Pepsi North America Cup winner Nijinsky stamped himself as the likely favourite for the USD 650,000 Meadowlands Pace final with a determined 1:47.3 score over rival Funtime Bayama in the second of two $68,493 eliminations. Legendary Hanover captured the first elimination, giving trainer Anthony Beaton a sweep of the preliminary dashes.
Driver Louis-Philippe Roy settled Nijinsky in fifth place early on, navigating a competitive field that saw Captain Luke vault to an early lead. Nijinsky made his move past the half-mile mark and engaged in a fierce duel with Funtime Bayama, eventually securing victory by three-quarters of a length in a career-best showing.
Roy was confident in Nijinsky's fitness and potential, noting the colt's readiness to find another gear when needed. Nijinsky is now a perfect six-for-six this season.
The first elimination saw Legendary Hanover, driven by James MacDonald, emerge victorious with a lifetime-best 1:48 performance. Mirage Hanover set the early pace but couldn't hold off the late surge from Legendary Hanover, who sprinted home in an astonishing :24.4 final quarter.
Dexter Dunn piloted Winners Bet to a thrilling win in the $230,000 Graduate Trot final. The Walner four-year-old seized the lead after a challenging three-quarters and held off a late charge from Special Way, winning by a nose in 1:50.4. Trained by Nancy Takter, Winners Bet has now won three straight races this season.
Jordan Stratton drove Voukefalas to victory in the $230,000 Graduate Pace, using a crafty speed steer to secure a pocket spot before pouncing to the lead in the stretch. The Lazarus N stallion held off a late rally from No Control, winning in 1:47.3. Trainer Michael Russo praised Voukefalas's consistency and form, noting his confidence in the horse throughout the series.
Oakwood Ardan IR displayed an explosive late pace to win the high-end conditioned pace, narrowly missing his lifetime best with a 1:48.1 finish. The Robert Cleary trainee has been nearly unstoppable since arriving from Great Britain, winning 10 of 11 Meadowlands starts.
Andy Miller led the drivers with two victories, while Tony Beaton topped the trainers with a double. The 11-race card saw a total handle of $2,893,666, averaging $263,060 per race. Live harness racing resumes on Friday, July 12, at 6:20 p.m.
This series of races sets the stage for an exciting Meadowlands Pace final and highlights the competitive nature and talent in the Graduate series.