Keystone Activator, a World Record holder at two, showed that he may be a force in the sophomore class
Monday at The Meadows by fashioning an easy front-end victory in his $15,000 division of the Primo Spur - a series for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters.
Last year at The Meadows, Keystone Activator trotted in 1:55.2 - a record for freshman colts on a five eighths mile track which soon was eclipsed when Explosive Matter toured Dover Downs in 1:55. Trainer Jim Raymer upgraded the competition level for the son of SJs Caviar, who went on to finish fifth in the Breeders Crown final.
On Monday, with the track sloppy and the wind howling, Eric Ledford sent Keystone Activator to the lead. He drew off to win in 1:58.1, more than eight lengths better than Dashing Earl. Photoforwin recovered from a break to finish third. Tammie Raymer and Trillium Racing Stable own Keystone Activator.
Debis Keeper saved ground for Aaron Merriman, then brushed by in the stretch to score in 1:57.4. Masters Cook was second while 4-5 favourite Chips And Wings was third. Paul Kennedy, Jr. trains Debis Keeper, a gelded son of Lockkeeper, for Markus Ernst.
In the $25,000 Preferred Pace, Martys Charm was rough-gaited before the start but quickly settled for Randy Tharps, who moved the five-year-old gelded son of Aces N Sevens to the front at the quarter pole. Martys Charm prevailed by a neck over Pacey Deucey in 1:53, with Civil Attack third.
Martha and Gerald Baluck own Martys Charm, who has won 19 of 38 career starts.
(The Meadows)