Alrajah One IT cements top trotter status with $279,000 Cashman Memorial victory

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Alrajah One IT (Maharajah) continued his dominance over the best trotters in North America on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 6), capturing the $279,000 John Cashman Memorial Trot at the Meadowlands for his third straight harness racing victory since arriving in the U.S.

Dexter Dunn guided the 6-year-old from off the pace to a 1:50.3 win.

The action was quick at the outset with Dunn taking to the back but many others looking to be near the front. Lovedbythemasses and driver Tim Tetrick were keen at the outset, leaving from post six with purpose but being kept three-deep early in the turn as Ecurie D DK (Åke Svanstedt) also had interest. Rattle My Cage (Yannick Gingras) pushed hard from the pole position, but Lovedbythemasases reached the lead before the :27.2 quarter.

Tetrick secured a :55.3 opening half for his charge, awaiting company that only came late in the third quarter when Ecurie D DK moved to the outside on the final bend. Dunn had already begun a slow grind past the half and picked up cover as Lovedbythemasses held command through three-quarters in 1:23.3 Ecurie D DK dueled with the leader, but in early stretch, Dunn tipped Alrajah One IT wide for room. The son of Maharajah took off instantly and drew off with supreme authority, winning by a widening two lengths. Ecurie D DK managed to hold on for second with Lovedbythemasses fading to third.

ALRAJAH ONE IT REPLAY

Alrajah One IT has won three consecutive stakes races since coming stateside and joining the Åke Svanstedt stable. Sent off as the 1-2 favorite, Alrajah One IT returned $3.00 to win.

Owned by Scuderia My Horse Inc., of Delray Beach, Florida, Alrajah One IT pushed his career earnings above $1.5 million and equaled his lifetime mark.

“He’s got an incredible turn of foot,” said Dunn in the winner’s circle. “I just called on him, and within a few strides he was gone.”

To read stories from all the action on Hambo Day, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jay Bergman, for The Meadowlands