Meadowlands: Ecurie D posts world record mile in Cutler Memorial

In a breathtaking seasonal debut Ecurie D (DK) powered to a world record 1:49 1/5 mile in capturing the $170,450 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial on Saturday night for driver-trainer Ake Svanstedt. The effort tied the fastest trotting mile in Meadowlands history and eclipsed the record for the Cutler by a full second.

Ecurie D had the advantage of the pole position, and at the outset Svanstedt allowed the 6-year-old to settle early as It's Academic and driver Yannick Gingras assumed control into the first turn. Lovedbythemasses and Tim Tetrick continued the outer flow and had the front before the 26 3/5 opening quarter. The 4-year-old Cuatro De Julio, racing for the first time with Andrew McCarthy in the bike, got the worst of it from post nine, racing parked nearly three- eighths of the way before crossing to command. Cuatro De Julio had control but paid the price with a first half-mile of 54 seconds.

It was shortly past the half when Ecurie D moved without cover, and that offered Bella Bellini a second-over trip. Svanstedt methodically advanced on the outside, conserving his horse as McCarthy worked to keep Cuatro De Julio engaged past three-quarters in 1:22 1/5.

Once into the homestretch, it was age and power that made the difference, as Ecurie D willed his way past a very stubborn pace-setter in the late stages and finished out the mile in 27 seconds flat for the record performance. Cuatro De Julio, making just his second start of the year, was quite impressive in his own right given the early fractions and the intense pressure and held second quite safely, while Bella Bellini edged Lovedbythemasses for the third spot.

Owned by Marko Kreivi Stables, Suleyman Yuksel Stables and Ake Svanstedt, Ecurie D won for the third time in three starts in North America, having arrived last fall and capturing the Allerage and Breeders Crown in his lone appearances.

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Sarah Svanstedt explained the decision to stop last year.

"He had a long season having raced in the Elitlopp and then coming over here," Svanstedt said. He needed a rest.

"There's something about the horse when he's here (Meadowlands); his energy goes to race mode. He knows today's the day I'm going to fight."

Sent off as the 7-10 favorite, Ecurie D returned $3.40 to win.