Meadowlands: Maryland mighty in his Kindergarten Series final

Maryland and driver Dexter Dunn had their work cut out in the homestretch of his $173,300 Kindergarten Series final at the Meadowlands on Saturday night, but the Breeders Crown champion turned back the bid of Monserrate and was drawing clear at the wire in an epic performance to close out his freshman campaign. The Chapter Seven-Cruicial colt won the division for 2-year-old colts and geldings, stopping the timer in 1:53 4/5 for the mile.

As the 1-10 favorite, Maryland and Dunn got away fourth in the early stages as Cheer Hanover took control of the race for Yannick Gingras early and seated both Durante Hanover and Portobarosso As during an opening quarter trotted in 28 2/5. Dunn sensed the pace was slowing in the second quarter and sent Maryland on a sprint to the front, getting the lead at the half in 58 1/5.

The race and pace picked up dramatically at that point as David Miller had Monserrate on the move with purpose through the third quarter. Monserrate looked to be going right by the heavy favorite as the pair hit three-quarters with little separation in 1:26 2/5 and prepared for the final quarter sprint.

It was a horse-race, with Monseratte and Miller trying their best to go by, but Dunn had no panic in him as he patiently called upon Maryland, and the Marcus Melander-trained colt shifted gears and regained control of the race in the final part of the homestretch. A :27 2/5 final quarter was necessary, but Maryland had the tools necessary to shake off a game effort by Monserrate. Durante Hanover rallied between horses for the third spot, with Uno up late for fourth.

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Owned by Courant Inc., PCW Racing, Holly Lane Stud East and Steve Stewart Robin Thorn Stable, Maryland returned $2.20 as the prohibitive choice.

"He's a real racehorse," said Dunn of the winner. "He knows how to win, and he wants to win."

Dunn has driven Maryland the entire season and is looking forward to next year with the likely 2025 winter book favorite for the Hambletonian.

"It's been a privilege to sit behind him," Dunn said.

In the $55,000 consolation Net Weight broke his maiden with Johnathan Ahle in the sulky, nipping favored Yannick G Kemp on the wire in a 1:56 4/5 mile. Dignified Wheat finished third.

Net Weight is an altered son of Muscle Hill trained by Noel Daley and owned by Gandolfo Stable, Lenny Zelin, Harbor Racing Stable and LA Express Stable.