by Evan Pattak for The Meadows

MEADOW LANDS, PA, Oct. 5, 2004—Two-year-old filly trotter Rosebud Sioux overpowered her field, and 3-year-old colt trotter Keystone Americus dominated his division as well, as the two captured $10,000 Pennsylvania Fairs championships Tuesday night at The Meadows.

The Meadows is hosting PA Fairs championships throughout the week, with two more divisions to be contested each night, Thursday through Saturday.

Rosebud Sioux, who finished second in the $100,000 PA Sires Stake Championship, got away an easy third behind stable mate Starry Lane and Lindmeyourpajamas. Driver Brian Zendt asked her for trot down the back side, and the daughter of American Winner responded, blowing by her stable mate and drawing off. She won by 13-1/2 lengths in 2:00.1. Lindmeyourpajamas edged Starry Lane for place.

Rosebud Sioux has been tentative behind the gate at times this year, but Zendt said she was in her comfort zone on Thursday.

“I wasn’t sure when to come with her,” Zendt said. “I didn’t want to use her too hard, too early. She looked like she had a little more class than those. She never tired in any race this year. She didn’t have a very good trip in the sires stake championship, but there’s next year.”

Rosebud Sioux, a home-bred owned by Dunn Stable, now has won more than $82,000 this year, every penny of it in local or regional events. Dunn said he might tackle national competition with her next year.

“You better stay in your own back yard,” Dunn said, “but next year we’ll try her, I guess. She has good speed.”

Dunn originally had a third filly in the race, but Bellissimo was scratched with a leg injury that Dunn said doesn’t appear serious.

“I’m not sure Rosebud Sioux is head and shoulders above Bellissimo, but they’re probably the two best fillies we’ve had since we started,” Dunn said. That covers a lot of fillies, as Dunn broke into the business with his father in 1946.

Keystone Americus shot out for the lead for owner/trainer/driver Roger Hammer and never entertained a serious challenge. The son of Lindy Lane scored in 1:58.4, winning by 3-1/2 lengths over 32-1 long shot Hanover County with Bellboy—yet another Dunn trainee—finishing third.

Keystone Americus now has won more than $68,000 and 23 of 51 career starts. Hammer said the horse has earned a break.

“I’ll rest him up and take him to Dover this winter,” Hammer said.

Hammer said he also plans to race Keystone Americus, a $9,000 yearling purchase, at 4.

“He’s a nice, sound horse who’s easy to drive,” Hammer said. “He should make a lot of money. The only time he makes breaks is if I screw up.”

Hammer didn’t do much of that at the PA Fairs this year, winning 88 races and more than $100,000 entering the championships.