Berlin, MD — Phoenix Rising, a late blooming star in the Frank Gannon barn, proved that her upset win Monday night (June 26) at Ocean Downs was no fluke as she bested rival Val’s Girl by a nose in the Maryland Sire Stakes 3-year-old pacing filly preliminary.

Driven by Frank Milby, the daughter of Movie Idol sat a patient two-hole behind Val’s Girl and used the passing lane to just get up at the finish in 1:56.4. Phoenix Rising earned her fifth win this year in 10 starts, pushing her seasonal earnings over $64,000 for Gannon, who co-owns with Elizabeth Gannon. She returned $15.40 to win.

Two other preliminaries were held Monday night.

The first division of 3-year-old pacing fillies went to HS Josie, who won in 1:57.1 for owner Cary Grady and trainer Joe Carroll. She returned $4.00 as the even-money favorite.

In the preliminary for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, How Doo Yoo Goo won in wire-to-wire fashion in 1:59.3. Russell Foster drove the son of Googoo Gaagaa, who paid $4.40 to win, for owner–trainer Richard Hans.

After a week off, the 3-year-olds return to Ocean Downs on July 10.