The Meadows: Fiftyfour K springs Arden Downs upset

In only his second career start, Fiftyfour K showed the poise of a veteran as he toughed out a 17-1 upset victory in Friday's $36,122 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for freshman colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows. Hustlenomics captured the other division in the event known as the Robert J. Key.

Winning driver Jim Pantaleano had no idea what to expect from the son of Sebastian K-Westfiftyfirst and so was appreciative of the first-over cover provided by Ginger Tree Brad.

"I looked at the program before the race, and the race wasn't laying the way I thought it would." Pantaleano said. "I quickly grabbed cover when I could. He had a lot of trot the whole way."

Still looming in the Lightning Lane was early leader Guido Di. Fiftyfour K edged him by a head in the good time of 1:56 4/5, while Ginger Tree Brad saved show. Ron Burke trains Fiftyfour K for Here's To Us Stable.

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Hustlenomics showed some poise of his own when his first-over cover blew up in his face. Winning driver Mike Wilder said the Full Count-Glisten Hanover gelding "did everything right."

"He's one of those horses who wants to get into gear real quick," Wilder said. "When his cover broke, he did get into gear quick, but I just stayed with him. I've driven quite a few Full Counts for Marty Wollam, and they're iron horses."

Hustlenomics persevered and downed Rose Run Extra by 1 1/2 lengths, with Armani third. Todd Luther conditions the winner for Black Magic Racing LLC.

--press release (The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)--