Ryder Trainee Dominant Again
EAST
RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 9, 2016) – One week ago
Bushwacker emerged on the scene at The Meadowlands in the featured Open
Handicap with a compelling victory.
Saturday night was no different as Bushwacker steamrolled to another
sharp score, posting the first sub-1:50 mile of the season, winning in 1:49.3.
Despite winning last week, Bushwacker (8/5) was relegated
to the second choice in the wagering behind Doctor Butch (4/5) who was making
his second start off the brief layoff.
Doctor Butch left hard off the gate, as did Bushwacker, but
it would be the former to dictate the terms.
Doctor Butch set an ambitious pace, reaching the points of call in 26.1,
55 and 1.23. While Bettor Than You rode
the pocket, Bushwacker launched a bold blitz toward the lead and overtook
Doctor Butch just as the field was set to turn for home. Bushwacker quickly opened up by a pair of
lengths and he maintained that margin through the stretch thanks to a 26.3
final quarter to score his second victory of the year in as many starts.
Doctor Butch held on to the place spot, with
Kingofthejungle rallying from last to be third.
Bushwacker won for the 14th time for trainer
Chris Ryder and owner Henderson Farms.
His career earnings surpassed $380,000 with the win.
Corey Callahan scored a grand slam of driving victories on
the card, including the aforementioned featured Open pace.
Total handle for the 14-race program was $2,935,127, a
12-percent increase over the totals for the 13-race card one year ago.
Racing returns on Friday, with first post time at 6:35 P.M.
