Harness Racing: Stars shine in Meadowlands qualifying action

The most prominent names at the Meadowlands on Saturday were not scheduled to race on the pari-mutuel card under the lights. The sports’ stars were out in the morning competing in qualifying races in preparation for stakes events.

If promoting the qualifying card, perhaps top billing would have gone to Foiled Again, Golden Receiver or Anndrovette. But it was the brother/sister combination of Fred And Ginger and Ginger And Fred which took center stage.

Ginger And Fred, a 7-year-old by Real Artist-Graceful Motion, has enjoyed a wonderful career while at times playing second fiddle to some of the best pacing mares in the world. On Saturday the $1,786,249 earner watched as Champion mare Anndrovette controlled the fractions (27 4/5, 56 2/5, 1:24 2/5) before making her move and getting up in the final steps in 1:52 4/5.

One race later it was her full brother Fred And Ginger who brought his “A” game to the track. After forcing the speedy Golden Receiver into the pocket with a 27 1/5 opening quarter, “Fred” continued the sizzling pace with a 55 3/5 half and 1:23 2/5 three quarter clocking en route to a very sharp 1:50 2/5 final time, finishing two lengths ahead of Golden Receiver.

Fred And Ginger, who last raced in the Presidential series at the Meadowlands, is a career earner of over $872,000. Both siblings are under the care of trainer Ron Burke.

Superstar Foiled Again got on the winning track with a 1:52 4/5 mile. Regular driver Yannick Gingras brushed the 9-year-old to the front around the three-eighths, asked for some speed around the final turn and urged him home some to prepare for the Levy Memorial series that starts at Yonkers Raceway next Saturday.

The undefeated Shebestingin made her first trip to the track since last July. The Bettor’s Delight filly was perfect in three starts as a 2-year-old but had to scratch out of the $268,300 Sweetheart final on Hambletonian Day due to lameness. On Saturday, Shebestingin sat patiently in the pocket before edging off the cones and easily scoring a 1 ½ length victory in 1:54 3/5. David Miller, driving for trainer Joe Holloway, handled the talented lass very confidently through the lane.

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