After going off stride just after the half a week ago as the 4-5 favourite on the way to a ninth-place finish, Southwind Chrome rebounded in a big way Friday night, taking the featured $30,000 Preferred for trotters at the Meadowlands.

Sent off this time as the 5-2 second choice in the wagering, Southwind Chrome raced with cover past the quarter behind 9-5 public choice Muscle M Up and ending up clearing the top before the half, which was timed in a quick :54.4 with strong winds at their backs.

Midway around the far turn, Ake Svanstedt directed Muscle M Up to vacate the pocket and the duo then duelled all the way to the wire from there. Muscle M Up was determined, but Southwind Chrome was just a bit better, hanging on to win by a neck in 1:51.4 after a contentious stretch battle. JL Cruze finished third.

“He was super,” said winning driver Tim Tetrick of Southwind Chrome. “We went a very fast middle half with a nice horse following us. My horse showed a lot of toughness to hold off Muscle M Up. My horse went a big mile. I’m very happy with his effort.”

Southwind Chrome, a four-year-old son of Chapter Seven-Counter Pointe who is trained by Jeff Cullipher and owned by Pollack Racing and Cullipher, returned $7.20 to his backers. He’s won 10 of his 30 lifetime starts and earned $181,085.

(Meadowlands)