Big Jim wins the New Jersey Classic
May 28, 2011EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Big Jim rolled to a two-length win Saturday night in the $400,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic for 3-year-old pacers at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Big Jim and driver Phil Hudon took command before the halfway point and breezed home in 1:51 in the richest race of the season for horses sired in New Jersey.
The 1-2 favorite, Big Jim paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10. High Noon, a 109-1 long shot, came on to get second, returning $33.80 and $9.40. Shadyshark Hanover, $2.20, got third as the 3-2 second choice.
Unbeaten in two starts this season, Big Jim earned $200,000 for owner Jim Carr of Hamilton, Ontario. Big Jim was the 2-Year-Old Colt Pacer of the Year both in the U.S. and Canada last season. The N.J. Classic win improved his overall record to 8 for 12 and lifted his earnings to $1,039,704.
Earlier on the card, Krispy Apple captured the companion event for fillies, the $150,000 Thomas D'Altrui Miss New Jersey. She paced the mile in 1:50 3/5, paying $4 to win.