Laughandbehappy shook loose late in the stretch and got up to win the $32,000 Mares Invitational on opening night of the 2011 harness meet at Meadowlands Racetrack
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Driven by David Miller, Laughandbehappy capitalized on a perfect three-hole trip behind the leader and eventual third-place finisher Red Star Hottie (Yannick Gingras) and out-sprinted the pocket-sitter Bet The Ranch (Brian Sears) to win by two and a quarter lengths in 1:51.4.
Eric Cherry, who races as Let It Ride Stables, and his longtime friend Robert Cooper, purchased the five-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover-Zinful for $55,000 on November 23, 2009. She has since earned more than $150,000 for Cherry, Cooper and Jerry Silva, who bought into the mare last January.
Laughandbehappy won eight of 17 starts in 2010, including the White Ruffles and Night Styles Series finals at the Meadowlands. She is eligible to both the Cape & Cutter (begins February 4) and Overbid series (March 4) this season. Click here to read more about Cherry's decision to purchase Laughandbehappy.
Lil Dude Starrbuck won the $25,000 We're Not So Young Anymore, a special pacing event for horses age 10 and up. Driven by George Brennan, Lil Dude Starrbuck glided up to take command past the half and held off a late charge by Mypanmar (David Miller) for a neck victory in 1:52.3. Favourite Boos Boy (Tim Tetrick) settled for third.
Lil Dude Starrbuck notched his 38th career win in his 163rd start for Sharon Renkers' Lil Dude Ranch of Surrey, B.C. Lou Pena trains the son of Threefold-Almahurst Irish, who has banked $576,580 over the course of his career.
Matt Kakaley steered Winning Mister to a well rated 1:54.3 victory in the $32,000 featured trot for older horses. Trained by Walt Carroll, Winning Mister posted his 14th career win in his 79th start. Robert Key owns the five-year-old son of Angus Hall-Winning Missbrenda.
To view Friday's results, click here.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)