Meadowlands: Gimpanzee adds Graduate Series crown to lengthy resume

Gimpanzee led a Marcus Melander-trained exacta in the $250,000 Graduate Series final for 4-year-old trotters on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. He was well-rated on the lead by Brian Sears and reported home with a 1:50 4/5 decision.

Melander pupil Reign Of Honor (David Miller) launched away from post ten and made the front easily, but Gimpanzee came to call on the outside and cleared passing the 27 3/5 opening quarter. Chin Chin Hall (Dexter Dunn) followed in third and Kings County (Yannick Gingras) landed in fourth.

With no pressure in the second quarter, Sears was able to get to the half in 55 3/5, and though Kings County made a first-over advance around the last turn, Gimpanzee was able to deal with his bid without having to go an unreasonable panel, with three-quarters going on the board in 1:24 flat.

Coming off the bend Gimpanzee dispatched Kings County for good and got a bit of a gap on the others, and although Reign Of Honor and Chin Chin Hall gained some late, it appeared Gimpanzee had things well in-hand at the wire as he beat his stablemate by a length, with Chin Chin Hall following them under the finish line. Kings County wound up fourth and Winnerup (Trond Smedshammer) got fifth.

Gimpanzee, a two-time Breeders Crown champion, is owned by Courant Inc. and S R F Stable. This was his 20th win from 26 career tries, and he has now earned $1,895,111. He was the 1-5 favorite and paid $2.40 to win.