by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Mike Polansky breathed a sigh of relief after he watched his good pacing filly, Chapeau, win her division of the $118,475 New York Sire Strakes for sophomore pacing fillies at Monticello Raceway on July 14.

“It’s not the money I was concerned about it’s that she comes out of the race in good shape,” Polansky told New York Sire Stakes executive director, Bob Brooks, in the winners circle after Chapeau scored a neck victory over Panax in a 1:58:1 clocking.

“She was one of the top fillies on the (NY Sire Strakes) circuit last year but she’s been off to a slow start this season. Maybe she’s back on track now.”

Chapeau won five of nine starts and bankrolled $134,592 in her freshman campaign but prior to her victory today she was way off last year’s form.

“I believe Dave (Spagnola-the trainer) has got her right now”, driver Jeff Gregory said and then added. “She really went a gutsy trip today.”

Chapeau ($5.10) raced on the lead the entire way and in the deep stretch she was actually collared and passed by Panax and driver Kyle DiBenedetto but the daughter of Magical Mike came back in the final strides to record her first triumph in four seasonal starts.

New Bristol Josie, who also received a lot off mutual backing in the contest, shadowed Chapeau from the start however she faded and finished third.

All in all it was chalk players delight when all four NY Sire Stakes divisions went to the betting favorites.

Steve Held, Dijo Racing Stable and Joe Barbera’s, Venus Blue Chip ($5.70) with Joe Pavia, Jr. aboard, cruised to a eight length triumph in a 1:58:3 clocking over Just A Britt and driver Tom Edler in the first $29,163 split.

Bill Bailey gave owners Elkin, Namiotka, Tancredi and the Slo-Down Stable some anxious moments before he found daylight with Belle Reve ($3.80) but when he did the daughter of Magical Mike rallied down the center of the track to score a length triumph over Daunting Magic (Joe Pavia, Jr.) in a time of 1:59 in their $29,763 split.

And Perfectly Sealed ($2.70), owned by Dave Towne, Bob Barnello, Dick Bailey and Paul Colosi, gave Jeff Gregory his second Sire Stakes victory of the afternoon when he guided the daughter of Sealed and Delivered to a three length triumph in their $29,763 division. They turned back Chase My Tail and Stephane Bouchard by three and one-half lengths in a 1:58:2 clocking.