Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel witnessed a thrilling day of stakes action, as French Wine and Sparks Fly emerged victorious in their respective divisions of the Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) for 4-year-old trotting horses and geldings.
In the second $50,000 division of the KYSS, French Wine, a millionaire stallion trained by Julie Miller, showcased his prowess by securing victory on his seasonal debut. Piloted by driver Andy McCarthy, French Wine navigated a pocket trip before surging in the closing stages to claim a neck victory over Djimon. Despite early control relinquished to Ari Ferrari J, French Wine’s tactical maneuvering ultimately proved decisive, earning him his ninth win from 29 starts and a paycheck of $1,032,194.
Meanwhile, in the other trotting male division, Sparks Fly, guided by Atlee Bender, delivered a scintillating performance, clocking a time of 1:54.2. Despite facing interference after Talent Scout broke stride, Sparks Fly demonstrated resilience, rallying in the stretch to secure a three-quarter-length victory over Buddy Earl. Trained by Erv Miller, Sparks Fly, a son of Bar Hopping, clinched his eighth win of the season and added $111,450 to his earnings.
The pacing horses and geldings also featured prominently in the stakes action, with Admiral Hill and El Rey seizing victories in their respective divisions. Admiral Hill, driven by David Miller, dominated with a 1:50.2 effort, while El Rey, under the guidance of Miller, displayed a commanding first-over performance to triumph in 1:51.1.
Furthermore, Mambacita asserted her dominance in the trotting mares’ category, securing victory with a front-stepping effort in 1:53.3. Owned by Alagna Racing LLC, Crawford Farms Racing, and Pryde Stables Inc., Mambacita, a daughter of Tactical Landing, added another feather to her cap with her 12th win from 32 starts.
In the pacing mares division, Zanatta orchestrated a mild upset, overtaking favorite Always B Naughty to claim victory in 1:50.4. Trained by Jenn Bongiorno, Zanatta showcased her grit and determination, propelling her to her seventh win from 32 starts.
Completing the stakes undercard was the $30,000 Open Pace, which saw He’zzz A Wise Sky emerge victorious in 1:51.1, piloted by Brandon Bates. Trained by John Filomeno, He’zzz A Wise Sky’s triumph marked his 52nd win from 113 starts, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor on the racing circuit.
Overall, the day’s stakes action at Oak Grove Racing provided spectators with thrilling displays of horsemanship and competitive spirit, highlighting the talent and skill of both equine and human athletes alike.
