by Adam Packard for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA – The Meadows held its third straight day of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Wednesday night. Five divisions of the Hickory Smoke, a Pennsylvania Sire Stake for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters, were in the spotlight Wednesday.

Tis Himself, owned and bred by William and Maureen Kirwan, went right to front for driver Charlie Norris and never looked back en route to his victory, in 2:01.3.

“He was born on our farm; we own the mare (Moira). I took him to Pinehurst (North Carolina) through the winter and he didn’t look like much, so we didn’t stake him too much. I came back and turned him over to Charlie (Norris) and he’s got him going great,” said owner William Kirwan.

Kirwan was the owner of Clareen, last year’s Pennsylvania champion for two-year-old filly trotters. “This horse is way ahead of where that horse (Clareen) was last year,” added Kirwan. “This horse seems to be better gaited and he just has nothing wrong with him.”

Peaceful prince and Bill Zendt wanted the lead early, but Norris sent him in the two-hole and Peaceful Prince could do no better than second. Springboard and Tony Schadel came first-over and managed to hold the show spot.

Quite Easy, driven by Marcus Johansson, made it look easy in the second division as the Andover Hall colt jogged to a victory, in 2:01.

The $125,000 yearling purchase went right to front for Johansson and they set quarter fractions of 30.2, 1:01.1, 1:31 and closed his final quarter in 30 to stop the timer at 2:01.

Neely Dunn and driver Ray Paver sat second throughout, but gapped the pocket for most of the mile, but still held the place spot. King Of Diamonds and Jay Sears survived an objection and remained third.

Brian Zendt, who was released from the hospital earlier in the morning following an accident Monday, reached the winner’s circle in the third division with Penn Monie Mosie.

“I feel great,” Zendt said. “I’m glad to be back.”

Penn Monie Mosie was sent to the lead by Zendt and they set quarter fractions of 29.1, 1:00.3, 1:30.1 and closed in 30.2 to win, in 2:00.3.

“It’s hard to have a two-year-old on the front, but once I started hollering at him he took off,” added Zendt. “I thought Dave (Palone) was loaded because he was right on my helmet, but my horse had plenty left.”

“Boots (Walter Dunn) did a real good job. They took their time with him and he’d be further along than he his now, but he got sick for three weeks. He’s just starting to be himself now.”

Walter “Boots” Dunn trains the gelded son of Lindy Lane.

Halladay, driven by Dave Palone, challenged in the stretch, but could do no better than second. Eagle Claw and Kurt Sugg finished third.

Mythical Lindy, owned by Thomas York and Joe Sbrocco, set a stakes record in the fourth division after winning, in 1:58.2.

Trained by Jim Arledge Jr. Mythical Lindy looked superb in his initial start. He led the way at first-quarter in 28.4, but Roger Hammer brought Que Pasa to the outside and had the lead by the half in 58.1. Que Pasa led the field to the three-quarters in 1:29, but Mythical Lindy came to the outside and closed with ease to win with Palone giving a fist pump to owners Joe Sbrocco and Thomas York as he crossed the wire.

“He’s been training absolutely superb, he’s a really strong colt,” said part owner Joe Sbrocco. “When we were in Lexington, we said we’re going to win the Sire Stakes, and that’s what happened.”

“We’re very happy to have such a good horse,” added part owner Thomas York.

Que Pasa raced well, but had to settle for second. Rush N Supreme closed to finish third for Ray Paver.

The final division was won by Keystone Brady and driver Richard Stillings, in 1:59.3. A pocket trip by Keystone Brady enabled this colt by Lindy Lane to score the victory, over Photo Maxx and Henick Lane, who finished third.

Keystone Brady is trained by Rich Gillock and is co-owned by Gillock and Chris Chambers.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes visit: http://www.standardbredbreederspa.org/.