The first of three divisions was captured by Yo Cheyenne
Rocky, who went straight to the lead for Brandon Simpson and never looked back,
going down the ‘pike in 1:51 for trainer Robert Siegelman.
Holdingallthecards picked up right where he left off for
trainer Scott Di Domenico, grinding his way to a 1:52.4 triumph in the second
division. The rags to riches story from the Midwest is now a perfect four
for four on the year at the Meadowlands.
The final division of the Exit 16W saw an electrifying
finish as Lindwood Player who trailed the field throughout the mile, unleashed
a furious kick to sweep by the field, going from last to first in the final
eighth of a mile to score a shocking 45-1 upset for Corey Callahan. It
was a big night for Callahan as he would also add two other victories, tallying
three on the card.
The nasty winter weather didn’t slow down the wagering once
again at the Meadowlands. The total handle of $3,473,729 was a twenty
nine-percent increase over the same Saturday in 2012. The increase in
handle marked the seventeenth consecutive racing day to start the meet showing
an increase in handle from the previous year.
Racing returns on Thursday night for the second rounds of
the Charles Singer Memorial and Winter Survivor Series. Friday will be
the first leg of the Junior Trendsetter, which will be re-drawn following this
past Friday’s cancellation. The Final of that series has been moved back
one week and is now scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd.
Saturday will feature the second round of the Exit 16W.
This coming week will also feature an increase in a pair of
guaranteed wagers at the Meadowlands. Effective Thursday, February 14th,
the $.50 Pick 5 will now carry a guaranteed pool of $25,000 (up from $15,000)
and the $1 Early Pick 4 will feature a $35,000 guaranteed pool (up from
$25,000). The Late Pick 4 will carry the same $50,000 guarantee on
Thursday and Friday and a $75,000 guarantee on Saturday. Post time for
Thursday’s card is 7:15 P.M.
