Off an 11-3/4-length, 1:57.3 win in a qualifier at Gaitway Farms on June 17, Captain Kenny J was sure to attract a lot of attention from the betting public in the $28,571 featured two-year-old colt-and-gelding trot on Thursday, July 9 at The Meadowlands.

And the 6-5 favourite delivered with ease.

Captain Kenny J, a colt by Captain Corey-Tuvalu, used his smooth gait to secure early supremacy out of the first turn from post two in the seven-horse field. Trained by Hall of Famer Linda Toscano, Captain Kenny J cut out fractions of :29.1, :58 and 1:26.2, before a :28 kicker finished the job in 1:54.2 in what was an impressive career debut. Scott Zeron did the driving. At the finish, 57-1 longshot Emulous Hanover (Todd McCarthy) was 3-1/2 lengths back in second. Southern Hanover (Tim Tetrick), another Toscano trainee, sat fifth around the far turn before a good late rally got him a third-place cheque.

“He’s actually been a nice colt to train right from the beginning,” said Toscano of the winner. “He’s great gaited, clean going, and after tonight, appears to have a lot of speed. I have the hobbles on only because his mind wanders. They keep him focused.

“He’s eligible to a lot. He’s dual (sire stakes) eligible, so Kentucky will probably be on his radar.”

Captain Kenny J, a $194,444 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase, is owned by Ken Jacobs. He paid $4.60 to win.

Brett Beckwith and Jason Bartlett led the driver colony with four winners apiece on the 15-race program. Linda Toscano topped the trainers with a pair of walks down victory lane. 

John Rallis treated his following to a big night at the windows, as the co-host of the live simulcast presentation selected seven winners on the card. All-source handle on the program totalled $1,506,613. 

Racing resumes on Friday night at 6:35 p.m.

(Meadowlands Racetrack)