12 August 2023 – Standardbred Canada
Purchased privately following a runner-up performance in the Cane Pace at The Meadowlands, SEVEN COLORS (STAY HUNGRY) showed his new connections just how good he was with a jaw-dropping world-record victory in the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial at MGM Northfield Park on Saturday (Aug. 12).
Both Buzzsaw Russ and Redwood Hanover left alertly, but SEVEN COLORS was put into play early as well into the first turn. Dunn played a little bit of hardball as he stretched out Buzzsaw Russ, but the son of Rockin Image worked past SEVEN COLORS as the field entered the backstretch.
“He just couldn’t get out of the gate quick enough,” said Dunn. “We got away third; we didn’t want to be unlucky with him with such a great run last week.”
MacDonald, who couldn’t find a hole with Redwood Hanover, had to work hard to make the front, putting up a :25.3 first quarter. MacDonald then tried to get a bit of a breather, but Dunn would have none of it as he moved SEVEN COLORS to the outside with Tip Top Cat on his back.
Getting to the half in a blistering :53.4, SEVEN COLORS began to apply pressure to the Redwood Hanover as they entered the clubhouse turn for the final time. REDWOOD HANOVER (STAY HUNGRY) worked hard trying to fight off his challengers, leading by three quarters in 1:21 up by three-quarters of a length.
“Brian (Brown) did such a good job with this horse; he had him prepped so well,” said winning trainer Andrew Harris. “I was pretty confident going to the three-quarter pole; if the horse is taxed on the front end, I felt like we could take advantage of that.”
Dunn pulled the plugs on SEVEN COLORS midway into the far turn, and the son of STAY HUNGRY took off quickly taking the lead from REDWOOD HANOVER with an eighth of a mile to pace. SEVEN COLORS drew off down the stretch to win by a comfortable two-lengths in a track and world-record 1:48.1. Tip Top Cat closed to be second, with Buzzsaw Russ and REDWOOD HANOVER completing the superfecta.
“I just rode up quietly. And then, coming towards the end of the backstretch, he had plenty of go. When James (MacDonald) started to struggle a little bit, I asked him for more, and he kicked on great,” Dunn said.
Owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman, and trainer Andrew Harris, the talented colt has now earned $349,398 with six victories in 17 starts.
“I gotta thank Bill Pollock and Bruce Arman for taking this ride with me; it’s working out really nice for us; we have some nice horses,” said winning trainer Andrew Harris.
