by Nick Salvi, for Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment

East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands Winter Survivor Series began on Thursday (March 6) with a pair of $12,500 divisions.

The opening round drew 21 horses that had started in a $15,000 or less claiming race at least once in their last four starts, which resulted in a couple of pretty competitive fields.

Lisa photo

Tamayo was a narrow winner in the first division in a time of 1:51.2.

In the first division, Tamayo shipped in from The Meadows for Ron Burke with a fairly imposing record and his form converted to the big track successfully with a 1:51.2 win.

Yannick Gingras sent Tamayo away from the gate smartly and made the top, turned barn mate Malosi N loose as they moved toward the half and shook free late for the score. Malosi N held second and Mc Rusty split horses late for the show.

The winner is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi.

Division two was won by Mattador D and Joe Bongiorno in 1:51. Bongiorno found position in fourth early as Boiler Bob The QB and Cane Ridge hooked up through taxing early fractions of :26.3 and :55.2.

As they fanned out for home, Mattador D was fed racetrack by his young driver and rolled on by the tiring speed for the win. Highland Boreas was second and Astreos Flash snuck though for third.

Mattador D races out of the Brad Irvine barn for owner Carly Roman.

The series continues with leg two next Friday and concludes on Saturday (March 22) with the $47,650 final.

Live handle showed a 37 percent increase on the card compared to 2013.

Racing resumes with a 13-race Friday card with post time at 7:15 p.m.