17-1 upset winner in Arden Downs Stake

WASHINGTON, PA, July 30, 2021 — In only his second career start, Fiftyfour K showed the poise of a harness racing veteran as he toughed out a 17-1 upset victory in Friday’s $36,122 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for freshman colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows. Hustlenomics captured the other division in the event known as the Robert J. Key.

Winning driver Jim Pantaleano had no idea what to expect from the son of Sebastian K-Westfiftyfirst and so was appreciative of the first-over cover provided by Ginger Tree Brad.

“I looked at the program before the race, and the race wasn’t laying the way I thought it would.” Pantaleano said. “I quickly grabbed cover when I could. He had a lot of trot the whole way.”

Still looming in the Lightning Lane was early leader Guido Di. Fiftyfour K edged him by a head in the good time of 1:56.4, while Ginger Tree Brad saved show. Ron Burke trains Fiftyfour K for Here’s To Us Stable.

FIFTYFOUR K REPLAY

Hustlenomics showed some poise of his own when his first-over cover blew up in his face. Winning driver Mike Wilder said the Full Count-Glisten Hanover gelding “did everything right.”

“He’s one of those horses who wants to get into gear real quick,” Wilder said. “When his cover broke, he did get into gear quick, but I just stayed with him. I’ve driven quite a few Full Counts for Marty Wollam, and they’re iron horses.”

Hustlenomics persevered and downed Rose Run Extra by 1-1/2 lengths, with Armani third. Todd Luther conditions the winner for Black Magic Racing LLC.

HUSTLENOMICS REPLAY

Brady Brown piloted four winners on the 13-race card.

Saturday is Adios Day at The Meadows when nine top 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers battle for their share of the $375.000 purse. The Adios anchors a blockbuster program that includes five other stakes: the $106,745 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for 3-year-old filly pacers; a pair of Arden Downs Grand Circuit events for freshman pacers, and a $143,132 Pennsylvania Sires Stake and a $40,000 PA Stallion Series event, both for 3-year-old filly trotters,

In addition, the Adios Day program features five pool guarantees totaling $90,000, including a $40,000 Super Hi-5 guarantee — with a mandatory payout — on the Adios. A livestream of the Adios Day card, produced by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA), will be available on the MSOA’s Facebook and YouTube channels as well as Meadows Live! First post is noon.

For full race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the MSOA