by Courtney Stafford, Publicity Consultant, SBOANJ

East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands held the $15,000 first leg of the New Jersey Sires Stakes for sophomore pacers and trotters on Friday (May 18). The colts raced in non-bettting races, while the fillies were during the regularly scheduled card.

The 3-year-old pacing colts contest was won by Melanie’s Fran (David Miller) and trained by Kevin McDermott in 1:57.3. The son of Hypnotic Blue Chip owned by 80 Slot Right Stable of New Jersey, easily beat Hypnotico, his closest competitor.

Shoshie Deo (George Brennan) took the first leg of 3-year-old colt trotters in 1:56.2. Trained by Deshawn Minor and owned by Annemette Minor, Shoshie Deo moved to the front at the quarter after U Need Stones made a break, making it an easy win for him. U Need Stones (Yannick Gingras) recovered to finish second while Brutal Storm (Eric Abbatiello) came in third.

The Linda Toscano-trainee Hypnotic Tale (David Miller) won the 3-year-old filly pacing division in 1:53.1. Owned by Ronald Mario, the Hypnotic Blue Chip-sired filly sat patiently in the pocket then wore down the competition at the wire. Hurrikane Empress (Yannick Gingras) held on for second while Cruzinforavictory (Frank Milby) finished third.

The 3-year-old filly trotting division was won by Samis Rolin Stone (Brett Miller) who is also trained by Deshwan Minor in 1:56.4. The Wishing Stone filly, owned by Daniel Lengacher, took the lead at the half and never looked back. Diamondstone Us (David Miller) finished second and Take A Wish (Steve Smith) came in third.

The second leg of the New Jersey Sires Stakes for 3-year-olds is scheduled for Friday (May 25) at the Meadowlands.