Sophomores Sharpen In Simpsons
By Frank and Ray Cotolo
Sophomore trotters competed at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 14 in two divisions of the $80,000 John Simpson Memorial for three-year-old trotting fillies and two divisions of the $80,000 John Simpson Memorial for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings.
Lookin Sharp (BC-Andover Hall) glided to the lead from the pocket and advanced to a 1:56.3 win in the first Simpson division over Maker A Yankee (BC-Yankee Glide) and Turn The Paige. Owned by William Wiswell and M&L Of Delaware LLC, trained by John Butenschoen and driven by Corey Callahan, she paid $5.00.
Southwind Hope (BC-Muscle Hill) took control before the half and remained in front to win the second Simpson filly trot in 1:55.2 over Open Access (BC-Credit Winner) and Jazebel De Vie. Owned by the Andy Miller Stable Inc., Little E LLC and Lawrence Dumain, trained by Julie Miller, and driven by Andy Miller, she paid $4.00.
Dayson went wire to wire in 1:55 to win the first division of the Simpson colt and gelding trot over Skeezix and Southern Palms. Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Our Horse Cents Stables, Jerry and Theresa Silva Stables and Rossie Smith, trained by Ron Burke, and driven by Yannick Gingras, he paid $2.60.
Sir Royson sat behind pacesetter Cufflink Hanover before taking the lead and holding off a first-over bid from Hititoutofthepark (BC-Yankee Glide) to win the second Simpson colt and gelding trot in 1:54.2. Owned by R-And-I Farms LLC, trained by Linda Toscano, and driven by Tim Tetrick, he paid $16.60.