For photos from the Meadowlands contact Lisaphoto@playmeadowlands.com

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Franklin and 'That Other Race' Recap

The Ben Franklin FFA Pace at Pocono Downs lived up to the hype and when the dust settled it was Always B Miki being the conqueror, taking the lion's share in a world-record tying 1:47 last night, defeating Freaky Feet Pete who finished second with Wiggle It Jiggleit finishing third.

The race may be seen its entirety in the video below.  You may jump to the race by going directly to 6:46.



It was a monster mile with Always B Miki racing the :25.4 first quarter an uncovered fourth before brushing for the lead, taking the field the rest of the way in :53.3, 1:19.2, and 1:47.  Freaky Feet Pete took the field to the quarter pole before following Miki along the rail the rest of the mile, then trying to get to the winner in the stretch.  As for Wiggle It Jiggleit, it was a solid effort, being parked the middle half before finishing two lengths back; a better trip may have landed him second.  Always B Miki was dominant, even with the better trip I don't see WIJI defeating the Ben Franklin winner; he was that good.


Meanwhile, over at Northfield Park, the FFA trotters did battle in the Cleveland Classic which was won by Obrigado in an easy track-record mile timed in 1:53.2.  Shake it Cerry took the field to the first quarter in :27.2 with Obrigado a neck behind after brushing up from third..  Just after the first station, Obrigado took over the lead and it was all over with the trotter taking the field the rest of the way to a :56 half and 1:25 three-quarters before winning the race by more than five lengths.



Muscle Up The Goal took second after sitting along the wood most of the mile while Shake It Cerry ended up third.  Homicide Hunter paid the price for being hung out to dry and his retreat to the back of the field hampered Il Sogno Dream who got stuck behind the retreating horse.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The Franklin and the other biggies were top notch Saturday night. Too bad excessive takeout and an unimaginative betting menu kept pools lower than should be expected on such a program. No guaranteed pools. No special bets such as multiple Pick 3s and Pick 4s or a Pick 6.

The Downs at Pocono appeared to hit a million, but The Meadowlands handle was much higher on three fewer races and nothing close to the quality in Pennsylvania.

Pocono gets a "A" for putting together the card. A "D" for attractive betting options.