Gimpanzee Remains Undefeated in Crown Elim
WILKES-BARRE PA – New York Sire Stakes champion Gimpanzee ($4.00) remained undefeated in eight career starts, overcoming a four-week absence and the tough tuck-then-first-over trip to post a 1:54.4
victory in one of two $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for two-year-old trotting males Friday at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
The son of Chapter Seven, who also sired the earlier filly winner Woodside Charm, out of the mare Steamy Windows left from post eight outside a host of horses and tucked fifth, with Union Forces emerging from the early scramble with the lead before the 27.3 quarter. He got a 57.3 breather to the half, but driver Brian Sears had Gimpanzee grinding forward down the backstretch, to the 1:26.4 3/4s, and around the turn to emerge with the lead headstretch. Despite the arduous trip, Gimpanzee was able to draw away in the lane by 1 1/2 lengths, with Chin Chin Hall, Hudson River, and Prospect Hill next in line at the wire and advancing to the Championship.
Trainer Marcus Melander thought early in the season that this horse was of Grand Circuit caliber, and wasn’t especially concerned about either the layoff or the tough trip. Melander thinks the horse will acquit himself well next week, into which he will bring earnings of $291,358.
