Corleone Kosmos wins, nearing $2 million

The class of Corleone Kosmos was on display on Friday night at the Meadowlands as the 9-year-old gelding wired the field in the $32,000 Invitational Trot, holding off the two-hole tripper Winning Mister by a neck in 1:52.4.

 

John Campbell put Corleone Kosmos, a winner of 21 of 67 starts with 11 second-place finishes, on the lead quickly and Winning Mister, the betting favorite, was settled in the two hole for ddriver Andy Miller. Winning Mister trotted his last quarter in :27.1, but Corleone Kosmos's gritty :27.2 effort after doing all the work was enough for the win.

 

Ross Croghan trains Corleone Kosmos, who is approaching $2 million in career earnings. His bankroll now totals $1,979,076.

 

Earlier on the card, owner James Switlyk's loyalty to the Meadowlands paid off as his pacing mare Spirit To Spare won the $27,500 Invitational in 1:52.1. Trainer Don Niccum said Switlyk specifically wanted his mare raced at at the Big M.

 

Driver Tim Tetrick was settled at the pylons before making a winning move in the last turn. Spirit To Spare, a 5-year-old daughter of Artsplace, responded with a :26.2 final panel. She won by 1 1/2 lengths over Save My Shark, picking up her fifth win in 10 starts this season.