East Rutherford, N.J. -- Heavy pressure from Mel Mara could
not faze 2015 Breeders Crown champion Always B Miki ($2.40), as he fought back
from being headed in mid-stretch to take Saturday (May 14) evening's $25,000
Open Handicap Pace at The Meadowlands for a second consecutive win.
The 5-year-old Always a Virgin entire made his push to the
lead just after fellow Jimmy Takter trainee JK Endofanera (Yannick Gingras)
worked clear of McWicked (Scott Zeron) in a :27.2 initial quarter. Upon taking
command on the backstretch, Hall of Fame driver David Miller managed to slow
the pace down enough to give Always B Miki a brief breather on the far turn
before Mel Mara (Corey Callahan) mounted a first-over bid out of fifth. Despite
Mel Mara's sustained press into the lead at the eighth pole, Always B Miki
would not be denied, using a :26 last quarter to repel Mel Mara for a neck
victory in 1:48.4. Mel Mara was a game second, while JK Endofanera labored from
the pocket yet still held third.
Always B Miki, now a 20-time winner, is owned by the
Bluewood Stable, the Roll the Dice Stable, and Christina Takter.
Tim Tetrick led all drivers with three wins on the 12-race
card, prevailing with Mindtrip ($2.80, 1:52), Missile J ($3.60, 1:51), and
Union Man Hanover ($8.20, 1:50.4). Scott Zeron and Corey Callahan won two races
apiece.
Total betting turnover for the 12-race card was $2,559,464.
The final race 20¢ Jackpot High 5 carryover continues to climb, mounting to
$222,459.18 for Friday (May 20) evening's program.
Live racing returns to The Meadowlands on Friday (May 20),
with post time slated for 7:15 p.m. EDT.
