from Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ — Fate’s Place, JJ’s Iron Man, No Rhyme Or Reason and Hi Ho Silver Star each captured their $12,500 division in the opening round of the Senior Trendsetter series on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

In the fourth race, first division, Fate’s Place ($3.20, $2.80, $2.20) took control of the lead around the backside and drew off in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in a new mark of 1:52.2.

Lisa Photo Inc

In the sixth race, third division, No Rhyme Or Reason followed live cover into the stretch and surged home for a three-quarter of a length victory.

On The Double ($6.80, $3.40) finished second and it was four and three quarters of a length back to Cagey Cole ($6.60) in third.

“He was good,” commented driver Brian Sears after the victory. “This was a little class relief for him and I think he appreciated that.”

“He is an Artsplace and they only go as much as they have to,” trainer Michael Taub said. “They really take care of themselves. We bought him at Harrisburg in November for $75,000. He was a good-looking horse. He is green with a lot of potential. He is well made and a pleasure to drive. I wish I had a barn full of him.”

Fate’s Place notched his first win of the year and increased his lifetime earnings to $51,903 for owner Kenneth Jacobs of Baldwinsville, New York.

In the fifth race, second division, JJ’s Ironman ($5.40, $2.60, $2.40), with driver Eric Ledford, held off a late surging Armbro Becalm ($2.20, $2.10) at the wire to win by a neck in 1:52.4. Bossy Guy ($3.20) finished six lengths back in third.

Trained by Seldon Ledford, JJ’s Ironman claimed his third victory in five starts this year for owners James Jack of Lemont, Illinois and the Ledford Racing Stable of Crete, Illinois.

In the sixth race, third division, No Rhyme Or Reason ($10.60, $6.60, $4.00), followed live cover into the stretch and surged home for a three-quarter of a length victory in a personal best of 1:53.1. Ain’t Gonna Happen ($17.20, $11.00) finished second and it was three-quarters of a length back to Lucky Life ($2.80) in third.

Driven by Brian Sears and trained by Mark Silva, No Rhyme Or Reason posted his first win of the season for owner Roger Roland of Grinnell, Iowa.

Lisa Photo Inc

In the seventh race, fourth division, Hi Ho Silver Star held off Quicksilver Shark at the wire to win by a neck in a new mark of 1:52.2.

In the seventh race, fourth division, Hi Ho Silver Star ($41.60, $10.60, $7.60) held off Quicksilver Shark ($3.40, $2.60) at the wire to win by a neck in a new mark of 1:52.2. Real Good Thing (3.20) finished two and a half lengths back in third.

Hi Ho Silver Star, a four-year-old gelded son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s, was driven by Ron Pierce and is trained by James Pantaleano for owner Michael Bucaria of Staten Island, New York.

The Senior Trendsetter continues next Sunday with its second leg and concludes with an estimated $75,000 final on February 27.