Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Feelin' Friskie wins $500,000 New Jersey Classic

Feelin Friskie strides out to win for John Campbell

May 27, 2006

Feelin Friskie took the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic Saturday night at the Meadowlands in a stakes record of 1:49.1, eclipsing the mark of 1:50 flat shared by Art's Conquest [1999] and Bettor's Delight [2001]. The son of Artiscape provided Hall of Fame driver John Campbell with his fourth New Jersey Classic victory. Campbell won the inaugural edition of the race for three-year-old New Jersey sired colts in 1980 with Bold Rush, in 1989 edition with Dexter Nukes and in 1994 with Cam's Card Shark.

"There was a lot of speed on the inside of me, and they were racing hard on the front," Campbell said. "Tonight I was parked the whole mile, but I was able to catch the live cover of Western Ace around the last turn. I think that was the key to the race. I don?t really get wrapped up in time. They're so many fast miles here. He felt real strong around the last turn. When I spoke to him at the head of the stretch he accelerated well. I was pretty sure he was going to win at that point. He's going to have a chance to be a top horse. I don't think we can sort them out until the Meadowlands Pace. He?s stamped himself as one who will be a contender if he can hold this form."

Feelin Friskie, who had won the New Jersey Classic Prep last week, posted his second win of three starts this year and ninth in 17 starts lifetime. With the winner's share of $250,000, the colt has now earned $350,810 for owner Wayne Whebby of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, who purchased him for $22,000 as a yearling. Prince Edward Island native Scott Bell oversaw Feelin Friskie's care in New Jersey.

$500,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic The Meadowlands
Saturday, May 27, 2006
PP Horse Driver
6 Feelin Friskie John Campbell
1 Artstanding Mike Lachance
4 Western Ace Ron Pierce
3 Manhardt Cat Manzi
7 Armbro Deuce Yannick Gingras
5 Palone Ranger David Miller
2 Pure Ego Hanover Andy Miller
26.3 54.0 1:22.0 1:49.1