Eggipus Complex found the front end to his liking Wednesday at the Meadows, as it fought off a sustained challenge and went on to capture the fastest division of the Pennsylvania Stallion Series stakes Wednesday, August 12.
The event for Pennsylvania-bred freshman trotting colts and geldings was contested over four divisions, with Kashs Caviar, Dominus and Abundasass taking the other splits.
In his two previous starts, Eggipus Complex failed to make the front at any call. On Wednesday, however, he grabbed the lead from the gate for pilot Dave Palone and thwarted the long uncovered bid of Telephoto K.
“I told David, ‘Don’t put him on the front end no matter what you do,’” said Kevin McDermott, who trains the gelded son of SJs Caviar-Electra Hanover for Jim and Linda Marie Meittinis. “But David felt he had only one horse to beat, and he wanted to take the race to that horse. That’s why David’s a great driver.
“Jim Meittinis sent the horse out to me, and I’m very proud to win for Jim. We’ve been friends since we lived in the dorms together at the Meadowlands.”
Eggipus Complex scored in 1:58.2, three-quarters of a length better than Most Wanted Lindy, with Ellisarro Hanover third. McDermott said Eggipus Complex likely will continue to race in PA Stallion Stakes events.
Kashs Caviar broke stride in his only previous start, but Ronnie Hobbs, second trainer for Danny Collins, noted that the youngster was in a tough Arden Downs stake.
“He caught Federalreservenote going 1:56 in that start,” Hobbs said. “It’s tough to catch them first time out when they go that fast. His mom, Ocala Kash, was a good race mare — won nearly $200,000 — and this is her first foal. We have a Cantab Hall brother to him, so maybe we’ll be back with him.”
On Wednesday, Kashs Caviar came from well back to prevail in 1:59 for Chip Noble. Thierry was one and three-quarter lengths back in second, while Cassini Hall finished third. Slaughter Racing Stable and Wayne Zollars own the SJs Caviar homebred.
Dominus floated to the front for Eric Ledford and trainer Trond Smedshammer and wasn’t challenged once he got there. He triumphed in 2:00 for his second victory in as many outings. Tag The Lady was a non-threatening second, one and a half lengths in arrears, with Emerald Ridge third.
“Trond told me this was one of his best colts this year, although very green,” Ledford said. “I just took my time in the first quarter and let everybody get settled in. It was a very good spot for him. He had plenty left — it was virtually a training mile for him.”
The partnership of Ted Gewertz, Robert Feldman, American Viking Racing Stable and Rojan Stables owns Dominus, a son of Andover Hall-So Wonderful.
In the $27,500 Preferred Handicap Trot, the redoubtable Hidden Viggorish found yet another way to impress. The only mare in the distinguished field, she came first-over and won in 1:54 over Michaelrowyourboat and Master Begonia, the 1-5 favourite. Brian Zendt drove the six-year-old daughter of SJs Caviar-Tia Maria for trainer Bill Zendt and Harmony Spring Stable.
(With files from the Meadows)