Trolley bumped up in class for a third straight start and was at his most impressive Friday night at the Meadowlands, scoring by 3-1/4 dominant lengths in the Big M’s trotting feature, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap.
The Erv Miller trainee, sent off as the 1-5 favourite in the field of six, opted to sit in the three-hole early before driver Marcus Miller edged the five-year-old son of Donato Hanover-Lakeside Bride off the rail just after the half to go after leader Misslarose.
Trolley drew alongside Misslarose at the three-quarter mark and edged away from that foe with an eighth of a mile to go, before powerfully striding clear to an easy win, his third of the year in only four starts. Thisguyisonfire and Dynamic Edge had good late trot to claim second and third, respectively. Misslarose weakened to fourth.
Trolley, who is owned by Paymaq Racing, Leland Mathias, Greg Gillis and Louis Willinger, now has 11 wins in 24 lifetime starts and a bankroll of $290,059 after trotting the mile in 1:52.2.
He returned $2.60 to win.
FAVES RULE IN PICK-5: The 50-cent Pick-5 took huge action, as $106,397 in “new” money was added to the $18,376 carryover from Thursday night to create a total pool of $124,773. There was no big score to be had, however, as post-time favourites won each leg of the wager, resulting in a payoff of $60.15.
A LITTLE MORE: Andy McCarthy continued his winning ways, as the Big M’s leading driver upped his meet-leading win total to 27 after scoring three times on the night. … It was all about form on the nine-race card, as six favourites and three second choices hit the winner’s circle. … All-source handle totaled $1,526,865. … Racing resumes Saturday night at 7:15 p.m.
(With files from The Meadowlands)