by Evan Pattak for The Meadows

MEADOW LANDS, PA, March 25, 2004-Marie Pat, purchased for $10,000 at auction last year, justified her owners’ faith Thursday night at The Meadows by winning the $10,750 final of the “Sabotage Kosmos,” an early closing series for 3- and 4-year old distaff trotters.

The 4-year-old daughter of S. J’s Photo triumphed by 2 1-4 lengths in 1:58, a tick lower than her previous career best. Icy Pleasure overcame post position nine to finish second, while Silly Illy was third. Marie Pat was sent off the 6-5 wagering favorite.

Leaving from the rail, Marie Pat got away third but was pushed to the lead at the quarter pole by driver Bill Fahy.

“She’s had trips in every leg where she didn’t have to use herself all the way,” Fahy said. “Tonight there was no sense in giving her that kind of trip. We needed to see what she had in her tank.”

She was challenged past the half by Striking Rae and Marty Wollam, but when Marie Pat dug in, Striking Rae broke stride in frustration.

“I tried to take back with her and she broke,” Wollam said. “I probably should have let her trot on.”

Marie Pat cruised thereafter, opening a six-length margin before easing up in the stretch. The victory pushed her career earnings past $26,000.

Trainer William Sobeski, Jr., who co-owns Marie Pat with Mike Chesnic, said he was attracted to the horse at auction by the advice of Greg Wright, her conditioner at 2, and the mare’s family. She was bred in Ohio by Bob Slowey, known for producing such top single-name trotters as Stan, Jeff and Rick.

“The family’s real strong, so if she didn’t make it as a race horse, we knew she would make it as a broodmare,” Sobeski said.

Marie Pat started 2004 slowly, recovering from soreness that Sobeski blames on himself.

“I tried to race her here on an icy track by using a lot of borium,” Sobeski said, “and it just made her sore. So I gave her some time off and did some vet work, which I hadn’t needed for her before.”

The owners have turned down several offers for Marie Pat, who likely will resume racing after a well-earned break.

“I haven’t decided where she’ll race yet,” Sobeski said. “Maybe the Meadowlands, but I’d prefer to race her at home because my partner lives nearby and likes to watch her race. So I’ll probably race her here for at least a little while.”

The series was named for Sabotage Kosmos, who won 24 races and more than $137,000 in her career. She was campaigned by members of the Provost family, which has been associated with The Meadows since its 1963 founding. Family members were in the winner’s circle for the presentation to Marie Pat.