Meadowlands: Burke hoping for rebound performances in Burning Point

Last Friday’s opening leg of the Burning Point Series at The Meadowlands was supposed to be a showdown between Ron Burke’s dynamic duo and Tony Alagna’s red-hot Witch Dali. Instead, 14/1 longshot Empress Deo passed all three of them in the stretch to win in an upset.

Burke expects a bounce back effort from both of his mares, Southwind Serenity and Donttellruss, in the second leg of the Burning Point Series on Friday night (February 13). The entry has been installed as the 8/5 favorite on Darin Zoccali’s morning line. The twosome is part of a field of seven pacing mares that also includes Worldly Beauty champion Witch Dali and first leg winner Empress Deo. The $50,600 final is February 21.

In last week’s opening round, Southwind Serenity led the field to the top of the stretch before fading to finish fifth.

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“She tied up last week,” said Burke. “I’m not making any equipment changes and I’m confident she won’t have those issues again this week.”

He’s also hoping for a change in tactics on Friday night. Last week, Southwind Serenity was on the lead while Donttellruss came first over.

“Hopefully with different trips this week we will see better results,” said Burke.

Once again, Yannick Gingras will drive Southwind Serenity and Corey Callahan will be partnered with Donttellruss.

The Burning Point is race six on a 13-race card. Melady’s Monet looks to win his third straight in a small, but select field in the Open Trot and world champion Shebestingin continues her comeback in race seven. The 50-cent Pick 5 with an average pool of more than $50,000 begins with race 1. The Early Pick 4 begins in race 3. Its average pool size has also been more than $50,000. The Late Pick 4 covers races 7-10 and features an average pool size of more than $72,000.)

(edited release-Meadowlands)