Meadowlands: Shartin becomes harness racing's fastest-ever female

Shartin became the fastest female pacer of all-time on Saturday afternoon, capturing the $183,500 Lady Liberty in 1:46 4/5 for driver Tim Tetrick at the Meadowlands.

The rush to the first turn was fierce, with Shartin leaving from the pole position but overtaken by Apple Bottom Jeans prior to the 26 second opening quarter. With others on the outside looking to get the front, Tetrick regained before Kissin In The Sand was able to get close. That left Shartin in control and Kissin In The Sand pushing the pace for driver David Miller.

With middle half fractions of 53 4/5 and 1:21, it appeared as if the 3-10 favorite could prove vulnerable, but that was not to be the case as turning into the homestretch Tetrick asked Shartin for a response, and it was instant and electric. The 6-year-old New Zealand import by Tintin In America flew home with a 25 4/5 final quarter, leaving Caviart Ally in the dust in second, with Shower Play rallying late for the show spot.

Now a winner in 12 of 13 starts this season, Shartin is owned by R. Poillucci, Jo Ann Looney-King and Tim Tetrick LLC., with Jim King Jr as her trainer.

"She's so much fun to drive," said Tetrick following the victory. "I don't know how fast she can actually go."

"Most of the time I feel people know what she is," said King referring to Shartin's ability. "I'm glad she got a deserving mark."

The 1:46 4/5 mark eclipsed the all-age female mark of 1:47 set by the 3-year-old Shebestingin. The time also broke the 1:47 3/5 world record for mares set by Put On A Show.

Shartin will go next in the Artiscape at Tioga.