TSM Photo Bugger had to work for the lead, but he dominated once he got there. He ended up drawing off to victory in Monday’s opening leg of the Michaelrowyourboat
, a series for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters, at The Meadows. Talladega Hanover captured the other $15,000 opening-leg division.
TSM Photo Bugger moved to the leader, Photo Sport, past the quarter but encountered stiff resistance and needed a quarter mile to clear. But he persevered for Dick Stillings, defeating Party Allstar by five lengths in 1:58.1, a career-best. Mr Moonlight was third.
Jan Fread trains TSM Photo Bugger, a gelded son of S Js Photo-Rewarding Wink, for Ted Tomson.
A nine-race maiden entering the series, Talladega Hanover enjoyed a kinder trip, saving ground for Dave Palone before brushing home in 29 to triumph in 2:00.2. Broadway Chip was more than two lengths back in second, with North Broadway third.
Dan Walski trains the Cantab Hall-Tags Sweetie gelding for Howard Millhime. The series was named for Michaelrowyourboat, whose 2009 mile of 1:52.3 remains the fastest ever trotted at The Meadows.
In the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace, Francies Dream converted a second-over trip to victory for Eric Ledford in 1:52.4, knocking two ticks from her lifetime mark. Spring Break extended her string of place finishes to three while Autumn Magic was third. Ron Otto trains Francies Dream, a six-year-old daughter of Dream Work-Design Two Scoot, for Shirley Otto.
Palone drove six winners on the14-race card while Ron Burke fashioned a training triple.
(The Meadows)