The trotter that had stolen the show this winter at The Meadowlands had been conspicuous by his absence for the last four weeks.

Meladys Monet had not been seen since winning the top level trot on January 2. Trainer Kevin McDermott reported the gelding suffered a quarter crack and was given time to heal and freshen up. There was no evidence of any lingering affects of that quarter crack Friday night at The Meadowlands.

Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, Meladys Monet was allowed to settle in last in the field of seven and remained there as the field rolled through tepid fractions of :28.2 and 5:7.1, established by Modest Prince. Still last turning for home through three-quarters of 1:25.1, Meladys Monet saw Lindys Tru Grit, who he was tracking in the outer flow, go off-stride directly in front of him. That was no problem either as the trotter towered up and powered home through the stretch while Tim Tetrick remained motionless at all times to win going away into extremely strong headwinds, completing the mile in 1:55.1. Take My Picture rallied to be second while Team Six raced well uncovered finishing third.

Meladys Monet is trained by McDermott for Melady Enterprises LLC.

The Dash For The "C" Notes for trotters returned Friday night at The Meadowlands as well, featuring six divisions, providing very competitive racing as only a win in a division guaranteed starters a spot in the $25,000 final next week. The remaining four finalists are to be drawn by lot from the second-place finishers in the six divisions.

The divisional winners were Captain Primeau (1:57.3 - Ron Pierce), Perfect Picture (1:57.3 - Pierce), My Muscleman (1:55.3 - Brett Miller), Bluebird Kidsqueen (1:56.4 – Eric Abbatiello), Rock Of Cashel (1:55.3 – Alan Richardson) and Scorcher Hall (1:56 – Andy Miller).

The second-place finishers were comprised of Walltocousins, Mr Fenwick, Grey Ice, Worth The Money As, Most Wanted Lindy and Lauderdale.

Both Jackpot Super Hi-5’s went unclaimed, with the fifth race carryover at $4,611.57 and the last race carryover standing at $76,077.56.

Racing resumes on Saturday with first post time at 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)