Meadowlands: In Range dominant in Hambletonian Eve feature
In Range finished sixth in his Hambletonian elimination last week, failing to qualify for the $1 million final. He took that frustration out on his foes in the $50,000 Muscle Hill for 3-year-old colts and geldings on the trot in the Friday night feature at the Meadowlands.
The Bar Hopping-Ilia colt left alertly from post five in the eight-horse field and hit the quarter in a quick 27 seconds. Driver Tim Tetrick was then allowed to rate the second fraction in 29 seconds, leaving the 1-9 favorite plenty in the tank, as he trotted his back half in 55 4/5 to report home an easy three length winner in a lifetime-best 1:51 4/5 for trainer Marcus Melander. Zenith Stride was second, with Goodashim third.
After recording his second win and sixth on-the-board finish in eight starts this year, In Range lifted his seasonal bank account to $123,044. Lifetime, he's earned $534,047.
"It didn't work out for him last week," said Tetrick. "I had the best horse tonight, so I wanted to race him [on the lead]. It was a good effort for him. He's a little lazy. He likes to look at butterflies. You have to yell at him to keep his attention, but when you ask him, he'll do it."
In Range paid $2.10 to his backers.
► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter
Another impressive winner guided by Tetrick - who had three on the card - was Misswalner Fashion (Walner-Sweet Love), who took the lead at the half and cruised from there to take a $40,000 division of the Garden State for 2-year-old trotting fillies by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:54 4/5.
"She's very talented and has a lot of high speed," said Tetrick. "When Dexter's [Dunn, driving 6-5 second choice Lilbitalexis] horse broke, it changed my outlook on the race. After I got away third, I thought it was a good time to try her on the lead. I think she could have done whatever I wanted her to. Down the lane she was like, 'Don't worry Tim, I got this.'"
Trained by Jim Campbell, Misswalner Fashion stayed perfect in two career starts and paid $3.20 to win as the 3-5 public choice.
--press release (Meadowlands)--