Blueridge Western sprints off second-over trip to win in 1:50.1

Blueridge Western, driven by Brian Sears, soared off a second-over trip to win the $215,000 Berry's Creek on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. The Berry's Creek is the first major stakes race of the season for 3-year-old colt pacers and a stepping-stone to the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 19.

The first half saw a succession of lead changes, with Mucho Sleazy ultimately seizing command in a swift :54.1.  Blueridge Western followed Art Official, the 9-5 favorite, who challenged Mucho Sleazy around the final turn.  Blueridge Western jetted off cover mid-way down the stretch and nabbed the pocketsitter Bullville Powerful by a head in 1:50.1.  Four Starz Moxie charged up the inside to finish third. 

Sent off 4-1, Blueridge Western paid $10.20, $4.40 and $3.60. 

"There was a lot of action," Sears said.  "More than I expected.  I was able to get behind some of the better horses but I was afraid that, if I was behind them, I was going to be left first-up.  I thought I was first-up there for a minute on the last turn, but I was able to get back in behind Tyler [Buter and Art Official].  This horse raced his butt off and they've done a great job with him.  They were really high on him coming in.  I think this is only his third or fourth start this year; it was a great effort."

Blueridge Western, a $30,000 yearling purchase, has now won eight of 16 career starts and $282,186.  He will try to become the fifth Berry's Creek champion to win the $1 million Meadowlands Pace. The father-and-son team of Mickey and Ron Burke train the son of Allamerican Ingot for George Leon of Pittsburgh, Pa.  (Meadowlands)

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