by Jerry Connors

Harrisburg, PA — Top 3-year-old pacing fillies gather together in central Ohio for the famed Jugette at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, September 19.

The main question is, “Can they beat Southwind Tempo?” This super filly has been steamrolling the competition throughout much of the year, winning 14 of 17 starts. The only worrisome factor is that two of those losses have been in her last four starts (though neither win conqueror is in the Jugette field). That :25.3 parked-out first quarter at Freehold was a scorcher, and she still won — leave it to Elliott to have her ready for her first two-heat test.

Her opposition this heat hasn’t shown a great deal, losing to lesser foes. Perhaps the most impressive of their performances were Before Dawn’s second in the Kentucky Sires Stakes final, and Mystical Dreamer’s big race in the Adioo Volo.

The second division looks pretty wide open, so we’ll use a Delaware rule — if the rail has gate speed and is not the favorite, take a shot on her. So let’s give Elusive Prey the nod. True, she did not leave in her last two, but note she was in against older, more-seasoned Open mares. Before that she had shown good early foot, and we’re hoping Brennan can take advantage of the famed Delaware rail.

Isabella Blue Chip was one of the stars of last year, but she has been slow to return this year. She does come off a win, and has forward motion from the gate, so she probably deserves favoritism.

Then they come back for a second heat, and unless Southwind Tempo looked very vulnerable in the first heat or doesn’t look good on the track in the second heat warm-up, I think she will carry the day and be crowned the Jugette champion.

Note: The Jugette is part of the 2007 USTA Cyber Circuit, meaning that video will be posted online moments after the “official” sign goes up; to see video from previous Cyber Circuit races click here.