Meadowlands: Racine Bell matches world record

Racine Bell equaled the world record of 1:48 1/5 for a 4-year-old pacing mare on a mile track in taking Saturday night's $50,000 final of the Kissin In The Sand Series at the Meadowlands.

Driven by Jason Bartlett, Racine Bell took the lead away from Rocknificent (Scott Zeron) after the 27 second opening quarter and then was unchallenged to the 55 1/5 half. Race favorite Lyons Sentinel (Tim Tetrick) moved up first-over out of fourth on the last turn, but she stalled out prior to the 1:21 4/5 three-quarters, leaving Racine Bell on a clear lead turning for home.

Through the stretch Racine Bell was kept to her task by Bartlett, and she couldn't be caught by the closers, winning by a length over Rocknificent. Lyons Sentinel re-rallied in the stretch after back-pedaling on the final bend and wound up third.

"This week she was better," said Bartlett. "Last week, she was a little vulnerable down by the wire. She's always been better out of a hole, but tonight, she was vicious.

"I knew Lyons Sentinel would be right there with me, so I had my horse race a little harder through the last turn. I got a little bit of a gap off the turn. It makes a difference when you open up a little space. As soon as she hears footsteps, she digs right in."

The clocking tied My Little Dragon's world record, set at the Meadowlands on July 13, 2007.

"I had no idea about the record," said Bartlett. "She's like driving a race car. It was the best night of her life."

David Dewhurst trains Racine Bell, a mare by So Surreal, for owners Chris and Dale Lawton. Bred by Jim Winske, Racine Bell is now an 18-time winner from 37 career starts, and she has now earned $417,526. She paid $9.80 to win as the 7-2 second choice.

--quotes courtesy of the Meadowlands--