by Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Rockeyed Optimist worked
out an ideal close-to-the-action trip, wore down the leader in deep stretch and
held on despite the explosive late charge of Always B Miki to take the $25,000
open handicap pace at the Meadowlands Saturday night. McArdles Lightning was
third
.
Driver Tim Tetrick hustled the 5-year-old
gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover into the three hole early behind McArdles
Lightning and Atta Boy Dan. After an opening quarter of :27.2, Rockeyed
Optimist, the 6-5 second choice, moved to the outside and began to grind away
at the leader’s advantage at the half in :55.2.
By the time the stellar field reached
three-quarters, Rockeyed Optimist was up to the wheel of McArdles Lightning
while 4-5 favorite Always B Miki, who had raced in a fourth-over flow, was dead
last in the field of seven.
Rockeyed Optimist continued to inch his
way closer to the top and finally got past the pacesetter with a sixteenth of a
mile to go.
Up on the far outside came the airborne
Always B Miki, who won all four of his starts a year ago in
sub-1:50, pacing a sensational final quarter of :25.4 only to come up half
a length short to Rockeyed Optimist in what was a superb seasonal debut.
The winner returned $4.40 to his backers,
scoring for the sixth time in eight starts this year and went the mile in 1:50
for trainer Steve Elliott and owners Perretti, Berkner, A&B Stable and
Battaglia.
STILL CLIMBING: Those hoping to hit the
big one will have their chance on the next live race card as the 12th
race 20 cent Jackpot Super High Five did not get hit again, upping the
carryover to $194,741.03.
Total wagering on the program was
$2,589,150.
Racing resumes at the Big M Friday. Post
time for the first race is 7:15 p.m.
