Sharp mare posts a 25.3 final quarter on the front end
The featured $27,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace was a wide open
affair on paper, especially considering the scratch of morning line favorite
Sayitall BB. But, Radar Contact had other ideas, taking the initiative
from the start and powering home to win in 1:50.
Sent off as the even-money favorite, Radar Contact was sent immediately to the
lead and was allowed to settle on top of the field through an opening quarter
of 26.4. The seven year old mare didn’t see any challenge through the
half-mile of 56.3, where she was able to catch a 29.4 breather in the second
quarter. From there, Radar Contact picked it up, pacing a 27.4 third
panel, reaching three-quarters in 1:24.2. Throughout the mile
Inittowinafortune was riding the pocket behind the leader.
Addys Way
committed first over on the far turn, but could never get closer than the
leader’s wheel. That mare backed away in the stretch and with no one else
rallying, Inittowinafortune ripped out of the pocket to challenge Radar
Contact, but she stumbled inside the final eighth of the mile, costing her any
chance of catching the leader. Amazingly, Radar Contact paced the final
quarter in 25.3, winning by just over one length to trip the timer in 1:50,
equaling her lifetime mark. Cloris Hanover rallied to be third.
The winner was driven by John Campbell for trainer Noel Daley and owners
Charles Stillings and Dean Ehrgott.
The $25,000 Dash for the “G” Notes Final for trotters kicked off the late pick
four. Muscolo, a winner of his division last week was sent off as the 8/5
favorite. But, it was second choice, Looking Hanover who would establish
the pace, trotting to the lead in rather tepid fractions of 28, 57.2 and
1:26.3. The outer flow began to develop moving into the far turn, led by
longshot Walltocousins. All About Justice was well-situated second over
with Sweet Justice lurking in the cover flow as well. As the trotters
straightened up, Looking Hanover was met with an onslaught of challengers and
gave way in deep stretch. Muscolo sat the pocket and made his presence
felt late and All About Justice loomed into contention off cover. But it
was Sweet Justice who towered up over the crown of the racetrack and trotted
past them all to reach the wire first in 1:54.1 for Dave Miller. Muscolo was
second with All About Justice third.
Sweet Justice is trained by Bruce Sauners for M&M Harness Racing L.L.C.
The amateurs took to the track in the fifth race. Peter Kleinhans tried
to steal the race, setting a torrid pace with his trotter, Mr. Ridgetaker, but
Hannah Miller was able to reel him in near the wire to grab the victory in this
round of the GSY Amateur series with her trotter, Jacks To Open. For
Miller, it was her tenth win from 21 starts this year.
Nine different drivers found the winners’ circle at The Meadowlands Friday
night, with Dave Miller, Andy Miller and Corey Callahan scoring doubles.
Both Jackpots went unclaimed in the Super Hi-5 wagers. The fifth race
carryover has swelled to $67,715, with the last race carryover now at $32,949.
Racing returns on Saturday with first post at 7:15 P.M
