DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 Sun Stakes at Pocono moving to late summer After missing a year due to the Pandemic, the rich NEW PLAYERS Sun Stakes at The Downs at Pocono get a date change and a new format

the switch away from the eliminations/finals DOUBLE YOUR format. “The top nine will be deter- FIRST DEPOSIT JAYWALKING mined by the money won in 2021.” According to Kane, one of the reasons the UP TO $250 By Jay Bergman race was moved to a later date was to accom- modate as many horses as possible given the @BergmanJay new earnings parameters. JOIN NOW On the filly front, the James Lynch Memo- rial and Delmonica Hanover will offer $250,000 When the preliminary stakes calendar came finals with consolations worth $125,000 and out in December the advanced schedule for $75,000. Here there has been a significant action at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono change that owners may appreciate. Inside this issue showed one addition and one major subtrac- “For the second consolation there won’t be tion. Now with the schedule firmly in place any starting fee,” said Kane, who noted that and the track slated to open the 2021 season in the move was only for these two $75,000 events Triple Crown races highlight 2021 just a few weeks on February 6, the arrival of and not in any other. stakes schedule at Yonkers, Page 3 the Delmonica Hanover for 3-year-old trotting fillies and the departure of the Ben Franklin Darin Zoccali: Illogical decision keeps from the schedule has been confirmed. Canadian racing on the sidelines, Page 5 Racing secretary Rick Kane was able to explain the changes that the re-worked Sun Derick Giwner: Distratcions and FOMO Stakes will have in 2021. “We’ve been looking leads to poor decisions, Page 7 to add a 3-year-old filly for some time,” said Kane. “As far as the Ben Franklin, I’ve been Julie Miller’s 4-year-old trotters take disappointed in recent years with the number the stage at The Meadowlands, Page 9 and the quality of horses made eligible.” Of course, the addition of a 3-year-old filly Gural, USTA organize committee to trot and removal of an “Open” event for older discuss HISA, Page 9 horses could also fit better into the narrative of a core group of races that helps yearling On The Backstretch: Profile of Western buyers and -based breeding Fair’s Greg Blanchard, Page 11 farms. The Sun Stakes in 2021 will not only Best bets and analysis, Page 13 move from its traditional July 4 weekend to August 21, but has been reformatted as a Industry headlines, Page 15 three-tiered event with no eliminations. The Earl Beal and Max Hempt Memorials In shifting the Sun Stakes to August, Pocono Comments? Questions? for 3-year-old open trotters and open pacers, may find itself in a better position to attract a Email the Editor [email protected] respectively, will now have a $300,000 purse larger audience for all of its races, but perhaps for the elite event. There are two consolations more specifically the Beal and Hempt. In past To ensure proper delivery for each that will offer purses of $200,000 and years the Hempt was sandwiched between the of the newsletter via $100,000. $1,000,000 Cup and the lucra- “We did this at Chester, and I think the tive . With both of those email, add [email protected]. format works out better because it gives more com to your contact list horsemen a chance to earn,” said Kane on CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Start planning for the 2021 Ohio Sires Stakes season!

March 15, 2021 is the deadline to nominate Ohio-bred 2 & 3-year-olds to Ohio’s richest program for state-bred trotters & pacers!

Conditions, schedule & nomination forms for the 2021 Ohio Sires Stakes are now available at www.racingohio.net

Kim Rinker, OSDF Administrator 614-779-0269 [email protected]

© 2021 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 First-Crop 3YOs in 2021 include: FLAWLESS COUNTRY (pictured) PASS Champion (1:53.0, $430,423)

DELAYED HANOVER Winner of Bluegrass Series (1:53.4, $136,418) Six yearlings sold for $100,000 or more last year TYPE A Winner of Matron Stakes (1:55.0, $164,779)

