Red Maple Lane zipped to the lead and jogged off to an easy victory — his second straight in the series — in Wednesday’s late-closing event for freshman colt and gelding trotters at The Meadows.
Guy Fox took the other $12,500 second-leg split. The series final is set for Saturday, Nov. 1.
Once on the lead, Red Maple Lane easily thwarted the tepid first-over challenge of Grana Padanno and scored for Doug Snyder in 1:58.4, two and a quarter lengths better than the pocket-sitting Massive Storm. Grana Padanno saved show. Lisa Martin trains the SJs Caviar-Lane Bryant gelding, who was ahead at every call in his two series wins, for Mary Martin, Roger Dirlam and Maple Ridge Stable.
Guy Fox pulled the pocket before the three-quarters, put away Bambam Lauxmont and triumphed in 2:00.2 for Ray Paver and trainer Steve Bush, who owns the Glidemaster-Classical Mary gelding with Dennis Fassett and Alvira Fassett. Massive Winner was a ground-saving second, three-quarters of a length back, while Orchids And Ale rallied for show.
Dave Palone drove six winners on the 15-race card.
(The Meadows)