by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Celebrity Ruth (Trond Smedshammer), Barn Bella (Jeff Gregory), and Maewegonow (Charlie Norris) all had New York Sire Stakes wins during the first leg for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Tioga Downs Sunday night (May 28).

An incredible night of racing started with the Hub International Pace final for 3-year-old colts and geldings. The entry from owner Ken Jacobs and trainer Linda Toscano of Brian J (Scott Zeron) and Avatar J (Mike Simons) ended in a dead heat. Brian J ($2.10) took the lead at the top of the stretch, but Avatar J ($2.10) came flying late to earn the tie. Both 3-year-old American Ideal colts achieved lifetime marks of 1:52.3.

Next the ladies took center stage. In the first of three New York Sire Stake races Celebrity Ruth ($4.90), who is owned by White Birch Farm and trained by Smedshammer, went gate-to-wire for the win. The trotter by Archangel-Celebrity Obsesion set a track record for 3-year-old fillies of 1:53.4. Mamora Bay (Sam Schillaci) finished second with Sunshine Delight (Christian Lind) getting third in the $40,600 event.

Fred Brown photo

Barn Bella lowered the track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies to 1:53.3.

The very next race was the second of three Sire Stakes races. Barn Bella (Jeff Gregory), who equaled the track record a week ago, would be the heavy favorite. The filly by Conway Hall-Bravissima stormed to the front just after the first quarter in the $41,300 division. Barn Bella ($2.10), who is owned by Steven (trainer) and Nancy Pratt with the Purple Haze Stables glided to an easy victory and recaptured the track record in 1:53.3. Amber Ella (Scott Zeron) came up to capture second as Soutwhind Tesla (Jim Morril Jr.) followed to earn third.

The final race of the New York Sire Stake trotting fillies went to Maewegonow (Charlie Norris). After the favorite Northern Courtney went on a break in the $40,600 race, Maewegonow (Deweycheatumnhowe-Mauresmo) took the lead right at the first quarter. Owned by Carrie Norris, G And B Racing and Acadia Farms and trained by Charlie Norris, Maewegonow hung on to beat a hard charging Scarey Karie (Phil Fluet) in 1.55.4. Deli-Delite (Chris Lems) was third.

Tioga Downs starts an 11-race Memorial Day card (May 29) at 1 p.m. For more information please go to www.tiogadowns.com.