from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Nautical Notion stole the lead at the quarter and held on to win a $30,300 second leg division of the New Jersey Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt trot at the Meadowlands on Thursday night, June 5.

Trained and driven by Jan Johnson, Nautical Notion raced to victory in 1:54.4. Atomic Hall made a late rally down the stretch to capture the second place position by a nose. Nautical Notion paid $95.20 in the second race of the night.

This is Nautical Notion’s first win in two starts in 2008 for owners Tomas Bertmark, Jan Johnson, and Jorgen Jahre, Jr. Nautical Notion has surpassed $75,000 in lifetime earnings.

Azur captured the $30,900 second division of the New Jersey Sire Stakes Trot.

With leading driver Brian Sears in the bike, Azur tipped to the outside past the quarter and cleared to the front, holding on to win the night’s fifth race in 1:54.3. Shutter Boy finished 1-1/2 lengths behind. Azur paid $14.60.

Azur has exceeded $32,000 in lifetime earnings for owner Verlin Yoder. Trained by Walter Carroll, the 3-year-old bay colt has won three of eight lifetime starts, all coming in 2008.

Each of the Self Possessed colts are eligible for the August 2 Hambletonian.

In the non-wagering American Harness Drivers Club Final, Shania Twain and driver David Yarock battled down the stretch to defeat Sand D’Laney and Donald Hicks in 1:58.

Bob “Hollywood” Heyden spoke with injured driver George Brennan, who said that he was “feeling good” and was “lucky.”

“Actually, it could have been a lot worse. It could have been a head or spinal injury. I also could have had the area infected; but the doctor looked Monday and said that it was okay. The whole area has been cleaned with six units of saline. It’s pretty much a waiting game now. They’ll reset the pressing tomorrow (Friday). But I won’t be back until I’m 110 percent. Plus, I have three great nurses (wife Tracie and his two daughters) taking care of me — it could be worse.”

In addition, driver of the week Brian Sears will be Hollywood Heyden’s guest star on the Friday pre-show.