by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Silver Springs made a strong move entering the final turn, cleared to the lead and held off local favorite Fox Valley Flan by a length to win the first heat of the Filly World Trotting Derby in 1:52.4 on Friday at the DuQuoin State Fair.

USTA Photo.

Silver Springs with George Brennan wins the first heat of the Filly World Trotting Derby in 1:52.4 on Friday at Du Quoin.

George Brennan drove the Hambletonian Oaks champion to the victory, which was one-fifth of a second off the stakes record. Silver Springs, trained by Jan Johnson, has won three of eight starts this year and lowered her career win mark by four-fifths of a second.

Fox Valley Flan, driven by Andy Miller, challenged first-over around the final turn and pulled even with Silver Springs, but was unable to pass her in the lane. The Illinois-bred trotter has 10 wins in 13 starts this year.

Whispering Spring, driven by Ron Marsh, was third. All 10 fillies will return in the eighth race for the second heat. If a race-off is needed, it will be race 11.

The remainder of the field in finishing order was Muscle Toy, Keystone Secret, Ladylind, Self Indulgent, Jodi’s Jayme, Hayworth Hanover and Gildone.

Self Indulgent, Hayworth Hanover and Ladylind have scratched from the second heat of the Filly World Trotting Derby.