Radar Contact Sprints Home For The Win

Published: April 3, 2015 10:59 pm EDT

The featured $27,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace was a wide open affair on paper, especially considering the scratch of morning line favourite Sayitall BB. But, Radar Contact had other ideas, taking the initiative from the start and powering home to win in 1:50.

Sent off as the even-money favourite, Radar Contact was sent immediately to the lead and was allowed to settle on top of the field through an opening quarter of :26.4. The seven-year-old mare didn’t see any challenge through the half-mile of :56.3, where she was able to catch a :29.4 breather in the second quarter. From there, Radar Contact picked it up, pacing a :27.4 third panel, reaching three-quarters in 1:24.2. Throughout the mile, Inittowinafortune was riding the pocket behind the leader. Addys Way committed first over on the far turn, but could never get closer than the leader’s wheel. That mare backed away in the stretch and with no one else rallying, Inittowinafortune ripped out of the pocket to challenge Radar Contact, but she stumbled inside the final eighth of the mile, costing her any chance of catching the leader. Amazingly, Radar Contact paced the final quarter in :25.3, winning by just over one length to trip the timer in 1:50, equalling her lifetime mark. Cloris Hanover rallied to be third.

The winner was driven by John Campbell for trainer Noel Daley and owners Charles Stillings and Dean Ehrgott.

The $25,000 Dash for the “G” Notes Final for trotters kicked off the late Pick 4. Muscolo, a winner of his division last week, was sent off as the 8-5 favourite. But, it was second choice, Looking Hanover who would establish the pace, trotting to the lead in rather tepid fractions of :28, :57.2 and 1:26.3. The outer flow began to develop moving into the far turn, led by longshot Walltocousins. All About Justice was well-situated second over with Sweet Justice lurking in the cover flow as well. As the trotters straightened up, Looking Hanover was met with an onslaught of challengers and gave way in deep stretch. Muscolo sat the pocket and made his presence felt late and All About Justice loomed into contention off cover. But it was Sweet Justice who towered up over the crown of the racetrack and trotted past them all to reach the wire first in 1:54.1 for Dave Miller. Muscolo was second with All About Justice third.

Sweet Justice is trained by Bruce Sauners for M&M Harness Racing LLC.

The amateurs took to the track in the fifth race. Peter Kleinhans tried to steal the race, setting a torrid pace with his trotter, Mr Ridgetaker, but Hannah Miller was able to reel him in near the wire to grab the victory in this round of the GSY Amateur Series with her trotter, Jacks To Open. For Miller, it was her 10th win from 21 starts this year.

Nine different drivers found the winner's circle at The Meadowlands Friday night, with Dave Miller, Andy Miller and Corey Callahan scoring doubles.

Both Jackpots went unclaimed in the Super Hi-5 wagers. The fifth race carryover has swelled to $67,715, with the last race carryover now at $32,949.

Racing returns on Saturday with first post at 7:15 p.m.

(Meadowlands Racetrack)

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