Eggipus Complex fastest in Meadows stakes

Eggipus Complex found the front end to his liking Wednesday at The Meadows as he fought off a sustained challenge and went on to capture the fastest division of an $80,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts, scoring in 1:58.2.

 

The event for Pennsylvania-bred freshman colt and gelding trotters was contested over four divisions, with Kash’s Caviar, Dominus and Abundasass taking the other splits. In previous starts, Eggipus Complex failed to make the front at any call. On Wednesday, however, he grabbed the lead from the gate for Dave Palone and thwarted the long uncovered bid of Telephoto K.

 

“I told David, `Don’t put him on the front end no matter what you do,” said Kevin McDermott, who trains the gelded son of SJ’s Caviar-Electra Hanover for Jim and Linda Marie Meittinis. “But David felt he had only one horse to beat, and he wanted to take the race to that horse. That’s why David’s a great driver.

 

“Jim Meittinis sent the horse out to me, and I’m very proud to win for Jim. We’ve been friends since we lived in the dorms together at the Meadowlands.”

 

Eggipus Complex won by three-quarters of a length over Most Wanted Lindy, with Ellisarro Hanover third. McDermott said Eggipus Complex likely will continue to race in PA Stallion Series events.

 

Kash’s Caviar broke stride in his only previous start, but Ronnie Hobbs, second trainer for Danny Collins, noted that the youngster was in a tough Arden Downs division.

 

“He caught Federalreservenote going 1:56 in that start,” Hobbs said. “It’s tough to catch them first time out when they go that fast. His mom, Ocala Kash, was a good race mare,  won nearly $200,000, and this is her first foal. We have a Cantab Hall brother to him, so maybe we’ll be back with him.”

 

On Wednesday, Kash’s Caviar came from well back to prevail in 1:59 for Chip Noble. Thierry was 1-3/4 lengths back in second while Cassini Hall finished third. Slaughter Racing Stable and Wayne Zollars own the SJ’s Caviar homebred.

 

Dominus floated to the front for Eric Ledford and trainer Trond Smedshammer and wasn’t challenged once he got there. He triumphed in 2:00 for his second victory in as many outings. Tag The Lady was a non-threatening second, 1-1/2 lengths in arrears, with Emerald Ridge third.

 

“Trond told me this was one of his best colts this year, although very green,” Ledford said. “I just took my time in the first quarter and let everybody get settled in. It was a very good spot for him. He had plenty left it was virtually a training mile for him.”