Get Legs Remains Undefeated To Begin Racing Career
December 18 - After misfortunes and setbacks delayed the beginning of his racing career until mid-November in his 3 year old season, Get Legs (Muscle Hill - Legzy) is becoming the talk of the Meadowlands: exactly how good is he, and how far can he go? Trained by Julie Miller for owner Michael Anderson, Get Legs is now 4 for 4 to begin his racing career, all seemingly easy victories in overnights at the Meadowlands. Tonight in his fourth start and moving up in class to NW4, Get Legs left carefully from post 5 and settled fifth by the quarter pole for driver Andy Miller. At the half it was time to move up, and Get Legs followed the first over bid by Banzai As. However, by the 3/4 it was apparent that Banzai As had stalled, and Get Legs smoothly moved three wide before pulling even with the leader No Time To Play at the top of the stretch. From there, it was all Get Legs with Miller sitting very quietly in the bike, winning by 2 lengths in 1:54.1. Get Legs is now 4 - 4 - 0 - 0 with a record of 3, 1:53.4 and earnings of $28,000. Go here for a short review of Get Legs. Will a rivalry develop between Get Legs and a similarly positioned Some Chapter at the Meadowlands? Time will tell.
In Range A Strong Second In $600,000 Breeders Crown Final
October 30 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) found himself with a full tank of gas but nowhere to go in deep stretch of the $600,000 Breeders Crown final at Hoosier Park, but still getting a big payday for second place behind On A Streak. Starting from post 3, In Range got away third for driver Tim Tetrick and settled behind eventual winner On A Streak. By the end of the final turn, In Range found himself locked in as third horse along the rail with a full line of horses in the outside flow. With no clear path ahead, In Range was unable to duck inside On A Streak as driver Bob McClure did a masterful job of keeping the inside lane closed. Tetrick was able to get In Range partially inside along the wheel of On A Streak, where he could not advance but was carried along to a second place finish by 3/4 length in a 1:52.4 Stake Record.
In Range clearly ranks in the top tier of this year's freshman colt class for owners AMG Stable, Kenneth Kjellgren, Tomas Hans Ansell, and Rick Wahlstedt. For the season In Range is 10 - 5 - 4 - 0 with earnings of $411,003.
Windsong Stable sells the Muscle Hill yearling filly Tippet in the Concord Stud Farm consignment at Harrisburg. Tippet is a half sister to In Range, and full sister to NJSS Champion and Ohio sire Long Tom 2, 1:55.2; 3, 1:52.1 ($410,513); and half sister to Dover track record holder Tight Lines 3, 1:54.1f; 4, 1:53.4f; 1:51.2f ($610,796).
Capricornus wins 3TC Breeders Crown Elim at 61/1
October 24 - Capricornus (Cantab Hall - Oh My Darlin) surprised bettors and his faithful connections in earning a dramatic 1:52.2 victory by a neck in the 3TC Breeders Crown elimination tonight at Hoosier Park. Sent off by bettors at dismissive 61/1 odds from post 6, Capricornus and driver Tim Tetrick were quickly buried eighth in a hot 26.2 first quarter led by Play Trix On Me. He then languished an unthreatening seventh at the 3/4 pole and sixth by four lengths at the top of the stretch. Fanning widest in a deep stretch cavalry charge, Capricornus showed a quick turn of foot that has been absent in his previous performances to scorch the timer with a 26.1 final quarter and impossibly surge past the crowd for victory by a neck. His victory was the second for Windsong Stable in the 2020 Breeders Crown eliminations, joining 2TC In Range from last night in the winners circle. Breeders Crown reporter Kimberly French interviewed driver Tim Tetrick after the race, who had these comments: "I liked this horse from last year; today I didn't even pull him until the top of the lane. He disappointed me all year and did not fulfill his job, but tonight he did what I thought he could all year and showed his talent. We said if he raced as good as we felt he could, he would win." Read the rest of the article on the USTA website here.
In Range Targets 2020 Breeders Crown With 1:54.1 Elim. Win
October 23 - In tonight's $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) drew post 7 against a group of this year's best trotting colts, but found a way to rush the finish line in a thrilling 1:54.1 victory by a very short neck. In Range left smartly to establish a forward position, fourth through the half to the hot pacesetter Cuatro de Julio. In the third quarter, driver Tim Tetrick got In Range into the outside flow to be third at the top of the stretch. Twice in the stretch drive, In Range had to interrupt his progress to swing wider before rushing to the finish to secure a thrilling 1:54.1 victory by a very short neck. His last quarter was a scorching 26.3. In Range is now 9 - 5 - 3 - 0 for earnings of $276,003. Drawing the favorable post 3 for next week's big Breeders Crown final, In Range will be a major contender for the big purse. USTA coverage of his victory and photo can be found here.
