Funny Meeting sets track record

With jockey Casey Lambert wisely setting just off fractions of :22.03 and :44.41, Funny Meeting scored an overlay win while running 6 1/2 furlongs in a track record 1:14.84 in Saturday's $50,000-added Bill Thomas Memorial Handicap.

Funny Meeting stalked the pace setters from near the rail, then Lambert deftly maneuvered his mount through a three wide opening entering the stretch, and when asked to run Funny Meeting quickly disposed of his rivals, winning by four lengths. With Steve Asmussen 14 for 29 at this meet, his entrant, Explosive Count was bet down to 3-2. Explosive Count raced in good stalking position around the turn and bid from the outside nearing the stretch to threaten but flattened out in the drive.

Funny Meeting entered the race off three straight impressive wins against several of the top sprinters on the grounds but had yet to prove himself in stakes company. Funny Meeting, owned by Lucky Six, Inc., a partnership headed by trainer Johnnie Nall, returned $19 to his mutuel backers. Long shot Streak of Royalty finished second, making for a $1 exacta that paid $67.60. Reflecting COlors was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.