There is a new kid on the block when it comes to the Open trotters at The Meadowlands and his name is Wind Of The North. The Daryl Bier trainee has gone back-to-back at the top trotting level after his win Friday night.
Surprisingly dismissed at 5-1, Wind Of The North left for position and sat third on the pylons early in the mile as Lindys Tru Grit, the overwhelming 1-5 favourite (coupled with Master Of Law) established a rapid :26.2 opening quarter. The bettors' choice continued to dictate the tempo through fractions of :55.4 and 1:24.3 before turning for home with a diminishing lead. Appomattox mounted a challenge from out of the pocket while Master Of Law ranged up off a live cover trip. As Lindys Tru Grit tired, Wind Of The North quietly began to rally up the pylons and he powered through the stretch to grab the victory in the final strides in 1:52. Appomattox finished second with Master Of Law third.
Wind Of The North was driven to victory again by Dave Miller for Daryl Bier and Joann Dombeck.
Whom Shall I Fear, the full-brother to Father Patrick and a $475,000 yearling, served notice that he is a three-year-old trotter to watch in 2015 with a compelling performance in his 2015 debut.
Released from the gate as the 1-5 prohibitive favourite, Yannick Gingras guided Whom Shall I Fear towards the rear of the field while following what would turn out to be a live outer flow. Danish Durango established the early lead through a :28.2 opening quarter, but quickly felt a challenge from Clifton Beach, who he released going past the three-eighths marker. But Whom Shall I Fear was tracking that trotter every step of the early stages and Gingras guided him to the lead past the half-mile in :57.3. From there, the race was over as Whom Shall I Fear created separation on Clifton Beach and all the rest, gliding past three-quarters in 1:26.2. His lead expanded from that point with the final margin listed as 10 lengths. The final time was an impressive 1:53.3, including a :27.1 final quarter under no pressure. Starzinner was a distant second with Madman Hall third.
Whom Shall I Fear is trained by Jimmy Takter for Whom Shall I Fear Stable. He is eligible to both the Hambletonian and the Stanley Dancer Memorial at The Meadowlands.
There was no single winner in the fifth race Jackpot Super Hi-5 and that carryover has grown to $83,210. The last race Jackpot Hi-5 also went unclaimed and that carryover will be $52,142 into the last race on Saturday.
The 13-race Saturday program will feature the opening round of the Whata Baron Series. In addition, the Spring Preview debuts for the pacing colts and fillies. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)