Sumatra, the public’s choice, did not disappoint, winning Saturday’s $115,370 Dexter Cup for three-year-old trotters in wire-to-wire fashion at Freehold Raceway.

Brian Sears guided Sumatra to the win by 2-1/4 lengths over Derby with Donatos Wish in third. The mile was timed in 1:57.4.

“We’re very happy with him,” said winning trainer Tom Fanning. “Sears did a good job keeping him relaxed. He’s actually a better big track horse. I don’t think the half mile track [like Freehold] is his cup of tea.”

Sumatra’s next outings will be on the big track at the Meadowlands in the Simpson on May 9 and the three-week New Jersey Sires Stakes on May 16, 23 and 31.

Racing for Joseph E., Smith of Vero Beach, FL, the bay colt picked up his first win in his second start of 2014 and improved his career totals to six wins, two seconds and two thirds from 13 starts, banking $169,095.

The New Jersey-sired son of Muscles Yankee – Lola Seelster, bred by Perretti Farms and Black Horse Racing, was purchased out of the 2013 Harrisburg Mixed Sale for $100,000. He paid $2.60.

The Dexter Cup is the first stakes on the march down the road to the $1.5 million Hambletonian on the first Saturday in August.

(SBOANJ)