Ideal Matters was sent off as the longest shot on the toteboard in Saturday’s $32,000 Invitational Pace at the Meadowlands Racetrack, but that didn’t stop him from rallying for a 1:50.4 score for driver Yannick Gingras

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Gingras came from just off-the-pace with Ideal Matters, who uncorked a :26.2 closing quarter to post the narrow victory over Strand Hanover in an impressive clocking of 1:50.4.

River Shark was parked through a :27-second opening panel before crossing down to the pylons and supplying middle panels of :56.1 and 1:24. Strand Hanover was first-over at the mid-way point, and he continued to press the leader until eventually overtaking that front-stepping foe. He couldn’t hold off the late rushing Ideal Matters, though, as that rival roared by to and posted the half-length win. Runner-up Strand Hanover was game in defeat, while race favourite Hypnotic Blue Chip, who trailed throughout, had to settle for third prize.

Noel Daley trains Ideal Matters, who improved his 2011 record to 4-1-1 in nine starts, for the partnership of Brittany Farms, Adam Victor And Son Stble, Mel Hartman and Island View Partners. The four-year-old son of Western Ideal-Art Matters, who is now 10-for-21 in his career, is quickly closing in on $200,000 in lifetime earnings.

To view results for Saturday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results – Meadowlands Racetrack.