Obliterate wins NJSDF finals at Big M

East Rutherford, NJ – Trainer Chris Ryder took both $60,000 New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund finals for 3-year-olds on the pace Saturday night at The Meadowlands.
His win in the colts and geldings division impressed, but did not come with the horse the betting public expected.
Obliterate, a 10-1 outsider despite having won his NJSDF preliminary a week ago in 1:48.3, worked out a good trip after an aggressive drive from Chris’ son, Patrick, to score his fourth career win from just 10 tries.
Bookie J, Obliterate’s headline-grabbing stablemate who was a perfect five-for-five in 2026 heading into the race, worked out an ideal second-over trip, but the 1-9 public choice couldn’t deal with Obliterate late, who closed with a rush after leaving the gate in a lightning-quick :26.3.
He raced in the pocket until mid-stretch, when the colt by Perfect Sting-Triple V Hanover vacated the rail while in tight quarters, before a late burst of speed got him to the finish three-quarters-of-a-length in front of Bookie J. Corvette Stingray raced bravely first-over and hung in there to claim the show dough.
“We really liked this horse all along and it’s taken a few starts to get him right where we want him,” said Patrick. “My dad’s always had so much faith in him and he’s always believed in me driving him.
“I wasn’t real happy putting him in the two-hole. I just kind of took my chances. I was hoping I’d get room (late), and it was really tight. When I snuck my way out, he gave me a really good run. I couldn’t believe how well he responded.”
Obliterate completed the mile in 1:49.4 and returned $22.40 to his backers.













