Breeders Crown: Jujubee lowers stakes record in 3YO male trot final

Jujubee and driver Andy McCarthy took no chances, blistering to the lead early and then holding on gamely to capture the $650,000 Breeders Crown final for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 30) at the Meadowlands. The $62,500 supplemental entry scored in a stakes record 1:51 2/5.

Jujubee, a son of Creatine, blasted from the gate intently, taking control from Ambassador Hanover and Ake Svanstedt prior to the 26 2/5 opening quarter. Lucas Wallin positioned elimination winner Cuatro De Julio in third after leaving in the early going.

McCarthy got a softer half with Jujubee, hitting the timer in 55 3/5 while Delayed Hanover and Fly Light were stacked on the outside in distant first- and second-over positions.

Jujubee picked up the pace on the turn as Cuatro De Julio moved to the outside to go without cover but failed to draw up to the 3-5 favored Jujubee, who hit three quarters in 1:23 4/5 and appeared ready to open lengths on the field. For much of the stretch, Jujubee appeared to have a safe advantage, but in mid-stretch, horses suddenly began to stack wide, with Fly Light and In Range coming widest, and Ambassador Hanover and Cuatro De Julio breathing down Jujubee's neck from the inside. McCarthy roused Jujubee at that point, and the Jon Erdner homebred dug in and showed his mettle, finishing out the mile with a 27 3/5 final quarter and a one length margin of victory.

Fly Light and Dexter Dunn, who were parked the entire trip, rallied for second; In Range came off the pylons into the homestretch and flew late for show.

Jujubee has now won 14 of his 18 starts this year, adding the Breeders Crown to victories in the Kentucky Futurity and Pennsylvania Sire Stakes championship.

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"He felt great scoring down," said McCarthy following the race. "He was getting a little tired late, but he dug in. He's a very gutty horse."

Trainer Greg Wright Jr. was ecstatic: "He showed what a champion is."

The victory pushed Jujubee's career earnings to $961,857 and earned him an invitation to the TVG Final, where he would face older foes should the connections opt in.

Jujubee paid $3.20 to win as the public choice.