by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — Eleven-time Australian group one winner Christen Me made his stateside debut a winning one Tuesday morning (May 2) in a qualifier at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Driver Tim Tetrick came away third, patiently drafting until just past the half. The 2015 New Zealand Horse of the Year brushed on the backside, and was able to secure the victory in a qualifying time of 1:53.4.

“Chris is staked heavily but we need to get his lines and get him in an overnight for starters,” said trainer Jim King Jr. “He’s not only fast but he’s highly intelligent. Glad to have this qualifying monkey off our backs and of course he qualified with Lasix.

“We are thrilled with him and Nike (Franco) too Hoping we can get in gear now and get owner Rich Pollucci some money back.”

In 68 starts down under, Christen Me won 32 times, was second on 21 occasions and won nearly $2.5 million.