Somebeachsomewhere wins $50,000 elimination heat of The Meadowlands Pace in U.S.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Shediac Bridge horse owner Reg Petitpas enjoyed another night in the spotlight of harness racing's fast lane Saturday when Somebeachsomewhere won his $50,000 elimination heat of The Meadowlands Pace.

Petitpas is a member of the Schooner Stables of Truro, N.S., owners of the undefeated world champion, who stepped to a new personal best of 1:48.3 for driver Paul MacDonell in one of three elimination heats on Saturday. The three-year-old has won all 10 of his career starts.

Somebeachsomewhere earned a berth in this Saturday's final at The Meadowlands, which carries a purse of $1.1-million. His 1:48.3 clocking on Saturday was the fastest Meadowlands Pace elimination victory ever and equalled the overall stakes record of Rocknroll Hanover, set in 2005.

Somebeachsomewhere grabbed the lead at the 27.1 opening quarter, led to the half in 55 seconds and was a length on top at the third station in 1:22.1 before drawing away from his rivals with a 26.2 final quarter.

Petitpas said he felt it was the colt's best trip yet. "Paul never pulled his earplugs," said Petitpas, who enjoyed a big night at The Meadowlands when Silent Swing rallied from the back of the pack to finish a half-length back in the $600,000 William R. Haughton Memorial for older horses.

Petitpas owns last year's Gold Cup and Saucer winner with David Shea of Campbellville, Ont. They picked up $72,000 for the third-place finish.

With his $25,000 share of Saturday's purse, Somebeachsomewhere increased his lifetime earnings to nearly $1.7-million.

Maritime simulcast locations were jammed for the Meadowlands elimination races. At Summerside, New Brunswick Health Minister Mike Murphy and P.E.I."ˆProvincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan were among the patrons who cheered on Somebeachsomewhere. The Horse Shoe Sports Bar in Dieppe was filled to capacity with fans cheering on the Petitpas horses.