Puddin N Pie Conquers $10,000 Open Handicap at Rosecroft
October 21 - This is a small "feel good story" about a race horse that has knocked around for years, slowly improving his performances until he comes through with a big win. Puddin N Pie (Yankee Glide - Banbury Cross) is a 6 year old gelding trotter owned and greatly cared for by his trainer, Walter Birney. Puddin N Pie only had a single win in 40 starts at two and three, earning about $31,000. Birney purchased Puddin N Pie at the end of his three year old season, and they have been together ever since. Things weren't much better at four, as the horse added only a single win in 32 more starts. But with Birney's patience and care, Puddin N Pie notched another four wins at 5 and earned a respectable 1:56.3f record. Now 6, the horse has gained confidence and a quicker turn of foot. Puddin N Pie is now 17 - 3 - 2 - 6 with earnings of $22,780 in 2020, capped by tonight's 1:55f victory in the $10,000 Open Handicap at Rosecroft. It might not be the Breeders Crown, but that kind of win is beyond the abilities of many performers, and is a testament to the courage of the horse and the faith and persistence of his trainer/owner who brought him to this level of success.
In Range 1:51.3 in $885,600 International Stallion Stake
October 9 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) tied Walner's 1:51.3 World Record for 2YO trotting colts today in the $85,600 International Stallion Stake at The Red Mile. However amazing, his efforts earned him a second place finish behind Southwind Tyrion's 1:51.1 new World Record. Starting from post 7, In Range left alertly to gain second place behind pole sitter Southwind Tyrion. These two horses finished about two seconds ahead of the field. In Range is now 9 - 5 - 3 - 0 for earnings of $276,003 for trainer Marcus Melander and driver Tim Tetrick.
Just Joshing Falls Just Short in $43,506 Standardbred at Delaware
September 23 - With a short layoff after her victory in the $50,000 NY Excelsior "A" Final, Just Joshing shipped to the Delaware County Fair to try her luck in the $43,506 Standardbred Stakes. Leaving from the disadvantageous post 6 for driver Andy Miller, Just Joshing found herself second through a 59 second half. Soon thereafter, eventual winner Treasure Gems K swept forward outside to lock in Just Joshing in third position until the short stretch. By the time she could shake loose, Just Joshing found herself with a lot of trot and not much track left to go. Just Joshing crossed the finish line a strong and closing second by a head. With today's good finish, Just Joshing is 7-3-3-1 with lifetime earnings of $64,640. She will likely get a well deserved rest before the Simpson Stakes at Harrahs Chester.
Windsong Stable sells Jeans and Heels, a Trixton 1/2 sister to Just Joshing, in the Concord Stud Farm consignment at Harrisburg. Just Joshing and Jeans and Heels are half sisters to the 46 race winner Jacks to Open 2, 1:55.1; 1:53.4 ($483,283), Jogging Home 4, 1:56.3f ($182,392), Jocular 3, 1:57h ($170,980), Jitterbug 4, 1:54.1 ($127,685), Just For You 5, 1:53.4 ($109,634), and Joey 4, 1:53.4-20 ($102,477).
Just Joshing Victorious in $50,000 NY Excelsior "A" Final
September 11 - As the points leader in the NY Excelsior "A" series, Just Joshing (Chapter Seven - Jodis Jayme) was a serious contender in the $50,000 Final at Tioga though some doubt remained in the minds of the bettors because of her loss to Marcus Melander-trained Izzy Demsky in the final leg of the series. Leaving from post 6, Just Joshing reached the lead by the 1/4 pole in 28.3 before her rival swept up on the outside to take over the lead. Izzy Demsky set the pace until mid-stretch when a determined bid by Just Joshing won the day with a 1:58.2f lifetime record victory by a head for driver Andy Miller. The $50,000 purse represented the biggest lifetime victory of her short career for owners Andy Miller Stable, Windsong Stable, and Dumain Haven Farm.
Excellence Notches 50th Career Win at Flamboro Downs
September 10 - Excellence (Kadabra - Noble Message) has been a stalwart performer at Ontario "B" tracks for many years. Now 12, she is winding down a solid career that often was spent at the Preferred level at Flamboro Downs. Earlier this year it looked like she was becoming less competitive, but tonight she earned her 50th career victory leading the last 3/4 of the race in 2:01.1 for driver Jean Plante and trainer Patrick Shepherd. Lifetime, Excellence is now 313 - 50 - 45 - 36 for $304,603 (USD). Such a gallant performer is often not recognized, so in some small way Windsong Stable wanted to salute this noble Kadabra mare, who in her modest way has lived up to the high standards of her name.
