Haugton Elims Contested at The Big M

July 23, 2008



Muscle Hill strode to victory in the first of two elimination races for the $500,00 Peter Haughton Memorial for 2-year-old trotters Wednesday night at the Meadowlands.

Driven by Brian Sears, Muscle Hill surged to the lead at the top of the stretch and drew off to a three-length tally in 1:55.4. His entrymate, Citation Lindy, was second, while Flanders Field nabbed the show spot. Salutation Hanover and Broadwaylonghall also advanced to the Peter Haughton Final.

Muscle Hill, the New Jersey Sire Stakes champion, has now won two of three career starts. Greg Peck trains the son of Muscles Yankee-Yankee Blondie for Jerry Silva and TLP Stable.

In the second $20,000 elimination, race five, Encore Encore nipped Symphonic Hanover in the final strides in 1:55.3 for Tim Tetrick. Hurrikanebiggeorge kicked home in 28.3 to finish third. Victor Blue Chip and Keystone Thomas completed the Peter Haughton field.

Robert Key’s Encore Encore posted his fourth win in five career starts. Rich Gillock trains the Broadway Hall-Key’s La Nina colt.

The elimination winners earned the privilege of choosing their post positions for the final. Encore Encore’s connections won the coin toss for first choice and took post three, while Peck selected post two for Muscle Hill.