from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — San Remo Kosmos ($2.60, $2.40, $2.10) trotted to a well rated 1:53.4 victory in the $43,000 Father Foley Memorial on Sunday afternoon (May 6) at the Meadowlands.

Driver Andy Miler floated San Remo Kosmos to the top in a tepid :28 opening quarter and led the field through a single-file crawl in :57.2 and 1:26.2. San Remo Kosmos easily repelled the challenge of Calchips Muscle on the final turn and dug in gamely for a 2-1/4 length win over Carie’s Credit ($5.80, $2.20). It was another quarter-length back to Euro Hanover ($2.10) in third.

San Remo Kosmos finished second to Mr Muscleman in both preliminary legs of the Father Foley, but did not have to face his foe in the final.

“He’s been racing great, but unfortunately, he’s had to chase Mr Muscleman and today he wasn’t here,” Miller said. “He just coasted along and when that horse came at him a little, he just picked it right up and it was just a coast to the wire.”

Mark Silva trains San Remo Kosmos for the Upstate Downstate Stable of Briarcliff Manor, New York. The 4-year-old SJ’s Photo gelding was a private purchase from trainer Roger Hammer on December 8, 2006.

“A couple of childhood friends of mine (Eric Troelstra and Scott Brannon) wanted to get back into the horse business,” explained co-owner David Reid. “They spotted him, actually, and they asked us to inquire about him. We (Reid and co-owner Geoff Stein) made an inquiry to Roger Hammer, were able to strike a deal and it’s worked out terrific.”

The victory was the 22nd in 59 career starts for San Remo Kosmos, who surpassed the $200,000 mark in earnings.

Enroll now for The Meadowlands survival challenge

It will be a battle to the finish for cash, trips and other prizes in the Meadowlands’ 2007 Championship Meet Survival Challenge, an online handicapping competition that begins on May 26.

Enrollment opened on May 1.

The game covers the Meadowlands’ Championship Meet, featuring more than $16 million in stakes races and the best pacers and trotters in training. The game concludes on Hambletonian Day, August 4, 2007.

The winner is determined by the highest total bankroll at the end of the Challenge based on a $2 “across the board” wager (win, place and show) on selections for three designated races each program.

However, to continue in the game, entrants have to “survive” by finishing in-the-money (first through third) with at least one of their selections each day. Failing to do so or not making selections (you only get one “free pass” if you miss a program), knocks the player out of the game.

The grand prize is $2,000 plus entry into the 2008 National Harness Handicapping Championship at the Meadowlands (includes airfare and hotel accommodations).

The second place prize is $1,000 and a Meadowlands IPOD Nano. The third place prize is $500.

There are two bonus awards of $500 each for most number of winners and most three-for-three winning days.

Additionally, there will be a weekly prize for the highest bankroll for that week (Wednesday through Tuesday). The winner receives a Meadowlands IPOD Shuffle with all prizes mailed out at the conclusion of the game.

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and Canada, and all selections must be made through the format provided on the Survival Challenge website page. No selections will be accepted by phone, fax, e-mail or any other means. Past performances for the three designated races will be provided through the game board.

The deadline for selections each day is 30 minutes before 7:30 p.m. post time for the first race. Exceptions include Memorial Day, May 28 (first post is 1:10 p.m.), Hambletonian Eliminations Day, July 28 (post time is 5:00 p.m.) and Hambletonian Day (post time is 11:30 a.m.). After 30 minutes to post, all selections are final.

To set up a username and password, and for more of the contest rules, visit www.thebigm.com/survival.

Treat mom to a gourmet brunch at The Meadowlands

The Meadowlands Racetrack is one place where it’s okay for moms to play favorites.

The racetrack’s penthouse level Pegasus Restaurant is offering a champagne brunch buffet on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13. The cost of the buffet is $39.95 per person and includes racetrack admission and live racing program (excludes tax and gratuity).

Terraces restaurant will feature a three-course brunch special for $36.95 per person (excludes admission, program, tax and gratuity).

Children ages 6-12 dine for half-price at both restaurants, while those five and under are free.

Both brunch options include a glass of champagne or mimosa, as well as a complimentary bottle of champagne for all mothers.

Live harness racing begins at 1:10 p.m. Reservations may be made by calling (201) THE-BIGM. Menus are available online at: http://www.thebigm.com/eventsDetail.asp?eventid=2821.