The qualifying races conducted on Friday (May 19) at The Meadowlands featured more stakes types getting their final preps in on a coolish morning over a fast track with a slight helping wind in the stretch.
Jiggy Jog S made the first appearance of her four-year-old season for Ake Svanstedt and she showed up ready for business. Following a good older horse in Lexus Kody through a 1:26 three quarters, Svanstedt tipped from the pocket as they straightened up and she rolled by that one for a 1:52.4 decision while under no urging.
Jorgen Sparredal, Inc. owns the multiple stakes winning daughter of Walner. Raised By Lindy (Yannick Gingras) was a willing second, closing up from fourth while trotting home in :26.2 in her first qualifier.
Abuckabett Hanover scored in 1:50.2 home in :25.4 in his second go-round for his new connections. Sent for the lead and through the requisite slow fractions by driver Andy McCarthy, Abuckabett Hanover picked it up when Tattoo Artist came charging with a :25.1 burst for Dexter Dunn, holding sway while mildly asked late.
Andrew Harris trains and owns the now five-year-old with William Pollock and Bruce Areman.
Confederate was very impressive in the opener for Tim Tetrick, sitting well back off a slow :58 half, grinding up to engage leader Hungry To Succeed (Dunn) through a :28.3 third panel then blasting through a :25.2 end to the 1:52.3 mile while wrapped up.
Confederate now resides in Brett Pelling's barn for owner Diamond Creek Racing. That same combo sent out Combustion (Todd McCarthy) to be second here in a solid effort, simply overshadowed by the winner.
Just as impressive was the imposing presence of the filly Twin B Joe Fresh (Dunn), who defaulted into the lead when neither of her two rivals would, set slow numbers then hung a :25.4 on those two for an impressive 1:51.4 win in her second prep.
Dunn is a partner on her with trainer Chris Ryder, Perry Trebotica and Barry Spak. Zanatta (Joe Bongiorno) followed the leader and held her ground admirably.
Racin Hungry (Bongiorno) cut the 1:52.3 mile and sprinted home in 26.3, opening a large margin on her rivals while being asked in another test for sophomore pacing fillies.
Bond (Svanstedt) could not have looked better in her initial try of her three-year-old season. The winner of the PASS, Kindergarten and Goldsmith Maid finals was vicious on the lead, happily trotting home in :26 to end the 1:54 mile while moving away from the field at will.
Svanstedt owns the winner with Jeff Gural's Little E LLC and Lars Berg.
Totally Relentless also went a nice 1:56.1 mile on the front for Scott Zeron and trainer Linda Toscano.
Tillios Action (Jordan Stratton) has come back nicely at age three for owner-trainer John Grasso. He cut the 1:53.3 mile today, trotting home in :27.2 to hold off The Gruffalo's stretch bid while Southwind Admiral was a willing third.
Racing resumes on Friday evening at 6:20 p.m. Be advised that both weekend cards will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.
(Meadowlands)