2YO trotting colts in stakes action at Meadows

Federalreservenote remained undefeated in his four-race career when he captured a division of a $100,000 Arden Downs stakes for freshman trotting colts at The Meadows Tuesday in a stake-record 1:56.2.

 

The event, known as the Henry Oliver, was contested over five divisions, with Freedom Ridge, Correctamundo, Rudy Rocks and Polar Rail taking the other splits. Aaron Merriman scored a Henry Oliver driving double with Freedom Ridge and Polar Rail.

 

In Federalreservenotes three previous victories, he settled along the pylons before moving to the front. In the Henry Oliver, Dave Palone moved the 1-5 favorite quickly to the lead.

 

"He's good; no ones tested him yet," said Palone said of the winner. "Every start hes finished with the bit in his mouth and his ears up. Hes a pretty cocky turkey right now."

 

Federalreservenote never was seriously challenged as he scored by 7-3/4 lengths over MMs Sir Luke, with KT Justin A Moment third. The mile was the fastest this season by a 2-year-old colt trotter on a five-eighths mile track and shattered the previous stake record of 1:58.2 held jointly by Meadowbranch Lou, Bossy Boss and Tis Himself. Jimmy Takter trains the son of Tom Ridge-Starlet Lane for Christina Takter, John Fielding and Goren Anderberg.

 

 

Freedom Ridge went wire to wire in the Henry Oliver, just as he did in a PASS victory at The Meadows on June 29. Harold Brocklehurst, who trains the Tom Ridge-Figlietta Hanover gelding and owns with Ginger Tree Stable and John Hurtgen, said Freedom Ridge can be a handful.

 

"Anytime you can get to the front, that's the shortest way around the track," Brocklehurst said. "It keeps him out of trouble. Thats where he likes to be, thats where well put him if we can. I dont regret gelding him one bit. He was tough, and hes still tough. He's just busy all the time."

 

Freedom Ridge triumphed in 1:58.3, 1-3/4 lengths better than Upandover Hanover. Speed Hanover was third.

 

Correctamundo also scored on the front end but needed a determined effort in the stretch to hold off the late charge of On The Tab. He defeated that rival by a neck in 1:58.3, with Proud American K third.

 

"He has a right to be a good horse," said trainer Robbie Roberts. "His mother held a track record here until recently. When I train him, I train him in a hole in case he ever has to go there. But he likes the front, and he can stay out of trouble there. He has great speed, but hes very drivable. Hes a kind horse."