from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – February 14, 2004 – Escape The Wind [$3.00, $2.20, $2.10] drew off to three-quarters of a length victory in the $35,000 round-two leg of the Aquarius Series, the fifth race on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.

Lisa photo

Escape The Wind drew off to win the 2nd leg of the Aquarius Series.

Boulder Creek [$5.40, $3.20] was second best and it was four and a half lengths to Synide [$4.00] who edged out Tidal Search for third.

It was Escape The Wind’s fourth consecutive victory and he is now two-for-two in 2004.

“It went a lot easier than I thought,” said Roger Mayotte, the driver and trainer of Escape The Wind. “I wasn’t sure what Pronger was going to do from the outside. Escape the Wind was very comfortable tonight. I just hope he stays healthy all week and is healthy for final.”

Escape The Wind, coupled in the wagering with Border Patrol, races for Venture 2000 Stable and Early Bird Stables, both of Mississauga, Ontario. He has a career record of 12 wins, three seconds and two thirds from 18 starts for earnings of $503,934.

The $72,275 Aquarius is one of a trio of Winter Series Finals on Saturday, February 21.

Pronger, who won all four of his previous starts this year at Woodbine, finished fifth, unable to overcome post nine.

“He was good,” said Ron Pierce, who drove Pronger for owner-trainer Ben Wallace of Milton, Ontario. “We got a way a little back and there was no flow. I look for him to be better next week and hopefully we draw better. I think he can be a factor in this.”