East Rutherford, NJ – Off an 11-3/4 length, 1:57.3 stroll in the park in a qualifier at Gaitway Farm on June 17, Captain Kenny J was sure to attract a lot of attention from the betting public in the $20,000 featured 2-year-old colt and gelding trot Thursday night (July 9) at the Meadowlands.
And the 6-5 favorite delivered with ease.
Captain Kenny J, a colt by Captain Corey-Tuvalu, used his smooth gait to secure early supremacy out of the first turn from post 2 in the seven-horse field. Trained by Hall of Famer Linda Toscano, “Captain” cut out fractions of :29.1, :58 and 1:26.2, before a :28 kicker finished the job in 1:54.2 in what was a very impressive career debut. Scott Zeron did the driving.
At the finish, it was 3-1/2 lengths back to 57-1 long shot Emulous Hanover in second. Southern Hanover, another Toscano trainee, sat fifth around the far turn before a good late rally got him a third-place check.
“He’s actually been a nice colt to train right from the beginning,” said Toscano of the winner. “He’s great gaited, clean going, and after tonight, appears to have a lot of speed! I have the hobbles on only because his mind wanders. They keep him focused.
“He’s eligible to a lot. He’s dual (sire stakes) eligible, so Kentucky will probably be on his radar.”
Captain Kenny J is owned by Ken Jacobs. He paid $4.60 to win.
A LITTLE MORE: Brett Beckwith and Jason Bartlett led the driver colony with four winners apiece. … Toscano topped the trainers with a pair of walks down victory lane. … John Rallis treated his following to a big night at the windows, as the co-host of the live simulcast presentation selected seven winners on the card. … All-source handle on the 15-race program totaled $1,506,613. … Racing resumes Friday night at 6:35 p.m. (EDT).