by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — One Tough Girl drew off to a 1-1/4 length victory in the $80,000 Helen Smith Final on Friday, August 21, at Freehold Raceway.

World Wide Racing Photos

Jeff Gregory piloted One Tough Girl to the winner’s circle in the Helen Smith final.

The daughter of Muscles Yankee extended her winning streak to two with the 1:57.3 mile. Princess Lindsay, a daughter of Muscles Yankee, cut the fractions and held on for second, edging out Lady In The Wind, who is by Windsong’s Legacy.

This is the second straight year that trainer Chuck Sylvester has won the Helen Smith with a Muscles Yankee filly. His 2008 winner was Muscle Shirt.

The Helen Smith, carded as the featured sixth race, is restricted to 3-year-old New Jersey-sired trotting fillies and is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

One Tough Girl was one of two fillies to win their eliminations with Cat Manzi in the sulky. Manzi opted for Princess Lindsay in the final, while Jeff Gregory picked up the assignment behind One Tough Girl.

One Tough Girl now has two wins and two seconds in eight starts this year and improved her lifetime record to four wins, five seconds and two thirds from 18 starts for earnings of $187,340.

She is owned by Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman and David McDuffee. Liverman is the filly’s breeder. She sold at the Harrisburg Sale for $155,000.