Atlanta makes her return to the track

East Rutherford, NJ — The stars were certainly out on Saturday (April 27) morning for the day’s qualifying races contested on a very windy morning over a track that was dry but dulled a bit by overnight rains. A steady, strong wind was blowing hard across the track, helping most around the final turn and somewhat against them in the stretch with the temperature at 55 degrees when they began at 10:00 a.m.

Atlanta kicked off her 2019 season with a powerful 1:52.3 qualifier at The Meadowlands. Derick Giwner photo

The great Hambletonian winning filly Atlanta made her first appearance today for her new trainer Ron Burke with Yannick Gingras at the controls. Sent out to the front from post eight, Atlanta set all the fractions in a 1:52.3 mile, with a final half in :55.2 and into the wind last quarter of :27.3 with no urging. The Veteran (Zeron) was impressive in his first go around to hold second over a clearly in hand Cruzado Dela Noche (Brian Sears). Crawford Farms, Brad Grant and Howard Taylor own the trotting queen.

Marcus Melander brought his imposing team of sophomore colt trotters up for the day and clearly, the most impressive performance of the morning from his string was turned in by the enigmatic Greenshoe (Brian Sears) who looked composed and imposing at the same time. Greenshoe trotted an impressive 1:54.1 mile with a back half in :56 and :28.1 final quarter well under wraps, leaving his competition in some disarray over 25 lengths in arrears. The Father Patrick colt can certainly trot with anyone if his connections can keep his focus on business for owner Anders Ström’s nom de course, Courant, Inc.

Melander’s Dan Patch Award and Breeders Crown winning Gimpanzee (Sears) who sat last of the field of six and closed some late as Hudson River (Marcus Johansson) set even fractions in an easy 1:57.2 win over Captain Krupnik (Svanstedt) and a closing Southwind Avenger (Dexter Dunn).

Gerry (Melander) put in a solid front stepping 1:56.3 effort, closing it out in :28.1 under no urging. Soul Strong (Ake Svanstedt) closed a bit up the inside to take the place over pocket sitter No Drama Please (Tetrick). Gerry is owned by SRF Stable.

The Millers opened the day with the Father Patrick filly, French Café, cutting the mile for Andy to a 1:58 win.  Sister’s Promise (Tim Tetrick) was second and Susy (Scott Zeron) third. For perspective she trotted in 1:55.4 in her first try two weeks ago. Julie Miller trains the winner for owner/ breeders Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld.

Evident Beauty (David Miller) looked sharp in her first effort for trainer Nifty Norman passing fillies from well back in the stretch for a 1:57.4, with a wind compromised 30 second final quarter. Winndevie (T. Smedshammer) was second and Whispering Oak (S. Zeron) third. The White Birch Farm bred Trixton filly was a multiple Grand Circuit winner at The Red Mile last fall for owners Mel Hartman, Little E and R A W Stable. 

The pacers began with the 7th and Captaintreacherous sired the winner of the first two sophomore colt races.  Major Deception (Tetrick) was a winner in 1:55.3 leading through the :56.2 closing half comfortably holding on over No Mas Amor (Gingras). Tony Alagna is the trainer while In The Gym Partners (John Fodera & Steve Wienick), Martha Frank, Robert LeBlanc, Steve Head and Joe Sbrocco own the colt.

Captain Victorious (Gingras) was giant in his first start from the Ron Burke barn. He set a solid pace then closed out a remarkable 1:51.1 mile in :27.2 with mild encouragement. Best In Show (Tetrick) was a good second and Dancin Lou (Matt Kakaley) third.

Major March (D. Miller) raced right back to his good mile behind Captain Crunch last week with an effortless 1:52.1 daylight win over a closing Buddy Hill (Sears) and Escapetothebeach (Tetrick). Linda Toscano trains the Art Major colt for Bay Pond Racing.

Last year’s top freshman filly Warrawee Ubeaut (Gingras) has come back beautifully for Burke and the Sweet Lou lass was an easy 1:53.2 winner, settling nicely off the pace early and rolling by good fillies late under her own power. Odds On Clearwater (Dunn) and St Somewhere (D. Miller) followed the winner, owned by Burke, Collura, Silva, Purnell & Libby and Weaver Bruscemi in. 

Youaremycandygirl (Gingras) closed in tandem with 3-year-old Treacherous Reign (Dunn) nip Percy Blue Chip (Kakaley) in 1:53.1. Bill Donovan owns the mare and Ron Burke trains. 

Done Well was good in the final qualifier dragging Dexter Dunn around in 1:50.4 to win by seven against a pretty loaded field. Dorsoduro Hanover (Kakaley) left into play from post 10 and was second with Filibuster Hanover (Gingras) completing the Burke sweep third.

The results are available on the web. Racing resumes tonight at 7:15 pm.

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