In Range A Strong Second in $253,000 PA Sire Stakes Championship
September 5 - As PA Sire Stakes point leader, In Range (Muscle Hill - Ilia) was the subject of a great profile article on the USTA website prior to the $253,000 PA Sire Stakes Championship at Pocono. Starting from post 4, In Range left the gate a bit slowly and quickly found himself fifth by the 1/4 pole behind a powerful three horse contingent from the Ake Svanstedt Stable, including the betting favorite Captain Cory. Unfortunately, In Range found himself positioned too far behind to make a serious run at eventual winner Captain Corey. However, he trotted home strongly for second money while establishing a lifetime best beaten time of 1:54f. In Range is now 6-4-2-0 with lifetime earnings of $242,103 for trainer Marcus Melander and owners AMG Stable of Finland, Kenneth Kjellgren and Tomas Hans Ansell of Sweden, and Rick Wahlstedt.
Inspired In Range has PASS Title Within His Reach
September 4, 2020, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager
Hightstown, NJ - As trainer Marcus Melander prepared In Range for his rookie season, he was uncertain what he had in the 2-year-old trotter. The colt was a good-looking $185,000 yearling buy from a successful family but did not stand out among Melander's other horses.
But when it came time to race, In Range went from indifferent to inspired. He has four wins and a second in five starts as he heads to Saturday's (Sept. 5) $253,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes championship for 2-year-old male trotters at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
In Range and driver Tim Tetrick are 3-1 on the morning line, the second choice behind the Ake Svanstedt-trained entry of Captain Corey and Fly Light at 2-1. Captain Corey, undefeated in three races this season, and In Range will be meeting for the first time.
"It's not going to be easy to beat Captain Corey, but I don't feel defeated before the race," Melander said. "I'm very confident in my horse and hope he can step up a little more. But it's a good field, it's not just Captain Corey in there. Captain Corey is going to be the favorite but they're 2-year-olds, you never know. It will be an interesting race."...
Read the rest of the story on USTA here.
In Range Dominates $103,561 PASS at Pocono
August 23 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) continued his dominating season in the $103,561 PASS at Pocono tonight, raising his seasonal earnings to #2 nationally for two year old trotting colts in the process. Starting from post 2, In Range quickly showed the field who was boss in taking a quick lead during a 27.3 first quarter. The field showed they wanted no part of In Range early, allowing driver Tim Tetrick to loaf in a 31 second 2nd quarter. Tetrick thereafter stepped on the gas, and In Range was never threatened in a 1 3/4 length victory in 1:55.1f. In Range is now 5 - 4 - 1 - 0 with earnings of $178,853.
Field Gunner Earns Second Stakes Win at Kawartha Downs
August 15 - Field Gunner (Kadabra - Ilia) overcame post 8 and the 9/1 suspicion of the bettors to dominate a $22,800 ONSS-GR event at Kawartha Downs and earn his second Stakes win of the season. Driver Scott Young guided Field Gunner from the gate to an advantageous 3rd position by the turn. After a 58.4 half, Field Gunner came first over to edge in front by the 1:26.4 3/4,and then powered to an easy 3 length victory in 1:56.4f lifetime mark. Field Gunner now has 3 wins in 7 starts and earnings of $18,405 for owner Determination Inc. and trainer Luc Blais.
Windsong Stable sells the Muscle Hill yearling filly Tippet in the Concord Stud Farm consignment at Harrisburg. Tippet is a half sister to Field Gunner, and to Dover track record holder Tight Lines 3, 1:54.1f; 4, 1:53.4f; 1:51.2f ($610,796); full sister to NJSS Champion and Ohio sire Long Tom 2, 1:55.2; 3, 1:52.1 ($410,513); and a half sister to 2020 Breeders Crown elim. winner and second place Final, PA Sire Stakes star In Range 2, 1:54.1; BT 1:51.3 ($411,003).
Tight Lines Reaches $600,000 Lifetime In Grand Style
August 6 - Tight Lines (Yankee Glide - Ilia) celebrated his addition to the rare group of $600,000 lifetime winners with a wire-to-wire victory at Harrah's Philadelphia today for owner/trainer/driver Jeff Gregory. Leaving quickly from post 7, Tight Lines assumed the lead in a 27.3 first quarter. From there it was all she wrote, as Tight Lines was never seriously challenged in a 1:53.1f win. Tight Lines is now 11 - 4 - 1 - 0 with 2020 earnings of $53,000, while raising his lifetime earnings to $604,276.
Windsong Stable sells the Muscle Hill yearling filly Tippet in the Concord Stud Farm consignment at Harrisburg. Tippet is a half sister to Dover track record holder Tight Lines 3, 1:54.1f; 4, 1:53.4f; 1:51.2f ($610,796); full sister to NJSS Champion and Ohio sire Long Tom 2, 1:55.2; 3, 1:52.1 ($410,513); and a half sister to 2020 Breeders Crown elim. winner and second place Final, PA Sire Stakes star In Range 2, 1:54.1; BT 1:51.3 ($411,003).
In Range Stays Perfect In $103,261 PASS
August 5 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) made it 3 for 3 today with a victory in the $103,261 (div) PASS at Harrah's Chester today. Starting from the outside post 6, In Range quickly found himself strung out and hung up in what became a 27.3 cavalry charge from the gate. He quickly found himself 5th by 7 lengths. At the half he found his way into the outer flow second over, where he remained until the top of the stretch. In Range then floated three wide to establish a one length victory in 1:56.1 under moderate urging by driver Tim Tetrick. With the victory, In Range became the #1 2YO trotter with earnings of $101,483.
Just Joshing Makes It Two In A Row at Yonkers
June 21 - Just Joshing (Chapter Seven - Jodi's Jayme) was once again the winner in her second lifetime start tonight at Yonkers, posting a convincing and unchallenged 2 length victory in 2:00.4 for driver Andy Miller in the $15,000 NY Excelsior - A S. at Yonkers. Sent off at 1/9 by the bettors from post 1, Just Joshing was content to sit second past the half when Miller decided it was time to go. On top at the 3/4, Just Joshing established a commanding margin and held it to the finish. Trained by Julie Miller and owned by the Andy Miller Stable, Larry Dumain, and Windsong Stable, Just Joshing has established herself as a major player in this series.
In Range Is Easy PA Sire Stakes Winner
June 20 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) won for the second time in as many lifetime starts today, an easy winner in his $69,707 (div) of the PA Sire Stakes at The Meadows. Starting from post 2 for Tim Tetrick, In Range followed third past the half before moving outside to take the lead by two lengths at the top of the stretch. He was never challenged in posting a 1:57.1f win for trainer Marcus Melander and owners AMG Stable, Kenneth, Kjellgren, Tomas Asell, and Rick Wahlstedt.
Just Joshing Wasn't Kidding at Saratoga
July 8 - Just Joshing (Chapter Seven - Jodi's Jayme) easily dominated her field of NY 2YO filly trotters at Saratoga in winning her first pari-mutuel start in a $15,000 NY Excelsior A series race. Starting from post 7 for driver Andy Miller, Just Joshing floated wide around the first turn before settling into fourth position. After the half it was time to go. Just Joshing came first over to challenge for the lead, at which time the pacesetter suddenly broke stride. Just Joshing easily took over and was never again approached before her victory in an unstressed 2:01.2 for owners Andy Miller Stable, Larry Dumain, and Windsong Stable.
In Range Unloads Heavy Artillery in $30,000 (Div) PA All Stars
July 6 - In Range (Bar Hopping - Ilia) made his first pari-mutuel start today, and quickly proved that he had this field of 2YO trotting colts squarely in his sights. Leaving from post 1 for driver Tim Tetrick, In Range quickly repelled all challengers, weathering a brief wide ramble around the first turn before settling into the lead in 28.1. In Range yielded the lead to stablemate Incentive before the half. However, in the stretch In Range powered easily to the front to win by almost 2 lengths in a pari-mutuel season's leading 1:55.1f. In Range is trained by Marcus Melander, and owned by AMG Stable, Kenneth Kjellgren, Tomas Asell, and Rick Wahlstedt. USTA coverage of the race can be found here.
Tight Lines Scorches Dover Open HCP In 1:51.2f Lifetime Mark
February 18 - Tight Lines (Yankee Glide - Ilia) won his third $27,500 Open HCP in row at Dover tonight in a 1:51.2f lifetime mark which tied the track record, while raising his lifetime earnings to $591,276 for driver Corey Callahan and owner/trainer Jeff Gregory. Starting from post 6, Tight Lines got away third behind pace setting World Champion JL Cruze in a hot 26.3 first quarter. JL Cruze cut fractions of 55.2 and 1:23.1 until Callahan stepped on the gas. Tight Lines quickly took the lead before the top of the stretch, and came comfortably home in 27.4 to win by an easy length and three quarters. The USTA has more on this story here.
