from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Winbak Speed assumed command of the lead midway down the backstretch and never looked back as he cruised to an easy four length win in Saturday night’s (Jan. 3) $35,000 Invitational Pace at The Meadowlands.

Driven by Ron Pierce, Winbak Speed ($5.40, $2.80, $2.40) tracked in fourth position through the opening quarter, but quickly moved to the front after a half in :54.4 and never looked back, finishing the mile in 1:50.2. Soul Chaser ($2.80, $2.40), the 7-5 favorite, rallied to challenge for the lead at the top of the stretch, but had to settle for second, four lengths in front of Noble Falcon in third.

The win was the 21st of Winbak Speed’s career, as the 6-year-old pushed his career earnings to more than $350,000 for owners Wayne Givens and Niel J. Gargiulo.

Winbak Speed, along with many others from this race, is nominated to the Presidential Series that kicks off next Saturday night.

Live racing continues Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands with a post time of 1:10 p.m.

Meadowlands moves qualifiers to Thursdays

Beginning January 8, qualifying races at the Meadowlands will be held Thursday mornings. The entry box closes Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Post time for qualifiers remains 10:00 a.m.