Dave Miller drove Intothemysticmoon like she was the best, and the Ron Burke trainee delivered in the Friday night, Feb. 7 feature at The Meadowlands, a $23,188 TrackMaster 85 pace for fillies and mares.
The six-year-old daughter of Artspeak-Mystical Moon didn’t race like a horse who hadn’t tasted victory in 11 straight outings -- her last win coming in March of last year -- as Miller had her on the go from post three in the eight-horse field, grabbing the lead out of the first turn before yielding to Tonys Mom, who led at the quarter in :27.4.
Intothemysticmoon quickly moved back to the point, taking the field past the half in :56.3, before a live flow developed at the five-eighths, with 9-5 favourite Madrid A picking up cover from On The Money GB. Intothemysticmoon led at three-quarters in 1:24.4, and as On The Money GB started to weaken, Madrid A moved three-wide for the stretch drive.
Through the lane, Intothemysticmoon was determined after Tonys Mom popped out of the pocket to challenge. In addition, Shesnoaprilfool IR ducked along the inside with pace, but at the wire, Intothemysticmoon held on by neck over Tonys Mom in 1:52.1. Shesnoaprilfool IR was third with Madrid A a non-threatening fourth.
“I didn't know how far back Lauren [Tritton, driving Madrid A] was at the half,” said Miller. “My horse put up a good fight in the stretch. She felt good. She was fighting [Tonys Mom] and put out her nose at the end and got it done.”
Intothemysticmoon returned $8 to win as the 3-1 second choice.
The Ontario-bred mare now has 16 wins from 70 lifetime starts, with earnings climbing over $400,000.
She is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura.
Miller was red-hot all night long, leading the driver colony with five winners. Ron Burke led the trainers with three victories, all of which were guided by Miller.
A single 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 player scooped the pot after being sharp enough to include 15-1 winner Rock My Universe in the eighth race. That lone ticket paid $6,699.52 for six correct selections.
All-source handle totalled $2,784,203 USD for the 14-race card.
Racing is scheduled to resume on Saturday at 6:20 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)