by Mark McKelvie, Woodbine Communications

Milton, ON — Met’s Hall found room down the lane and powered away from the field to capture Saturday’s (Sept. 1) C$169,183 Simcoe Stakes, at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Trained by Julie Miller for owners Stroy Inc. and Andy Miller Stable, Met’s Hall has now won back-to-back starts since finishing second behind Atlanta in the Hambletonian final.

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Met’s Hall equals his lifetime mark of 1:52.4 from his victory in the Simcoe Stakes.

Last time out, Met’s Hall captured the Zweig Memorial Trot at Vernon Downs and with the Simcoe score sets himself to be the favorite in the upcoming Canadian Trotting Classic eliminations.

Met’s Hall blasted off the gate for driver Andy Miller reaching the opening quarter in :27.2, but Alarm Detector (Trevor Henry) and Lawmaker (Anthony MacDonald) were not content to sit down the backstretch with an onrushing Lawmaker marking the half in :55.3.

Alarm Detector popped the pocket at the top of the lane, but Met’s Hall was not to be denied with a menacing move and powered home in a quick 1:52 flat, equalling his lifetime mark. Run Director (Sylvain Filion) arrived late on the scene to complete the exacta at odds of 50-1.

“I wasn’t sure how it would unfold, but I knew I’d be going forward off the gate and sitting up close,” said Miller. “When I got room in the lane there, he just shot by them.

“He likes to be up close,” continued Miller. “Usually when he comes off the last turn, he’s going to trot home.”

It was the seventh career victory for the son of Cantab Hall who appears to be improving with every start.

“Ever since the Hambo, he’s really showed up and done what we thought he would,” said Miller.

Met’s Hall, bred by Winbak Farm in Maryland, banked C$84,591 in victory. He paid $4.30 to win.