by Michael Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — The wait is finally over as the pari-mutuel debut of The Wonder from Down Under occurred on Sunday (May 14) afternoon, in front of a sizable and vocal crowd at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Christen Me N, the 11-time Group One winner, and New Zealand’s 2015 Harness Horse of the Year, qualified impressively two weeks ago over this very oval in 1:53.4, under minimal urging. Today’s test was a non-winners of $21,100 in their last five starts, going for a purse of $17,500.

His debut wasn’t without drama, however, as the 9-year-old gelded son of Christian Cullen-Splendid Dreams interfered with Scott Rocks before the start, causing a recall. Trainer Jo Ann Looney-King took little time to ponder an equipment change for his next start.

“We probably won’t be putting any more Murphy blinds on him for starters,” Looney-King said immediately after the race.

As the wings folded, Christen Me N (Tim Tetrick) settled into fifth early, as Always At My Place (Joe Bongiorno) was sent hard to the lead. As they approached the three-eighths marker, the 32-time winner edged to the outside to travel uncovered to the five-eighths pole.

The Josh Green trainee Poisonous (Brett Miller) angled off the cones from the three-hole, towing Christian Me N into striking range. Tetrick bailed on cover at the eighth pole, sweeping past for the victory while minimally urging Christen Me N in 1:51. The official margin of victory was a head. Poisonous fought gamely for place, while Scott Rocks (George Napolitano Jr) was third.

Christen Me N paid $6.20 to win.

Tim (Tetrick) loves him at this point, and we are pleased,” Looney-King continued. “When you get a horse from the other side of the world, there is a certain amount of uncertainty, so now we can continue on.”

As far as the future is concerned, Looney-King and her husband Jim are excited.

“We are looking forward to having a lot of fun with him and butting heads with the big boys in the future.”

The future may arrive in two weeks time, as Christian Me N has been invited to the $150,000 Ben Stafford Jr. Memorial for older pacers, which will take place on Sunday (May 29) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.