A strong and steady rain did nothing to damper Andy Miller's Friday night as "The Orange Crush" swept the Meadowlands features with Opulent Yankee and Truth And Liberty.
In the $18,000 top trot, Opulent Yankee, the public's 7-10 choice, easily made the front from his assigned post seven. Crosbys Clam Bake tracked from the pocket through a half-mile in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:25. As the field turned for home, Miller called on Opulent Yankee, who answered with a :27.4 last quarter to kick clear and win by five widening lengths in 1:52.4. Crosbys Clam Bake held second with Second Sister rounding out the trifecta.
Opulent Yankee was victorious for the third time in his last five starts. The six-year-old Muscles Yankee gelding has now earned $318,320 for owners Little E LLC, Art Geiger and David Stolz.
One race later in the $16,000 conditioned mare pace, Miller aggressively brushed Truth And Liberty to the front before a half-mile in :56.3. The 9-5 favourite, Inittowinafortune, tracked front second. Truth And Liberty continued to lead through three-quarters in 1:24.4. Sheeza Shark sat a perfect second-over trip with David Miller and looked poised to track down the longtime leader, but Truth And Liberty held her challengers at bay with a :28.1 final quarter to win her fourth straight Big M start in 1:53.
Two-time Amateur Driver of the Year Hannah Miller established a new amateur driver world record when she guided So Take That to a 1:52.4 win in a GSY Club pace.
David Miller made his 2017 Meadowlands debut after spending the winter in Florida and won the ninth race with Starsaboveallerage.
Corey Callahan led all drivers with three wins.
Total handle was $2,092,018 for the 11-race card.
Racing resumes Saturday with an 11-race card. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)