Top trotters, pacers in Big M qualifying action

East Rutherford, NJ – Friday qualifying races at the Meadowlands featured more stakes types getting their final harness racing preps in on a coolish morning over a fast track with a slight helping wind in the stretch.

Jiggy Jog S (Walner) made the first appearance of her 4-year-old season for Ake Svanstedt and she showed up ready for business.

Following a good older horse in Lexus Kody through a 1:26 three quarters, Ake tipped from the pocket as they straightened up and she rolled by that one for a 1:52.4 decision while under no urging. Jorgen Sparredal, Inc owns the multiple stakes winning mare.

Raised By Lindy (Yannick Gingras) was a willing second, closing up from fourth while trotting home in :26.2 in her first qualifier.

JIGGY JOG S REPLAY

Abuckabett Hanover (Betting Line) scored in 1:50.2 home in 25.4 in his second go-round. Sent for the lead and through the requisite slow fractions by driver Andy McCarthy, Abuckabett picked it up when Tattoo Artist came charging with a :25.1 burst for Dexter Dunn, holding sway while mildly asked late. Andrew Harris trains and owns the now 5-year-old with William Pollock and Bruce Areman.

ABUCKABETT HANOVER REPLAY

Confederate was very impressive in the opener for Tim Tetrick, sitting well back off a slow :58 half, grinding up to engage leader Hungry To Succeed (Dexter Dunn) through a 28.3 third panel then blasting through a :25.2 end to the 1:52.3 mile while wrapped up. Confederate now resides in Brett Pelling’s barn for owner Diamond Creek Racing. That same combo sent out Combustion (Todd McCarthy) to be second here in a solid effort, simply overshadowed by the winner.

Just as impressive was the imposing presence of the filly Twin B Joe Fresh (Dunn) who defaulted into the lead when neither of her two rivals would, set slow numbers then hung a 25.4 on those two for a 1:51.4 win in her second prep. She is a beast. Dunn is a partner on her (invoking “When you’re hot you’re hot” clause) with trainer Chris Ryder, Perry Trebotica and Barry Spak. Zanatta (Joe Bongiorno) followed the leader and held her ground admirably.

Racin Hungry (Bongiorno) cut the 1:52.3 mile and sprinted home in :26.3, opening a large margin on her rivals while being asked in another test for 3yo pacing fillies.

Bond (Svanstedt) could not have looked better in her initial try of her 3-year-old season. The winner of the PASS, Kindergarten and Goldsmith Maid finals was vicious on the lead, happily trotting home in :26 flat to end the 1:54 mile while moving away from the field at will. Ake owns the winner with Jeff Gural’s Little E, LLC and Lars Berg.

Totally Relentless also went a nice 1:56.1 mile on the front for Scott Zeron and trainer Linda Toscano.

Tillio’s Action (Jordan Stratton) has come back nicely at age three for owner-trainer John Grasso. He cut the 1:53.3 mile today, trotting home in :27.2 to hold off The Gruffalo’s stretch bid while Southwind Admiral was a willing third.

Racing resumes this evening at 6:20 pm. Be advised that both weekend cards will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

For complete qualifier results, click here.

by Nick Salvi, for The Meadowlands