by
James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations
William
Donovan’s 6-year-old pacing gelding Ashley’s Husband ($16.60) sustained a
first-over grind into a :54.4 last half to take Saturday (March 26) evening’s
featured $16,000 top-level conditioned event at The Meadowlands.
Vinny
Ginsburg wanted no part of the early pace, rating Ashley’s Husband off dueling
leaders Dynamic Youth (Joe Bongiorno) and Real Nice (Andy McCarthy) through a
:27.1 quarter before tightening in on the backstretch as the pace slowed. After
a :56.1 half, Ginsburg edged Ashley’s Husband first-over, pushing Dynamic Youth
to a :28.2 third quarter before wearing him down at the eighth
pole. Ashley’s Husband accelerated to the winning post for a 1:51
triumph, evading both Real Nice, who chased up the pegs, and the second-over
Jacksrluckytoo (Jim Marohn, Jr.). Favorite Mel Mara (Scott Zeron)
kept even off third-over cover, but posed no threat in the accelerating late
pace, finishing fifth.
The
Kyle Spagnola trainee earned his 25th career win, and his
second of the year in nine tries.
Scott
Zeron led all drivers with three wins on the night, teaming up with Watkins
($7.20, 1:55), Bettor Memories ($15.20, 1:52), and McArdles Lightning ($2.60,
1:51.2).
A
carryover in excess of $31,000 spurred $151,096 of new money in the 50¢ Pick 5,
which returned $2252.30 to correct backers. As races 9 through 12
were cancelled due to a lighting malfunction on the clubhouse turn, the Late
Pick 4 paid on all tickets with Ashley’s Husband in race 7, McArdles Lightning
in race 8, and any horses in races 9 and 10. The 1-4-all-all late
Pick 4 returns $4.75 on every 50¢ wagered.
Live
racing returns to The Meadowlands on Friday, April 1, with post time at 7:15
p.m. EDT. The fifth race Jackpot High 5 carryover has grown to
$12,633, while the same wager in the final race boasts $154,428 in added money.
