Maybe Rick Zeron was right after all, as the trainer of Atlanta has been quoted as saying his three-year-old trotting filly will give unbeaten Manchego “a run for her money” during the upcoming stakes season, and Friday night at the Meadowlands, the daughter of Chapter Seven did nothing to make anyone think otherwise.
In the feature, a conditioned event for trotters that included three-year-old colt (and Hambletonian hopeful) Fashionwoodchopper, four-year-old mare (and 2017 New York Sire Stakes standout) Celebrity Ruth as well as several older male trotters, it was Atlanta who reigned supreme in an eye-popping effort.
In the early going it was P L Icabod on the front as Atlanta sat sixth along the rail. D Ws Revenge vacated the five hole at the five-eighths, giving Atlanta a live tow heading to three-quarters. Scott Zeron, driving Atlanta for his dad, had the eventual winner in a third-over flow before swinging four wide at the head of the stretch.
Atlanta’s explosive final quarter of :27.1 then carried her past the field with ease, as she went on to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:52, which lowered her previous lifetime best by two seconds. Celebrity Ruth was second with even-money favourite Fashionwoodchopper third.
“Was I surprised by her effort?” asked Scott Zeron in the winner’s circle. “No. But I was impressed.”
Atlanta paid $12.20 as the 5-1 third choice in the wagering for owners R. Zeron Stables, Holland Racing Stables, H. Taylor and B. Grant. She’s now 5-for-10 lifetime.
One lucky bettor had a huge night, cashing in for $25,476 for being the only player to survive eight legs in the 20-Cent Survivor Pick-9. The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $218,567.
Racing resumes at the Meadowlands Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
(Meadowlands)