Meadowlands: Fourth Dimension delivers in Valley Victory final

Fourth Dimension had to do some work to reach the lead, but once in front, the son of Chapter Seven dominated his nine rivals to capture the $464,650 Valley Victory at the Meadowlands on Saturday night. Brian Sears guided the colt to his eight victory of the season, winning in 1:53 3/5.

Trainer Jimmy Takter's pair of Wolfgang and Samo Different Day exchanged the early lead, with Samo Different Day in control at the 27 1/5 quarter and Fourth Dimension parked past that point before securing the top.

Once in control Sears went to rating, and the Marcus Melander-trained colt did so kindly, cutting the half in 56 seconds, and the three-quarters in 1:25 2/5, with Samo Different Day looking to squeeze out while still trapped in by the long uncovered bid of second choice Fashionwoodchopper.

In the homestretch Fourth Dimension edged away from the field, with Sears doing little to encourage him on. Wolfgang and driver Yannick Gingras edged out from the three-hole to secure the place spot over Samo Different Day. Tito finished fourth, with Fashionwoodchopper fifth after a very long grind.

"He's got a lot of natural ability," Sears said of Fourth Dimension. "I'm looking forward to racing him next year."

Sears, of course, was referring to the 3-year-old season where he hopes to return to the Meadowlands for a chance at The Hambletonian.

Fourth Dimension is owned by Courant Inc,, of Delray Beach, Florida, and with the victory improved his first year earnings to in excess of $400,000.

"He really earned this one," said Marcus Melander. "He showed what he could do in New York, Lexington and in the Breeders Crown elimination."

As for his 3-year-old season Melander remarked, "We have one race we want to win next year, and that's the Hambletonian."