A field of eight trotters converged on the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday night (Oct. 20) night to compete in the second leg of the RUS MidAtlantic series.

When the dust settled, No Recess, ridden by Sietske Dijhkof, scored a convincing ten-length victory in 1:59 over the ‘fast’ track. Hyway Marcus finished second, while French trotter Atout De Fontaine – who was making his first start in North America and first overall since April at Angers in France – finished third, a half-length further back.

When the gate opened, Hyway Marcus went right for the lead as Atout De Fontaine pushed the perennial circuit winner to the first quarter, parked in a :28.3. Keenan, who took advantage of the rail position, managed to get away third (Funny Photo was parked in fourth). No Recess, the eventual race winner, got away sixth.

The race was close all the way to the three-quarters marker, as Hyway Marcus took the field through middle fractions of :57.3 and 1:28.3. By the time the field reached the three-quarters, a stalking No Recess had made up enough ground to be second. Funny Photo, who was parked the entire way, was third.

Once the field hit the stretch, No Recess hit his best stride, as he opened up a two-length lead over Hyway Marcus, who was unable to engage the leader after having been used early. Continuing his drive, No Recess ended up being the victor by open lengths. Atout De Fontaine, who had been fourth at the top of the stretch, managed to finish third, just behind Marcus. The tough trip took its toll on Funny Photo, who managed to hold on to fourth, two lengths further behind. Puddin N Pie, who was making his first start under saddle, finished fifth. Finishing further behind (in order) were Keenan, One True Friend, and Credit Blues.

No Recess is a nine year-old altered son of Rich Boy – Riann Photo, by SJs Photo, and is trained by Kyle Spagnola for Spagnola Racing, LLC. With Saturday’s victory, Sietske Dijhkof now has a riding record of 4-3-0-1 for 2018.

The final leg of the RUS MidAtlantic series will be contested at Rosecroft Raceway. The date has yet to be finalized.

(RUS MidAtlantic)