Meadowlands: Plunge Blue Chip prevails in TVG Mares Trot final

Second choice Plunge Blue Chip controlled the pace and captured the $140,000 TVG Mares Trot at the Meadowlands on Saturday night, equaling the stakes mark of 1:51 4/5 in the process.

Ake Svanstedt guided Plunge Blue Chip out quickly and allowed stablemate Felicityshagwell, a Swedish import, to take control midway on the opening turn. Following the 27 1/5 opening quarter, Svanstedt regained the front with Plunge Blue Chip and was able to coast to the halfway point in a soft 56 2/5 clocking.

On the final turn, Sorella pulled to challenge, followed by When Dovescry on the outside, but the pair made little progress getting near Plunge Blue Chip, who hit three-quarters in 1:24 2/5 and left her rivals in the dust.

Svanstedt was pretty much a passenger as Plunge Blue Chip easily sprinted off with a 27 2/5 final quarter as longshot Pat Matters rallied for the place spot ahead of When Dovescry.

A 5-year-old by Muscle Mass, Plunge Blue Chip was also victorious in her final career start as Svanstedt announced following the victory. A 9-5 second choice in the field, Plunge Blue Chip returned $5.80 with the win. Svanstedt shares ownership in Plunge Blue Chip with breeder Blue Chip Bloodstock as well as Tomas Andersson.

Svanstedt revealed following the race that Plunge Blue Chip had raced without shoes.

"She's faster without shoes," said Svanstedt. "The front was the best place for her tonight."

It was the 23rd career victory for Plunge Blue Chip, who set a world record of 1:49 4/5 at the Meadowlands as a 3-year-old.