Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Burning Point Wins $215,000 Lady Liberty Final

June 18, 2005

Burning Point, driven by George Brennan, nipped Carolina Sunshine in the final strides of the $215,000 Lady Liberty on Friday night at the Meadowlands. It was the third Lady Liberty victory for Brennan who won the inaugural edition of the free for all for pacing mares in 2000 with French Panicure and set the stakes record of 1:48.4 last year with Loyal Opposition. L Dees Val with John Campbell driving, closed for third, three and three-quarter lengths back.

Burning Point, the 2004 runner-up in the Lady Liberty, was used early to get to the lead with a torrid opening quarter of 25.4 seconds before relinquishing the front to Carolina Sunshine driven by Brian Sears, as they hit the half in 53.4. With a sixteenth of a mile to go, she slipped out to duel with the leader, winning the photo by head. The mile was timed in 1:50.1.

"She's always in the race," said Brennan. "She's got good gate speed. I was just trying to get covered up as soon as possible. Brian [Sears with Carolina Sunshine] rolled on, and she was comfortable in the pocket. Midway through the lane, I tipped her out and she went by. With no one else close, I was able to wait."

"I knew we were going to get stung leaving a little bit, but I didn't know we'd get stung like that," trainer Steve Elliott said of the opening panel. "I thought it would be 26.3 or 26.4. This was the first time she had a trip like that all year. She's a tough old bird."

Burning Point, a five-year-old daughter of Camluck, races for the Cuzzins Stable of Delray Beach, Florida. She posted her second straight win and fourth in 16 starts this year. The victory pushed her career bankroll to $1,449,648 with 34 wins, 15 seconds and 10 thirds from 83 starts.