Maltese Artist rallies to victory in 1:50.1

Maltese Artist rallied four wide down the stretch and captured the $205,000 American National for 4-year-old and up pacers in 1:50.1 at Balmoral Park Saturday night. Finishing a length back in second was Load The Dice with Mister Big third.

John Campbell and Jereme’s Jet won the drag race with Royalo Man and Brent Holland to the opening quarter in :26.1, then controlled the race past the half in :55.1 and the three quarters in 1:23.1.

But from the half Load The Dice and Mike Oosting drew closer and closer on the outside. Load The Dice put his head in front in mid stretch, but he couldn’t hold the lead as Greg Grismore had Maltese Artist rallying on the outside for the victory.

It was the fourth straight triumph for the 6-year-old Artiscape gelding and the 13^th trip to the winner’s circle in 27 starts this year. Mickey Burke trains for his wife, Sylvia, John Howard and James Koran.  

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