K.J.’s Appeal Wins Meadowlands Cup

If New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was looking for a good omen on the eve of the World Series, he didn’t get it from Concerto in the $500,000 Meadowlands Cup on Friday night.

The Boss’ thoroughbred colt stalked the early pace before finishing up the track in the Grade I race won by longshot K.J.’s Appeal in a track-record time of 1:46 for 1 1/8 miles.

“I can’t equate this with winning or losing ballgames,” said Steinbrenner, whose Yankees will open the Series tonight against the San Diego Padres. “It’s a completely different setup.”

Concerto wasn’t the only one to disappoint in finishing sixth. Stormin Fever, the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight, was next to last, just in front of Pegasus Stakes winner Tomorrows Cat, who is also trained by Mark Hennig.

Sir Bear was third and Gold Token a close fourth in the Grade I stakes for 3-year-olds and up.