EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Soho Santorini A took advantage of some superb handling from driver Colin Kelly to take the $19,000 high-end claiming handicap pace at The Meadowlands on Saturday evening to complete a weekend roundup of nightly features for Kelly and harness racing trainer Doug Dilloian Jr. to complete.
On Friday night, High Speed Swan won the $25,000 grand dash for trotters.
As for Soho Santorini A, reeling in some of the stronger foes in a stacked field of 10 horses proved a big help, as the 8-year-old gelding son of Sunshine Beach-Hannah Isabella A quickly cleared post three to secure a spot behind a parked Mamba (post 10), who led the quarter with a snappy :26.4, and the pocket-sitting Sun Of A Show (post seven).
They were lining up for Mamba-Sun Of A Show-Soho Santorini after the half at :55.1 when a flow started to develop on the edge.
Seeking a fourth win in a row, 5-2 favorite Mamba was still in the lead at three-quarters in 1:23.4 but faced pressure from Saulsbrook Raptor, who provided a live tow for second place over Caviart Lotus.
With half a dozen horses still in the hunt as they headed home, it was Kelly’s time to shine, and the 32-year-old pilot swung Soho Santorini A, using Lasix for the third time, off the rail and quickly into the three-path that Caviart Lotus followed for the sprint to the wire. ‘Soho’ went around that enemy halfway down the track and powered his way through the middle of the track to an impressive three-quarter score over the 30-1 long shot Caviart Lotus. Effingham came into his own for third place.
SOHO SANTORINI REPEAT
The victory was the 14e in 73 lifetime attempts for the Australian import, which made its North American debut last September. This was his first victory in the United States in 13 attempts. Owned by David Linker, Brian Loman and Robert Venable, he paid $8.20 to win as the third choice at 3-1 in the betting.
“He was really good tonight,” Kelly said. “He was loaded in his last start (when he was close-up third). Tonight I just had to get him in the game, it looks like he has one run, so when I stayed third on the rail, we got out and got behind Vinny (Ginsburg, driving Caviart Lotus) and got there. He’s really good. I think he’s just getting into a good flow.”
TRANSFER REPORT: There will be a few transfers to entice players when racing returns on Friday evening.
The $1 PK 8 did not produce a winning ticket, leaving a transfer of $52,961 after a series with the winning odds of 1-2, 8-5, 5-2, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 12-1 and 6-1. Those with five good points collected $82.20.
The 20-cent Pick-6 also failed to produce a winner, creating a $4,500 carryover, after a series in which the winning odds were 3-1, 12-1, 6-1, 6-1, 2-1 and 23-1. Those with five correct points collected $500.08.
The $1 PK 8 is offered in races three through 10, while the 20-cent Pick-6 can be played in races eight through 13.
Free past performance for every race of every Meadowlands program is available on The Big M’s website, Speelweidelands.com.
A LITTLE MORE: Joe Bongiorno had hot hands and led the driver colony with four winners on the night. Bongiorno-trained horses also did well, winning twice, ending the evening level with Shane Tritton, Bill MacKenzie and Andrew Harris at the top of the conditioner leaderboard. … All sources for the 15-race program totaled $2,753,693. … Racing resumes Friday at 6 p.m
For full race results, click here: American trotting results
Through Dave Kleinfor The Meadowlands
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