Confederate rallies late to win $315,700 Cane Pace

Confederate (Sweet Lou) railed late to win the $315,700 Cane Pace, a jewel in the harness racing Pacing Triple Crown Saturday (Aug. 5) at The Meadowlands, in a stakes record equaling time of 1:47.3 for driver Tim Tetrick as the 1-5 public favorite.

Trained by Brett Pelling for breeder-owner Diamond Creek Racing, Confederate notched his fifth seasonal victory and his tenth lifetime triumph in 13 starts, upping his career bankroll to $1,141,100.

“That was an absolutely perfect trip for him, Tim had him in the perfect spot,” said Pelling. “This horse has got a great chance to finish off the year with high acclaim. He’s a beautiful horse to look at and is no trouble at all; his manners are impeccable, and he loves coming to the racetrack.”

The 3-year-old brown colt sat in the back of the pack as 15-1 longshot El Rey led the field through a first panel clocking of :26.3, followed closely by 95-1 longshot Strengthfromabove (Joe Bongiorno).  Ammo (David Miller) took over the lead briefly going to the :54.1 half, before relinquishing to 5-1 Christchurch (Yannick Gingras) at the 1:21.2 three-quarter mile marker.  The winner had been moving up steadily and unleashed a vicious late kick to knock down the win, drawing off from his rivals.

Seven Colors got up to be second for Dexter Dunn, while Christchurch held on for third, and Hungry Angel Boy with Todd McCarthy up, nabbed fourth place honors.

CONFEDERATE REPLAY

“It will be a debate as to whether we’ll go to the Little Brown Jug,” said Diamond Creek Farm owner Adam Bowden. “This horse is in a league of his own and has stamped himself as the best horse in training right now.”

Confederate, this year’s Meadowlands Pace champion, is the first foal out of the unraced mare Geothermal, by A Rocknroll Dance.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Kimberly Rinker, for Harnesslink