from Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – June 26, 2004 – Maltese Artist [$28.20, $23.00, $8.40] benefited from a perfect second-over trip to edge out his entrymate, JK Royal Flush by a head, in the sixth race, the $150,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes Final for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings at the Meadowlands.

The son of Artiscape – Hula Dancer paced the mile in 1:49.2, the all-time fastest mile in New Jersey Sire Stakes history.

Timesareachanging [$3.80] was third by a half-length.

Maltese Artist, a full brother to 2003 Berry’s Creek and New Jersey Classic winner Artesian, scored his second win of the year and third in 21 lifetime outings, boosting his earnings to $119,841 for the ownership of the Enviro Stables, Fred Wallace and 3 Brothers Stables, all of New York City. They purchased the colt for $47,000 as a yearling.

“It actually worked out the way we hoped it would, which never happens,” said trainer Linda Toscano. “Patrick [Lachance] has driven him in his last three starts and has put him into good position each time. He has done a helluva job with this horse. He keeps him alive and on the outside. This horse will do for him something he has not done for anyone else — pass horses. My other horse raced real well and another step or two would have been the winner instead. They both took advantage of the half in 53. They were both finishing strong,”

“We got good cover, and my horse was real strong,” said winning driver Patrick Lachance. “The trip just worked out for us. My horse showed up tonight. I really think Linda deserves all the credit. I think this is my biggest driving victory.”

In the $40,000 open pace, carded as the fifth, Four Starzzz Shark [$2.80, $2.20, $2.10] drew off to a three-quarter length victory over Mini Me [$4.80, $3.60] in 1:49.2.

Life Source [$3.00] as third by a length.

The winner of the Graduate Final and the Canadian Pacing Derby, Four Starzzz Shark now has six wins in seven starts this year. The double-millionaire races for the FS Starzzzz Stables of Glenwood, New Jersey. Trained by Dave Sabatelli, he was driven to victory by Mike Lachance.

“The Haughton elims are next for him,” said Sabatelli. “I’m very happy with him. He’s had almost a month off. I didn’t expect him to go a final quarter in 25 and change [25.4]. We just wanted to get a win under his belt. We’re just happy with tonight and think it’s a good prep for next week.”