Darlinonthebeach serves notice in TVG Free For All
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (November 18, 2017) – Single eliminations for each of the
Fall Final Four stakes headlined a 13-race card at the Meadowlands on Saturday
night.
Kissin In The Sand followed her near track-record win two weeks ago in the
Kindergarten Final with an easy score in 1:52.2 as the 3/10 wagering choice in
the Three Diamonds elimination.
Tim Tetrick took over the driving duties for the first time with Yannick
Gingras committed to Breeders Crown champion Youaremycandygirl, who took a bye
to next week’s $381,200 final.
“Kissin raced great and was well in hand,” said Johansson. “The ear plugs were
never pulled. We’re happy that we will draw a good post as I think that could
be the difference between her and Youaremycandygirl if they’re both on their
game.”
Fourth Dimension bounced back from his flat performance in the Breeders Crown
Final with a front-end stroll in 1:55 in the Valley Victory elimination. He has
won 7 of 10 career starts for trainer Marcus Melander and Courant Inc.
Plunge Blue Chip continued her remarkable freshman season with an impressive
win on the front end for Ake Svanstedt in the Goldsmith Maid elimination in
which all nine fillies advanced to next week’s final after Basquiat was
scratched. Plunge Blue Chip dominated the New York Sire Stakes, but won the
Matron nine days ago at Dover and made it 8-for-9 with her win tonight in
1:55.1 with a :26.2 last quarter.
Also on the card tonight, top-level pacing mares raced in the final preliminary
leg of the TVG Free For All series before next Saturday’s finals. Tonight,
nobody was catching Darlinonthebeach, who came first-over at the half and blew
away the all-star group that included two-time Breeders Crown champion Pure
Country. The final time was 1:48.3.
“When Darlin is on her “A” game I don’t think many can go with her,” said
Johansson. “It’s just unfortunate that she got a staph uterine infection
earlier this summer and we didn’t get to see her best. She is super tough and
hopefully she’ll get over the million-dollar mark next week.”
The third edition of the Pick 10 Survivor wager attracted a total pool of
$15,491. Two tickets survived the longest, selecting the winners of the first
eight races before both being knocked out after Race 9. The two winning
tickets, purchased through the Oregon Hub and the Catskills, each received
$6,580.88.
Total handle on the 13-race card was $2,152,031.
Live racing resumes next Saturday with a 7:15 p.m. post time. The card features
the Fall Final Four and four TVG Free For All Finals with total purses in
excess of $2 million.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
