Meadowlands: Ariana G topples the boys again in Hambletonian Maturity

The mile and one eighth distance added a wrinkle to the $405,850 Hambletonian Maturity for 4-year-old trotters, but a week removed from a major score in the Graduate, Ariana G dominated male rivals once again, scoring in 2:05 for driver Yannick Gingras at the Meadowlands on Saturday night.

Starting from post nine in a race that had a long straight into the turn, Gingras asserted himself with the 4-year-old daughter of Muscle Hill and refused to look back. Along the inside was second choice Guardian Angel As with Tim Tetrick, and he forced the action in a major way, seating rival Yes Mickey before the turn and forcing the winner to a 25 3/5 opening fraction before yielding the top.

Gingras allowed the pace to settle down and was comforted with a half in 54 3/5 and three-quarters in 1:23 2/5, but when Bill's Man moved on the outside on the final turn and towed Top Flight Angel into the action, it appeared as if the mare was going to be vulnerable.

Gingras was obviously playing possum, though, as Ariana G passed the mile in 1:51 2/5 and left the field in the dust, losing the pocket-sitter and drawing off as the 1-5 favorite. Bill's Man was impressive, finishing second, with Top Flight Angel and International Moni following over the wire.

Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld bred and own Ariana G, who is trained by Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter.

"I was so happy with her tonight," said Takter. "I was a little nervous with the first quarter in 25 3/5. She's just amazing."

Ariana G won for the 24th time in her career and third time this season.

"I knew we were going fast," said Gingras. "She's unbelievable. You can do whatever you want with her."

For Gingras and Ariana G, that has often meant a stakes victory followed by a winner's circle appearance.