‘DAJUDGE’ LAYS DOWN THE LAW IN EXIT 16W SWEEP AT BIG M

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- November 20, 2025 -- Herecomesdajudge sentenced his foes to also-ran status Thursday night in the $27,500 Exit 16W Pop Up Series final, completing a three-race sweep of the event for trotters 4-years-old and younger at The Meadowlands.

The 3-year-old son of Muscle Hill-Designed To Be used his good early speed once again to stay in play throughout before stopping the clock in 1:53.1 for his eighth career win in 29 tries.

‘Dajudge’ left the gate quickly from post five in the seven-horse field and led at the quarter in :27.2. Bourbonista S, the even-money Swedish invader who was so good a week ago coming up just a head short of beating Herecomesthejudge, was up to challenge and take the front at the half in :55.1, but driver Tyler Miller handled the eventual winner aggressively, boldly popping out of the pocket at the five-eighths.

On the far turn, Dajudge opened up a 3-length edge at three-quarters, which went in 1:24.4, before holding off a late-sprinting D’wood to hang on by a safe head at the wire. Walkwhileyourtalkn was third.

“[Bourbonista S] raced super last week,” said winning driver Tyler Miller. “But that horse didn’t look like he had much left in the tank, so I made the move right there.”

His lead was dwindling nearing the finish, but Miller was confident. “Once [Herecomesdajudge] saw that other horse, he took back off again.”

“Best birthday present ever,” said winning trainer, and Tyler’s mom, Julie Miller, who no doubt enjoyed some cake and ice cream after the win. “He swept the series by digging in his last two starts. This horse is finally coming into his own. We are looking forward to his 4-year-old season.”

Despite his series sweep, Herecomesdajudge was sent to the gate as the 8-5 second choice and returned $5.20 to his backers.

Trainer Tom Cancelliere, fresh off a win in the FanDuel Open Pace Saturday night with Maximus Miki, saw his proteges win the other two Exit 16W finals on the card.

In the $25,000 dash for 2- and 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, Doctor Arroganto came from off the pace to take down 4-5 favorite Dismas in a lifetime-best equaling 1:53.1. The 3-year-old gelded son of Papi Rob Hanover-Brazuca left the gate hard, leading at the quarter in :27.2. Driver Lauren Tritton then opted to sit behind Dismas, who took the field past the half in :56.1 and three-quarters in 1:24.1.

But a series sweep was not in the cards for Dismas, who had racked up a pair of series scores from the pocket. Doctor Arroganto rolled by late after a two-hole trip to win by a half-length over Captivated with Dismas getting third.

“He loses concentration very quickly,” said Tritton. “Tonight, he was different. He was ready to go.”

“I put Maximus Miki’s hood on him,” said Cancelliere. “It has cups on it and a hood, so he could see a little bit more. When [Captivated] was closing in late, the new equipment allowed him to see him coming and he sped up. He is still a green horse.”

Doctor Arroganto, who has now hit the board eight times in 13 lifetime starts, recorded his second career victory. He paid $9.80 as the 7-2 third choice.

Cancelliere’s Pinching Pennies rocked the tote board in the $25,000 final for 2- and 3-year-old filly pacers. The 2-year-old daughter of Father Nuno-Showherthemoney was airborne late to get her first lifetime win in 11 starts. She paid $98.40 to win as the 48-1 second-longest shot on the board after completing the mile in 1:54.3, finishing a neck in front of 3-5 public choice Sweet Mary Lou.

A LOT OF LITTLE: Big M TV veteran Dave Little saved his best for last on the nine-race card, giving out the lone Pick-4 on the card, which paid $401.10, as well as the Late Daily Double ($49.40), on which he had a $6 ticket for a return of $148.20.

In total, Little’s followers cashed in for $549.30 on a $76 investment.

A LITTLE MORE: Vinny Ginsburg and Johnathan Ahle led the driver colony with a pair of winners apiece while Cancelliere’s double topped the trainers. … There were no winning tickets sold on the 20-cent Pick-6, creating a carryover of $2,530 for Friday’s card. Those with five correct collected $69.54. … All-source handle on the nine-race program totaled $1,039,962. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.