A feelgood victory

In a field of 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers that looked as if it could have been an elimination for the Meadowlands Pace rather than a non-purse qualifier at the Big M, Mr. Feelgood emerged victorious Thursday morning for driver George Brennan. The Jimmy Takter-trained pacer bested a star-studded field with a 1:52.2 effort, edging Woodrow Wilson winner Western Ace by a half length with Breeders Crown runner-up Western Cyclone third.

A son of Grinfromeartoear out of the mare Best Of Memories, Mr. Feelgood is a half-brother to 2002 She’s A Great Lady and 2003 Fan Hanover winning filly Remember When p, 1:50.3 ($913,523). A $130,000 yearling purchase by Canamerica Capital Corp., Diversity Stable and Lindy Farms of Conn., Mr. Feelgood’s lone win in seven starts last year came with a 1:53 effort in the Metro consolation. He finished 2005 with earnings of $92,980.

In his first qualifying attempt May 4 at the Meadowlands, Mr. Feelgood went offstride and finished far out of it. This time around he received a two-hole trip behind the leading Western Ace before moving around that one late to score the victory. Also in the field were the highly-regarded sophomores Took Hanover (fifth) and Bartolomeo N (seventh).

Although trainer George Teague Jr. had to settle for second with Western Ace, he watched as Total Truth romped to a 14 ¼-length win in 1:53.4 for driver Ron Pierce. The effort followed a pair of winning qualifying efforts at Rosecroft Raceway for the son of Jenna’s Beach Boy.

Also winning a qualifier at the Meadowlands Thursday morning was 2005 Peter Haughton Memorial winner Keystone Savage. The sophomore son of Yankee Glide was driven by Brian Sears for trainer Dane Snyder to the four-length victory in 1:59.4 over New Jersey Sire Stakes-winning filly Bon Voyage.

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