Fillies shine in $111,000 NYSS

Think Of Galaxies (Mark MacDonald) and Test Of Faith (David Miller) each got New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) wins, as Vernon Downs hosted two harness racing divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (August 14).

Think Of Galaxies was an upset winner ($21.40) in the $55,000 first division. The big favorite Heart Of Mine (Scott Zeron) went straight to the front followed by Think Of Galaxies and hit the first quarter in :27.4.

Heart Of Mine used a :30.2 second quarter to hit the half first in :58.1. Think Of Galaxies pops the pocket as they headed for three-quarters.

Heart Of Mine hit three-quarters first in 1:27.4 but suffered broken equipment and went on a break. As they made the turn for home Think Of Galaxies took control but Delightful Z Tam (Pat LaChance) came flying late.

Think Of Galaxies had the jump and hung on to win in 1:54.2. Delightful Z Tam was second. DC Batgirl (Matt Kakley) finished third.

Think Of Galaxies is a filly by So Surreal. Owned by Jonathan Klee Racing and Peter Kleinhans while trained by John McDermott. It was her third win of the season and sixth career victory.

THINK OF GALAXIES REPLAY

Test Of Faith ($2.10) dazzled the field in the $56,000 second division.

Purameri (Leon Bailey) took the early lead but Test Of Faith went on by and led to the first quarter in :28.2. Test Of Faith controlled things and led to the half in :57.1.

Party Queen was the first to make a move going first-up around the turn. Test Of Faith was strong to three-quarters in 1:25.1. As they reached the stretch Test Of Faith found another and made it a race for second as she cruised home to win in 1:51.3. Purameri was second as So Diva (Mark MacDonald) came up to finish third.

Test Of Faith is a filly by Art Major. She is trained by Brett Pelling for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran. It was her sixth win in 2021. She has now won 14 of 16 career starts.

TEST OF FAITH REPLAY

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (August 20). Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs