Self Professed trots 1:53

Making only his second start since he was purchased by Martin Scharf, Self Professed powered to a 3 3/4-length victory in 1:53 in Sunday afternoon's $126,500 Su Mac Lad final at the Meadowlands. The time was a lifetime record for the 4-year-old son of Self Possessed, who won at odds of 8-1.



"He was nice and relaxed behind the gate," said driver Mike Lachance, winning the Su Mac Lad for the first time. "I thought he was even better (the second time after a recall). He was very strong at the end (of the mile) last week, but light-gaited at the end. Mark (trainer Mark Ford) corrected that this week, and he was better this week. He was trotting a storm at the end and very solid."



Self Professed rallied from the back, working his way around breaking horses to take the lead in mid-stretch and draw away to his first win of the year, eighth in 26 career starts.



"I was back about eighth or ninth, following John (Campbell with Mr. Dream OM)," Lachance said. "In the middle of the last turn I had a ton of horse. I knew he'd trot good in the stretch. He was strong, safe throughout the mile."



Muscles Marinara was second with Mr. Dream OM third by 6 1/2 lengths.



"He was very good today," said trainer Ford. "The recall wasn't the best but as Mike (Lachance) said, it didn't bother him and it was a good day. It has been dull in activity and this was a shot in the arm for us. We got him three weeks ago. We bought him after he qualified. He was in such good shape, all we had to do was put him in and go. I was in Columbus, Ohio, and had to drive 540 miles to make it here on time, and I am happy I did. We purchased him for around $200,000. Horses like this don't go up for sale very often. Yes, it is a lot of money, but you have the chance to race him for a lot. I hope he continues to do well."



Self Professed, a stakes contender at three, has finished in the money in 14 of 26 starts for career earnings of $499,011. (Meadowlands)

« Back