Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Loyal Opposition Wins $238,600 Lady Liberty Final.
June 18, 2004
by Kimberly A. Rinker

Loyal Opposition became just one of three pacing mares in history to pace in 1:48.4, which she did by winning the $238,600 Lady Liberty Final at the Meadowlands tonight. The Cole Muffler four-year-old, who his trained by Erv Miller for owner Daniel Waxman of Ontario, had won the open at the Big M one week prior in a blistering 1:49.4, with John Campbell at the lines, but tonight got the services of driver George Brennan.

"I really didn't know too much about her," Brennan said. "Erv (trainer Miller) had talked to me before the race and told me to drive her the way I thought best. She had a ton of pace left at the wire and ranks right up there with some of the best mares ever."

Loyal Opposition took the lead just past the :26.2 half and settled into a comfortable pace, tripping the timer at the half in :54. At the top of the stretch, past the 1:21.3 three-quarters, Loyal Opposition just pacing into another gear, and drew off by her rivals to win in 1:48.4, a time which equals the world and stakes record. Her time matched the miles of Frightening P (June 21, 2002 at the Big M) and Carolina Sunshine (June 14, 2003 at Woodbine).

"Anytime you race against these mare, any number of them have the capability to win," owner Dan Waxman said. "I thought our mare had a good chance in here but I never expected a mile like this. She had a ton of pace and for her to pace that fast is just an added bonus."

Loyal Opposition pushed her lifetime earnings to $1,546,642 and her seasonal earnings to $160,439. It was her fifth win of the year in seven trips postward. Last year at three, she earned $489,973 and won seven of 20 starts.

Loyal Opposition will next head to the Breeders Crown on July 31 and the Golden Girls on August 7, both at the Meadowlands.
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