Meadowlands: Darling Mearas equals all-age trotting track record

Darling Mearas joined an extremely exclusive club after taking the overnight feature high-class conditioned trot at the Meadowlands Friday night, as she joined JL Cruze (2015) and Plunge Blue Chip (2018) as the only 1:49 4/5 performers in the history of the Big M.

Although she had lifetime earnings of just over $750,000, Darling Mearas, who is Swedish owned and bred, had no North American mark on her card except for a 1:56 1/5 qualifier on May 11, but the 6-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall-Khao Manee made quick work of that in her second lifetime North American start.

Darling Mearas floated away from post five in the event for non-winners of $17,500 in their last five starts, opting to race first-over past the quarter. She followed Very Very Fast, who towed her into contention before yielding the top to the eventual winner just after the half, which was timed in 54 4/5.

Driver-trainer Ake Svanstedt had no intention of letting 7-5 favorite Joey Bats go by as he moved into contention first-over, and parked that foe around the far turn. After a three-quarter time of 1:22, Darling Mearas S, who went off stride in her North American debut at Woodbine at Mohawk Park four weeks ago, had plenty left in the tank, trotting her final quarter in 27 4/5 to become the game’s fastest trotter of 2019. It was 2 1/2 lengths back to Buen Camino, who dropped into the pocket on the last turn after following the favorite, and outlasted a tired Joey Bats for second.

Darling Mearas, who is owned by Snogarps Gard, now has 13 wins in 31 lifetime starts.

--press release (the Meadowlands)--