by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ — The Rock and Roll Stable’s Americanprimetime ($7.40) was resolute amid early pressure, turning aside two early challengers and setting fast fractions en route to a 1:49 triumph in the featured $17,500 top-level pace at the Meadowlands on Saturday (June 25) evening.

Lisa Photo

Americanprimetime steals the show in the Meadowlands’ featured pacing event.

Joe Bongiorno had the accelerator down early with the 4-year-old American Ideal entire, battling with Vapour N (Pat Berry) and Art History (Victor Kirby) through a :26.2 first quarter and refusing to yield. While Vapour N eased off the pace, Americanprimetime would not shake off the challenge of Art History until well after a :53.4 half, subsequently gaining separation on the field through the far turn. Americanprimetime amassed a 3-1/2 length lead in upper stretch, but was fully extended in the last eighth to stave off a massive rally from Jacksrluckytoo (Jim Marohn, Jr.), who circled three-wide off the far turn and closed boldly to miss Americanprimetime’s 1:49 mile by a scant head. Ashley’s Husband (Vinny Ginsburg) circled from the rear of the field to take third, a farther 3-1/2 lengths back.

Rick Dane, Jr. trains Americanprimetime, now a 7-time winner.

For Bongiorno, the featured win was one of five on the 12-race card. Vinny Ginsburg also accounted for five driving wins on the evening, including the $15,000 Dash for the “G” Notes mini-series final for first-level conditioned pacers with Vague Traces ($2.20, 1:50).

Kate Repetto was crowned the 2016 Ms. Hot to Trot at the Meadowlands and Alicia Blanks the runner-up, taking a $5,000 grand prize and $2,500 second prize, respectively.

Both 20-cent Jackpot High 5 wagers carry over to next Friday’s (July 1) program, with $21,976.73 going to the fifth-race High 5, and $267,769.47 added to the closing-race High 5 should one bettor take down the entire pool.

Despite one fewer race on the card in comparison to the corresponding Saturday program in 2015, total all-sources handle increased by $178,363.

Friday (July 1) evening’s program is due to commence at 7:15 p.m. Eastern. Fans and horsemen alike are advised that the Saturday (July 2) card carries a special first post of 6:30 p.m.

For full information on racing, dining, and events at the Meadowlands, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.