M-M’s Dream cruises to Steele victory

Saturday, August 5, 2023

M-M’s Dream cruised to a 1:50 victory in the $131,250 Dr. John R. Steele Memorial, the first trotting stakes of the Hambletonian Day (Saturday, Aug. 5) program at the Meadowlands.

The Steele, for open mares, drew a select field of six that was short on numbers but long on quality. The lineup included 2022 Hambletonian Oaks winner Fashion Schooner and Breeders Crown champion Jiggy Jog S. In the end, the Pride of Indiana prevailed with a dominant pacesetting score in a lifetime best effort.

The complexion of the race changed radically when Fashion Schooner, handled by Tim Tetrick on the rail, broke at the start. That left David Miller and M-M’s Dream squarely in control as Jiggy Jog, the 1-5 favorite, settled in fourth with Dexter Dunn at the lines.

Spotted the early advantage, M-M’s Dream was not going to be denied.

“The race went nothing like I thought,” Miller said. “When Timmy’s mare made a break leaving, I thought for sure Dexter would be coming. In the middle of the first turn, I was all by myself. We just took it as easy as we could, and she had lots left.”

That was an understatement.

M-M’s Dream polished off the unchallenged mile with a :26 final quarter for her 23rd victory in 29 starts for Eleven Star Stables, Frank Baldachino and Hillside Stables. Jiggy Jog S rallied to secure the place spot, two lengths behind, from Warrawee Xenia.

The Ron Burke trainee has now firmly established her credentials outside the Hoosier State. This was her third Meadowlands stakes win this season, along with a leg of the Miss Versatility and the Hambletonian Maturity, the latter of which saw her shock Jiggy Jog S by a neck at 12-1.

“She’s been racing excellent,” Miller said. “She’s really stepped up. It’s been a nice surprise.”

Bettors were as surprised this time. M-M’s Dream paid $9.80 to win as the 7-2 second choice.