By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Maybe Rick
Zeron was right.
The trainer of Atlanta has been
quoted as saying his 3-year-old trotting filly will give unbeaten Manchego “a
run for her money” during the upcoming stakes season, and Friday night at the
Meadowlands, the daughter of Chapter Seven did nothing to make anyone think
otherwise.
In the feature, a conditioned event
for trotters that included 3-year-old colt (and Hambletonian hopeful)
Fashionwoodchopper, 4-year-old mare (and 2017 New York Sire Stakes standout)
Celebrity Ruth as well as several older male trotters, it was Atlanta who
reigned supreme in an eye-popping effort.
In the early going it was P L Icabod
on the front as Atlanta sat sixth along the rail. D Ws Revenge vacated the five
hole at the five-eighths, giving Atlanta a live tow heading to three-quarters.
Scott Zeron, driving Atlanta for his dad, had the eventual winner in a
third-over flow before swinging four wide at the head of the stretch.
Atlanta’s explosive final quarter of :27.1
then carried her past the field with ease, as she went on to win by 1½ lengths
in 1:52, which lowered her previous lifetime best by two seconds. Celebrity
Ruth was second with even-money favorite Fashionwoodchopper third.
“Was I surprised by her effort?”
asked Scott Zeron in the winner’s circle. “No. But I was impressed.”
Atlanta paid $12.20 as the 5-1 third
choice in the wagering for owners R. Zeron Stables, Holland Racing Stables, H.
Taylor and B. Grant. She’s now 5-for-10 lifetime.
A LITTLE MORE: All-source wagering on the program
dipped to $1,622,801 (as compared to $2.4 million on the comparable 2017 card),
due to short fields - the result of a lack of entries - throughout the
nine-race program. As compared to the comparable card from last year, not only
did the Big M have one less race, it had but 66 starters (as compared to 85 the
year before) and an average number of starters of 7.33 per field (as compared
to 8.5). Friday’s card included five 7-horse fields and one that had but six
betting interests. … One lucky bettor had a huge night, cashing in for $25,476
for being the only player to survive eight legs in the 20-Cent Survivor Pick-9.
… The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket
winner, upping the carryover to $218,567. … Racing resumes at the Meadowlands
Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
