By
Dave Little, for the Meadowlands
EAST
RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Ariana G gave notice Friday night at the Meadowlands that
the road to the Hambletonian Oaks goes through her as she crushed seven
overmatched foes in a division of the first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes
for 3-year-old trotting fillies by 7¾ lengths in 1:52.2.
The
Jimmy Takter trainee was more than prepared for her seasonal debut as driver
Yannick Gingras put the daughter of Muscle Hill on the lead just after the
quarter. Racing unpressured, the winner of 10-of-12 lifetime starts opened up
an insurmountable edge after pocket-sitting Ice Attraction broke at the head of
the stretch. She then sprinted home in :27.2, paying $2.10 as the 1-9 favorite
for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. Dream Baby Dream was second with
Southwind Prius third.
“She
was really good,” said Gingras. “I couldn’t be any happier with her. She was as
good as I expected her to be. I’m crossing my fingers she stays healthy and let
her talent do the rest.”
Glitzey
Gal ($7.40 to win, 1:52.3 for the mile, David Miller driving, trainer Nifty
Norman) and Colorful Jasmine ($2.40, 1:54.1, Corey Callahan, Thomas
Cancelliere) were victorious in the other two NJSS filly divisions.
Ron
Burke trainee What The Hill lowered his lifetime best by
two-and-two-fifth seconds, impressively taking one of three NJSS divisions for
3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Driven by David Miller, the son of Muscle
Hill stopped the clock in 1:52.2 to stay perfect in two seasonal starts. He
returned $2.40 as the 1-5 public choice.
Every
Way Out ($2.10, Dylan Davis) and Long Tom ($3.80, Marcus Melander) won
the other sophomore colt and gelding divisions in identical clockings of
1:52.1. Both were driven by Tim Tetrick.
CHALK TALK: Seven favorites scored on the card, bringing the total over the last three programs to 18 winning chalks from 32 races (56%). … David Miller piloted four winners on the card. … All-source wagering totaled $2,475,077. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m. with the Graduate for 4-year-old trotters, featuring Dayson and Broadway Donna.
