EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – As the all-time driver earnings leader in harness racing history, John Campbell has guided and won with many favorites.
But Friday night at the Meadowlands in the Kindergarten Series for 2-year-olds, he made his fans jump for joy after steering two longshots to the winner's circle.
Campbell scored with Sunshine Delight (Credit Winner) in the filly trot at odds of 11-1 and paid $25.60 to win, completing the mile in 1:56.3 for trainer Staffan Lind and owner James Wilhite Jr.
Saving his best for last, Campbell guided 39-1 chance Muscles Jared ($80.40) by Muscle Massive to victory lane in the colt and gelding trot in 1:56.1 for trainer George Ducharme and owner Alfred Ross.
Chalk players were not left out in the cold on this extremely warm night, however, as Fly On ($2.10, 1:55.3, colt and gelding trot) by Muscle Hill, Grandma's Moni ($4.60, 1:55.2, filly trot) by Donato Hanover and Rubio ($2.20, 1:56.1, colt and gelding trot) by Cantab Hall scored in the other Kindergarten divisions.
FROM WAY BACK:
Fashion Creditor scored in the overnight feature, a $17,500 conditioned trot in the most exciting race all night, when five horses were less than a length apart at the wire.
The Tom Fanning trainee, who was driven by Brett Miller, was up in a driving finish after racing in a fifth-over flow at three-quarters. The 4-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner completed the mile in 1:52.2 and paid $28.40 to win. Rules Of The Road, sent off at 14-1, finished a nose back in second.
CARRY ON:
The 5th race 20 cent Jackpot Super High Five failed to produce a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $38,241.19 for the next program. … Despite a smaller than usual pool in the 13th race finale, all-source wagering totaled $2,468,369. … Racing resumes at the Big M Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
by Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations
PHOTO: Fashion Creditor (7) and driver Brett Miller are up in time in the $17,500 overnight trotting feature at the Meadowlands Friday night. (Credit: Lisa Photo)