip. She got some confidence, and I just kept her in there and kept her brave. She was super.”

Adam Victor & Son Stable owns Temple Blue Chip, a daughter of Cantab Hall-Down Goes Debbie.

Can’t Be Seduced may have lost her stakes record, but the 1-2 favorite made a strong uncovered move to engage Voluptuous Ronda in an extended duel before downing that rival by three-quarters of a length. Alegrion completed the ticket.

“In a normal year, I think she’s a sires stake filly, but this year the trotting filly ranks are exceptionally tough,” said winning driver Dave Palone. “She needs to get a little bit stronger, but she has all the manners in the world.”

Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman and White Birch Farm own Can’t Be Seduced, a daughter of Cantab Hall-Seducer Hall.

Transgressive also was a first-over winner, blowing by Amity’s Lalabye in the lane to triumph in a career-best 2:00.2 for Dick Stillings. Cantab Cabela was a half-length back in second with Teresa Tresa a rallying third.

“She’s had health issues all summer, and I almost didn’t bring her here,” said Fred Grant, who trains the daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Trance Anthem for owner/breeder Russell Williams. “But she was good enough to race. She’s game, good-gaited and handy. I don’t believe she’s a Grand Circuit filly, but I think she’ll be a useful filly.”

Grismore drove four winners on the 15-race card while Palone and Brian Zendt each fashioned a three-bagger.