Meadowlands: Kissin In The Sand retired from racing after TVG romp

Kissin In The Sand left no doubt on Saturday night where she stands among the great pacing mares of all time. The Somebeachsomewhere-sired 5-year-old was hard-used throughout the mile, yet opened up in the stretch to score in 1:48 in the $150,000 TVG Mares at the Meadowlands.

There was plenty of action early as Kissin In The Sand left from post nine and took a three-hole as Peaky Sneaky jetted to the front ahead of Shartin. Shartin and Tim Tetrick regained the front at the 26 3/5 opening quarter, but Dexter Dunn, behind Kissin In The Sand, pushed hard approaching the half and secured the lead, though needed a :53 4/5 clocking to get there. The pace didn't slow down as Kissin In The Sand was motivated by Dunn, but it also intensified when Shartin and Tetrick pulled the pocket prior to the 1:20 3/5 three-quarters.

That third split set the stage for the stretch drive, and Kissin In The Sand showed determination, digging in and thwarting Shartin's third bid for the front. Stablemate Peaky Sneaky, with Scott Zeron, angled out but never posed a threat to the winner, getting up for the place spot nearing the wire. Shartin held third, with last year's TVG Mares winner Caviart Ally driven hard but settling for fourth.

It was the seventh straight win for Kissin In The Sand, who ends her racing career for owners Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables with 27 career victories. Nancy Takter has trained Kissin In The Sand throughout her four seasons on the racetrack. The favorite in the field of nine, Kissin In The Sand returned $3.80 for the win.

"She was outstanding tonight," said Dunn. "She finished off a very strong mile."

The 1:48 clocking was a stakes record.