The Meadows has staged the Florida Pro since 1970, but the speed represented in Thursday's field was unprecedented. All five divisional winners equaled or bettered the previous stake record of 1:58 set by Bloodstocks Sam in 2002.
None was more impressive than Correctamundo, a son of SJ's Photo-Flo N Easy, who established his first world record at Harrah's Chester Downs in a PA Stallion Series stake July 19. Thursday's assignment figured to be tougher, as he drew in against Federalreservenote - undefeated in four previous starts - and found himself trailing the 1-9 favorite by 2-1/2 lengths at the half.
Under the urging of Dick Stillings, he set sail after the leader and hooked him around the final turn, when the frustrated Federalreservenote made a break. After that, Correctamundo battled only the clock. He cruised home 5-1/2 lengths ahead of He's Spooky, with Marquesas third.
"After the first world record, I thought he could go even more," said Robbie Roberts, who trains Correctamundo for owner/breeder Tom Svrcek. "He did the first one in hand, and he's getting bigger and stronger. He's maturing right in front of me.
"I thought we were pretty unlucky to draw in with Federalreservenote. He's a pretty nice horse - the season's leader. But when Dickie asked him down the backside after a half in 56.1, he came right after the leader, and Dickie was just sitting. I was pretty confident then."
Roberts said Correctamundo has only PA events remaining on his freshman schedule and is not heavily staked next year.
"I have to see what we can supplement to," Roberts said. "I'd rather have the horse, then worry about where I can race him."
Freedom Ridge scored wire to wire in 1:57.2, a track record for 2-year-old geldings that lasted about 15 minutes until Correctamundo's magic mile. But Freedom Ridge was sharp, as the son of Tom Ridge-Figlietta Hanover downed Warrawee Lucky by 3 lengths, with Nates Choice third.
"He's definitely holding his own, that's for sure," said Harold Brocklehurst, who trains Freedom Ridge and owns with Ginger Tree Stable and John Hurtgen. "His manners are getting better. He was a little calmer today in the paddock. I can't complain about him. He's been all I hoped for in a 2-year-old."
Hard Livin worked out a perfect second-over trip to score in 1:56.4, a career best for the SJ's Caviar-Affinity colt and his third win in four lifetime starts. Baximum was 3-1/2 lengths back in second while Upandover Hanover was third.
"He's a very nice colt with a great attitude," said winning driver Dave Palone. "He did it very easily. I never asked him; he did it all on his own."
Jimmy Takter trains Hard Livin for Christina Takter, John Fielding and Falkbolagen AB.
FLORIDA PRO NOTES. In the $27,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Pace, Don't Blame Her pulled off an 11-1 surprise by scoring in 1:53.2 over Natalie and Spring Break. Ray Paver drove the 6-year-old daughter of Village Connection-Never My Fault for trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr. and owner Matthew Toler.
Evan PATTAK.