Dancinwiththestarz Shines Brightest in Simpson Memorial

Dancinwiththestarz continued her dominance in the first $30,143 division of the John Simpson, Sr. Memorial Stakes pace on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs.

Jim Morrill, Jr. did the steering for trainer John Stark, Jr., and sent the 3-year-old filly pacer to the front past the stands and the fans for the first time.

Morrill then controlled the race through fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.1 before pacing away from the field to win in a lifetime best of 1:51.4, which was just a fifth of a second off the track record set by Paula’s Best (George Brennan) in 2007.

It was the 11th career lifetime victory in 14 career starts for Dancinwiththestarz, who is owned by W Springtime Racing Stable of Johnstown, N.Y. and Shannon Brott of Gloversville, N.Y., who also owned the legendary pacing filly Bunny Lake.

Shaky Hanover (Jason Bartlett) used a first-over grind to nail down the place spot, while Rosie’s Pride (Bruce Ranger) finished third.

In the second division, Feeling You continued her winning ways by posting her seventh win of the year in eight starts for trainer George Berkner.

Morrill put the 3-year-old daughter of Cambest--Ripreza Hanover on the engine and never looked back pacing through fractions of :28.1, :56.1 and 1:24.3 before asking the filly to pace through the stretch, winning in 1:52.3.

Alan Kirschenbaum of Burbank, Cal. bred and owns Feeling You, who with the victory increased her earnings to more than $67,000.

Galimony (George Brennan) used a two hole trip to take second, while Tia Maria Hanover (Jim Marohn, Jr.) paced home late through the stretch to finish third.

In the lone $42,277 division of the Simpson Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts, Eagle Jolt and Jason Bartlett earned their way to the front and never relinquished the lead on their way to a win in 1:53.

It was the fourth win of the year for the 3-year old son of Village Jolt--Jazzy Jam, who is owned by Frank Dettore Horse Racing of Ohio and is trained by Mark Ford.

Golden Time (Marcus Johansson) came first-over against Eagle Jolt and held on for second, while Oakmont (Jim Marohn, Jr.) paced home late for third.

Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) captured the $14,000 Class A Handicap pace after finishing second the past two weeks in a season’s best of 1:51.2.

He’s Gorgeous (George Brennan) was making his first season’s start preparing for next weekend’s Empire Breeders Classic Eliminations, but tired after going first-over against Sheer Brilliance down the backside through a :27.4 third quarter and finished fourth.

Jim Morrill, Jr. posted a grand slam on the afternoon’s 13-race card, while Corey Braden, Greg Merton and Andy Santeramo each posted driving doubles.