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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Donato Patriot K (Donato Hanover) showed some good recent form heading into the $18,000 high-end conditioned harness racing trotting feature at The Meadowlands Friday night, and driver Dave Miller supplied a pair of red-hot hands on a five-winner night as the duo teamed up to record an easy 2½-length win in 1:53 on a night that saw a real-feel temperature of 26 degrees.
The race did not pan out as expected, when 3-5 favorite Lexus Kody, off a win at this level 14 days ago as the 1-2 public choice, did not mind his manners. He was away slowly before going off stride approaching the half after racing in sixth, the fourth time in his last five starts that he made a break.
That left Donato Patriot K, the 7-5 second choice, as the one to beat.
“Donato” went a three-hole trip, and Miller provided perfect piloting with the 6-year-old gelded son of Donato Hanover-Baby American on a night when the front end was not the place to be.
Dejerate Hanover was the leader past the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:24 after wrestling the top away from Mon Amour, who, in search of a third straight score, hit the quarter in :27.3.
On the far turn, Outside The Fire was racing on the rim uncovered as Donato Patriot K vacated the three-hole and picked up that live tow. With about an eighth-of-a-mile to go, Miller swung the Joe Bongiorno trainee three-wide before stream rolling his way to victory lane. Outside The Fire held second with Mon Amour third.
DONATO PATRIOT K REPLAY
“He’s just a very game horse, who, when he’s feeling his best, puts out an A+ effort,” said Bongiorno, “and that was good enough to take down some really highly regarded horses tonight.”
Owned by the Ely Stable, Donato Patriot K returned $4.80 to his backers as he recorded his 26th career win from 117 starts, good for earnings of $291,443.
A LITTLE MORE: Bongiorno finished the night with four winners to lead the trainer colony. … Dexter Dunn was a close second to Miller with four driving wins. … The 20-cent Pick-6 went unhit, creating a carryover of $4,810 for Saturday. Those with five correct collected $72.88. … All-source handle on the 14-race card totaled $2,710,949. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m. when $2.57 million in purses will be up for grabs on Fall Final Four/FanDuel Championships Night, the final major race card on the 2024 harness racing calendar.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Dave Little, for The Meadowlands
