This is the first year “A.V.V.” in Illinois. (That means After Valley Victor.) For two years, owners and breeders have had many discussions as to what stallion would come to the forefront in Illinois trotting after the aforementioned Valley Victor departed to the Bluegrass State. Judging strictly on the 2009 crop to two-year-old trotters, the hands-down winner has to be the Supergill Stallion High Falls. From a modest crop of only 18 foals, High Falls has 10 two-year-old trotting winners including the nation’s winningest two-year-old trotter and national season’s leader “Run and Tell Pap 2, 1:55.4 along with the Shawnee Stake winner Southern Maebelle 2,1:57 as well as the enigmatic Shore Road 2,Q 1:55.4. — Tom Shinn