Team USA stops British invasion at Big M

Harness racing’s British Invasion continued at The Meadowlands on Friday, Nov. 4, with the American drivers sweeping the two races to forge into the lead—with the help of some New Zealand breds.

Neil Glasser and Yogi Sheridan were the drivers propelling the Americans to a 119-87 advantage going into the deciding final match at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

Glasser piloted his own New Zealand bred 8-year-old Thndrfrmthethron N (Auckland Reactor N) ($9.00) to a handy 3 1/4 win in 1:54 kicking off the daily double while Sheridan pulled away in the lane to score by 5 3/4 in 1:52.3 with 9-year-old Vasari N (Art Major) (also $9.00).

For Glasser, it was his 79th career win—his last one being over 26 years ago at Monticello Raceway in a dead-heat!

In an event featuring a lively flow from gate to wire, Thndrfrmthethron, trained by Mike Watson, was away mid-pack from his two post, followed live cover approaching the half, went on a double bubble binge turning for home and swept by the field to win going away.

Britain’s Lee Morris was second with Know Your Roll while Richard Haythornethwaite, who swept yesterday’s competition for the Brits, was third with Kingofthejungle.

THNDRFRMTHETHRON N REPLAY

In a post-race interview, driver Neil Glasser said, “Well, this was something special for me. Actually, since I know this horse well as the owner, he’s got one big move and we got drafted along and when we tipped wide, he used that one big move at the perfect time.

“And, one other thing that’s even more important, I dedicate this win to my mom, Evelyn, who was here tonight, and my father, Arthur, who passed some years ago, and my brother Dave. This was one memorable night for us!”

Yogi Sheridan used opposite tactics with the Michael Posner owned and trained Vasari N (Art Major) as he zipped off the wings with Vasari N and sizzled to the opening beam in :26.4. He gave his charge a breather on the backside but met a challenge from Spoileronthebeach (Robert Heckhoff) halfway through in :57.2.

A chirp or two sent Vasari N through at :27.1 third panel as the lead expanded to 3 1/2 turning for home with a :28 closer sealing the deal over the pocket sitting Casino Bags Anso (Jacob Stillwell-USA) with Johnny Q next for Mark Schillstrom (USA).

VASARI N REPLAY

The idea of the British Invasion competition was “conceived” by many of the participating drivers from Britain and “foaled” with the help of amateur drivers David Yarock and Dein Spriggs and has become a popular event at every venue in which it was held.

For full race results, click here.

by John Berry, for the British Invasion Amateur Series