On an unprecedented Saturday (July 11) for Standardbred speed in northeast Pennsylvania, Dandy Ideal equaled the world record for a 4-year-old pacing gelding on a five-eighths-mile track by way of a 1:47.2 win in the $27,500 top fast-class pace at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
Idao de Tillard fastest French trotter of all time
Two-time Prix d’Amérique winner Idao de Tillard, driven for the first time by Theo Duvaldestin, was an easy winner of the one-mile Prix de Washington on Saturday (July 11) at the Enghien track in Paris in 1:49.2 — the fastest time in which any trotter has ever won a race in France.
Youngsters shine Friday at Cumberland
With their seasonal hopes on the line, the Maine faithful sent this year’s group of freshmen sidesteppers out onto Cumberland Raceway on Friday (July 10) for three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Nevis Peak, Top Reacher win NJSS dashes
Nevis Peak and Top Reacher were two good-looking winners at the Meadowlands on Friday night (July 10), when the mile oval carded a dozen first-leg New Jersey Sire Stakes events for 2-year-olds of each sex and gait on the program.
Another Mile Again, Mr Bear cruise to INSS victories
Another Mile Again, driven by Trace Tetrick for trainer Ron Burke, won with ease in his $66,000 Indiana Sires Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (July 10) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Following suit, Mr Bear continued his flying start to his career with an impressive outing for the team of Marcus and Erv Miller.
Soft Shot wins Tioga distaff
Soft Shot (Kyle Swift) captured the $14,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 10).
Roy doubles up in Tompkins-Geers
Driver Louis-Philippe Roy swept Friday evening’s (July 10) Tompkins-Geers Stakes for two-year-old pacers at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Moved Bythe Spirit ‘scary good’ at Buffalo Raceway
Moved Bythe Spirit ($3.92) was scary good for the third straight week as he romped home once again, this time pinning a four length loss on Avion Seelster in 1:55.0 over the fast track in Buffalo Raceway’s co-featured $10,900 pace on Friday afternoon (July 10).
Carve sets track record in Philly’s PA Sires Action
$178,654 was on the line during races for three-year-old trotting fillies Friday (July 10) afternoon with Harrah’s Philadelphia during third round preliminary action of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (two divisions) and Stallion Series (four sections). Favorites won all six of the stakes races, and the hot sire Captain Corey fathered four of the winners, including both Sire Stakes winners.
Dunn and Melander sweep NYSS at Vernon
Vernon Downs played host for two $55,500 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts & geldings on Friday (July 10).