A trotter named after a character in Quentin Tarantino’s classic 1994 crime film ‘Pulp Fiction’ danced its way to a series-final victory on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 21).
Saratoga Casino Hotel’s Sunday matinee program featured the $38,200 final of the Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series.
Eight trotters that had earned points while competing in the series’ two preliminary legs contested the final. The final appeared to be wide open, seeing as though no single horse had won both preliminary legs. As a matter of fact, the race’s favourite, Missus Mia Wallace (by Credit Winner), had advanced to the final via a draw, as she was one of several trotters that were tied in points heading into the final.
Bruce Aldrich Jr. had piloted Missus Mia Wallace to a Leg Two victory for trainer Homer Hochstetler, and Aldrich and the three-year-old filly were sent postward as the 2-5 betting favourite for Sunday’s final.
After having cruised out to an easy lead, Missus Mia Wallace coasted through the opening half mile in 59 seconds and remained relatively unopposed until the top of the stretch.
The pocket-sitting Notmeitsyou (driven by Phil Fluet) – who had been the runner-up in both legs of the series – popped the two-hole with authority while trying to reel in Missus Mia Wallace. Missus Mia Wallace, though, would not be denied, as she went on to prevail in 1:58.4 during what was a chilly autumn afternoon in Saratoga.
Missus Mia Wallace (Head No. 4) pictured victorious in the final of the Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series at the Saratoga Casino Hotel
Notmeitsyou wound up second-best for the fourth consecutive start, while Leg Two winner Minne Cheatum (Jimmy Devaux) settled for the show spot.
With her victory on Sunday, Missus Mia Wallace has become the sixth winner of the Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series, which began back in 2013. The previous winners of the series consists of Jelectric, The Lindy Treaty, Showmeyourguns, Aberforth and Dressed To Impress.
Live racing at Saratoga will resume on Thursday afternoon with a first-race post time of 12:15 p.m.
(With files from the Saratoga Casino Hotel)