Sea Cadet Ends Layoff With Meadowlands Cup

Sea Cadet is back. Now the question is whether the owners of the nearly tail-less colt are willing to spend $360,000 to supplement him to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Sea Cadet passed favored Jolie’s Halo on the final turn and scored a 1 3/4-length victory in the $500,000 Meadowlands Cup on Friday night. It was the first race since April for Sea Cadet, who covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.

Ridden by Alex Solis, Sea Cadet paid $5.80, $3.80 and $2.80 as the 9-5 second choice. The colt earned $300,000 for owner Verne Winchell. Jolie’s Halo finished ninth.

Valley Crossing, who stumbled slightly at the start, closed strongly in the stretch to finish second under Julie Krone. The son of Private Account paid $6 and $3.80. American Chance, under Pat Day, returned $4.40.

Agincount and Jolie’s Halo contested the lead for the first three-quarters of a mile, with Sea Cadet stalking them on the outside. Agincourt started to drop out of contention entering the turn, and for a few seconds it appeared it would be a two-horse race to the wire. But by the top of the stretch, Sea Cadet had the lead for good.