Somestarsomewhere offspring prominent at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois, USA (June 15, 2022) — Offspring of freshman sires dominated the Summer Preview for Illinois-bred juveniles on Wednesday, winning nine of fourteen harness racing dashes contested on a fast track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Sons and daughters of world champion Somestarsomewhere had the biggest impact on the card, winning six of eight divisions for two-year-old pacers. That group included debut winner Fox Valley Langley, who posted the fastest mile of the day with a 1:57.3 triumph in rein to Trainer Jamaica Patton.

The six winners by a freshman sire established a Summer Preview record, breaking the former mark of four winners held jointly by Ideal Society (1986) and Sportsmaster (1996).

Foals from the first crop by Can’t Afford It ​also found success, winning three of six divisions for two-year-old trotters. It was a gelded son of Cassis, however, who recorded the fastest trotting mile on the program, as Takemetodennyland scored in 2:01.1 for owner-trainer-driver Dennis Gardner.

Cassis, who died in January, had stood at stud in the State of Illinois since 2013.

Tom Simmons led all trainers on the day with three wins, while Mike Rogers, Jamaica Patton, Curt Grummel, and Casey Leonard finished the afternoon with two victories each to top the Drivers’ standings.

Fox Valley Standardbreds led all breeders, with five wins, while Benita Simmons and Leo, Curt, and Craig Grummel led the owners’ standings with two triumphs each.

For complete race results, click here.

by Kurt Becker, for Horse Talk Today