from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — David Miller, who had driven Sweet Justice to victory in his last two starts, was missing from that horse’s sulky on Friday night (Dec. 20) at Meadowlands Racetrack. That was because a horse that Miller co-owns, Aisling, was entered in the same race. While Aisling mounted a strong late surge to finish a very solid third from an impossible spot, it was Sweet Justice who stole the show again.

Lisa photo

Sweet Justice was a winner in 1:54.2.

Making the lead by the half-mile marker in the $16,000 B-1 trot, Sweet Justice, who was sent off as the lukewarm 2-1 favorite despite his recent dominance, quickly was challenged by the classy Lauderdale moving into the far turn. Those two raced in tandem as the field turned for home, and it was Sweet Justice who edged clear and fended off Lauderdale to win again in 1:54.2 with Jim Meittinis driving for trainer Bruce Saunders. The $25,000 Harrisburg purchase has now yielded a $31,000 dividend since the sale and can safely be called the steal of the sale.

In the featured $30,000 A-2/Free For All Trot, 4-5 favorite Upfront Billy did not disappoint, making the lead going to the half and never looking back. He scored in 1:54.3 with David Miller up for trainer Mark Ford. Appomattox rallied boldly to be a strong second with Amigo Ranger finishing third.

Andy Miller earned himself three wins on the card, including a 24-1 upset with Helios. That was not the only longshot on the night though. Coe Leader also scored at 24-1 in race 10, capping a late Pick-4 that returned a payout of $2,636.80 from the $62,808 pool.

The total handle of $2,593,469 yielded a 43 percent increase over the last time the Meadowlands raced on this date, which was in 2010. Additionally, the live handle was up 15 percent.

Racing resumes Saturday with a 13-race program. Post time is 7:15 p.m and features our annual Toys For Tots promotion and our long sleeve shirt t-shirt giveaway. For more information log onto www.playmeadowlands.com.