by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Ken Weingartner

Freehold, NJ — Lucky Jim followed a night to forget with a day to remember. Two weeks after losing for the first time this year, finishing third in the $662,860 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk Racetrack, the 4-year-old trotter won the $300,000 Nat Ray Invitational at the Meadowlands Racetrack on August 8 in world-record-equaling time.

Starting from post eight, Lucky Jim cruised to a 4-1/2 length victory over Glen Kronos in 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray. The time equaled the record shared by Donato Hanover and Giant Diablo. Later in the afternoon, Muscle Hill joined the group with a 1:50.1, six length win in the $1.5 million Hambletonian.

San Pail, who won the Maple Leaf Trot, finished fourth in the Nat Ray.

“Andy said (Lucky Jim) was just fantastic,” said trainer Julie Miller, referring to her husband, driver Andy Miller. “We took the lead and never looked back. I don’t know if people will really believe this, but I think (Lucky Jim) felt like he had a little bit of revenge, too. We were just so proud of him. I think he knew he had to prove himself a little bit more again to everyone.”

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Lucky Jim equaled the all-age world record on a mile track when he scored in 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray.

Lucky Jim has won 16 of 17 races this year and earned $763,618 for owners David Prushnok, John Prushnok and William Gregg.

In the Maple Leaf Trot, Lucky Jim raced on the outside for much of the mile and encountered traffic trouble along the way. He went off stride near the finish line, but it did not affect his placing.

“You want all of them, but (the Nat Ray win) was a little more gratifying,” Miller said. “I think (the loss) did give some people doubts. For him to dominate the race like that, I think there are no more doubts that he is one of the top horses.”

Next up for Lucky Jim is the Breeders Crown Trot at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Eliminations, if needed, will be Saturday. The final is August 22.

“He was well within himself,” Miller said. “I definitely think he can go faster. It was a monster mile, but the next day he was at his gate doing what he always does, waiting to be turned out in the morning.”