by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

East Rutherford, NJ — Stakes-winning trotters American Gangster, From Above and Chapter Seven were among the winners at Friday morning’s (June 8) qualifiers at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Chapter Seven, who won last season’s Breeders Crown for 3-year-old male trotters, notched his second qualifier victory of the spring for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano. He won by 7-1/2 lengths over Cold Winner in 1:54.1 with a :25.4 final quarter-mile. Last week, Chapter Seven won in 1:51.4.

For his career, Chapter Seven has won 12 of 18 races and earned $931,941.

American Gangster and From Above, two 3-year-old colts eligible to the Hambletonian in August at the Meadowlands, both picked up wins in their second times onto the track.

From Above won by 3-1/2 lengths over One In A Million in 1:54.2 for Tetrick and trainer Greg Peck. The Donato Hanover-Marita’s Victory colt won four of six races last season, including divisions of the Bluegrass and International Stallion stakes.

American Gangster (Andover Hall-Four Starz Lindy) won his qualifier by 2-3/4 lengths over Peck-trained Epic Tale in 1:55.4 for driver Brian Sears and trainer Chris Oakes. American Gangster won four of 10 starts last year, including the Historic-Harriman Cup at Vernon Downs.