by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Southwind Jazmin equalled the Monticello Raceway track record for 2-year-old pacing fillies when Jason Bartlett guided the daughter of Art Major-Juliet’s Fate to a 1:56.4 victory in their $54,609 division of the $162,500 New York Sire Stakes on Wednesday (Sept. 15).

Southwind Jazmin’s final time matched the former mark first set in 1995 by Chi Chi Girl and Matt Romano and tied by B Intensified and Jason Bartlett in 2008.

Two other $54,000 divisions were also contested with Jimmy Morrill, Jr. winning both splits. He won with Asteria Bllue Chip in 1:57 and See You At Peelers in 1:57.3.

In the track record split Southwind Jazmin, who started from ther pole position, got looped on the first turn but Bartlett took her to the lead and once in front they sailed to a three length victory over Angelwithnattitude and Stephane Bouchard. The Filly Princess, with Wally Hennessey at the controls, finished third. Southwind Jazmin is a Mark Harder pupil and is owned by Rick Phillips.

In the first division, Jimmy Morill, Jr. and Asteria Blue Chip flirted with the old mark when they turned back City Delight and Jason Bartlett in a 1:57 clocking. They rallied in the final quarter to score a two length triumph. Crazy Love Bug and Cat Manzi were third best in that mile. Linda Toscano trains the winner for Stake Your Claim 17, Jane Seltzer, Glenn Silverstein and Jeffrey Rabinowitz.

A final split saw Morrill and See You At Peelers wire the field in a 1:57.3 clocking. They turned back All About Kisses and Stephane Bouchard by two lenghts with Wally Hennessey and Miss Annie J taking home the show dough. The winner, trained by Jimmy Takter, is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding and Jim Fielding.