Yonkers, NY — M-M’s Dream and driver David Miller ignored the rain and sloppy surface and went on to easily capture the $250,000 Bob Miecuna Invitational Trot on Saturday afternoon at MGM Yonkers Raceway. The race contested at one and a quarter miles was completed in 2:24.4 over the off going.
Miller was cagey at the start behind the second choice, leaving from post two as he waited for the dust to settle in the early sprint. Credit Con and Joe Bongiorno wrestled command while Nows The Moment left but went off-stride into the opening turn.
Amigo Volo protected the pylons and held firmly from the pole position early as Southwind Tyrion, the public choice at 3-2, remained parked with Hillexotic through the initial bend. Miller waited for Amigo Volo to regain command before the :28.3 opening quarter before sending his 4-year-old mare to the lead on the second turn.
Once in front, M-M’s Dream was able to cruise to the half in :57.3 as Southwind Tyrion elected to take a tuck after Credit Con broke and opened up a spot on the rail, and Hillexotic and Yannick Gingras went up to pursue the pace, followed intently by Take All Comers with Tim Tetrick. While Hillexotic was able to gain onto even-terms with the leader, Miller didn’t have to stress his mare at all, hitting three-quarters in 1:27 and the mile in 1:56 while under a firm hold.
In the homestretch M-M’s Dream, a daughter of Swan For All trained by Ron Burke, was comfortably handled, with Miller kicking out the ear plugs and his horse responding in kind to finish the distance with a :28.4 final quarter. Amigo Volo remained glued to the pylons and finished second, with Take All Comers winning a tight photo for third ahead of Southwind Tyrion in fourth and Hillexotic bravely holding down the final check.
“Anytime you’ve got trailers there’s going to be action,” said Miller in his post-race interview. “After I got her around the first turn I knew she was going to be fine. She’s pretty sure-footed.”
Owned by Eleven Star Stables, Frank Baldachino and Hillside Stables, M-M’s Dream was a winner for the 24th time during her career. As the second choice she paid $5.40 to win and keyed a $28.40 exacta and $91.50 trifecta.