The opening round of the Charles Singer Memorial went postward on Thursday evening at The Meadowlands Racetrack, with trotters going toe-to-toe in a set of $12,500 divisions
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Trouble, who was a solid runner-up in last week’s 2012 debut for new trainer Julie Miller, turned in a maiden-breaking victory in the opening split. Andy Miller rallied the three-year-old son of Conway Hall-Anna Karins Girl to the 1:58.1 decision over race favourite Not Afraid, who supplied the field with panels of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:28.4, and Kingstone.
Andy Miller Stable Inc of Millstone Township and George Brennan Inc of Perrineville, NJ share ownership on Trouble, who was sent off as the 5-1 third choice in the wagering.
Connie Lauxmont disappointed in his first start of the season, but since then he’s rattled off four consecutive wins for trainer James Atkinson.
Brian Sears was handed the lines for Thursday’s assignment, and he opted to dive into an early four-hole with the three-year-old son of Conway Hall-Lady Law. Despite getting interfered with by a breaking T V Rev shortly past the quarter pole, Sears moved his charge into the two-hole and proceeded to track Falcor Bluestone through middle intervals of :59.1 and 1:29.2. A :29.2 closing quarter enabled Connie Lauxmont to sprint to the top and secure the 1:59 victory by 1-1/4 lengths over Mans Treasure, with third prize going to White Russian.
Sent off as the 4-5 favourite in the seven-horse affair, Connie Lauxmont won for the fifth time in his career for James and Carol Atkinson of Georgetown, DE. The lion’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to $46,932.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Meadowlands Racetrack.