by Dave Little, The Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — It wasn’t your typical Saturday night (June 16) at The Meadowlands.

In addition to the usual competitive 11-race program and simulcast of the C$1 million North America Cup from Woodbine Mohawk Park, the mile oval hosted something a bit unusual.

The seventh-annual editions of the Ostrich Derby and Cameltonian were contested, much to the delight of the huge crowd that gathered on a beautiful evening.

In the Ostrich Derby, Olive Petal had a strong late rally to record the win, Geisha had good foot from between rivals to get second, with Smooty’s Poof settling for third.

The Cameltonian saw I Got Patience get away well at the start and go on to an easy victory over Military Catman, Lord Clairol and Old Man Dan, who had a rough go of it at the start.

WESTERN FAME TAKES FEATURE: After finishing second a week ago behind All Bets Off, who was establishing a national-season’s record of 1:48, Western Fame appeared more than ready to win the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers, which he did, in 1:49.1.

Driver Andy McCarthy put the 5-year-old son of Western Ideal on the point just after the quarter and was then permitted to rate the middle half in :55.3 before sprinting home in :26.1 to win for trainer Jimmy Takter. Emeritus Maximus was a length back in second. Bettor’s Edge finished third.

As the 4-5 favorite, Western Fame paid $3.80 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: One lucky player wagering into the Oregon hub was the only holder of a winning 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10 ticket, and for surviving all 10 legs of the wager, he or she walked away with $13,953. … McCarthy won three races on the program, while Vinny Ginsburg, Jim Marohn Jr. and Eric Abbatiello won two apiece. … All-source wagering on the 11-race card totaled $1,764,225. … The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $258,907. … Racing resumes at the Big M Friday at 7:15 p.m.