by Keith Gisser, publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The 2-year-old fillies wrapped up their Sires Stakes preliminaries at Northfield on Friday night, August 29, with the trotters contesting the early Daily Double.

In the first $20,800 heat, 1-5 favorite Mocha Jo never fired, making a break after the three-quarters, and Rose Run Keepsake ($7.20) was the beneficiary as she got by Saucy Sauterelle early and those two held off all comers twice around the track. The 1:58.1 mile for Rose Run Keepsake erased Jailhouse Denise from the divisional record book as trainer-driver Steve Carter got the Armbro Laser-Suchanicegirl (Striking Sahbra) filly home four-fifths of a second faster than the previous record. Madeline’s Crown was third. The new divisional standard-bearer is owned by Ronald Bates. The win appears to have clinched a spot in the Ohio Super Night for the filly.

The second trotting split was won by Acadia Farms and Pat Holden’s Get Chipped, who got a perfect trip behind leader Rose Run Klassy and went by in the strech to win in 2:01.3. Russ Swartz drove the Marty Wollam-trainee for Acadia Farms and Pat Holden. A winner of three of five, she is by Chip Chip Hooray from the American Winner mare Patti Page. Rose Run Klassy held second and Northmedo Esther survived a first-over journey to take home the show money.

The freshman pacing fillies contested two $22,400 splits and in the first, in a battle of undefeateds, Best Of Ball ($4.40) let Cruisinthecoast do all the work and then used the inside passing lane to go to a perfect five for five with a 1:57 win for driver-trainer Jim Dailey, who cleverly stalked Brett Miller and Crusinthecoast throughout. Wildfire Osborne was third. Best Of Ball has now banked over $54,000 for Down The Lane Stables. She is a daughter of Presidential Ball from the good Dragon’s Lair mare Ms Mullan.

The second heat went to Outstanding B B ($7.00), a half-sister to Go On BB (33 of 45, $572,669 lifetime) and last year’s standout Sires Stakes performer Yankee Pankee BB. Sired by Stand Forever, and out of Challo B B, she controlled throughout after a contentious opening panel and posted a 1:57 lifetime best for owners Sylvia Burke, Frank Baldachino and Barbara Schneider. Trainer Mickey Burke called on Matt Kakaley to drive the filly, who defeated Amazing Towner and Jellyfish Joy.