by
Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations
EAST
RUTHERFORD, NJ – Bushwacker
prevailed after a length-of-the-stretch duel with even-money favorite Melmerby
Beach to take the featured $17,000 conditioned pace at the Meadowlands Saturday
night by three-quarters-of-a-length in 1:48.4, a lifetime best.
After
Melmerby Beach grabbed the lead at the quarter in :26.2, Odds On Equuleus made
the top at three-eighths before Bushwacker quickly brushed to command at the
half in :53.2.
The eventual winner still had the lead at three-quarters
(1:21.4) as Melmerby Beach crept closer from first-over after vacating the
three hole at the five-eighths.
Melmerby
Beach poked a head in front at one point as the duo battled through the
stretch, but Bushwacker, who won a week ago in 1:49.3, repelled his challenger
to go on to a dead-game victory. Alexie Mattosie, a 68-1 longshot, finished
third.
As
the 8-5 second choice, Bushwacker returned $5.20. The 5-year-old gelded son of
Rocknroll Hanover was driven by Daniel Dube and is trained by Chris Ryder for
the Henderson Farms of Chicago.
HIGHER
AND HIGHER: Neither
of the Big M’s 20 cent Jackpot Super High Five wagers had a single-ticket
winner, setting up one big and one enormous carryover for the next live
program.
The
fifth-race wager now has a carryover of $15,884.81, while the 12th
race JSH5 now sports a $253,827.71 jackpot. … Greg Merton drove three winners
on the night, including the 4,000th of his career with Major Buddy A
in the 11th race. Andy Miller also scored three times. … Racing
resumes at the Meadowlands Friday at 7:15 p.m.
