Ariana G Bests the Boys in Earl Beal, Jr. Eliminations

By Frank and Ray Cotolo

(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible

Tackling the glamour boys after conquering the fillies earlier this year, Ariana G (H-Muscle Hill) established her dominance in winning the last of three eliminations for the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial on Saturday, June 24 at Pocono Downs. Going wire to wire in 1:53.4 over Bill’s Man (H-Credit Winner) and Moonshiner Hanover (H-Andover Hall), she won for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, trainer Jimmy Takter, and driver Yannick Gingras. She paid $2.10 to win.

Long Tom (H-Muscle Hill) cruised to a 6-length victory in the opening elimination, winning in 1:52.3 over Sortie (H-Explosive Matter) and Lucky Matter (H-Explosive Matter). Owned by Amg Stable Oy, trained by Marcus Melander, and driven by Tim Tetrick, he paid $4.60.

Sliding up the passing lane in the final yards, Perfect Spirit (H-Andover Hall) edged past favorite Devious Man (H-Credit Winner) and pocket-sitter Dover Dan (H-Andover Hall) to upset in the second Beal elimination, trotting a mile of 1:54.1. Owned by SRF Stable, trained by Ake Svanstedt, and driven by Yannick Gingras, he paid $49.00 to win.