One week ago, Bushwacker emerged on the scene at The Meadowlands in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap with a compelling victory. Saturday night was no different as Bushwacker steamrolled to another sharp score, posting the first sub-1:50 mile of the season, winning in 1:49.3.
Despite winning last week, Bushwacker (8-5) was relegated to the second choice in the wagering behind Doctor Butch (4-5), who was making his second start off the brief layoff.
Doctor Butch left hard off the gate, as did Bushwacker, but it would be the former to dictate the terms. Doctor Butch set an ambitious pace, reaching the points of call in :26.1, :55 and 1.23. While Bettor Than You rode the pocket, Bushwacker launched a bold blitz toward the lead and overtook Doctor Butch just as the field was set to turn for home. Bushwacker quickly opened up by a pair of lengths and he maintained that margin through the stretch thanks to a :26.3 final quarter to score his second victory of the year in as many starts. Doctor Butch held on to the place spot, with Kingofthejungle rallying from last to be third.
Bushwacker won for the 14th time for trainer Chris Ryder and owner Henderson Farms. His career earnings surpassed $380,000 with the win.
Corey Callahan scored a grand slam of driving victories on the card, including the aforementioned featured Open Pace.
Total handle for the 14-race program was $2,935,127, a 12 percent increase over the totals for the 13-race card one year ago.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)