I got into racing in 1985, that year there was a beast named Nihilator who pretty much dominated the harness racing world. A two year old surfaced named Barberry Spur who had local connections to my native Western, PA area. The following year came a horse called Jaguar Spur who carreid the Stillings torch which enabled them to win the Little Brown Jug in back to back years of 86′ & 87′.
Neither animal won a race in sub 1:50 although Jaguar Spur did time trail at the Red Mile and broke the 1:50 barrier.
Today, this year’s early season leader, Sweet Lou won his first race of the year in sub 1:50……this past weekend’s 3yr old race the Max Hempt final was won in 1:48 3/5 over a 5/8 mile oval….the beaten favorite clocked in a pedestrian 1:49 2/5
Think the game has changed a bit? they certainly go faster, can’t wait to see the final time of the Meadowlands Pace