The Meadows: Smokinmombo triumphs in Meadows Maturity

2-5 favorite Smokinmombo made her way to the front past the quarter and held serve from there to win the $46,500 Meadows Maturity for trotting mares on Saturday morning at The Meadows in 1:54.

Harley Momma (Dave Palone) was the first leader in the event, but Smokinmombo (Aaron Merriman) pulled pocket and had control past the 28 second opening quarter. Smokinmombo would reach the half in 57 1/5 and the three-quarters in 1:25 1/5, and a 28 4/5 final kicker was enough for Smokinmombo to prevail by a length and a tail. Harley Momma held second and Sky Hanover (Mike Wilder) came in third.

“I definitely wanted to race her like she was the best,” Merriman said. “I was pretty confident when we got to the front.

“I really think she’s a smaller track horse. On a half-mile or five-eighths-mile track, she’ll really excel. I’m interested to see how she races on a bigger track this year. I’d like to be able to follow some good horses with her and give her another shot at it.”

Trainer Chris Beaver also co-owns the winner, a 4-year-old by Explosive Matter, with partners Synerco Ventures Inc. and James Gallagher of Ontario and Ohio. This was her 11th career victory, and she has now earned $357,152. Smokinmombo paid $2.80 to win.

--quotes courtesy of The Meadows--