Ariana G stands out in weekend soph-trot action

By Frank and Ray Cotolo

(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible

Ariana G (H-Muscle Hill) dominated in the $100,000 New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) Final for three-year-old filly trotters on Friday, June 2 at the Meadowlands, winning by 3 lengths in 1:51.1 over Ice Attraction (H-Muscle Hill) and Dream Baby Dream (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, she paid $2.20 to win.

Alongside the NJSS for filly trotters, Long Tom (H-Muscle Hill) wired his colt rivals to win the $100,000 NJSS Final for three-year-old colt trotters in 1:52.2 over King On The Hill (H-Muscle Hill) and What The Hill (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Amg Stable Oy, trained by Marcus Melander, and driven by Tim Tetrick, he paid $5.20 to win.

Long Tom & Tim Tetrick

The remaining hopefuls competed in three divisions of the $118,424 Currier & Ives at the Meadows on Saturday, June 3.

Fraser Ridge coasted to a 1:55.1 win in the opening division over Meme Hanover (H-Explosive Matter) and Muay Hanover (H-Donato Hanover). Owned by Donald Robinson, Robert Mondillo, trainer Chris Beaver, and R.B.H. Ventures Inc. and driven by Jim Pantaleano, he paid $5.80.

Moonshiner Hanover (H-Andover Hall) pulled pocket and edged past pacesetter Giveitgasandgo (H-Yankee Glide) to win the second split in 1:54.3 with Lars Perry finishing third. Owned by trainer Chris Beaver along with partners Synerco Ventures Inc. and Bill Manes and driven by Aaron Merriman, he paid $11.00.

Moonshiner Hanover & Aaron Merriman

Grabbing the lead moving into the backstretch, Sortie (H-Explosive Matter) held control as he trotted to a 1:54 victory in the final Currier & Ives division over Dover Dan (H-Andover Hall) and Always A Good Time. Owned by Patricia Stable, Joe Sbrocco, Mario Mazza and Sortie Stable, trained by Noel Daley and driven by Andrew McCarthy, he paid $2.80.

Sortie and Andrew McCarthy