Trainer Ron Burke has commented on Southwind Serenity heading into this Friday’s second leg of the Burning Point Series at the Meadowlands Racetrack. In last week’s opening leg, the Real Desire mare led into the stretch before fading and finishing fifth.

The opening leg of the Burning Point Series was supposed to be a showdown between Ron Burke’s dynamic duo (Southwind Serenity and Donttellruss) and Tony Alagna’s red-hot Witch Dali. Instead, 14-1 longshot Empress Deo passed all three of them in the lane to win in an upset.

In speaking with the Meadowlands’ publicity team, Burke stated that he expects a bounce-back effort from both of his mares on Friday.

The Burke entry has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favourite for Friday’s tilt, which has been carded as Race 6 on the 13-dash program. The twosome is part of a field of seven pacing mares that also includes Worldly Beauty champion Witch Dali and first-leg winner Empress Deo. The $65,000 final is scheduled for February 21.

“She tied up last week,” Burke said about Southwind Serenity. “I’m not making any equipment changes and I’m confident she won’t have those issues again this week.”

He’s also hoping for a change in tactics on Friday night. Last week, Southwind Serenity was on the lead while Donttellruss came first over.

“Hopefully with different trips this week we will see better results,” Burke was quoted as saying.

Once again, Yannick Gingras will drive Southwind Serenity and Corey Callahan will be partnered with Donttellruss.

Also on the program, Meladys Monet will look to win his third consecutive race in a small, but select field in the Open Handicap Trot (Race 2), while world champion Shebestingin will continue her comeback in Race 7.

The 50-cent Pick 5, with an average pool of more than $50,000, will begin in Race 1. The Early Pick 4 will begin in Race 3 (its average pool size has also been more than $50,000). The Late Pick 4 covers Races 7-10 and features an average pool size of more than $72,000.

(With files from the Meadowlands)