The combo of driver Jason Bartlett and trainer Ron Burke teamed up to take both the feature and second feature on the Saturday program, as Bartlett guided five winners on the card and Burke schooled three to victory lane to lead their respective colonies.
Southwind Coors (pictured above) took the feature, a $30,986 high-end conditioned trot, while Dixie Dream won the next best race of the night, a $22,535 TrackMaster 85 pace for fillies and mares.
Despite going off at odds of even-money, Southwind Coors was an upset winner, defeating 3-5 favourite Antognoni S, who was seeking his third win in as many starts since his arrival from Sweden about a month ago. Both horses reside in Burke's barn.
The five-year-old gelded son of Walner-Southwind Cabaret sat a pocket trip behind the favorite, slid off the rail as he eased into the stretch off the far turn, and blew right by that foe on the way to a convincing 5-1/4-length romp in 1:54.1. Antognoni S held second over Outside The Fire.
Southwind Coors returned $4.20 after registering his 13th career win in 49 tries. His earnings are now over $460,000.
Bartlett was content with how things went in the early stages.
“I heard Dave [Miller, driving Antognoni S] behind me [at the quarter], so I figured he’d be the last one to the front,” said Bartlett. “I figured be on the lead or sit behind Dave. I knew I had a good chance but Dave’s horse has been pretty unstoppable of late. [Southwind Coors] was a really good horse as a two- and three-year-old. He’s got some back class to him.”
Dixie Dream used a lot of grit and determination to win her dash, as she vacated the rail heading to three-quarters to take on leader Tonys Mom.
“I gave her a shot,” said Bartlett. “She did it the hard way.”
A five-year-old daughter of Always A Virgin-Yes We Did, Dixie Dream wore down Tonys Mom while traveling first-over, then had to have one final surge to hold off a late-rallying-along-the-inside Shesnoaprilfool IR by a neck. Tony’s Mom hung on for third.
Dixie Dream paid $7 to win as the lukewarm 5-2 favourite, and completed the mile in 1:53.2 to win for the 10th time from 59 lifetime outings. Her earnings now stand at more than $175,000.
There have been six Saturday programs conducted at The Meadowlands this year, and five times Bartlett has registered at least three winners. He leads the driver standings with 26 victories, 22 of those coming on Saturdays. Burke leads the trainer standings with 16 winner’s circle visits.
All-source betting on the 14-race program totaled $3,076,929 USD.
Racing resumes Friday (Feb. 21) at 6:20 p.m.
(With files from The Meadowlands)