Maryland and driver Dexter Dunn fought off pressure on both flanks to prevail in the $972,222 Breeders Crown Two-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, held Friday, Oct. 25 at The Meadowlands, in a stakes record-equaling 1:51.4 mile. The son of Chapter Seven out of the Father Patrick-sired mare Crucial also pushed his career earnings above $1.5 million, making him the richest juvenile trotter of all time.

Maryland and Dunn left from post two and were out-sprinted in the early stages as Maximus Mearas S and driver Scott Zeron vaulted to the early lead and seated Emoticon Legacy (Louis-Philippe Roy) in the pocket. David Miller had Super Chapter parked and pressing, and that pair took charge through the :27.3 first quarter.

Roy was anxious and moved Emoticon Legacy on the backstretch to gain control three-eighths of a mile into the race, followed closely by Dunn with the favoured Maryland. The pace was moderate, and Dunn strolled to the lead past the :56 half.

Dunn and Maryland were quickly joined by Go Dog Go and Todd McCarthy, who applied severe pressure to get level with the leader through three-quarters in 1:24.3.

Dunn called on Maryland in the homestretch, and the Marcus Melander-trained colt dug in gamely — at times throwing his head in response to urging. That was good enough to stall Go Dog Go’s bid to his outer flank, but Maryland soon found company along the pylons as early leader Maximus Mearas S came charging boldly in the final yards. The wire arrived in time for Maryland, who used :27.1 closing speed to preserve his lead and leave Maximus Mearas S a neck short of the upset. Go Dog Go finished a well-earned third with Blank fourth across the wire.

For Maryland, bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and owned by the partnership of Courant Inc., PCW Racing, Holly Lane Stud East, and Steve Stewart and Robin Thorn Stables, the victory sewed up his championship season but will not be his last race of the year.

“We’re going to bring him back for the Kindergarten final here (at the Meadowlands) in a couple of weeks, and that will be his last start,” said Melander.

It was the second Breeders Crown victory of the night for Dunn.

“He fought hard to the wire,” said Dunn. “Marcus and Mattias have done a great job with him.”

Maryland paid $3.60 as the public choice.

(Breeders Crown)