Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Special Report, Manhardt Win Presidential Openers

January 12, 2008

Special Report won the first of two $50,000 divisions of the opening leg of the Presidential Series on Saturday night at the Meadowlands.

Driver Larry Stalbaum tipped Special Report out of the pocket in mid-stretch and he closed for a neck victory in 1:50.2. Fox Valley Tribal finished third.

"It worked out perfect,” Stalbaum said. “I was afraid I would get shuffled, but Brian's horse [Jilliby Generator] kept going and nobody else was near him. He was great tonight and he's got to be great for two more weeks."

Trained by Kimberly Asher, the six-year-old son of Keystone Raider has increased his lifetime earnings to $605,457 for owner Hugo Iodice of Bayonne, New Jersey.

In the second division, Manhardt skimmed up the pylons to win by a length over Palone Ranger in 1:51.3. Gold Dust Beach finished third.

The Presidential series continues next Saturday, January 19, with a second leg and concludes with a $126,500 final on January 26.