"Muscles" Powers to Victory in Trot
Saturday Night at The Big M


April 15, 2006

Lhasa Muscles moved to the lead before the half and rolled to a length and a quarter victory in the fifth race, a $35,000 winners-over condition trot, on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. Cat Manzi was in the sulky behind Lhasa Muscles, who held off the late challenge of Armbro Barrister and Dink Adoo. The mile was timed in 1:53.4.

"There were a couple of different situations that could have happened,” said Manzi. “There were a few horses in the race that could he gone around him on the front but tonight he got his way."

This year Lhasa Muscles has posted five wins, two seconds and two thirds from nine starts for earnings of $103,128. Let It Ride Stables of Delray Beach, Florida, and Stake Your Claim 3 of Secaucus, New Jersey, acquired the five-year-old gelding out of a $75,000 optional claiming race on February 10. Since moving into trainer Ross Croghan’s barn, the son of Muscles Yankee has three wins, one second and two thirds from six starts and earnings of $63,128. His career bankroll now tops $250,000 with 14 wins, 12 seconds and nine thirds from 51 starts.