Dave Miller, who had driven Sweet Justice to victory in his
last two starts was missing from that horse’s sulky tonight. That was
because a horse that Miller co-owns, Aisling was entered in the same
race. While Aisling mounted a strong late surge to finish a very solid
third from an impossible spot, it was Sweet Justice who stole the show
again.
Making the lead by the half-mile marker, Sweet Justice, who
was sent off as the lukewarm 2.40-1 favorite despite his recent dominance,
quickly was challenged by the classy Lauderdale moving into the far turn.
Those two raced in tandem as the field turned for home, and it was Sweet Justice
who edged clear and fended off Lauderdale to win again in 1:54.2 with Jim
Meittinis for trainer Bruce Saunders. The $25,000 Harrisburg purchase has
now yielded a $31,000 dividend since the sale and can safely be called the
steal of the sale.
In the featured $30,000 A-2/Free-For-All Trot, 4-5 favorite
Upfront Billy did not disappoint, making the lead going to the half, and never
looking back. He scored in 1:54.3 with Dave Miller for trainer Mark
Ford. Appomattox rallied boldly to be a strong second with Amigo Ranger
finishing third.
Andy Miller earned himself three wins on the card including
a 24-1 upset with Helios. That was not the only longshot on the night
though. Coe Leader also scored at 24-1 in race 10, capping a late pick 4 that
returned a payout of $2,636.80 from the $62,808 pool.
The total handle tonight of $2,593,469 yielded a 43%
increase over the last time The Meadowlands raced on this date, which was in
2010. Additionally, the live handle was up 15-percent.
Racing resumes Saturday with a 13-race program. Post time is
7:15 P.M and features our annual “Toys For Tots” promotion and our long-sleeve
shirt t-shirt giveaway. For more information log onto
playmeadowlands.com.
