Big Jim is large in New Jersey Classic
May 28, 2011,from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department
East Rutherford, NJ — Big Jim became harness racing’s newest millionaire as he coasted to victory in the $400,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic on Saturday night (May 28) at Meadowlands Racetrack.
Big Jim and driver Phil Hudon took command before the half and breezed home to a 1:51 score. The hefty 1-2 favorite, Big Jim paid $3.00 to win the sixth race feature. It was two lengths back to 99-1 shot High Noon, while Shadyshark Hanover fell short in third.
“I ended up being first up,” Hudon said, “so I thought I might as well take a shot to the front and hopefully get a breather on the turn. We did get a little breather so it worked out well. I let him pace a little bit late. I heard Pierce (Ron Pierce and High Noon) was coming at him pretty good so I was chasing (Big Jim). That was a good mile today. It was pretty windy.“
Big Jim, trained by James “Friday” Dean and owned by James Carr, is perfect in two starts this season after capturing the New Jersey Classic prep in his 2011 debut.
He won divisional honors in 2010 as 2-year-old Colt Pacer of the Year both in the US (Dan Patch) and Canada (O’Brien). Big Jim finished in the money in nine of 10 starts last season, winning the $600,000 Breeders Crown at Pocono and $709,000 Governor’s Cup at Woodbine. His 1:49.1 Governor’s Cup mile was a 2-year-old world record.
The son of Western Ideal-Bold Pink was a $35,000 yearling purchase at the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, Pa.
Big Jim is eligible to the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 16.
Earlier in the evening, Krispy Apple romped to victory in the companion $150,000 Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey for fillies. Driven by Tim Tetrick, Krispy Apple shot off live cover in the stretch and drew off to a three length tally over Honky Tonk Woman in 1:50.3. Rocklamation finished third off a ground-saving journey.
Sent off the even-money favorite, Krispy Apple paid $4.00.
Lisa photo
Krispy Apple and Tim Tetrick were the winners in the Miss New Jersey.
“I was really worried in the first half, getting away where I did (in fifth),” said Tetrick, who posted his second straight win in the stakes. “I didn’t know if I was going to have to be first up the rest of the way. Luckily, I had cover (I Kill Time) and it led me up to the top of the lane. She did everything right from there. She had ‘go’ and I knew she could get me home. She did it real easy. All the way to the wire, she was still pacing.”
Krispy Apple is now perfect in four starts this season. The daughter of Western Ideal-Apple Krisp made the most of her two starts as a freshman by finishing second in a Matron elimination and winning the $147,600 final on November 13, 2010. Trainer Mark Kesmodel and partners Jeffrey Bamond and Joseph Davino purchased the unraced filly from Bulletproof Enterprises’ dispersal sale last October.
“She’s going to get a week off and then she goes to the Fan Hanover (at Mohawk),” Bamond said.
The New Jersey Classic and Miss New Jersey are sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.