On Monday, February 23 at the Meadows, Irresistible Mel has become the Rodney Dangerfield of the Big TARP, a series for three and four-year-old trotting colts and geldings. The gelding won his third series start Monday in as many legs, but in none of those races was he sent off the favourite.

On MondayIrresistible Mel got away fourth as the 2-1 second choice. At Aaron Merriman’s urging, he unleashed a long uncovered bid that carried him to victory in 2:01.1, a half-length better than first-time starter Texas Heat K. The favourite, SJs Caliente, found late racing room to be third.

John Melsheimer trains Irresistible Mel, a four-year-old gelded son of SJs Photo-Irresistible Lady, for Mel Rose Stable. Also taking $12,000 third-leg divisions were Rose Run Julio, who lowered his lifetime mark to 1:59.1, and Tsmlil Orphan Andy, a 29-1 bomb.

Next Monday’s Big TARP final will go for approximately $30,000. Guess who won’t be favoured?

(Meadows)