CHIMICHURRI N TAKES BIG M FEATURE

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Chimichurri N used a quick burst of early speed from post eight in an eight-horse field on the way to a wire-to-wire win in the Saturday night feature at The Meadowlands, a $24,000 pace for horses with a TrackMaster rating of 92 or less.

Driver Jason Bartlett had Chimichurri N on the go from the far outside, and led the field through fractions of :27, :56.2 and 1:24, which left plenty in the tank for the 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Saucycullen, who finished the job with a :26.1 kicker to hit the wire in 1:50.1, a lifetime best. It was a half-length back to the pocket-sitting, second-place finisher Brue Hanover, who closed well but never truly threatened. Mad Max Hanover finished third.

“We have been very careful with him,” said winning trainer Shane Tritton. “We wanted to give him time to settle in. He is a horse with a big motor that we expect to take the step up to the open class towards the end of this year and next.”

Owned by Joshua Jay Graber, Chimichurri N returned $5.60 to win as the 9-5 favorite. He now has 14 wins from 40 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $146,187.

YOUTH SERVED: Brandon Lutz of Glen Ridge, NJ built up a big early lead as a result of tabbing 44-1 shot Swans Eye in the third race, and his final mythical bankroll of $127.80 was more than enough for him to take home the $2,000 first prize in the $5,000 handicapping contest that was restricted to players who were at least 18 years of age but no more than 30.

Finishing second through fourth, respectively, to also cash in were Joey Fisicaro (bankroll $71.30; prize $1,500), Joe Farinhas ($67.10; $1,000) and Austin Lotito ($64.70; $500).

A LITTLE MORE: Bartlett and Tritton were the top driver and trainer on the card by recording four and three wins, respectively. … All-source handle on the 14-race program totaled $2,366,629. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m. with eight New Jersey Classic finals for total purses estimated at $1.7 million sitting atop the marquee.

PHOTO: Chimichurri N and driver Jason Bartlett won the Saturday night feature at The Meadowlands. (Credit: Lisa Photo)