On what is likely to be Yannick Gingras’ final night at The Meadowlands until after The Levy and Matchmaker Series, the Big M’s leading driver went out with a driving double.
First, he scored on Dragon Lore in the fifth race $9,000 C-2 Pace at 5-2. It was Dragon Lore’s first start since February 22, but he was ready off a qualifier where he finished up in a strong in :26.4. Gingras scored down the son of Dragon Again aggressively and it paid off as Dragon Lore led at every call, winning in 1:53.2. Gingras guided the four year old home for trainer Mark Capone and owners T J Maggliozzo, S. Schachner and C. W. Duffy.
Gingras also pulled off the mild 6-1 upset in the ninth race $9,000 C-2 Trot with Stonebridge Idol, who he guided to the lead down the backstretch, stealing a 29.1 third quarter and scoring in 1:55.1 for trainer David Duspiva and owner Fiddler’s Creek Stables LLC.
Gingras’ 96 wins has him 29 wins ahead of Dave Miller. But with Gingras driving in The Levy and Matchmaker and Miller staying at The Meadowlands, that margin will become much tighter come The Championship Meet.
Additionally, both Jim Meittinis and Andy Miller also scored two wins on the card.
Racing resumes on Friday, featuring the second round of The Horse & Groom Series, with post time at 7:15 p.m. for the 11-race program. Saturday will feature the second round of the Clyde Hirt series, the $47,650 Final of The Winter Survivor Series and the first round of the Legends vs. Phenoms Drivers Challenge where The Meadowlands will welcome Jim Morrill Jr., Tony Hall, Tyler Smith and others to The Meadowlands driving colony.
(The Meadowlands)
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Meadowlands Racetrack.