It’s been a long time between drinks for Maltese Artist and Shark Gesture, who managed to find their way to victory lane following their respective assignments on Saturday evening at The Meadowlands.

Shark Gesture, who last visited the winner’s circle on June 2, 2007 following his score in the New Hampshire Sweepstakes at Rockingham Park, turned in North America’s fastest mile of the season thanks to his 1:49.1 victory in tonight’s $20,000 opener at The Big M.

Dan Dube guided the Larry Remmen-trained, six-year-old son of Cams Card Shark to his 14th lifetime win. Shark Gesture, who recently became a member of the million dollar club, is owned by the partnership of Norman Smiley of Boca Raton, FL, Gerald Smiley of Cote Saint-Luc, QC and the T L P Stable of Kearny, NJ.

Saturday night’s $31,500 Invitational Pace went to the double millionaire Maltese Artist, who rallied to win in 1:49.3 for driver Brian Sears and trainer Ronnie Burke.

The six-year-old son of Artiscape, who hasn’t been to the winner’s circle since taking a $40,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway on September 20, 2008, wore down pacesetter Race Track Ruler and fended off Toucam Sam for the win. Those two dead-heated for the runner-up award.

It was the 35th lifetime win for Maltese Artist, who is owned by James Koran of Macedonia, OH and the Burke Racing Stable LLC of Fredericktown, PA.

To view Saturday’s results, click here.