Golden Receiver sets January speed record at the Meadowlands

Any talk of the racing surface at the Meadowlands not being settled in following the re-banking of the turns can be tossed out the window. The track played lightning fast on Saturday as Golden Receiver posted the fastest January mile in harness racing history.

Starting in the first division of the Presidential series, Golden Receiver charged off the gate in his usual fashion, assuming the top in a speedy 25.3 seconds. Once on the engine, he fought off a minor first-over challenge from Pedro Island and powered away from the field, crossing the wire a one length winner in 1:48 over Annieswesterncard and Summer Camp.

It was the 38th win by Golden Receiver in 98 career starts and his second of 2012.

The Mark Harder trainee returned $3.80 to win and was driven to victory by Brian Sears, who won five races on the 12-race card.

The second leg of the Presidential was full of action as multiple lead changes took place before the half mile marker. When the dust cleared between the second and third calls, River Shark found himself on the lead and he never relinquished that spot, finishing 3 ¼ lengths the best in 1:48.4.

Even money favorite Vintage Master was second and Rockin The House was third.

River Shark is now a perfect two for two in 2012 for trainer Mark Ford. The 6-year-old gelding returned $7.40 to win.

The first leg of the Complex series was also contested on Saturday and the first division served as a showcase for Itrustyou. The 4-year-old Ron Burke-conditioned gelding overcame a first-over trip to stop the timer in a sparkling 1:50 over Risk Management and Avenue Hanover.

In the second split, Voice Of Truth rallied from the back to best Intrigued Royally and Joltin Colt in 1:51.2.