Mykindachip was wearing down the leader on the inside. Ontario-bred Dapper Dude was rallying furiously on the outside to erase a four-length deficit. When they hit the wire in Saturday’s $18,000 Winners Over Life/Preferred Handicap Pace, the camera couldn’t separate them.
Thus, they were declared dead-heat winners in 1:50.2, fastest dead-heat ever at The Meadows, knocking a tick from the mark set by Hillbilly Hanover and Sam Hill in 2015.
The winners took decidedly different paths to victory. Mykindachip moved first-over from third for Dave Palone and finally put away Believeinthespirit late. Dapper Dude, who appeared to be struggling down the backside, kicked it into gear in the far turn for Aaron Merriman and gobbled up the ground. Hawks Red Chief finished third, a head back.
Ron Burke trains Mykindachip, an eight-year-old Arts Chip-Figmental gelding who pushed his career bankroll to $672,302, for Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Larry Karr.
Dapper Dude, an eight-year-old son of The Panderosa-Dressed To Suggest who boasts a million-dollar lifetime bankroll, is trained by Bill Bercury and owned by Renee Bercury.
Dan Rawlings piloted three winners, including a pair for trainer Dirk Simpson, on the 12-race card.
(With files from The Meadows)