Wilberforce Wins In A Shocker

Published: March 1, 2016 09:46 pm EST

Wilberforce blew up the tote board Tuesday at The Meadows when he pulled off a 43-1 shocker in the opening leg of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot for three and four-year-old colts, horses and geldings.

Off stride in three of his last four starts and coming off an unimpressive qualifier, Wilberforce seemed an unlikely candidate for a win. But when Jim Pantaleano moved him first over from fourth, he performed like a betting favourite, gaining steadily before drawing off to score in a career-best 1:56.1. Early leader Fashion Chocolate saved place, 1-3/4 lengths back, with Marty De Vie third.

Kris Rickert trains Wilberforce, a four-year-old Caviar Crown-Rose Run Imprint gelding, and owns with Dale Wareham.

Cantad Kid and Raisethejollyroger took the other $12,000 opening-leg splits.

The series honours the memory of the late trainer Ken Weaver, long a fixture at The Meadows and on the PA Fairs circuit.

In the $20,000 Filly & Mare Winners Over $10,000 Life Trot, Homepage moved uncovered from sixth before surging three wide into the final turn and jogging off for Tony Hall in 1:54.2, a lifetime mark. Anaffairtoremember was second, 5-1/2 lengths in arrears, while ER Ellie earned show.

Andy Rickert conditions the six-year-old daughter of Tom Ridge-Inside Edition, who now boasts $218,461 in career earnings, for Murdock Racing Stable.

Dave Palone piloted three winners on the 15-race card. With a pair of victories, Aaron Merriman pushed his career win total to 7,999 before heading off to Northfield to drive the evening card there.

(The Meadows)

Tags
Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.