The richest field in track history took center stage Monday night at Harrington Raceway in the $317,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial as Joe Muscara's Mister Big earned his ninth consecutive win in 1:51.2.
The Virgil Morgan Jr. trainee, who was driven by Brian Sears, received a second-over trip behind pacesetter Booze Cruzan, who strolled to fractions of 27.3, 54.2, and 1:22.3.
Mister Big, who was sent off as the 1-5 choice, mounted his attack behind a first-over Kenneth J. Sears tipped three wide on the final turn and the
five-year-old son of Grinfromeartoear did the rest.
He surged by for a one-length win over Maltese Artist – the defending champ in the Quillen Memorial - and Won the West, who dead-heated for the runner-up position.
"He had good pace," said Sears of Mister Big. "I thought ideally if I could be first over, that would be the best scenario for me, but he was able to come three-wide and everything worked out for the best."
Mister Big earned his berth in the final with a win in his elimination on October 13 in 1:51.1.
"I was really pleased with the way he got around the track," said Sears. "Virgil has done a great job with him. He is definitely a special horse. Track size doesn't really matter that much with him, but he is a good-sized horse so I think he appreciates the big track.
"What a pleasure it is to drive this horse," he added. "I just want to thank he and the
owner for the opportunity. Sorry he couldn't be here tonight, but he is a great guy and I love the opportunity he has given me."
While Muscara wasn't able to make the trip, his sons Bob and Joe Muscara Jr. were in attendance.
Mister Big has now banked nearly $3.3 million in his illustrious career.
The race is named in honour of late Delaware legislator and long time Harrington Raceway/Delaware State Fair Board Member Bobby Quillen. Quillen was a regular at the racetrack and a popular member of the community who always had the horsemen's best interests at heart.
(Harrington Raceway)