On a cold and blustery night in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the wagering was hot and heavy.
The Friday night all sources handle of $2,963,279 was the highest handle for a Friday card since closing night of the 2010 Championship meet. When compared to the $2,053,771 wagered on the same Friday in 2012, the additional handle of $909,508 translated to a mark of an incredible 44 per cent increase. The handle increases were felt both on track and through export wagering.
The cold weather couldn’t stop the red hot hands of Dave Miller as he won another four races and continues his fantastic start to the 2013 racing season. One of those four wins came in a $16,000 division of the Clyde Hirt Series as he guided One Through Ten through a hard fought 1:50.3 triumph for trainer Richard 'Nifty' Norman. One Through Ten will aim for a series sweep on the blockbuster Saturday night card next week, featuring the finals of the Presidential, Clyde Hirt and Super Bowl.
One Through Ten will have his hands full with another dual-division winner, Holdingallthecards, who made it three in a row at The Meadowlands with a 1:50.3 performance in his division of the Clyde Hirt for trainer Scott Di Domenico. Holdingallthecards was driven by Tim Tetrick, who won two races on the card.
In other Clyde Hirt action, Quebec-bred Cee Pee Panic redeemed a disappointing loss in round one with his second leg score in an identical 1:50.3 with Yannick Gingras in the sulky. Gingras also clicked with Cee Pee Panic's fellow Ron Burke stablemates Ole Miss and Free For All trotter Unefoisdansmavie.
Racing resumes on Saturday with the second round of the Presidential Series, headlined by the sensational Golden Receiver as he continues his trek for back-to-back Presidential victories. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Meadowlands Racetrack.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)