The characteristic Doug Rideout most liked about trotter First Notable Chip when he purchased him as a yearling was his size. It turned out to be a detriment as a two-year-old, but First Notable Chip has grown into himself this season.

The gelding has won 16 races in 2008 – the most of any three-year-old trotter in North America . No horse has won more races this season after going winless last year.

On Friday night, First Notable Chip will start from Post 2 in the $47,500 Charles Singer Memorial Trot final. Brian Sears is listed to drive.

“He always showed he had potential,” said Rideout, who trained and drove First Notable Chip in Indiana, where the horse raced almost exclusively prior to going to the Meadowlands. “We liked his size (as a yearling). He was a nice big strong colt. As a two-year-old, it turned out he was a little too big. He always had speed, but he couldn’t put it together last year. He was big and needed a year to mature. When he figured out how to do it, he kind of liked it.”

First Notable Chip is owned by Alan White and Julie Rideout, who purchased him for $8,700 at the Indiana Select Sale. He failed to hit the board in 11 starts last year, and after winning one of eight races at Hoosier Park in the spring, Doug Rideout took the horse on the fair circuit, which proved beneficial.

First Notable Chip, who is in the care of trainer Don Niccum while in New Jersey, won seven in a row away from Hoosier Park during June and July. He has won $79,408 this year.

“I raced him at the fairs a lot this summer and it really built up his confidence,” Rideout said. “He learned to trot a lot better and he’s gotten better since then. He’s a great horse to get along with. He’s got a great attitude and likes what he does. We’ve been really happy with him.”

Gallantly, who has won four of 11 races and earned $161,657, is the likely Singer final favourite. He won the Galt at Maywood Park and was second to Clerk Magistrate in the American-National. He will start from Post 8 for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Ross Croghan.

“He looks like the one to beat, but you never know with trotters,” Rideout said. “I think we’ve got a chance to get some of it, anyway.”

(Harness Racing Communications)