Broadway Donna outlasted Dayson after a stirring stretch duel to capture the $75,000 first leg of the Graduate Series for four-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (May 20).

The 6-5 favourite Dayson, who bled after failing one week ago in his Graduate prep, was sailing along on the lead with Lasix added as Dan Patch Award winner Broadway Donna inched closer racing on the rim after vacating the five-hole just after the half. The pair were on even terms at the head of the stretch as Broadway Donna, a daughter of Donato Hanover, continued to wear down the leader before going on to a half-length win in 1:52.1. Tight Lines was third.

Broadway Donna, the 2016 Breeders Crown champion, returned $5.60 to win as the 9-5 second choice in the wagering with David Miller in the sulky for trainer Jim Campbell.

“That’s what she’s going to do for the rest of the year,” said winning owner Jules Siegel of Fashion Farms.

‘LYONS’ ROARS: The betting public wasn’t deterred by the fact that Lyons Snyder had gone off stride in both of his starts this year, and they were rewarded for their loyalty.

The four-year-old son of Well Said was bet down to 4-5 and went right down the road in a $17,500 conditioned pace. The time for the mile was an eye-popping 1:48.3, which equalled the sport’s seasonal best, established by Rock N Roll World at Hoosier Park on May 12.

Lyons Snyder paid $3.80 to win. He is owned by Jeff Snyder and Geoffrey Lyons Mound, trained by Jimmy Takter and was driven by Yannick Gingras.

A LITTLE MORE: Clear Vision gunned down favourite Dealt A Winner nearing the wire to take the $20,0000 Preferred Pace in 1:49 with Scott Zeron driving for trainer/co-owner Jennifer Lappe. Christen Me N finished a neck back in third.

GIANT JACKPOT HIT: One lucky patron at The Meadowlands-owned off-track wagering facility Winners at Bayonne walked off with a monster score in Saturday night’s fifth race. That lucky bettor had the correct combination of 9-10-5-3-4 in the Big M’s 20-cent Jackpot Super High Five and walked away with a payoff of $43,641.50. The race winner, Preparty, paid $10.40 to win.

Wagering was vigorous as all-source betting totalled $2,880,980.

Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)