Meadowlands: Periculum pounces from second-over in Cutler Memorial

Periculum and driver Scott Zeron converted on a perfect trip to score in the Grade 3 $158,000 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial at the Meadowlands on Saturday night. The 6-year-old son of Muscle Hill was making his first start of the year for trainer Marcus Melander and defeated 10 rivals in a 1:51 4/5 clocking.

Zeron looked to be seeking position behind favored Antognoni S on the first turn as the pair were kept in reserve while Ari Ferrari J and Sir Pinocchio sparred for the lead, with the latter taking control after a first quarter posted in 28 seconds flat. Yannick Gingras elected to drive on with the favored Antognoni S and gained command before the half was reached in 55 3/5. Meanwhile, Zeron waited patiently for cover to develop, eventually finding a helmet to follow in Lexus Kody when Andrew McCarthy pulled before the half.

Lexus Kody drove up to challenge for the lead, with Gingras keeping Antognoni S under good rating and reaching three- quarters in 1:23 3/5 and appearing to have trot left. However, Lexus Kody was persistent in the lane and eventually wore down the favorite in mid-stretch, but Zeron and Periculum angled wide and began a relentless charge that catapulted Periculum across the finish line first. Lexus Kody bravely held on to the place spot with Antognoni S third. Ari Ferrari J finished fourth.

Sent off as the second choice, Periculum returned $5.60 to win.

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Owned by Brixton Medical and Holly Lane Stud East Ltd., Periculum made his 2025 debut without shoes and was a winner for the 12th time in his career.

"He loves chasing down horses late," said Zeron. "I was looking to follow Yannick but then he went up for the lead. Then I was waiting on Ake (Svanstedt, driving Get A Wish) to pull, and he didn't. I was happy that Andy pulled. I drove Lexus Kody in his last start and knew he was sharp."

This was Marcus Melander's third Cutler victory.