Meadowlands: Sebastian K captures Cutler Memorial
The Clash of the Titans was missing a piece on Saturday night as Sebastian K lost his rival Market Share to an early miscue and then left no doubt at the end of the $175,000 Arthur Cutler Memorial at the Meadowlands. The eight-year-old trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt took advantage of his rail position and aggressively wore down pacesetter Modern Family to score in 1:50 2/5, a stakes record.
The race opened with driver Dave Miller jetting Modern Family right to the top from post nine, going a blistering :27 1/5 opening quarter. Market Share was off-stride and others elected to get in line behind the top pair.
Modern Family coasted to the half in :55 2/5 and when Archangel and Yannick Gingras pulled without cover, Svanstedt elected to pull-the-pocket, a move common in Europe but rarely done in the States. Sebastian K engaged the leader and they sped to the three quarters in tandem to the tune of a 1:22 4/5 clocking.
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The stretch drive was moot as the Swedish star hit high gear and trotted right by to victory. Modern Family held down the place spot safely with Sevruga getting the show spot. Arch Madness, the subject of an inquiry, finished a non-threatening fourth.
Second-trainer Bernie Noren, speaking on behalf of the driver, said that there were no concerns racing the horse bare footed for the second straight week. “He’s got great feet,” said Noren.
As for the race strategy, “You’re driving the best horse, he’s not going to get locked in,” said Noren.
As far as coming up short of the world record in the Cutler, “They were slowing down coming to the half. I do think he could have gone faster,” Noren said.
Owner Michael Knutsson was ecstatic in the winner’s circle. “It’s just awesome,” Knutsson said. “I’m not sure he’s ever been better, he’s in superb form.”
After a few weeks rest, Sebastian K will return to race again at the Meadowlands.
Sent off as the even-money favorite in the field, Sebastian K returned a flat $4 to win. The victory, his second straight this year, was his 28th lifetime triumph in 65 career starts.
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