By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Bettor’s Edge
changed the narrative again, but the result remained the same.
The 9-year-old son of Bettor’s
Delight, who was doing so well over the last two months coming from off the
pace, reverted to his early-season speed ways, but unlike the first two months
of the year – which saw mediocre results – this time the Jennifer Lappe trainee
went directly to the top in :27.4 and was able to see it through in the
Saturday night feature at the Meadowlands, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for
pacers.
Though he reached the half in a tepid
:56.1, even-money favorite Rodeo Romeo was right there sitting a threatening
two-hole trip.
But Bettor’s Edge was not to be
denied.
Andy Miller guided the eventual
winner through a lightning-fast final half of :53.4 to hit the wire a
half-length in front of Rodeo Romeo in 1:50. Soho Wallstreet A was third.
Bettor’s Edge, who paid $7.20 as the
second choice in the wagering, now has four wins in his last six appearances in
the Meadowlands’ top overnight event. He has been filling his fans’ pockets
with cash, as in none of the four scores has he gone off as the post-time
choice.
The Robert Santagata and Lappe-owned
veteran now has 40 lifetime wins and earnings of $2.08 million.
LOOKING TO GRADUATE: Bettor’s Edge’s arch-rival Western
Joe raced in the 4-year-old Open for Graduate pacing eligibles on the undercard
and raced well, but was beaten by Highalator, who used a big move down the
backstretch to secure command and go on to a half-length victory. Western Joe,
the even-money choice, held second with Lawrencetown Beach third.
The winning time of 1:49 for
Highalator was not only a lifetime-best for the 4-year-old son of
Somebeachsomewhere, but equaled the fastest mile of 2018 in all of harness
racing while being the fastest mile of the year at the Big M.
David Miller drove the winner, who is
trained by Jenny Bier. As the third choice in the betting, he paid $9.00 to
win.
A LITTLE MORE: One Meadowlands simulcast player in
Canada had a huge night, as he or she was the only winner of the track’s
20-Cent Survivor Pick-10, cashing in for $27,252 for surviving seven legs. …
For the second straight night, the Pick-4 pool reached six figures ($120,664)
while surpassing the $88,000 mark for a 12th straight time. … The
Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five carryover continues to expand. It now
stands at $208,090 after the wager once again failed to result in a
single-ticket winner. … Total wagering on the 10-race card was $2,309,009. …
Racing resumes at the Big M Friday at 7:15 p.m.
