Terlingua romped to a career best 1:52.4 clocking in the first of the $12,500 divisions for 3-year-old pacers. Driven by Tim Tetrick, Terlingua took command down the backstretch and drew off to a five length tally over Zarachino. Total Shark was another two lengths behind them in third.
A perfect two-for-two this season, Ron Burke trainee Terlingua paid $3.80 to win the fourth race. The son of Artsplace-Western City is named for the Texas mining town of Terlingua, a destination popular with tourists because of its ghost town, famous international chili cook-off and close proximity to Big Bend National Park.
The partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Larry Karr and Phil Collura purchased Terlingua from Maryland breeder Winbak Farm last May. A lifelong harness racing fan, Collura churned a $100 bankroll into $1,974 to win the Meadowlands' 2007 National Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier and earn an entry into the tournament final.
BG's Folly surged past tiring leader Most Happy Dragon to post his first career win in the second Junior Trendsetter division. A son of Rocknroll Hanover-Art Amour, BG's Folly paced the mile in 1:52.2 with Ron Pierce at the lines. George Berkner trains the colt for his wife, Ginny, and co-owners Martin Goldman, Chard Aaron and William Salmeri.
Repeat winner Wayne The Lefty wired the field in the final Junior Trendsetter division with Brian Sears in the sulky. The colt was clocked in 1:52.4 as he improved his record to three wins in 12 career starts. Tony Alagna trains the son of Allamerican Ingot-Camiana for Trent and Kenneth Stohler, Thomas Hudson and TKO Racing Stable.
The $82,500 (est.) Junior Trendsetter Final will be contested on Saturday, Feb. 20.
Presidents' Day entries due Friday afternoon
Meadowlands Racetrack will card a special Presidents' Day matinee on Monday, Feb. 15. Post time is 1:10 p.m. The entry box closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. Call 1-877-STABLES to enter.
There is no racing on Wednesday, Feb. 17.