(East Rutherford, NJ) – A field of
eight trotters converged on Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment Saturday
(October 20, 2018) night to compete in the second leg of the RUS MidAtlantic
series. When the dust settled, No Recess,
ridden by Sietske Dijhkof scored a convincing ten length victory, stopping the teletimer
at 1:59 over the fast track. Hyway Marcus finished second while French
trotter Atout De Fontaine, making his first start in North America and first
overall since April at Angers in France, finished third a half-length further
back.
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No Recess returning to the Meadowlands' winner circle after winning the RUS
MidAtlantic Trot. Photo courtesy of Clarissa Coughlin.
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Through the rest of
the race to the three-quarter marker, the race was close as Hyway Marcus took
the field through fractions of :57.3 and 1:28.3. By the time the field reach the
three-quarters, a stalking No Recess, made up enough ground to be second. Funny Photo, who was parked the entire way
was third.
Once the field hit
the stretch, No Recess hit his best stride opening a two-length lead over Hyway
Marcus, who used early was unable to engage the leader. Continuing his drive, Recess was the victor
by open lengths. Atough De Fontaine, fourth
at the top of the stretch managed to finish third just behind Marcus as the
tough trip took its toll on Funny Photo who managed to hold on to fourth, two
lengths further behind. Puddin N Pie,
making his first start under saddle picked up the final purse check in fifth. Finishing further behind (in order) were Keenan,
One True Friend, and Credit Blues.
The winner is a
nine year-old altered son of Rich Boy – Riann Photo by SJ’s Photo and is
trained by Kyle Spagnola for Spagnola Racing, LLC. With Saturday’s victory, Sietske Dijhkof now
has a riding record of 4-3-0-1 for 2018.
The final leg of
the RUS MidAtlantic series will be contested at Rosecroft on Sunday, November 4.
