by john manzi for NAADA
When
Maurice Chevalier sang “thank heaven for little girls for they grow bigger
every day”; little did NAADA president Joe Faraldo know how true those words
were until the USA-French Friendship Competition was completed at The
Meadowlands on Saturday night(April 24) when America’s Hannah Miller won the
final leg of the event which vaulted the USA team to victory 107-96.
Miller
reined Jacks to Open to a 1:57.1 triumph which was the second conquest by a
girl in the four -race competition. The USA’s Monica Banca had won the first
leg at Yonkers Raceway last Tuesday (April 21).
The
girls really came through for us,” Faraldo admitted, and then added that
winning or losing never really comes into play because amateur racing is a good
excuse for human relations. But don’t get me wrong, winning is still
preferred.”
After
the French team was licensed in New Jersey they had a tour of the new
Meadowlands grandstand before they put on their battle gear and readied for the
competition in the first race on the betting card.
Going
into the race it appeared the USA team had the stronger steeds in the 10-race
contest and although Hannah Miller’s horse got the late money and was sent away
as the favorite it took a confident drive by the young lady to get him to the
winners circle.
When
the wings of the staggered starting gate folded Bob Hechkoff gunned his
Bambino Hall to the lead from the 10-hole and they had control in a :28.2
opening stanza. Meanwhile Miller and Jacks To Open found a position along the
pylons in the back of the field.
Hechkoff
was forced to keep after his trotter because Picture Perfect (Steve Oldford)
was getting plenty of fresh air challenging while on the limb. Smartly, Ms
Miller moved Jacks To Open second-up a behind cover supplied by Picture Perfect
at the halfway point as the timer flashed :56.4. Oldford’s trotter kept going
forward which also moved Jacks To Open closer to the lead as the field passed
the three quarters.
On
the final turn Miller moved her charge three-deep and they trotted around
Picture Perfect and then took aim at Bambino Hall who had scooted away to a
four-length lead at the top of the long homestretch.
Perhaps
it was the quick pace in the early going that took a toll on the Hechkoff’s
trotter but as they headed for paydirt Jacks To Open ranged alongside the
leader and then spurted away to score a one length triumph over Bambino Hall.
Third place was garnered by 55-1 long shot Bloomfieldcantifly, driven by yet
another girl, France's Sophie Blanchetiere.
The
winner, owned by KDM Stables and trained by Nick Surick, paid $4.40 for win.
Hannah Miller
continues to ride her amazing hot streak. Her record this season now stands at
six wins in 21 starts with 12 of those 21 races resulting in an in-the-money
finish. In her fledgling career, Miller has won 15 of 41 starts.
After her victory
which gave the USA the upper hand against their French counterparts Hannah was
asked how she felt.
“I feel great now
but I was a little worried before the race because Perfect Picture won in
(1):55.2 last week", she said. "But the race set-up right for me. When
he (Perfect Picture) got hung out I saw an opportunity and took advantage of it
by moving second-up at the half and then following cover all the way to the top
of the stretch. In the lane my horse was the strongest and at the finish we
were the best."
Now that the
competition is over, on Saturday night (April 25) NAADA will treat their guests
to a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty on the World Yacht. Then on Sunday
the French amateurs will head for home.
