Meadowlands: Cloudy picture for TVG Open Trot

Those looking to watch the top-ranked older trotter Ecurie D or 3-year-old Horse of the Year candidate Jujubee compete in the TVG Open Trot Championship at The Meadowlands on November 20 may be disappointed.

Trainer Ake Svanstedt said on Tuesday at the Standardbred Horse Sale that he felt the European import might miss the race.

"He was a little sore when he came over [from Europe] and we had to rush to get him ready," said Svanstedt, who obviously felt the tight schedule may be taking a toll on the horse. "We will train him Saturday and make a decision."

Ecurie D is perfect in two starts since shipping to the United States, with wins in the Allerage at The Red Mile and Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands.

The long season certainly is the reason Breeders Crown winner Jujubee won't be racing in the TVG versus older horses.

"We are going to quit with him," said trainer Greg Wright Jr. "He tied up in the elimination and it was a long week [leading up to the final]. He really sucked it up in the final and came up big. He's completely sound, just tired."

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Jujubee will end his year with an 18-14-3-0 record and earnings of $948,791. A two-time sub 1:50 trotter (1:49 3/5 at The Red Mile; 1:49 4/5 at The Meadowlands), the son of Creatine will be staked and look to compete at the top levels as a 4-year-old in 2022.

A total of 22 horses are eligible to the TVG Open Trot, though Manchego being retired takes the number down one. Since the conditions of the race allow for horses to become eligible by capturing other stakes, Breeders Crown Mare Trot winner Felicityshagwell S and Canadian Trotting Classic winner Ahundreddollarbill could enter.