MILLER WINS THIRD STRAIGHT FEATURE AT BIG M

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- February 14, 2025 -- After winning the last two featured events at The Meadowlands with Intothemysticmoon (Feb. 7) and Antognoni A (Feb. 1), it’s possible players planned on betting their $2 on driver Dave Miller in the Friday night marquee event at The Big M.

And once again, they would have cashed.

Miller worked out a perfect pocket trip with Rock My Universe, and the Mike Simons trainee coasted home to an easy 2½-length win in 1:55 to record his second straight victory in the $15,500 conditioned event for trotters.

“When I moved him [out of the pocket] he took right off,” said Miller of the 4-year-old gelded son of Walner-Youlightupmyworld, who won for fun as the 4-5 public choice.

Luke’s Bar, who was nailed on the wire by Rock My Universe a week ago, was once again seen on the lead, cutting out fractions of :28.1, :56.4 and 1:25.3, but the Chris Ryder student could not deal with Rock My Universe for a second straight start, ending up third after getting outkicked for the place spot by Elegant Resolve.

“I was able to angle out at the head of the lane,” said Miller, “and he won very handily.” 

After starting his career an uninspiring one-for-30, Rock My Universe, who returned $3.80 to win, is now three-for-32 lifetime, good for earnings of just over $55,000 for owners A P Racing and William Masterson.

GRASSO’S GRAND: Michael Grasso won the second edition of the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest, which goes for prize money totaling $1,000.

Grasso finished the night with a bankroll of $354.00. He and second-place finisher Nick Montemurro ($312.50) both earned spots in the $10,000 contest that will be held in December.

Robert Glaser had both the third- and fourth-place bankrolls with $170.60 and $158.80, respectively, while Heather Jones was fifth with $70.10.

A LITTLE MORE: Brett Beckwith led the driver colony with four winners on the night. … Julius Czermann topped the trainers with a pair of victories. … Beckwith, Czermann and owner Joseph LoPrete swept the $11.80 Late Daily Double with Bacardi ($3.60 to win in race 13) and Skyway Billy ($5.40, 14th). … All-source handle on the 14-race card totaled $2,845,221. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m.