1:53 by Farmer Jones

Farmer Jones, a horse with a reputation for having plenty of speed, proved it again Friday at Colonial Downs, setting a new track and world record of 1:53 for 4-year-old gelding trotters. Farmer Jones set the 3-year-old mark last fall, with a 1:52.2 clocking at the one-turn mile.

Driver John Wagner was intent on the lead and Farmer Jones was able to clear Four Starz Robro a few strides past the three-quarter pole. Four Starz Robro trotted the opening quarter in :28, and was content with a pocket trip as they hit the turn. Farmer Jones kept the pace brisk with another :28 quarter to get the opening half in :56. Four Starz Robro tracked in second, 1 ¼ lengths behind the front-stepper throughout the turn. Farmer Jones cut the three-quarters in 1:24.1 and emerged at the top of the stretch with a 1 ½ length lead over Four Starz Robro.

Driver Corey Braden tipped Four Starz Robro to the outside and engaged Farmer Jones in what would prove to be a thrilling duel throughout the 1,300-foot stretch. Four Starz Robro ate into Farmer Jones’s lead with every stride, but Farmer Jones simply would not let his rival past in the final yards, winning by a head.

Farmer Jones’ 1:52.2 mark came in the 2005 Virginia Breeders Finals, and it took on added significance since it came just 16 hours after Vivid Photo had set the same records with a 1:52.3 clocking. The Credit Winner gelding has now won two in a row after a losing his first five starts of the season. He's owned by the jAdam Victor & Son Stable. (Colonial Downs release)

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