WHITTAKER ADDS TO USA RECORD
Former smart Mark Jones-trained pacer Whittaker notched his fifth USA win of the year with a 1:52.1 (ftfth) win at the Meadowlands, New Jersey, on Sunday afternoon (NZ time).
Whittaker (6h Sportswriter-Anarchy, by Holmes Hanover-Honey Trap, by OK Bye-Precious Dina) was eased to fouth early from the ace barrier by top USA driver Tim Tetrick, but was out and running to the top at the three-quarters mark.
He held in the home stretch by a length and three quarters to take out the $9000 pace for non-winners of $3500 in their last five starts.
Whittaker, who lowered his lifetime best to 1:50 even at the Meadowlands earlier this year, has added over $US58,000 to his lifetime earnings in 2019.
Racing these days for the Paul Blumenfield stable, Whittaker was recording his 15th career win from 60 starts, taking his international earnings to just over $167,000.
He initially won four of only 12 NZ starts, then added a further six wins on Australian soil for former Queensland owner Greg Brodie, including success in the Group Three 2108 Paleface Adios Stakes at Menangle.
The following week he ran fourth to Jilliby Kung Fu, Let It Ride and Atomic Red, in the Group One $200,000 Chariots Of Fire, won in 1:48.8.
Whittaker’s final Menangle win was his fastest Australian win, pacing 1:52.9 in June, 2018.