by Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations
East Rutherford, NJ — Shady McCoy and Kaitlyn N both displayed high speed in taking the co-features at the Meadowlands Friday night (June 15).
Lisa photo
Shady McCoy and driver Eric Abbatiello took the fifth race Friday night at the Meadowlands.
Shady McCoy won the fifth race conditioned trot in a lifetime-best equaling 1:53.2 for trainer-driver Eric Abbatiello. The 5-year-old gelded son of S J’s Caviar cleared the lead just after the quarter, and after sprinting home in :28.1, hit the wire 2-1/4 lengths in front of Gold Medal Swan. Zlatan was third.
As the 3-1 third choice in the wagering, Shady McCoy paid $8.40 to win.
Kaitlyn N took the sixth race conditioned pace for fillies and mares in a lifetime-best 1:51.1 for the Delaware-based trainer-driver team of Joshua Parker and Art Stafford Jr. The 5-year-old daughter of American Ideal sprinted to the lead in :27, rebuffed a challenge by OK Heavenly at three-quarters, and then reported home a two length winner. OK Heavenly held the place spot with Rockin Praline grabbing third.
As the even-money favorite, Kaitlyn N returned $4.00 to her backers, winning for the fourth time in her last five starts.
Earlier on the card, Hambletonian hopeful Zephyr Kronos scored as the 1-5 favorite in a lifetime-best equaling 1:53.3 for trainer-driver Jimmy Takter in a conditioned trot.
Takter was unhurried with his pupil, who is now three-for-seven in his career, getting away last before making his way toward the leaders heading past the half. The son of Ready Cash continued to move well all the way to the wire, which he hit a safe neck in front of Dawson Springs.
A Little More: Nine different drivers won one race apiece on the card. Favorites ruled the night, as five public choices visited the winner’s circle. All-source wagering on the nine-race program was $1,583,322. The Late 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, swelling the carryover to $255,625. Racing resumes at the Big M Saturday at 7:15 p.m. Curiosity seekers will want to come out and see the seventh annual Camel and Ostrich Derbies, which will be contested after the third (ostriches) and eighth (camels) races.