Already a World Record holder, Correctamundo lowered his own mark Thursday at The Meadows when he won a Pennsylvania Sires Stakes division in 1:55
– the fastest mile ever trotted by a two-year-old gelding on a five-eighths mile track.
The $263,735 stake, known as the Florida Pro, was contested over five divisions, with Freedom Ridge, Hard Livin, Coco Lindy and Mr Mcrail taking the other splits. Aaron Merriman enjoyed a Florida Pro driving double with Freedom Ridge and Mr Mcrail.
The Meadows has staged the Florida Pro since 1970, but the speed represented in Thursday’s field was unprecedented. All five divisional winners equaled or bettered the previous stake record of 1:58 set by Bloodstocks Sam in 2002.
None was more impressive than Correctamundo, a son of SJs Photo-Flo N Easy, who established his first World Record at Harrah’s Chester Racetrack in a PASS event on July 19. Thursday’s assignment figured to be tougher, as he drew in against Federalreservenote - undefeated in four previous starts - and found himself trailing the 1-9 favourite by more than two lengths at the half.
Under the urging of Dick Stillings, he set sail after the leader and hooked him around the final turn, when the frustrated Federalreservenote made a break. After that, Correctamundo battled only the clock. He cruised home to win by more than five lengths over Hes Spooky, with Marquesas third.
“After the first World Record, I thought he could go even more,” said Robbie Roberts, who trains Correctamundo for owner/breeder Tom Svrcek. “He did the first one in hand, and he’s getting bigger and stronger. He’s maturing right in front of me.
“I thought we were pretty unlucky to draw in with Federalreservenote. He’s a pretty nice horse - the season’s leader. But when Dickie asked him down the backside after a half in :56.1, he came right after the leader, and Dickie was just sitting. I was pretty confident then. I have to see what we can supplement to,” Roberts said. “I’d rather have the horse, then worry about where I can race him.”
Freedom Ridge scored wire-to-wire in 1:57.2 - a track record for two-year-old geldings that lasted about 15 minutes until Correctamundo’s magic mile. But Freedom Ridge was sharp, as the son of Tom Ridge-Figlietta Hanover downed Warrawee Lucky by three lengths, with Nates Choice third.
“He’s definitely holding his own, that’s for sure,” said Harold Brocklehurst, who trains Freedom Ridge and owns with Ginger Tree Stable and John Hurtgen. “His manners are getting better. He was a little calmer today in the paddock. I can’t complain about him. He’s been all I hoped for in a two-year-old.”
Hard Livin worked out a perfect second-over trip to score in 1:56.4, a career best for the SJs Caviar-Affinity colt and his third win in four lifetime starts. Baximum was just over three lengths back in second while Upandover Hanover was third.
“He’s a very nice colt with a great attitude,” said winning driver Dave Palone. “He did it very easily. I never asked him; he did it all on his own.”
Jimmy Takter trains Hard Livin for Christina Takter, John Fielding and Falkbolagen AB.
(The Meadows)