Plesa calls an audible to win Mecke

Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. was concerned that wet weather would force Wednesday's $100,000 Mecke Handicap to be taken off the grass, preventing Magic Mecke from defending his title in Calder's traditional July Fourth feature.

Not to worry.

Sure enough, heavy showers Tuesday evening moved the Mecke from the turf to the main track. So Plesa went to Plan B, scratching Magic Mecke and then sending out Electrify to register a 3 1/4-length decision over 9-5 favorite Cheiron. Golden Strategy finished third.

Electrify, a son of Delaware Township, had gone winless in seven starts since capturing the Unbridled Stakes as a 3-year-old here in April 2006. But he was at his best for the Mecke, slipping through inside the pacesetter, Golden Strategy, under a nifty ride by Elvis Trujillo to gain control into the stretch. He steadily increased his advantage despite drifting out some through the final furlong. Cheiron rallied to finish second, 1 1/4 lengths before Golden Strategy.

Electrify covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.49 over the fast track and paid $20.20. A 4-year-old homebred, he is owned by Padua Stables.