One week after failing on an open lead as the 1-5 favourite, Goo For Broke got many of her friends back after taking the $17,123 featured conditioned trot in a lifetime-best 1:53.2.

“I got a lot of hate [for last week],” said driver Brett Beckwith in reference to Goo For Broke finishing second by a head over the sloppy going. “People thought I fell asleep. But she had an off day. It wasn’t all my fault, but she rebounded well tonight.”

Instead of racing on the lead, as they did last week, Beckwith worked out a pocket trip for Goo For Broke behind 8-5 favourite Royal Comet (Anibal Borjas) and scooted up the cones late to record a resounding three-length win over the public choice. Tom Swifty (Joe Bongiorno) finished third.

“She warmed up really well on a helmet,” said Beckwith, “and I thought Anibal would cover me up. She’s a sweetheart and really likes her job. She’s pretty versatile and I’m looking forward to the future she has.”

A six-year-old daughter of Googoo Gaagaa-Hs Carry On who is trained by Per Engblom, Goo For Broke lifted her lifetime stats to 10 wins in 58 starts for owner/breeder Timothy Betts of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. 

As the 2-1 second choice in the wagering, she returned $6 to win.

Beckwith led the driver colony with four wins on the night, upping his Big M dash-win-leading total to 48. 

Colin Kelly swept the late double ($7). His two winners on the night have him firmly in second in the standings with 30 victories.

Engblom’s two walks down victory lane led the trainers.

Racing resumes on Saturday at The Meadowlands at 6 p.m. When the first race heads to the starting gate, there figures to be some serious green in the 20-cent Pick-5 pool. Friday night’s Pick-5 sequence proved too tough for players as winners' odds were 9-1, 12-1, 5-2, 10-1 and 27-1. As a result, bettors will be gunning for a carryover of $26,400. Those with four correct cashed in for $391.80.

The $1 Pick-8 went unhit for a third consecutive offering, upping the carryover to $66,454. A sequence where winners' odds went to the gate at 5-2, 10-1, 27-1, 4-5, 9-1, 7-2, 2-1 and 5-2 proved to be too much for the masses. Those with six correct collected $163.40.

The 20-cent Pick-5 is offered on races one through five, while the $1 Pick-8 is available on dashes three through 10.

All-source handle on the 14-race program totalled $2,735,565 USD.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)