'Tempo' takes feature, two NJSS divisions contested

While the top colts in both sports get ready to do battle Saturday, the pacing mares took center stage Friday night at the Meadowlands. Southwind Tempo, driven by John Campbell, notched her sixth victory in nine starts this year in the $40,000 featured fifth race for older mares. Campbell drafted behind David Miller and Guestimate as they strolled through fractions of :27.2, :57 and 1:24. When room opened at the top of the lane, Southwind Tempo [$5.60, $3.60, $3.20] sailed home to a three-quarter-length score over Life Of Luxury [$7.60, $4.60] in 1:50.3. My Little Dragon [$3.00] slowly worked her way first-up to finish third.

Southwind Tempo, the 2007 Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year, has now won 25 of 33 career starts and nearly $1.2 million. Kevin Lare took over training duties after Jerry Silva of Long Beach, NY purchased the mare privately this winter. She swept the Overbid Series at the Meadowlands earlier this season.

Southwind Tempo and My Little Dragon are among the 12 mares that will square off in the $250,000 Lady Liberty next Friday, June 13, at the Meadowlands.

Round two of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 3-year-old fillies was also contested on Friday night.

In the first division, race three, McArts N Crafts held off Best Place after cutting the mile for a length victory in 1:52. Santa Fe Yankee rallied for third. Mike Lachance guided McArts N Crafts to her first win of the season. Haralabos Giannoulis of New Milford, NJ owns and trains the daughter of McArdle.

Cheyenne Trish skimmed the pylons to best JK Getupngo in the second division, race six. Sent off the 9-5 favorite, Cheyenne Trish paced the mile in a career best 1:52.1 with John Campbell at the lines. Chocolate Art was third.

Cheyenne Trish, trained by Robbie Siegelman, is two-for-two in New Jersey Sire Stakes competition.

For the first time, the New Jersey Sire Stakes program will crown all of its 3-year-old pacing and trotting champions at the Meadowlands on one night, Friday, June 20, with purses totaling $700,000.

LADY LIBERTY FIELD SET FOR JUNE 13
Three Dan Patch Award winners – Southwind Tempo, Darlin’s Delight and My Little Dragon – are among the 12 mares who will automatically advance to the $250,000 Lady Liberty final on Friday, June 13 at the Meadowlands.

Elimination races were unnecessary after only 12 mares entered the box. Post positions will be drawn Tuesday, June 10; all horses must be entered to participate in the final.

The $250,000 Lady Liberty finalists (in alphabetical order): Born Storyteller, Darlin's Delight, Ideal Weather, Life Of Luxury, Marnie Hall, Mind Boggling, Moving Pictures, My Little Dragon, Southwind Tempo, Street Dancer, Tidewaterdragonfly, U All BB. (Meadowlands)

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