Up in class, Endeavor received a pristine trip, capitalizing at odds of 12-1 to take the $20,000 Preferred Handicap at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, Jan. 27.
The Pat Lachance trained and driven son of American Ideal sat a three-hole trip from the start, tipped off the rail at the head of the stretch and steamrolled by the leader, uncorking a final quarter of :25.4 to win by three-quarters-of-a-length in 1:50.2. Bettors Edge, sent the 3-2 public choice, finished second after leading through soft fractions, with Sweet Rock finishing third.
Endeavor returned $27.60 to his backers for owner Helene Fillion of Mirabel, Que.
A LITTLE MORE: Trainer Ross Croghan was on target with his “Down Under Wonders” on the program, scoring with New Zealand-breds Hug The Wind N ($4.60 to win, 1:50.2 for the mile) and Mr Euroman N ($3.40, 1:50). He missed going three-for-three when Sprinter N failed as the 1-2 choice in the finale.
Big payoffs were there for the taking once again, as the Pick 5 returned $12,188.15, while the 20-Cent Survivor Pick 10 came back $16,312.50.
The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, bloating the carryover to $84,140.06.
All-source wagering on the 13-race card reached $2,790,201, a new high for 2018.
Racing resumes at the Big M Friday at 6:35 p.m.
(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)