by James Witherite for the Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. — Heavy pressure from Mel Mara could not faze 2015 Breeders Crown champion Always B Miki ($2.40), as he fought back from being headed in mid-stretch to take Saturday (May 14) evening’s $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadowlands for a second consecutive win.

Lisa Photo

Always B Miki turns back a dead game Mel Mara to collect his second victory of the season.

The 5-year-old son of Always A Virgin made his push to the lead just after fellow Jimmy Takter trainee JK Endofanera (Yannick Gingras) worked clear of McWicked (Scott Zeron) in a :27.2 initial quarter. Upon taking command on the backstretch, Hall of Fame driver David Miller managed to slow the pace down enough to give Always B Miki a brief breather on the far turn before Mel Mara (Corey Callahan) mounted a first-over bid out of fifth. Despite Mel Mara’s sustained press into the lead at the eighth pole, Always B Miki would not be denied, using a :26 last quarter to repel Mel Mara for a neck victory in 1:48.4. Mel Mara was a game second, while JK Endofanera labored from the pocket yet still held third.

Always B Miki, now a 20-time winner, is owned by the Bluewood Stable, the Roll the Dice Stable, and Christina Takter.

Tim Tetrick led all drivers with three wins on the 12 race card, prevailing with Mindtrip ($2.80, 1:52), Missile J ($3.60, 1:51), and Union Man Hanover ($8.20, 1:50.4). Scott Zeron and Corey Callahan won two races apiece.

Total betting turnover for the 12-race card was $2,559,464. The final race 20-cent Jackpot High 5 carryover continues to climb, mounting to $222,459.18 for Friday (May 20) evening’s program.

Live racing returns to The Meadowlands on Friday (May 20), with post time slated for 7:15 p.m. EDT.