One is closing in on $3.8 million in lifetime earnings. The other has a hump. But both Market Share, the 2012 Hambletonian champion, and Guyanastan Gal, the 2017 Cameltonian champ, shared the spotlight on Friday night (June 16) at The Meadowlands.
In the featured $15,000 conditioned trot, Market Share was last in the compact field of six through the opening half-mile. Roundtown Rocker fronted the field through the half-mile in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.4.
As the field turned for home, Hall of Famer John Campbell, who was driving Market Share for the first time in the trotter's 94-start career, tipped the son of Revenue S off cover and the 32-time winner exploded with a :27.2 last quarter to win by a length as the 2-5 favourite in 1:53.3. Roundtown Rocker held second while Jewels In Hock, one of two mares in the field, held the show spot.
Market Share is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Richard Gutnick, T L P Stable, and William Augustine.
Meanwhile, Friday night also marked the annual Camel and Ostrich races.
In the "Cameltonian," Guyanastan Gal dominated her three-humped rivals to win by open lengths. Earlier in the evening, Lone Petunia rallied from a slow start to sweep the field and win a three-bird photo in the 6th Annual Ostrich Derby, despite her driver dropping his broom in deep stretch.
A large and enthusiastic crowd cheered on all of their favourite two and four-legged animals despite rain showers earlier in the day.
Total handle on the 10-race card was $1,744,602. Racing resumes Saturday night. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)