Judge Joe and DR Ackerman captured the $151,670 first division of the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial on Friday night at Tioga Downs
The duo got away in the pocket spot as Ray Schnittker and Citation Lindy cut through a torrid opening quarter in :26.4. The field passed the half mile mark of the race in :56.2 as Russell Hill (John Campbell) began their first over grind through the third quarter station in 1:25. Campbell got Russell Hill to the top at the top of the stretch, but Judge Joe found room late and dug in to close and win by a neck in 1:55.1. The mile established a new lifetime mark for Judge Joe.
Russell Hill (John Campbell) hung on for second, while Neighsay Hanover (Howard Parker) trotted home late for third.
It was the fifth win in five seasonal starts for the three-year-old Credit Winner-Judge Judy colt, who with the win increased his career earnings to more than $450,000. When interviewed in the winner�s circle following the victory DR Ackerman stated that the homebred son, who is owned by Doug Ackerman Stables, was headed towards the $1.7 million dollar Hambletonian at The Meadowlands.
In the $151,670 second division John Campbell and Copy Catch used a third-over journey to trot home a winner through the lane.
It was the third win in seven seasonal starts for the three-year-old Cantab Hall-Catch A Train colt, who increased his seasonal earnings to more than $112,000. Copy Catch was purchased from the 2007 Lexington Select sale for $145,000 by Lindy Racing Stable, Adam Victor & Son Stable, and Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc.
�I got away fifth and got out behind Tim�s horse [Truth In Action] because I thought he was the one to beat in there and he took me right to the top of the stretch. I was very happy the way he came back tonight after last start at The Meadowlands I thought he should have won there, but it was going for more money tonight so everything worked out great,� said John Campbell in the winner�s circle following the victory.
Knoxtrot Hall (Mike Lachance) hung on for second, while Spin Spanky Spin (Fern Paquet Jr.) never left the rail and got up for third.