Millionaire
trotter "has never been better"
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (March 17, 2017) – As impressive
as Melady's Monet was last week in winning his 2017 debut, he was even better
tonight in winning his second straight top-level trot at the Meadowlands.
The millionaire, trained by Kevin McDermott, left from post
position six to make the lead before the opening quarter with Brett
Miller at the lines before yielding the lead to Rose Run Parker, half of a Ron
Burke trained entry. Melady's Monet, the 1/2 favorite, powerfully moved out of
the pocket after three-quarters in 1:25. He went right by a faltering Rose Run
Parker and with a :27.3 final quarter, had plenty left to hold off the closing
Opulent Yankee and Crosbys Clam Bake to win in 1:52.4.
"Brett Miller said he was vicious tonight," said
trainer Kevin McDermott. "He has been absolutely awesome two weeks in a
row in cold weather. The plan is to race as long him at the Meadowlands as long
as there is a race that fills. He is as good now as he's ever been, but I may
take the hopples off him down the road."
Stakes winner Appomattox won his second straight for trainer
Lucas Wallin, who was pressed into driving duty when Corey Callahan booked off
the remainder of his drives after taking ill following the fifth race. Wallin
steered Appomattox to a win in 1:54.3 for his second career training victory.
Brett Miller won the first race of the night and the last
race with a trip to drive in the Blue Chip Matchmaker at Yonkers in between.
Andy Miller won two races as well.
Total handle on the 11-race card was $2,427,559.
Racing resumes Saturday with a 12-race card. Post time is
7:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
