Crossover used a third-place finish in the Lady Suffolk three weeks ago as her first-start-of-the-year tightener to grab an off-the-pace victory in the Friday night feature at The Meadowlands, a $20,000 conditioned event for 3-year-old trotters with Hambletonian and Hambo Oaks dreams ...
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- May 22, 2026 -- Crossover used a third-place finish in the Lady Suffolk three weeks ago as her first-start-of-the-year tightener to grab an off-the-pace victory in the Friday night feature at The Meadowlands, a $20,000 conditioned event for 3-year-old trotters with Hambletonian and Hambo Oaks dreams.
Facing five colts in the field of eight did not deter the betting public, as Crossover was sent to the gate as the 7-5 favorite. The daughter of Gimpanzee-Piranha Fury sat a perfect pocket trip as Tindra Cash S led at the quarter in :29 and half in :58.2.
Off those fractions, 9-5 second choice Ultimate Betrayal was up to challenge the leader and was on even terms with that foe at three-quarters in 1:26.2. Dexter Dunn vacated the pocket to follow the attacking horse around the far turn, swung three wide for the drive, before taking over nearing the wire to go on to an easy 1-length win in a lifetime-best 1:54.2. Big Boys Don’t Cry was second with Tindra Cash S holding third.
“She’s a beautiful moving trotter,” said Dunn. “We were definitely moving (approaching three-quarters). Niko’s (Karna, driving Ultimate Betrayal) horse was coming with a lot of steam. The three of us were trotting pretty well coming to three-quarters but once I moved her over she really moved well and I think she’s got a bright future.”
A Marcus Melander trainee, Crossover won for the third time from just nine lifetime starts. She returned $4.80 to win.
BECKWITH’S A HIT: Brett Beckwith, about a month away from returning to driving at The Big M after getting hurt in a spill last month at Saratoga, tried his hand at broadcasting as part of The Big M’s TV team and showed he’s as comfortable talking about the horses as he is driving them.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure doing the show,” said Beckwith, who conducted the post-feature-race interview with Dunn. “I didn’t think I’d have this much fun doing it. I wasn’t nervous because I really enjoy talking about the sport, which is probably what makes it the least bit stressful. I would definitely do it again. Hopefully, tonight is the first of many times that I do. Until I get back driving, of course.”
The 23-year-old pilot distinguished himself, selecting five winners on top, which included two exactas and one trifecta. His best price came in the fifth race when Baby Doll Jen scored and paid $13.40.
Gary DiLeo also had five on top. His followers made a big score in the third race when Hold My Tiara pulled off an upset and returned $57.20 as his value play of the night.
A LITTLE MORE:
Joe Bongiorno, who took home Driver of the Week honors during the pregame show, got a leg up on taking home the trophy for a second consecutive week after leading the driver colony with three walks down victory lane. … Bongiorno was also top trainer with two wins. … All-source handle on the 14-race program totaled $2,539,593. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:35 p.m. with a pair of New Jersey Sire Stakes finals as well as two divisions of the Miss Versatility sitting atop the marquee.
