Sutton scores in big $52,500 Final

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – After a successful harness racing 3-year-old campaign in 2016 that saw him bank a little more than $360,000, Sutton did not race at all last year.

Foot problems derailed his 4-year-old season, so trainer Julie Miller and staff worked patiently with the horse, opting to keep the son of Donato Hanover on the sidelines until April 6 of this year, a layoff of 16 months.

Sutton proved worth the wait, taking the $52,500 Shiaway St. Pat Series Final for trotters at the Meadowlands Friday night.

"I couldn't ask for anything more," said Miller after the victory. "He had a good week."

And an even better night.

Sutton didn't race like a horse with any problems, sitting fourth in the early going before moving aggressively to the lead at the half. The Andy Miller-driven 5-year-old then drew clear of 5-1 fourth-choice Perseverance by 2½ lengths at the head of the stretch on the way to an easy 1¾-length win over a late-closing Deep Impact in 1:53.1. Perseverance held third.

"He had a solid mile last week (when he won leg two of the series)," said Julie Miller. "Right now, we have all of his issues under control."

Sutton, who paid $4.20 as the even-money favorite, has now won nine of 29 lifetime starts and earned $475,263 for owners Andy Miller Stable and Jason and Douglas Allen.

A LITTLE MORE: Gold Medal Swan ($3.00) took the GSY Amateur Driving Club Spring Fling Series Final in 1:56.3, winning his third straight since trainer Mark Silva took over the driving chores. … Leading driver Jim Marohn Jr. had three winners on the card. … The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $197,059. … All-source wagering for the 10 races was $2,078,568. … Racing resumes at the Big M Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations