Trebizond wins Meadow Brook Hurdle

ELMONT, N.Y. - Trebizond, who won the Grade 1 Hard Scuffle in his last start over jumps, added another Grade 1 to his record by winning Thursday's $106,150 Meadow Brook Hurdle at Belmont Park.

Trebizond, the second choice in the field of 11 jumpers, was a 3 1/4-length winner over longshot Blasphemous. It was another neck back to Mr Perkolater in third.

Trebizond, who was ridden by Tom Foley, covered the 2 1/2-miles in 4:57.65 over a soft course.

Trebizond returned $9.60.

Trebizond is trained by Kathy Neilson and owned by William Lickle. Neilson is also the trainer of Mr Perkolater, whose rider Michael Traurig lost his irons during the stretch run.

Senor Melchor, the 9-5 favorite trained by Neilson's sister, Sanna Hendriks, fell at the ninth race. Preemptive Strike fell at the 10th fence. Naughty Prince and Fighting Star left the course.

Foley said Trebizond, who came from off the pace, handled the boggy conditions well.

"It's pretty soft in certain spots, but he doesn't mind that," Foley said.

Neilson said Foley rode Trebizond perfectly.

"He had such a smooth trip," Neilson said. "I told [Foley] don't use him up too soon. He always jumps a little awkward here and again."

Neilson said Trebizond, a 7-year-old son of Sadler's Wells, would be pointed to races at Saratoga this summer.