By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Rich And
Miserable remained the hottest 4-year-old trotter in training Saturday night,
crushing a talented field in the $60,000 Mr Muscleman final at the Meadowlands.
The gelded son of Explosive
Matter-Wishful Me, who has now won eight of his last nine starts, sat third
early before moving uncovered to the lead at the three-eighths and settling on
the point at the half in a rated :56. Driver Tim Tetrick asked for speed on the
far turn, and Rich And Miserable delivered by opening up a 3-length advantage
on JL Cruze at head of the stretch on the way to safe 2-length win. Trolley
rallied along the inside to get second. Early leader JL Cruze held third.
Tetrick had some appreciation for his
horse – as well as his regular driver – who was not at the Big M Saturday.
“What a sweetheart (Rich And Miserable) is,” said Tetrick. “Jogged around in
(1):51(.1), :27(.1) home with earplugs in. Thanks, Tyler (Buter).”
Rich And Miserable, who is trained by
Todd Buter, returned $3.20 to win as the public choice. He’s now won nine-of-12
this year.
Tetrick also guided Hambletonian
hopeful Green Manalishi S, who has now won seven-of-14 lifetime outings, to an
easy score in a division of the Tompkins Geers for 3-year-old colts and
geldings on the trot. The son of Muscle Hill-Naga Morich S reported home a
1¼-length winner over Sheena’s Boy in 1:52.4 as the 2-5 favorite.
“He’s got all of the attributes to be
right there (in the Hambletonian),” said Tetrick.
Green Manalishi S is one of three
powerhouse Hambo contenders from the Marcus Melander barn, the others being
Greenshoe and Gimpanzee. “He can play with those,” said Tetrick.
Tetrick also drove a notable pacer to
a scorching mile on the 93-degree sultry northern New Jersey night, guiding
last year’s 3-year-old male pacer of the year, the Ron Burke-trained Dorsoduro
Hanover, to a 1:47.4 score as the 4-5 choice in a high-range conditioned event.
The time lowered the previous best for the gelded son of
Somebeachsomewhere-Deer Valley Miss by two seconds.
A LITTLE MORE: Earl Beal Memorial upset winner
Marseille won his second straight for trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt, taking a
division of the Tompkins Geers in a lifetime-best 1:51.4. After paying $116.00
to win in the Beal, the son of Muscle Hill-Order By Wish paid just $13.20 this
time around. … Tetrick finished the night with five winner’s circle visits
after piloting Backstreet Shadow to a victory in the Preferred for 4-year-old
pacers, the Burke trainee's second 1:47.4 score of the season at the Big M. …
One sharp player betting into the Montreal hub held the only ticket to go
10-for-10 in the 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10 and cashed in for $11,458. … Action
in the 50-Cent Pick-4 was vigorous, as $105,786 was poured into the pool. …
All-source wagering totaled $2,413,614. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.
