Bronzer upsets high end Trot

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Racing luck plays such a huge part of who wins and who loses at the harness track, and the Amanda Fine-trained Bronzer (Muscle Hill) received a perfect steer from Austin Siegelman while taking advantage of rough trips for some of the figure horses to take the featured $20,000 high-end conditioned trot on the first of four consecutive Sunday afternoon programs at The Meadowlands.

In addition, Bronzer’s driver thought his 5-year-old son of Muscle Hill-Win Missy B would excel shipping in from a half-mile track.

“He’s been racing really well at Yonkers and has been closing well,” said Siegelman.

Bronzer was away well from post 2 in the field of 10, as was Clear For Landing, and the duo reached the quarter in :28.2 before Clear For Landing cleared to the top. Bronzer sat behind that foe in the pocket as the half went in :56.2.

Down the backstretch, 6-1 fourth choice Bourbonista S was traveling first-over and weakened nearing three-quarters, where Clear For Landing still led in 1:25.

Benny J, the even-money favorite and Exit 16W champion, had to take back early, was victimized by a shuffle before swinging three-wide in a dull flow in an effort where he performed credibly to finish fourth.

BRONZER REPLAY

Enter the opportunistic Bronzer, who swerved off the rail at the head of the stretch, and went past Clear For Landing at the eighth pole on the way to an easy 2¼-length win in 1:54.2, his 11^th victory in 42 lifetime tries. Clear For Landing held second with Diplomacy third.

“The Yonkers horses translate great here. He’s good at both spots,” said Siegelman.

As the 11-1 sixth choice in the betting, Bronzer returned $25.20 to win after increasing his lifetime earnings to $144,202.

A LITTLE MORE: Brett Beckwith won five races on the program, giving the 22-year-old pilot 18 winners on the year at The Big M. He’s now had two five-baggers during 2026. In December, Beckwith won seven races on a card, becoming the first to do that since 2021. … McKenzie Sowers and Paul Fusco topped the trainers with a pair of victories apiece. … All-source handle on the 14-race card totaled $1,871,586. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results

by Dave Little, for The Meadowlands