from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

Newsam [$8.00, $4.20, $4.00] rallied late in the stretch and nipped the pacesetter Top Flight [$5.60, $3.80] at the wire to win by a nose in the first of five $12,500 divisions of the opening round of the Senior Trendsetter on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands.

Lisa photo.

Rosedale Mascot rallied in the stretch for a one and three-quarters of a length victory over Great Tempo in 1:54.2 in the fifth and final division of the Senior Trendsetter.

It was three quarters of a length back to Dream Believer [$3.60] in third.

Driven by Howard Parker and trained by Ernest Adam, Newsam paced the mile in 1:53.2.

The four-year-old gelded son of Nobleland Sam posted his third win in his fourth start of the year and increased his lifetime earnings to $46,595 for Kenneth Hess Jr. of Trenton, New Jersey.

In the second race, the second division, Domination [$4.00, $3.00, $2.60] took control of the lead around the backside and held off a late charge from What’s Demotta You [$9.80, $5.40] at the wire to win by a half-length in 1:54.4.

Docdor Art [$3.60] finished three quarters of a length back in third.

Domination, with driver Ron Pierce in the sulky, paced the mile in 1:54.4.

The four-year-old gelded son of Life Sign is trained by Noel Daley and posted his first win in his third start, increasing his lifetime earnings to $27,974 for the Adam Victor and Son Stable of New York, New York.

In the third race, the third division, Ritch Art [$3.40, $2.20, $2.10], with driver Cat Manzi in the bike, wired the field for his third straight victory by a length and a quarter in 1:52.3.

Visitor Parking [$3.40, $2.60] finished second and it was six and a quarter lengths back to J D Easter Magic [$6.20] in third.

Trained by Darby Miller, Ritch Art is a perfect three for three this year with lifetime earnings of 57,677 for owners Thomas Cummins of Celina, Ohio and Greg Grismore of Northfield, Ohio.

In the fourth race, the fourth division, Southwind Salem [$11.40, $6.20, $4.40] rallied late to win in an exciting four-horse finish by a half-length in a personal best of 1:54.2.

Cross Examination [$4.60, $3.20] finished second and The Chosen One [$7.40] finished a half-length back in third.

Driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Mark Ford, Southwind Salem posted his first victory of the year in his third start for owner James Snyder of Wooster, Ohio.

In the fifth race, the fifth and final division, Rosedale Mascot [$19.80, $10.00, $8.20] rallied in the stretch for a one and three-quarters of a length victory over Great Tempo [$10.20, $10.00] in 1:54.2.

Now That’s Art [$11.40] finished fifth but was placed third after Rocky Spur and Cosmic Dreamer were disqualified for breaking violations and were placed fourth and fifth.

Driven by Mike Lachance and trained by Ken Rucker, Rosedale Mascot notched his first win in his second start for owners Joseph Caponetto of Oak Park, Illinois, Joseph Reynolds of La Grange Park, Illinois, and Douglas Lyons of Bridgeview, Illinois.

The Senior Trendsetter series continues next Sunday, February 15 and concludes with its estimated $75,000 final on February 22.

SOUTH AFRICA IS FIRST STOP FOR INTERNATIONAL WINE TASTINGS IN PEGASUS AT THE MEADOWLANDS

The Meadowlands Racetrack presents the flavors of the vineyards of South Africa in the elegant Pegasus Restaurant on Thursday, February 26.

Pegasus is a 2002 and 2003 recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

The South African Wine Tasting will introduce diners to a superb selection of full-bodied wines from South Africa complemented by carefully chosen hors d’oeuvres. Experts from 57 Main Street Wine Company will be on hand to share insights into the fine art of wine making.

South Africa is the first stop in an eight-month series of wine tastings. The cost is $35 per person and includes the wine, appetizers, tax, gratuity, racetrack admission and live racing program.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 201-THE-BIGM.

Wine tastings begin at 6:30 p.m. First post for the live program of harness racing is 7:30 p.m.

Featured wines to be served are: KWV Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, KWV Reserve Shiraz, Perold Shiraz, Cathedral Cellar Pinotage, Triptych Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Roodeberg Blend and Robert’s Rock Shiraz/Malbec Blend.

Courses include an international cheese display, pan-seared red mullet served with braised shiitake mushroom caps and pickled fruit in a Riesling emulsion, and cheesecake with a port wine reduction.

Future tastings are scheduled for March 18 [French], April 22 [Australian], May 20 [Californian], June 24 [Italian], August 4 [Hambletonian Festival, wines to be announced], September 23 [South American], October 21 [International mix], November 18 [Harvest].

Menus and wine selections are available in the Upcoming Events section on the Meadowlands Racetrack’s web site: www.thebigm.com.