from RUS MidAtlantic

East Rutherford, NJ — A field of eight trotters converged on The Meadowlands Saturday (Oct. 20) to compete in the second leg of the RUS MidAtlantic series. When the dust settled, No Recess, ridden by Sietske Dijhkof, scored a convincing 10 length victory, stopping the timer at 1:59 over the fast track.

Hyway Marcus finished second while French trotter Atout De Fontaine, making his first start in North America and first overall since April at Angers in France, finished third, a half-length further back.

Clarissa Coughlin photo

No Recess, ridden by Sietske Dijhkof, scored a convincing 10 length victory, stopping the timer at 1:59 over the fast track.

When the gate opened, Hyway Marcus went right for the lead with Atout De Fontaine pushing the perennial circuit winner to the first quarter, parked in a :28.3 split. Keenan, taking advantage of the rail position, managed to get away third with Funny Photo parked fourth. No Recess, the eventual race, winner got away sixth.

Through the rest of the race to the three-quarter marker, the race was close as Hyway Marcus took the field through fractions of :57.3 and 1:28.3. By the time the field reached the three-quarters, a stalking No Recess made up enough ground to be second. Funny Photo, who was parked the entire way, was third.

Once the field hit the stretch, No Recess hit his best stride, opening a two length lead over Hyway Marcus, who used early was unable to engage the leader. Continuing his drive, No Recess was the victor by open lengths. Atout De Fontaine, fourth at the top of the stretch, managed to finish third just behind Hyway Marcus as the tough trip took its toll on Funny Photo who managed to hold on to fourth, two lengths further behind. Puddin N Pie, making his first start under saddle, picked up the final purse check in fifth. Finishing further behind (in order) were Keenan, One True Friend, and Credit Blues.

The winner is a 9-year-old altered son of Rich Boy–Riann Photo and is trained by Kyle Spagnola for Spagnola Racing. With Saturday’s victory, Sietske Dijhkof now has a riding record of 4-3-0-1 for 2018.

The final leg of the RUS MidAtlantic series will be contested at Rosecroft on Sunday (Nov. 4).