Toddler Tantrum blows up tote board at 37-1 in Keystone Classic

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Dismissed at 37-1, Toddler Tantrum blew up the tote board Friday (Oct. 2) at The Meadows when he roared by the favorite in the lane to capture a Keystone Classic division.

The $108,000 stake for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers was contested over three divisions, with Fernando Hanover and Allie’s Cruiser taking the other splits.

Toddler Tantrum scored at 37-1 odds for driver Eric Goodell.

Toddler Tantrum saved ground for most of the mile and trailed the 1-5 favorite, Ideal Jimmy, by four lengths turning for home. But the son of Western Terror-Ubetterthink Think brushed wide through the lane for Eric Goodell and scored in 1:53.2. Bank Shot Hanover rallied for second, 1-3/4 lengths back, while Ideal Jimmy, weary from an extended first-over move, saved show.

“I really thought he had a chance,” said Tim Twaddle, who trains Toddler Tantrum for Don Tiger and Birnam Wood Farms. “This was the toughest division on paper, and I thought he’d need some luck to win. But he was outstanding. He’ll go to the Simpson at Vernon Downs, and that will be it for him this year.”

Sent off at 8-1, Fernando Hanover got the jump on favorite Sam McSmith when he pulled the pocket down the backside for Mike Wilder and defeated his rival by 6-1/2 lengths in a career-best 1:52, fastest of the stake. Early leader Blake North finished third.

“He felt very nice in the two hole; I was hoping he wasn’t playing possum with me,” Wilder said. “With the conditions today, windy and cool, I thought that was a heckuva mile.”

Ron Burke conditions the Dragon Again-Fashion Ecstasy gelding, who collected his first stake victory, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Frank Baldachino and JJK Stables.

Burke notched another Keystone Classic victory when the pocket-sitting Allie’s Cruiser kicked by the favorite, McDave, in the stretch to down him by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:54. Safensound Hanover earned show.

“He’s a little more aggressive than he was early in the season, but I’ve loved this colt,” said winning driver Dave Palone. “I think he’ll make a top 3-year-old. He has a great attitude, and he’s great gaited.”

Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and Larry Karr campaign the son of Yankee Cruiser-Santastic’s Filly.

$122,800 Keystone Classic, 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters

Southern Cross, Major Matter, Iron Mine Bucky and Treasure Keys K each took a division of Friday’s co-feature, a $122,800 Keystone Classic for freshman colt and gelding trotters.

Chris Gooden photos

Southern Cross scored in 1:56.4 for Aaron Merriman.

Southern Cross hadn’t been on the lead at any point in his three-race career, but he blasted to the top for Aaron Merriman and broke his maiden handily in a stakes-fastest 1:56.4. Nathaniel was second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Mr Right third.

“They told me he might be a little grabby in the post parade; he was pretty grabby all the way around,” Merriman said. “But his gait is flawless. He dragged me right out of there, and I let him do his thing.”

Ake Svanstedt trains Southern Cross, a Donato Hanover-Temple Of Heaven gelding, for Vanersol Inc.

Iron Mine Bucky converted a pocket trip to victory in 1:57.1 for George Dennis, and he also may have punched his ticket to a pair of rich late-season stakes.

“He’s come a long way,” said Greg Haverstick, who trains the son of Explosive Matter-My Foolish Dream for Iron Mine Branch. “He’s getting better, faster, stronger. He has the Breeders Crown and the Matron, and if George says he’s good enough to go, we’ll go.”

Cufflink Hanover was second, 1-1/2 lengths in arrears, while Can We Have Fun completed the ticket.

When Alexander Hanover drifted off the pylons down the backstretch, Major Matter shot through the opening — a bold yet risky move that paid off when Major Matter defeated Alexander Hanover by a length in 1:57.2. Roccos Tacos was third.

“If a man moves over, I’ll certainly try to take advantage of it,” said winning trainer/driver Rick Beinhauer, who bred and owns the Explosive Matter-Tahiti Springs gelding with Regina Beinhauer. “You could have got two horses up inside. I’ll take my chances when I get them.”

Goodell and Burke each enjoyed a four-bagger on the 15-race card.

Monday’s program at The Meadows feature a pair of Keystone Classics for 3-year-old fillies — a $91,800 trot and a $69,000 pace. The card also offers a $10,000 total-pool guarantee for the Pick-4, races four-seven. First post is 12:55 p.m.

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