by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Editor

Lexington, KY — Four divisions in the $372,000 International Stallion Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers were carded on the Friday afternoon (October 5) program at The Red Mile.

Bill Sanders’ Sand Shooter made it back-to-back Grand Circuit victories at The Red Mile when he captured the $93,500 final division in a personal best 1:51. David Miller piloted the Western Hanover-More Than Most colt to his third win in 10 trips to the post, lifting his bankroll to $134,845.

M C A (Dave Palone) cut the fractions from post eight in this race, setting panels of :28, :55.3 and 1:23.2. Sand Shooter came first-over at the three-quarter pole and powered to the front, then held off Western Trademark (Yannick Gingras) to the wire. Art Official (Mike Lachance) was third.

“He’s getting stronger,” said trainer Jim Arledge, Jr. of Sand Shooter. “He’s just had some rough trips.”

Blueridge Western lowers mark to 1:51.3

George Leon’s Blueridge Western (Dave Palone) won by a scant nose over Genuwine (Andy Miller) in a personal best 1:51.3 in the $93,500 third division of the International Stallion Stake. The Allamerican Ingot-Her Airness gelding posted his seventh victory in 13 starts, with earnings of $166,036.

Riggins and Ray Schnittker were the pacesetters in this split, taking the field though fractions of :28, :54.3 and 1:23. But in the stretch, Genuwine powered to the lead and looked to be a winner, only to be collared at the wire by a fast closing Blueridge Western. Living It Up (Ron Pierce) came on to be third, while Riggins had to settle for the final check.

“We bought this colt a year ago at the (Lexington) Select Sale,” said trainer Mickey Burke. “He started out pouty until we made a surgical procedure (gelded him), but he’s been a nice horse all year.”

On The Brink upsets Warning Zone in second division

The $92,500 second split went to Aaron Waxman, Alan Alber and Duane Marfisi’s On The Brink in a lifetime best 1:52. John Campbell got the call behind the Dream Away colt who scored for just the third time in 11 starts. His share of the purse lifted his career bankroll to $135,735 for co-owner/trainer Marfisi.

“He’s been a pleasure,” said Marfisi of On The Brink. “I raced his mother (Tiburon Jane) and to get him a win in the International Stallion Stake is super.”

Heavily favored Warning Zone (Ron Pierce) cut the fractions in this field of seven, leaving from the outside post to take the lead through panels of :27.3, :55.1 and 1:23.2. Turning for home, Warning Zone tired badly and On The Brink was the fastest of all, reaching the wire ahead of Racin Best (Yannick Gingras) and Dragoon K (Brian Sears). Warning Zone faded to fifth.

Dali takes opener

In the $92,500 opening division, Uncirculated Stable’s Dali came charging from off the pace to post an impressive victory in a time of 1:51.1.

Jody Jamieson had the call as the Real Artist-Armbro Tea lad won for the fourth time in eight season’s starts. The Woodrow Wilson winner lifted his earnings to $407,872 for his Ontario owner and trainer Duane Marfisi.

Sadler Hanover (Yannick Gingras) was second, while Daley Deposit Only (Dan Daley) was third.