Next Level Stuff & Perth Angel De Vie Set Life Marks In Keystone Classic

Next Level Stuff and Perth Angel De Vie each jogged to convincing victories — and life marks — in Tuesday’s $85,900 Keystone Classic for 2-year=old filly trotters at The Meadows.

Dave Palone sent Next Level Stuff forward with a quarter-pole move, only to encounter stiff resistance from the leader, Rebecca.

“I didn’t expect to have to work that hard to make it back to the front, but I did,” Palone said, “She did the rest on her own. I think she’ll be a sires stake filly next year.”

Once she crossed over, the daughter of Sebastian K S-Nantab took complete control, drawing off late to down Miss Kendra D by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2, a career best. The stubborn Rebecca finished third.

Jim Campbell trains the homebred Next Level Stuff for Runthetable Stables.

Perth Angel De Vie hadn’t seen the front in her last six outings, but in the Keystone Classic, she reached the point early with a bonus — the half in a slowish 59 worked out by driver Bryce Brocklehurst.

“A cheap half like that definitely helped,” he said. “I felt pretty good about things then. As long as she felt good on the gate, I wanted her to be up close. I think that’s probably it for her this year.”

The daughter of Explosive Matter-Dream Angel prevailed in 1:56.4, a life mark, 3-1/2 lengths better than Cocktails N Dreams. Just For Me Nu completed the ticket.

Harold Brocklehurst conditions the winner for Double R Farms, David Obley and Richard Williams.

Live racing continues Wednesday at The Meadows, when the card features a $90,299 Keystone Classic for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters. First post is 1:05 PM.