Kennedy strikes gold at The Meadows

Gold Strike used the live cover of Liz to gain striking position, then blew by to destroy the field and capture the $23,450 final of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Series for freshman filly trotters Wednesday at The Meadows.

 

Gold Strike was frustrated in last week’s preliminary leg when she had Liz in her sights despite a tough trip, yet fell a half-length short. But in the sloppy going Wednesday, she cruised up behind Liz at Aaron Merriman's urging and found yet another gear, drawing off to win by 9 1/4 lengths in 1:59.1. Chiptoria rallied from well back for second while the discouraged Liz, who saw her four-race win streak snapped, saved show.

 

Paul Kennedy Jr., who trains Gold Strike for Markus Ernst, said the daughter of Ken Warkentin-Alphabet Love can leave the switch but that the connections preferred a covered trip leaving from the rail.

 

“She can race both ways, but with the rail, we just wanted to be sure,” Kennedy said. “We didn’t want to make a mistake and end our season on a bad note. We brought her along slowly because she had a little trouble shying from whips and other horses. She’s come along well. She has a pretty good mind on her.”

 

He said Gold Strike, a $30,000 yearling acquisition, will be turned out and pointed to next year’s Ontario Sire Stakes.

 

"I think she can compete with those types,” he said.

 

The $27,500 Preferred Handicap Trot unfolded as a battle of track record holders when Michaelrowyourboat outdueled Rembrandt Spur to score by a neck in 1:55.4. Heza Challenger finished third. Jimmy Smith trains and drives the 4-year-old gelded son of Victory Sam-Tall Sunflower for Flowing Mineral Farm.

 

Michaelrowyourboat, who pushed his career bankroll to $414,160, holds the all-age trotting mark (1:52.3) at The Meadows while Rembrandt Spur earlier this year trotted in 1:53.3, a track and world record for 3-year-old geldings.

 

Tony Hall and Dick Stillings each drove three winners on the 15-race card. (The Meadows)