Meadowlands: Déjà vu for Marseille in Tompkins-Geers, Green Manalishi also victorious

The bettors weren't convinced before the race that Marseille's victory in the Beal Memorial was for real, sending the Muscle Hill-sired colt off as the 5-1 third choice in the $50,450 second division of the Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old male trotters. Trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt's charge showed up in force again, though, capturing the event in 1:51 4/5 while again out-sprinting horses home with a 26 3/5 quarter at the Meadowlands on Saturday night.

Marseille blasted out at the start and took control quickly as he had in the Beal, but Jimmy Takter, driving Osterc, challenged early and forced a 27 4/5 opening quarter before taking a tuck. Svanstedt had Marseille backed down with a 56 1/5 half, and when stablemate Soul Strong challenged on the turn, Marseille was read, hitting three-quarters in 1:25 1/5 and opening some ground into the homestretch. Favored Pilot Discretion rallied off cover through the lane, but Marseille held determinedly, with Soul Strong all out and gaining slightly, but Marseille digging in with every stride.

Marseille held safely late, winning for the third time in five starts this year in a personal-best clocking. Soul Strong was extremely impressive, holding off the favorite late for the place spot, with Pilot Discretion settling for third.

Svanstedt, Order By Stable, and Howard Taylor share ownership in the Hambletonian-eligible Marseille.

Green Manalishi regained winning form in the first Tompkins-Geers division, also worth $50,450. Driver Tim Tetrick had to use Green Manalishi to clear Sheena's Boy after that one cut the quarter in 28 4/5. Green Manalishi had the half in 56 2/5 and three-quarters in 1:24 3/5 with little dispute. In the homestretch Green Manalishi, a Swedish-bred son of Muscle Hill, drew off and looked home, but Tetrick had to rouse him late as he appeared to lose interest briefly. Sheena's Boy gained some but was held at bay as Green Manalishi stopped the clock in 1:52 4/5. Sheena's Boy was second, with Cantab Fashion rallying late for third.

Owned by Courant Inc., Green Manalishi is trained by Marcus Melander. The favorite returned $2.80 to win.