by Frank Cotolo
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.
— Zenith Stride stayed on
gait as two favorites broke stride, allowing driver Brian Sears to steer the
Muscle Hill colt easily down the middle of the track for an 87-1 upset in the
$339,000 Peter Haughton Memorial for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings
Saturday afternoon (Aug. 8) at The Meadowlands.
Favorite Plumville
Prince never got started, breaking as the gate swung open and allowing
Moonstone S to leave for the early lead over Venerate. As the first quarter
ticked in :28, Type A took over the lead from Moonstone S, while Venerate
followed the pair to the half in :57.
Moonstone S came out of
the pocket and reclaimed the lead as Type A began to gallop, letting Venerate
inherit the catbird seat. Moonstone cut three-quarters in 1:25.3 as Venerate
began a hard chase. Sitting with cover all the way and with plenty of trot
left, 85-1 shot Zenith Stride circled the front pair and flew past the top two
with no urging to cross the finish line in 1:55.1. Moonstone S dismissed a late
charge from Venerate to finish second.
"I liked this colt
the first time I sat behind him," said Sears. "He had a few issues,
made a few breaks, but I never lost confidence in him. I knew one he matured a
bit, he'd come around and be the horse we thought he was."
Mark Harder trains
Zenith Stride, who won her first race in four starts for owners Emilio and
Maria Rosati. Sears recorded his fourth Peter Haughton Memorial win.
Zenith Stride paid
$177.00 to win.
