M-M’s Dream collars Special Way in Steele Memorial

M-M’s Dream rallied on the outside in deep stretch to win Saturday’s (Aug. 3) $160,000 Dr. John R. Steele Memorial, for older female trotters, by 2-1/2 lengths over Special Way in 1:50.4 at the Meadowlands. Pioneer As was third.

Special Way took the early lead and brought the field to the opening quarter in :27. She remained in front through a half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:24 while facing a first-over challenge from Call Me Goo.

M-M’s Dream, who enjoyed a pocket trip behind Special Way, was guided to the outside by driver David Miller as they came out of the final turn. She trotted her last quarter in :26.2 as she won for the sixth time in nine races this year.

“When they started to get away a little bit on the turn, for a second I was worried,” trainer Ron Burke said. “But I know one thing with this filly, it’s never over until it’s over. She’s going to reengage late. About halfway down the lane, I knew she had momentum and was starting to pick it up. You just know her; she’s going to finish the last sixteenth probably better than any trotter out there.”

Added Miller, “She’s got so much determination. She just never gives up until she gets them.”

M-M’s Dream, who started from post one and raced without shoes, won the Steele for the second consecutive year. The triumph followed her win last week in a leg of the Miss Versatility Series.

“Any time I can go for real money with her, I go barefoot,” Burke said. “She’s a way better horse barefoot. She can’t do it back-to-back weeks, so last week, you’re going for $50,000, it’s not free money, but it’s not this money. Today, off the rail, we knew we had a big shot. You want to do something special. She’s just better with her shoes off.”

M-M’s Dream is owned by Eleven Star Stables, Frank Baldachino and Hillside Stables. The 5-year-old daughter of Swan For All-Trading Places was bred by Mervin Miller. She has won 31 of 45 career races and earned $1.66 million.

Sent off as the 6-5 co-favorite with Special Way, M-M’s Dream paid $4.40 to win.