by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Summertime Lea, a Lislea filly out of the Life Sign mare Donna Summer, won the $42,111 first division of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies in 1:56.3 on Sunday (July 22) at Buffalo Raceway. That mile ties the track record, set last year by Silk Purse.

Paul White photo

Summertime Lea equaled the Buffalo track record of 1:56.3 for freshman pacing fillies.

“She had plenty left, that’s for sure,” said winning driver Jim Morrill, Jr., who had the natural hat trick, winning all three Sire Stakes races in a row. “If anything, she tries too hard. This is a really nice filly, who knows how to win.”

It was the third NYSS win in a row for Summertime Lea ($2.30), who is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino and Earl Smith.

The other Sire Stakes winners were Hit The Curb (Art Major-Student Driver), who won her first lifetime start in 1:57.1 for trainer Mark Harder, and Brussels Hanover (Bettor’s Delight-Barcelona Hanover), who closed strong in a :28.1 last quarter, en route to a 1:57 mile for trainer Joe Hundertpfund, Jr.