by Gabe Prewitt, publicity director, The Red Mile

Lexington, KY — The Red Mile played host to nine divisions of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for freshmen of both gaits and sexes on Sunday night, August 3.

The 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers completely stole the show with three highly competitive $20,000 divisions. Each division was captured in exactly the same time, which was an astonishing 1:52.4.

The first winner was Carpe Diem, a Real Desire-Charlie Says colt, who took over the lead at the quarter and never looked back for driver Andrew McCarthy. Carpe Diem is trained by Noel Daley and owned by the L A Express Stable LLC.

Nigel Soult photo

Real Image won his KYSS division for driver Dave Palone.

The second division was taken by the first-time starter Real Image, a son of Real Desire-Shy Reflection. Dave Palone was aboard for the victory for owner-trainer Steve Carter. Robert Reid and Chuck Grubbs also own a share of the colt. Palone had his colt following second over cover around the final turn and tipped three-wide to storm home in :26.4 for the 1:52.4 victory.

The third KYSS division for freshman colt and gelding pacers also went to an inexperienced victor in Best Dream Seeker, a gelded son of Cambest-Dream Seeker that was making only his second start. Ricky Macomber, Jr. was in the bike and took control of the race just past the quarter to lead them the rest of the way. Duane Marfisi trains the gelding for owners Aaron Waxman and Alan Alber.

The colts were not the only Kentucky-sired freshmen blazing the track up in 1:52.4, as Warrawee Kay took the final division of the $25,000 KYSS for freshman filly pacers. Ron Pierce gave the daughter of Real Desire-Armbro Wisdom a perfect pocket trip and she responded gamely to score by over three lengths. Warrawee Kay is trained by Steve Elliott for owner Alan Keith.

For the results of the other five stakes races, as well as complete charts of the Kentucky Sire Stakes, click on this link.