Unrestrained, Vinemeister capture Meadowlands stakes

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Saturday night saw two stakes and two career turnarounds for the victorious fillies in the pair of $75,000 co-features at the Meadowlands.

In the Summit Stakes for three-year-old fillies, Unrestrained finally earned an added-money win after a runner-up effort in the Monmouth Breeders' Cup Oaks this summer and a crushing 20-length loss to Flute in the Alabama in her last start. She moved her record to 3-for-12 for owner Edward P. Evans by getting past a stubborn Latour for the half-length win in 1.41.53 and gave Eibar Coa a riding triple.

"I think we probably shouldn't have run her as a two-year-old," said trainer Mark Hennig. "She just seemed to be struggling with breathing problems and finding her natural ability. She's by Unbridled, so we knew she would get better. Those Unbridleds don't seem to get running until they're four. She should have something to say in the bigger races next year."

Two-year-old filly Vinemeister also bounced back from a poor performance in a stakes to get a black-type win with her 2 1/4-length score over 1-2 favorite Just Le Facts in the Storm Cat Stakes.

The Alan Seewald-trainee had been soundly beaten in the Sapling Stakes at Monmouth and the Dover Stakes at Delaware Park since breaking her maiden for Travin Stables.

In her second chance to travel two-turns, the daughter of Williamstown stalked the pace before edging ahead in 1:42.73 and gave Jose Velez a double on the program and two stakes wins on the weekend after winning the Morven Stakes Friday night.