Abbott Clinches MATCH Division With Jessica Krupnick

The $100,000 Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs & Casino produced an impressive winner in Midwest invader Hotshot Anna, but it also gave third-place finisher Jessica Krupnick the title in the MATCH Series Filly and Mare Sprint—Dirt Division with one of five legs remaining.

Jessica Krupnick, owned by Sycamore Racing V and trained by Francis "Tres" Abbott III at FairHill Training Center in Maryland, entered the Satin and Lace with 17 points based on a victory in the Dashing Beauty Stakes at Delaware Park and a second-place finish in the Regret Stakes at Monmouth Park. Her start at Presque Isle made her eligible for bonus money, and her third-place finish under jockey Trevor McCarthy after a bit of trouble in the stretch pushed her points total to 22.

With only one division race left—the $100,000 Roamin Rachel Stakes at Parx Racing Sept. 15—only Liz's Cable Girl and Day by Day have a chance to qualify for bonus money should they start. But they can't accrue enough points to catch Jessica Krupnick, even with a victory.

It's a long van ride from northeastern Maryland to northwestern Pennsylvania, but it paid off for Jessica Krupnick and her connections.

"I was hoping we could put it away tonight," said Abbott, who has embraced the MATCH series.

Abbott said if all is well it is likely Jessica Krupnick will compete in the six-furlong Roamin Rachel. The 5-year-old mare is now tied with three other horses for second in the overall MATCH standings, and only one point behind the leader, Laki.

Horses must start in at least three races in one division to qualify for bonus money. For the top horse by points, the owner receives $25,000 and the trainer $15,000. Bonuses also are paid for second and third in the division standings.

The Satin and Lace, at six furlongs on the Tapeta surface, is a local prep for the Presque Isle Masters Stakes (G2) and as such lured several fillies and mares that regularly compete on synthetic surfaces at Arlington International Race Course and Woodbine. Hotshot Anna, owned and trained by Hugh Robertson, won the Chicago Handicap (G3) at Arlington in sizzling time for seven furlongs in her previous start.

The MATCH Series returns to Presque Isle Sept. 16 for the $200,000 Presque Isle Mile Stakes, final leg of the 3-Year-Olds and Up Long—Dirt Division. Next up on the MATCH Series schedule is the $100,000 Sal DeBunda President's Cup Aug. 25 at Parx, in which division leader Page McKenney (22 points) would compete in his fourth series event.

Points leaders

*=horse has competed in enough MATCH Series races to be eligible for bonus money

Rank    Horse    Points

Overall division leaders

1.  Laki*    23

2T.  Page McKenney*    22

2T.  Oak Bluffs*    22

2T. Jessica Krupnick

5.  Imprimis    20

3-Year-Olds and Up, Long—Dirt Division

1.  Page McKenney*    22

2T.  Harlan Punch    10

2T.  Name Changer    10

4T.  Shaft of Light    7

4T.  Zanotti    7

3-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies and Mares Sprint—Dirt Division

1.  Jessica Krupnick    22

2T.  Vertical Oak    10

2T.  Chalon    10

2T. Hotshot Anna             10

5T.  Startwithsilver    8

5T.  Liz's Cable Girl    8

3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint—Turf Division

1.  Oak Bluffs*    22

2T.  Imprimis    20

2T.  Pool Winner*    19

4.  Dubini*    12

5.  Vision Perfect

3-Year-Olds and Up, Fillies and Mares Sprint—Turf Division

1.  Smiling Causeway    12

2T.  Girls Know Best    10

2T.  Morticia    10

2T.  Pretty Perfection    10

2T. Amapola       10

3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint—Dirt Division

1.  Laki*    23

2.  Lewisfield*    19

3.  Chublicious    11

4T.  Always Sunshine    10

4T.  Switzerland    10