STONEBORO PA – The holiday Labor Day Monday wasn't too festive for the harness racing group in this northwestern Pennsylvania town, as rain forced the cancellation of the races for the state three-year-olds.
Thursday's card for two-year-olds started off quickly, literally and figuratively, as the Well Said filly Geisha Seelster won the freshman pacing "A" division of the Fair Sire Stakes in 2:02, only a fifth off the 2013 record set by TSM Maija Star. Trainer/driver Roger Hammer, who won the horsemen's competitions with four wins in each category during the shortened meet, also co-owns the four-time fair winner with Vicki Fair.
On the "boys" side, Legendary Ron took his third fair victory in his last four starts on the twicearound circuit when he won in 2:02.2 for driver Tony Schadel and trainer/wife Linda, who are also the co-owners of the A Rocknroll Dance gelding. In limiting Cirrus De Vie to second, the winner also prevented that freshman from going to the divisional pointsleader – with leader Venier Hanover going for $252,000 in the p/m Sire Stakes Championship at Pocono today (Monday).
The Crazed filly Critical Hanover came up with a 2:05 victory in a division of the A event for trotters, a clocking only 3/5 of a second off the Stoneboro track record co-held by Magnolia Grace (2011) and Peoplesayimnogood (2014). Trainer/driver Todd Schadel guided three-time fair victress for owners Christine and Cody Schadel. In the other filly trot cut, the Winning Mister filly Lightning Lois held her spot atop the section's standings with a 2:07.2 win for driver Steve Schoeffel, trainer Lou Goans, and owner/breeder Teresa Heinnickel.
The Pennsylvania fair circuit now ships eastward to set up shop at three rightside venues to end its season: York, Gratz, and Bloomsburg.
Publicity Office, Pennsylvania Fair Harness Horsemen's Association