Friskie New Jersey Classic

Feelin Friskie tipped out four-wide in the stretch and drew off to a 4 1/4-length victory in the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic Saturday night at the Meadowlands, pacing the mile in a stakes record of 1:49.1. The previous mark was 1:50 shared by Art’s Conquest (1999) and Bettor’s Delight (2001).

The son of Artiscape provided Hall of Fame driver John Campbell with his fourth New Jersey Classic victory. Campbell won the inaugural edition of the race for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired colts in 1980 with Bold Rush, in the 1989 edition with Dexter Nukes and in 1994 with Cam’s Card Shark.

“There was a lot of speed on the inside of me, and they were racing hard on the front,” Campbell said from the winner’s circle. “Tonight I was parked the whole mile, but I was able to catch the live cover of Western Ace around the last turn. I think that was the key to the race. I don’t really get wrapped up in time. They’re so many fast miles here.

“He felt real strong around the last turn. When I spoke to him at the head of the stretch he accelerated well. I was pretty sure he was going to win at that point.

He’s going to have a chance to be (a top horse). I don’t think we can sort them out until the Meadowlands Pace. He’s stamped himself as one who will be a contender if he can hold this form.”

Feelin Friskie, who had won the New Jersey Classic Prep last week, posted his second win of three starts this year and ninth in 17 starts lifetime. With the winner’s share of $250,000, the colt has earned $350,810 for owner Wayne Whebby of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, who purchased him for $22,000 as a yearling. Prince Edward Island native Scott Bell oversaw Feelin Friskie’s care in New Jersey.

“It’s great to have a guy (Whebby) like this to give me this opportunity,” said Bell, who went out on his own last year after many years working for trainer Joe Holloway. “I just thank the Lord I have John Campbell driving.”

Artstanding, driven by Mike Lachance and trained by Tom Fanning, rallied for second.

“Tonight was what we were pointing him towards,” said Fanning. “He raced good. It’s a long year ahead. He’s got the Burlington and North America Cup on his schedule, but we might skip the Burlington and just point him toward the North America Cup and Meadowlands Pace. I’m happy with him. He just needs to build up his stamina. We already know he has speed. Mike drove him well again. He’s really brought him along.”

Western Ace, the 6-5 favorite, was pressured throughout and finished third.

“Western Ace had a very rough trip,” said Ron Pierce, the colt’s driver. “I had a couple of things I could have done differently that maybe I should have done. Maybe that would have made it a little different. I’m not happy with the way I drove. But you have to give Feelin Friskie a lot of credit. He raced big.”

Each of the top three finishers are also eligible to the Little Brown Jug. (Meadowlands)

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