East Rutherford, NJ – Last season’s Hambletonian Oaks winner Warrawee Michelle, one of three mares in the field and a rank outsider in the wagering, won the $230,000 Stan Bergstein Graduate Series 4-Year-Old Open Trot on Saturday night (July 5) at The Meadowlands.
Trainer and co-owner Ake Svanstedt was in the bike to guide the daughter of Walner-Sound Check to a personal-best 1:50.2 effort.
It was a flashy mile with a lot of movement as Warrawee Michelle left swiftly off the gate along with Gruesome Twosome, 7-5 favorite Private Access and Amazing Catch. Scrambling for control, the early leavers cut the first quarter in a scorching :26.3.
The shuffling began and Warrawee Michelle took back to race wide towards the middle of the pack when Gruesome Twosome was pressed by Sir Pinocchio for the lead. Private Access then pushed forward for the front with Highland Kismet catching his cover and the half remained fiery to a :54.3 clocking. Warrawee Michelle meanwhile caught a perch second over and Private Access took over the lead to the turn.
Highland Kismet continued to pressure outside, but began to waver as Private Access strode through three-quarters in 1:22.3.
As the early muscle weakened, Svanstedt’s mare powered off cover full of trot going into the stretch while Elista Hanover flew from the rear to make a late bid. Warrawee Michelle was too much for Elista Hanover’s charge and won handily by a neck. On the pylons, Private Access held third and Security Protected rallied for fourth.
This was the fourth start in 2025 for Ake’s mare – and her first win since August of 2024 – while she collected her eighth victory from 23 starts in her career.
“She was out the entire way,” Svanstedt said, “and she was really good.” He said he was confident coming into the race. “She had bad post positions several times but was good enough to beat the boys. She can compete against the best.”
The lifetime-mark win sent the 4-year-old’s earnings to the millionaire level, having now made $1,076,990 for owners Ake Svanstedt Inc., Santandrea Inc. and Young Guns. Sent at odds of 13-1, she paid $28 to win.
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