from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Sensational 3-year-old filly pacer Southwind Tempo picked up her ninth straight win in a $58,000 Tarport Hap division on Friday night (July 20) at the Meadowlands.

Lisa Photo

Southwind Tempo continued her impressive season with a Tarport Hap win on Friday.

With regular partner Tim Tetrick in the sulky, Southwind Tempo fought hard to clear the lead in a scorching :26.2 opening quarter, but was able to slow the fractions down as she took the field to the half in :55.4.

Cabana Fever pressured her on the outside, but Southwind Tempo repelled her challenger entering the stretch and drew off to a 1-1/4 length victory. She returned $2.20, $2.10 and $2.10. Artcotic chased the winner through the stretch to no avail. She paid $2.20 and $2.10 to place. Tidewaterdragonfly was a half-length behind and paid $2.10 to show.

Southwind Tempo has won 11 races this season and 14 of 15 overall. Toby Lynch purchased Southwind Tempo for $3,500 at the Blooded Horse Sale in the spring of 2005 and developed her early in her career. He sold a 20 percent interest in the filly to retired New York Jet Wayne Chrebet in April and turned over training duties to Steve Elliott for the remainder of her sophomore season.

Two other Tarport Hap divisions were also contested on the card. Me And My Baby took the $59,000 second division in 1:51 for the team of Ron Pierce and trainer Bruce Nickells. Lady Mattgalane scored her third straight stakes win with a 1:51.1 mile in the third division for Brian Sears and trainer Greg Peck.

Later on the card, Arch Madness asserted he is ready for the $1.5 million Hambletonian with a 1:54.3 score in a 3-year-old open trot. The colt is part of a quartet of trotters driver-trainer Trond Smedshammer is aiming toward next Saturday’s eliminations for the August 4 classic.