Dexter Dunn nosed out as trotting rivalry intensifies

The greatest trotting rivalry in North America is now all square with the Dexter Dunn-driven Manchego getting edged out by arch rival Atlanta.

The pair have met twice since racing resumed, with the latest installment of the two trotting mares being at Meadowlands in New Jersey at the weekend.

Dunn and Manchego speared to the lead from the mobile only for Atlanta to get the one-one and then gain the ascendancy in the shadows of the post in what was a stirring finish.

With 21 wins from 41 starts Atlanta is North America racing’s latest double millionaire. Her winning time was 1:50.1, a second shy of the record she set at the Big M last year (1:49.1).

The last time they met, two weeks ago, it was Manchego who got home by a whisker in 1:50.3.

Harness racing’s top earner in the US last year Bettor’s Wish ($1.6m) was a 1:48.2 winner in a four-year-old pacers’ event on the same card for Dunn and ex-pat Kiwi trainer Chris Ryder. Another decent payday looms with the $250,000 Graduate Finals being held this weekend.