Tuonoblu Rex, the American-sired, Italian-bred, and Dutch-trained son of Cantab Hall, entered Friday's $20,000 Preferred Trot at The Meadowlands with a healthy amount of hype following an eye-catching qualifying win in his first appearance on Big M soil two weeks ago.
After grinding past millionaire Crazy Wow with a 27-second final quarter to win in 1:52.1 in his North American pari-mutuel debut, the bandwagon might need some more seats.
"T-Rex" sat third as Crazy Wow showed the field through fractions of :27.4, :56.2 and 1:24.4 for three-quarters while Opulent Yankee chased from the pocket. Around the final turn, Andy Miller launched the five-year-old, who earned nearly $200,000 during his 14-race European career, first-over after the 3-5 favourite Crazy Wow. The two trotters battled down the stretch, but "T-Rex" had enough late to win as the 2-1 second choice.
"We were very pleased with him," said trainer Julie Miller. "He definitely met our expectations tonight. Andy said he was perfect to drive. He has trained down great since arriving in the U.S."
Tuonoblu Rex is owned by Cees J. Faber's Stable Why Not. He is eligible to the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial at the Meadowlands on May 6 as well as the Cashman Memorial and TVG Free For All Series.
In the $18,000 pacing mare feature, Breeders Crown champion Call Me Queen Be settled for second in her four-year-old debut behind the sharp Inittowinafortune. The 3-5 favourite Penpal disappointed with a late-closing, but non-threatening third-place finish.
Hall of Famer John Campbell won three races for the second straight Friday night. Corey Callahan also won three.
Total handle was $2,502,644 for the 11-race card.
Racing resumes Saturday. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)