Meadowlands: Alrajah One displays devastating kick in Crawford Farms Open Trot

Ake Svanstedt had two horses entered in Saturday’s $147,000 Crawford Farms Trot at the Meadowlands, with track record holder Ecurie D the heavy favorite at 1-9, but it was 18-1 shot Alrajah One and driver Dexter Dunn that shocked in his U.S. debut, powering to victory with an explosive final quarter in completing a 1:50 4/5 mile.

Svanstedt left hard with Ecurie D but had company inside with Lovedbythemasses and driver Tim Tetrick crossing to the front first and forcing the favorite to work hard before clearing past the 26 4/5 opening quarter. Ecurie D got the respect expected from that point as Svanstedt calmed the pace in a major way, hitting the half in 55 2/5 and three- quarters in 1:24 4/5 and appearing to have things completely under his control. Dunn, in the meantime, had carved out a second-over trip as Ahundreddollarbill and Todd McCarthy went on a first-over mission just past the half, towing the Italian-bred son of Maharajah into the contest.

Dunn kicked wide in the early stretch, and Alrajah One hit a gear perhaps never seen before by a trotter in the homestretch, showing "pacing" speed to overpower Ecurie D well before the wire and roll off impressively. A final quarter of 25 3/5 was the result and none in the field of six came close to matching that late. Ecurie D himself struggled to keep his poise and lost a photo late for the place spot to Lovedbythemasses.

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A 13-time winner overseas, Alrajah One had been facing some of Europe's best last fall, with Face Time Bourbon in his competition lines, but little was expected after two qualifiers in June.

"He trained great," said Sarah Svanstedt. "He qualified quietly."

Owned by Scuderia My Horse Inc. of Delray Beach, Florida, Alrajah One paid $39.20 in his 2022 debut.