Ontario-owned Word Power dominated the second leg of the Summer Survivor Series for sophomore pacers on Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
A single division of seven was the extent of the competition for this race and Word Power was more than up to the task. Paired with Andy Miller, his third different driver in as many career starts, the Western Ideal colt was reserved just off the early pace and took over as they passed the half in :54. He widened that lead to three lengths by the 1:21.2 three-quarters and coasted in to a new personal-best of 1:49.4.
Owner Bradley Grant of Milton, Ontario purchased Word Power as an unproved commodity this spring after no more than a pair of qualifiers at two. He turned him over to Larry and Ray Remmen, they finished his lessons and the result is a perfect record and bright future.
In the featured $30,000 FFA Handicap Pace, Abelard Hanover and driver Frank Milby gunned to the lead, got away with a soft second quarter and was able to out-sprint Bolt The Duer to the wire as he kicked home in :26-seconds flat, tripping the timer in 1:49.3. This marked the fifth win in a row and the eighth from Abelard Hanover’s last nine starts for co-owner/trainer Alvin Callahan. The winner is jointly owned by Callahan, Suzanne Waskey of Easton, Maryland and Pamela Price of Delmar, Maryland.
Despite it being North America Cup night at Mohawk Racetrack and Monster Jam attracting a packed house at Metlife Stadium, the Meadowlands total handle for the 13-race program marked an increase of 27 per cent. Racing returns on Friday with first post time of 7:15 p.m. The Saturday card marks the return of camel and ostrich racing to The Big M.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Meadowlands Racetrack.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)