by Amy Silver, publicity director, Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ — Ron Burke trainees Meirs Hanover and No Monkeys Allowed swept the early double, a pair of $15,000 Escort Series divisions for 3-year-old colt pacers, on Saturday night at Meadowlands Racetrack.

Lisa photo

Brian Sears guided No Monkeys Allowed to a career best 1:52.1 victory in the second division of the Escort Series.

Meirs Hanover took the lead before the half and drew off to a decisive 1:51.2 score in the first race with Brian Sears in the sulky. Sent off the 2-5 favorite, Meirs Hanover posted his fourth win in 14 starts this season. The son of Artsplace-Mary Mattgalane was a $52,000 yearling purchase at the 2007 Standardbred Horse Sale at Harrisburg by owners David Van Dusen, Michael Cimaglio and Strollin Stable, all of Ohio.

Sears guided No Monkeys Allowed, also a heavy favorite, to a career best 1:52.1 victory in the second race for the Burke barn. The son of Rocknroll Hanover-Weeping Wanabe improved his career slate to four wins and four seconds in 12 starts. No Monkeys Allowed was a $60,000 yearling purchase at Harrisburg. Joseph Di Scala Jr. and Cynthia Lynn Massari of Katonah, NY own the gelding.

Escort Series divisions also went to Rush Of Fools (1:51.4), driven by Brandon Simpson and trained by Amber Buter, and Fox Valley Breeze (1:52.1), steered by Tim Tetrick for trainer Lou Pena.

The Stienam’s Place Series for 3-year-old filly pacers also got underway on the Saturday card. Driver Tim Tetrick reined in the winners of the first two divisions, Island Terror (1:52.4) and P Note Blue Chip (1:53.3) for trainers Mark Kesmodel and Jerry Silverman, respectively. I-Lady won the final split in 1:54 for the team of driver Jim Meittinis and trainer Bruce Saunders.