VOUKEFALAS GOES 1:47.1 IN BIG M’S EXIT 16W

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- June 6, 2026 -- Given that earlier in the evening a remarkably strong storm made it necessary to halt racing for 65 minutes, it’s hard to believe that harness racing’s fastest mile of 2026 took place at The Meadowlands Saturday night.

Maybe Voukefalas didn’t watch the weather reports.

The 6-year-old son of Lazarus N-Inittowinafortune rocked the clock in the slop at the mile oval, as he won the featured $35,000 Exit 16W Pop Up Series final in a remarkable lifetime best of 1:47.1.

“I'm super happy,” said winning trainer Mike Russo. “He trained back so good last year, then when it was time to race, he just had something nagging him the whole year that I couldn't get a handle on. He trained back super this year and stayed that way.”

Voukefalas was vicious from start to finish, as driver Braxten Boyd asked the veteran for speed from the get-go and got it. Leaving from post 10 in the 10-horse field, Boyd and “Vouk” were stacked up four wide into the first turn before getting right in behind 4-5 favorite Best Chip, who bested Vouk last week in 1:48.4. Best Chip led at the quarter in :26.4 but Voukefalas stormed past that foe soon thereafter, clearing before the three-eighths and hitting the half in a sizzling :53.3.

The top duo made their way into the far turn as World Of Wishes mounted a first-over challenge that would yield no results, while Voukefalas streaked past three-quarters in 1:20.4.

The stretch drive proved that Voukefalas was clearly best on this night, as Best Chip popped out of the pocket for trainer-driver Joe Bongiorno with about an eighth to go and had every chance, but after steadily gaining ground nearing the wire, Voukefalas hung on for a safe head win. Downbythewater, the 2-1 second choice, finished third.

The winner was sent to the gate as the 7-2 third choice in the wagering, much to the surprise of his trainer.

“I was kind of surprised he wasn't the favorite tonight, even from the 10 hole,” said Russo, whose student was the 6-5 chalk when he lost to Best Chip.

“Mike texted me after the draw. And I said, ‘Oh my goodness, we got the 10,’” said Boyd. “We had to be the last ones to the lead. What an awesome animal. You’re dropping two :53 halves in a row. That’s just incredible. What a good horse. I wanted to control my own destiny (once we made the lead).”

The victory gave Voukefalas 13 wins from 59 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $998,854 for owner Michael N. Pagonas. He returned $9 to his backers.

“He was so good, I couldn't possibly be happier,” said Russo. “Voukefalas needed to remind some people who he is.”

CARRYOVER CRAZY: There will be a pair of carryovers to entice punters when live racing resumes.

The Early 20-cent Pick-5 went unhit and has a carryover of $24,117, while the 20-cent Pick-6 did not yield a winning ticket for a second straight offering, upping that carryover to $11,808.

The Early Pick-5 is offered on races 1-5 while the Pick-6 is available on dashes 3-8.

SCHEDULE SHIFT: Carryover players be aware!

Because of the World Cup soccer match that is being played at New Jersey New York Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium) on Saturday, June 13, live racing will take place next week on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12.

Thus, the two aforementioned carryovers will be available when racing resumes on Thursday.

In addition, Breakfast with the Babies will take place one day earlier than originally planned, on Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Free breakfast and programs will be available in Trotters.

This year’s sponsors are the Tactical Landing Syndicate, Ecurie D Syndicate, and Karl Syndicate, standing at Southwind Farms of New Jersey.

A LITTLE MORE: There was a logjam atop the driver leaderboard as Tyler Buter, William Carter, Boyd, Bongiorno and Colin Kelly all recorded doubles. … Per Engblom and Aaron Lambert topped the trainers with a pair of walks down victory lane apiece. … All-source wagering on the 15-race program totaled $2,899,658.