Dominant efforts in Hirt divisions

Real Joke and Majestic Jackpot crushed the competition in round two of the Clyde Hirt Series on Friday night at the Meadowlands, paving the way for a thrilling showdown in next week's $90,000 final.

 

Real Joke gunned to the lead at the half and cruised off to a six-length victory in the first of the evening's $18,000 Hirt divisions. Driven by Andy Miller, Real Joke extended his streak to three wins with a career-best 1:51 clocking. The overwhelming 1-9 betting choice paid $2.20 to win. Allamerican Pewter (second) and Henry Gram (third) picked up the pieces.

 

A 4-year-old son of Real Desire, Real Joke is perfect since entering Julie Miller's barn this season. Brian Gordon, Toby Rekoon and Stewart Goldberg share ownership of the gelding.

 

Majestic Jackpot was equally dominant in the second Hirt division.

 

Majestic Jackpot and driver Brian Sears tipped out to take command from Big Bad Bosley on the final turn and roared home in :26.3 for a final 1:51.4 clocking. Bet The Town skimmed the pylons to finish two lengths behind, while Star Party finished third. Majestic Jackpot paid $3.40.

 

The blue-blooded son of Real Artist-Caesars Jackpot was a $17,000 purchase by trainer Brian Burton and his father, Martin. Majestic Jackpot is now two-for-two since Burton adjusted his equipment.

 

"When he got beat by Real Joke (on Jan. 2), Brian (Sears) said he had trouble steering him out of the turns," Burton said. "He thought there was a problem with his feet, so I worked on everything. Plus, he was pretty hard to control in the hole, so Brian also recommended an open bridle."

 

Also winning Hirt divisions were Magicmaker Hanover in 1:52.1 gor driver Sears and trainer Ron Burke, and Woodstock Hanover, in 1:52 for driver George Brennan and traine Aaron Lambert.

 

Also conested on the card wee three divisions of the Complex Series. They were won by Pacinello in 1:53.1 for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Jim Doherty, Real Image in 1:52 for driver Ron Pierce and trainer Josh Green, and Thanks For Stoppin in 1:52.3 for driver John Campbell and trainer Ed Lohmeyer.

 

The $90,000 Clyde Hirt for conditioned pacers is one of five series finals to be contested next week at Meadowlands Racetrack. It shares the spotlight with the $117,000 Presidential and $90,000 Complex on Saturday, Jan. 23. The stakes action kicks off with the $79,000 Super Bowl Final for trotters on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and $53,000 White Ruffles for pacing mares on Thursday, Jan. 21. (with files from Meadowlands)