It appeared to be a predetermined outcome that Stable Genius would emerge victorious in the £31,081 main event on Saturday night at The Meadowlands, a prestigious conditioned trot.
After all, he easily defeated a similar field just one week prior as the 1-2 favourite and was sent off as the overwhelming 1-5 favourite this time around.
However, Buddy Earl seemed to be unaware of this expectation.
Starting as a longshot at 11-1 odds, the impressive trainee under Richard Johnson's guidance enjoyed an advantageous trip along the inside before accelerating in the final stretch to secure his third victory in his last six races. His time of 1:53.1 matched his personal best.
“Everything we’ve done has worked so far,” said Johnson. “His last three starts were very tough trips against good horses.”
With Dave Miller at the reins, the journey went as smoothly as silk this time around. Stable Genius, who seemed like a formidable force when making a late surge in the previous week, was positioned upfront early on by Todd McCarthy, alongside Nextroundsonme and Buddy Earl who lined up in second and third respectively after the first quarter (:27.2), half (:56.1), and three-quarters (1:26). There were instances during the race where Stable Genius appeared slightly unsteady, which may have made him susceptible when they approached the final stretch.
At the top of the stretch, Miller guided his horse to the outside, and the four-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick-Nixie Volo responded with a lightning-fast final quarter of :26.4, securing a one-length victory over Nextroundsonme. Stable Genius held onto third place.
After claiming victory in the last three races of the Friday evening program, renowned driver Miller secured three additional wins on Saturday. The esteemed 59-year-old American Hall of Famer has now accumulated a total of 41 triumphs at Big M this year.