The trotter that had stolen the show this winter at The
Meadowlands had been conspicuous by his absence for the last four weeks.
Melady's Monet had not been seen since winning the top-level trot on January
2nd. Trainer Kevin McDermott reported the gelding suffered a quarter
crack and was given time to heal and freshen up. There was no evidence of
any lingering affects of that quarter crack Friday night at The Meadowlands.
Sent off as the 4/5 favorite, Melady's Monet was allowed to settle in last in the field of seven and remained there as the field rolled through tepid fractions of 28.2 and 57.1, established by Modest Prince. Still last turning for home through three-quarters of 1:25.1, Melady's Monet saw Lindy's Tru Grit, who he was tracking the outer flow go off-stride directly in front of him. That was no problem either as the Tim Tetrick driven trotter towered up and powered home through the stretch while Tetrick remained motionless at all times to win going away into extremely strong headwinds, completing the mile in 1:55.1. Take My Picture rallied to be second while Team Six raced well uncovered finishing third. Melady's Monet is trained by Kevin McDermott for Melady Enterprises LLC.
The Dash For The "C" Notes for trotters returned Friday night at The Meadowlands as well, featuring six divisions, providing very competitive racing as only a win in your division guaranteed a spot in the $25,000 Final next week. The remaining four finalists are to be drawn by lot from the second place finishers in the six divisions.
The divisional winners were Captain Primeau (1:57.3 - Pierce), Perfect Picture (1:57.3 - Pierce), My Muscleman (1:55.3 - B. Miller), Bluebird Kidsqueen (1:56.4 – Abbatiello), Rock Of Cashel (1:55.3 – Richardson) and Scorcher Hall (1:56 – A. Miller).
The second place finishers were comprised of Walltocousins, Mr Fenwick, Grey Ice, Worth The Money As, Most Wanted Lindy and Lauderdale. Four of these six runner-up trotters will complete the field of 10 for the $25,000 “C” Note Final next week, with the four being drawn by lot.
Both Jackpot Super Hi-5’s went unclaimed, with the fifth race
carryover at $4,611.57 and the last race carryover standing at $76,077.56.
Racing resumes on Saturday with first post time at 7:15 P.M.
