Gratz, PA --- 3-year-olds were featured in Pennsylvania Sire Stake racing the Gratz Fairgrounds near Harrisburg, PA on Sunday (July 15). Tony Schadel led the way with three driving wins on his home track.
Tony's brother, Todd Schadel, opened the card with a victory from one of his own trainees, Ballagio Hanover. It was the first win of the year for the Cantab Hallgelding, as he covered the mile in 2:02. Todd and Christine Schadel own Ballagio Hanover.
In the second $5900 division of the colt trot, Ibanez was impressive, going wire-to-wire for driver Eric Neal in 1:59.4, just one fifth shy of the track record for sophomores. The Wonder Dancer gelding is owned by Ellen Warren and Eileen Lineweaver, and trained by Randy Neal.
Bloomfieldcantifly (Cantab Hall), leased and trained by Syl King, won the first filly trotting division, covering the mile in 2:03.2. Tony Schadel earned the winning drive.
In the other $5900 split, RT USS Chilton was a winner for driver Dave Brickell in 2:07.1. The RT Giant filly controlled the fractions and held off all challengers for the Brocious Racing Stable and trainer Bobby Rougeaux.
Tony Schadel picked up his second winning drive of the day in the first filly pacing division, guiding Bestest Hanover to a 1:58.4 victory. Linda Schadel trains the Dragon Again filly for owners Bruce and Tanya Schadel.
The second division brought trainer Syl King and driver Tony Schadel back to the winners circle, as Steppin Hanover scored in 2:00. King co-owns with Joseph Benedetti and Ron Silletto. Steppin Hanover is a daughter of Allamerican Native.
Kaitlin Kir, a No Pan Intended filly, won the third division wire-to-wire for Brickell in 2:01.1. Owned by Bill Kirwan, Kaitlin Kir is trained by John McMullen.
The fourth and final division was captured by Lima Beauty (Yankee Cruiser), as the filly picked up her first win of the season. Chris Shaw drove for trainer Rougeaux and owner Ruby Orr.
Colt pacers completed the day, and Roger Hammer’s Nucular Enemy took top honors in the first group, pacing in 1:58. Todd Schadel was the winning driver.
In the second division, McJestic and Eric Neal survived a lengthy first-over bid to win in 1:59 and remain undefeated in two fair starts on the year. The McArdle gelding is owned by the Andray and Lindwood Farms, and trained by Randy Neal.
Nate Breeze, owned and trained by Hammer, won the day’s final race, as driver Chris Shaw backed down the half to 1:03.3 and held on for a narrow victory in 2:04.2. Nate Breeze, now a four-time winner on the season, is a son of Nuclear Breeze.
The circuit now moves to Hughesville in Lycoming County, near Williamsport, for two days of racing beginning on Wednesday. Post time will be noon.
For additional photos, video and information from the PA Fair Circuit, visit the Standardbred Breeders of PA website, www.standardbredbreederspa.org or the PA Fair Horsemen's website, www.pafairharness.com.