Meadowlands: Huntsville holds off Downbytheseaside in Meadowlands Pace

Huntsville made a power move on the backstretch and then dug in bravely late to hold on, capturing the $738,550 Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. The son of Somebeachsomewhere scored in 1:47 4/5, gamely holding off arch rival Downbytheseaside on the wire.

Huntsville left the gate, but Classic Pro from post nine with Trevor Henry jetted out sharply and crossed over well before the 26 4/5 opening quarter. Blood Line gained the top from the two-hole on the backstretch, but Tim Tetrick and Huntsville made a bull rush after that to clear the lead prior to the 53 3/5 half-mile clocking.

Tetrick looked for separation on the turn and sprinted a 27 flat quarter, but Downbytheseaside, second choice in the wagering, was creeping up without cover for driver Brian Sears.

In the stretch Huntsville dug in, but Downbytheseaside kept coming. The two hit the wire with just a head separating them and Huntsville giving trainer Ray Schnittker his second Meadowlands Pace trophy, having won in 2010 with One More Laugh. For driver Tim Tetrick it was his fifth Meadowlands Pace victory.

Downbytheseaside finished second with Classic Pro third. Filibuster Hanover and Macs Jackpot finished fourth and fifth.

For Huntsville, owned by Schnittker, Steven Arnold and Ted Gewertz, it was his fifth victory in seven starts this year, with the 1:47 4/5 clocking being a personal-best. Sent off as the 1-5 favorite, he returned $2.40.

"My horse was tired late, but he got the job done," said Tetrick "These are a great group with Huntsville, Fear The Dragon and Downbytheseaside."

Schnittker said that if he comes out of the race in fine shape that Huntsville would be entered in the Adios at The Meadows. That race has eliminations next Saturday and the final the next week.

Runner-up Downbytheseaside's trainer Brian Brown offered his opinion.

"I thought this was his best race of the year. I love seeing him race from behind," Brown said. "99 percent that he'll race next i the Milstein at Northfield."