Woodbine Mohawk Park: Melander exacta in Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old male trot

Trainer Marcus Melander brought three high profile colts into the $500,000 (US) Breeders Crown for sophomore trotting males on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and Gimpanzee emerged as the best of the lot, capturing his second consecutive Crown title at the expense of heavy favorite and stablemate Greenshoe, who suffered from a difficult overland journey in a 1:52 3/5 mile.

The race, contested during a driving rain and high winds, saw plenty of early action, with Gimpanzee one of a host of outsiders leaving the gate. He was joined by Hambletonian winner Forbidden Trade, as well as Soul Strong and Super Schissel. Forbidden Trade would need a pair of moves to secure the lead following the 26 4/5 opening quarter, and he continued in control into the wind through the 56 2/5 half.

Gimpanzee and driver David Miller came to challenge with authority on the turn and looked to tow elimination winner Don’t Let'em and Greenshoe into contention. Don’t Let'em struggled to keep up with Gimpanzee and eventually made a break, compromising Greenshoe’s chances considerably in the process. Gimpanzee drove powerfully past the leader after a 1:25 3/5 three-quarters clocking, and the son of Chapter Seven took off to a convincing score. Greenshoe, once into the stretch, made up a huge chunk of ground to gain the place spot, with early leader Soul Strong coming on late for third. Chin Chin Hall and Goes Down Smooth earned the final two checks.

“I was planning on leaving,” said Miller. “I gave him a rough trip, but he’s so tough.”

Gimpanzee, undefeated last year as a freshman, has now won seven times in 12 starts this year, winning the Yonkers Trot and finishing third in the other two Triple Crown legs.

Bred by Order By Stable, Gimpanzee is co-owned by Courant Inc. and S R F Stable. Sent off as a 5-1 offering, Gimpanzee returned $13.10 for the victory.

Melander suggested the horse could go under any conditions.

“I don’t think it would matter if it was a snowstorm and minus 20,” said Melander. “He wouldn’t have a problem with it.”