from Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – April 5, 2006 – Bikini Bottom [$60.60, $17.20, $2.10] exploded from the back of the pack to win the sixth race, the $22,500 opening round of the Blossom Series for three-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday night at the Meadowlands.

Lisa Photo

Bikini Bottom, driven by Jim Marshall III, turned in a lifetime best of 1:53.3 for the mile in winning the opening round of the Blossom Series Wednesday night at the Meadowlands.

The 30-1 shot was last at the half, got into the outside flow and moved three wide on the last turn, pacing a final quarter of 27.1 seconds for a length and a half victory over Armbro Davina [$6.00, $2.10]. Odds-on favorite Future Destiny [$2.10] faded to third, two and a quarter lengths back. Future Destiny, the Tender Loving Care Series winner, suffered her first loss in four career starts.

Bikini Bottom, driven by Jim Marshall III and trained by Mark Ford, turned in a lifetime best of 1:53.3 for the mile.

The three-year-old daughter of Cam’s Card Shark – Red Cape was the runner-up in the Miss Vera Bars Series Final on February 16 at Woodbine. After nearly a month off, she qualified back sharply on March 30 at the Meadowlands, winning by six lengths in 1:55.2.

Bikini Bottom now has four wins and four seconds in 15 career outings. She was bred by Jeffrey Eckburg of Rockford, Illinois, who sold an interest in her to Martin Scharf of Lawrence, New York, on March 2. Lifetime, her earnings are now $52,517.

First time starter Hideaway unseated driver John Campbell shortly after post parade and was scratched.

The three-week Blossom Series continues next week with a $70,790 final on April 19.