by Jim Moran

Vernon, NY — Nicole came within one-fifth of a second of the Vernon Downs record for 2-year-old trotting fillies during a division of Saturday night’s (July 10) $178,605 New York Sires Stakes feature.

Fotowon photo

Nicole (1:58.2) came within a fifth of a second of the Vernon Downs record for 2-year-old trotting fillies set by Armbro Prowess in 1996.

With the track’s defending driving champion Josh Marks teaming for trainer-owner George Teague, Jr. and his partner, Elmer Fannin, Nicole took control of the fourth race after a :59.4 half and continued on to a two-length triumph in 1:58.2, which just missed the local standard for this age, sex and gait, set by Armbro Prowess in 1996.

It was the first career outing for the quick-footed daughter of Conway Hall-New Ideal, who prepped for the race with a 2:00.3 qualifying victory at The Meadowlands on June 20.

Friday’s other NYSS divisional winners were Windemerealfiredup (Dream Vacation-Mrs. Schreiber) in 1:59.2; Munis Blue Chip (Credit Winner-Hustle N Muscle) in 2:00.3; Tuesdays With Mom (Credit Winner-Princess Deanna) in 2:00; Dreama Littledream (Dream Vacation-Melodic Point) in 2:00; Secret Credit (Credit Winner-Secret Choice) in 2:01, and Amazing Adventure (Malabar Man-Armbro Martini) in 2:00.