THE BEST SON OF AT STUD

BY MUSCLE HILL OUT OF FLAWLESS LINDY | 2021 PRIVATE FEE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Triple Crown races highlight 2021 Yonkers stakes sophomore classics requiring elimination races, the Hempt, as an elimination-final event, was often avoided, otherwise trainers risked Following a year in which the COVID-19 pandemic obliterated racing perhaps six straight weeks without rest. the stakes schedule at Yonkers Raceway, MGM Resorts has rein- As for the Beal, the premier 3-year-old trotting event, it moves from stated a full slate of Grand Circuit races for 2021, anchored by a pre-Hambletonian status to post Hambletonian, and that’s some- pair of Triple Crown events occupying a new slot on the calendar. thing that has proven beneficial no matter where a race is held. Far Held in late August/early September the last few years, the too many trainers were cautious to place Hambletonian contenders $300,000 (GTD) MGM and $300,000 (GTD) MGM in an elimination and final contest a month from the Hambletonian. Grand Pace Stakes finals for 3-year-olds shift to July With this year’s Beal coming two weeks after the Hambletonian and 2 on the calendar in 2021. Eliminations for both Triple Crown in single-dash format, it’s likely to draw all of the top sophomores to events will be conducted on June 25, along with filly counterpart the trotter-friendly five-eighths mile oval. races -- Park MGM Pace and New York-New York Mile -- that With the addition of the Delmonica Hanover trainers with top-class culminate with $125,000 (Est.) finals on the first Friday in July. sophomore fillies will have the chance to race for a significant purse The change in scheduling for the Yonkers Trot and Messenger following the for the first time in a long while. coincides with a move of major stakes for 3-year-olds at The Downs From a wagering standpoint the move of the Sun Stakes to the new at Pocono from Fourth of July weekend to the end of August. The format offers the prospect of nine individual races that just by seeding races are now the first legs of the Triple Crown on both gaits. alone should be more competitive. In past years eliminations added a “With all the setbacks and difficulty 2020 saw, we’re excited to second week but not necessarily competitive events. The 2021 struc- get all of these important stakes races back onto the calendar for ture, with seasonal earnings the only qualifying factor, are guaran- 2021,” said Alex Dadoyan, Director of Racing at Yonkers Raceway. teed to pit horses of similar abilities against each other. The popular MGM Borgata and Blue Chip Matchmaker Pacing On the downside there are certain to be owners that question the Series are both back in their usual calendar locations for 2021, wisdom of offering half the total purse to the 18 second- and third- though Monday is the new Saturday at Yonkers, and the day best 3-year-olds in the division. Both the Beal and Hempt finals went when the best pacers on the grounds will compete. for $500,000 back in 2019. While on paper there is a sense that purse The Borgata, for older male pacers, kicks off its first of five money will be spread out more significantly with this format, in real- $40,000 (GTD) legs on Monday, March 15. The Blue Chip Match- ity this could play out to be to the advantage of larger stables who maker also offers a handful of preliminary legs. Worth $35,000 can now enter more of their horses with the knowledge that there’s a (GTD) each, the series launches on Friday, March 12. $100,000 purse awaiting a nice non-winners-of-two type . The top eight point-earners in each series will convene on With live racing resuming in February, the schedule for the first Monday, April 19 for a pair of six-figure added-money finals, with month of action will see Pocono racing on Saturday and Sunday the subsequent eight earners in the series’ taking part in the $75,000 (except Super Bowl Sunday - February 7) with Saturday post time at (GTD -- Borgata) and $60,000 (GTD -- Matchmaker) consolations. 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Stakes season officially begins at Yonkers on Tuesday, March In March Pocono will add Monday to the schedule with a 12:30 p.m. 2 with the M Life Ladies Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old fillies post time. The schedule will go to four-days-a-week as Tuesdays join and mares. The male companion event starts one night later in April with the same 12:30 p.m. post. on Wednesday. Both events offer three legs with $15,000 (GTD) Nominations for the Bobby Weiss Memorial late closing events for purses and culminate with added-money finals and guaranteed 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits close on February 14. The series consolations on March 23 and 24, respectively. will be held in April. “The eliminations go for $17,500 and the final for The John Brennan Trotting Series (formerly the SOA Bonus $40,000,” said Kane of the Weiss with three preliminary legs slated. Trot), honoring the memory of the long-time Yonkers Raceway For Kane 2020 was the first year where horses were not stabled at paddock representative, starts on March 31 with the first of three the track but that didn’t make it more difficult for him to fill races. legs for 3-year-olds and up who are Non-winners of 6 races and/or “From the time we returned from COVID-19 there was never a short- $100,000 lifetime through February 1. An added-money final and age in the box,” said Kane. $30,000 (GTD) consolation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21. Purse structure, especially during these times, is always a concern, The Reynolds Pace for 3-year-old colts and fillies also joins the but Kane was quite confident that he’ll be able to offer the same level stakes calendar at Yonkers on May 7. Finally, July 9 and 16 offer of purses in 2021 that was available last year. eliminations and the final of the $100,000 (Est.) MGM Springfield Given the bleak nature of the last 10 months, Kane sounded a hope- Stakes for 2-year-olds. ful chord. “I’m looking forward to seeing people at the track,” said Nomination blanks for the Borgata, Matchmaker, M Life, Kane in eyeing a time in the not so distant future when racing fans Brennan and Springfield series can be found here. Information are free to come to the track. on the Yonkers Trot and Messenger can be found on the Hamble- With the Sun Stakes moving to late August the potential certainly tonian Society’s website. exists for not just more horses to participate but owners and fans to Yonkers Raceway offers live racing Monday through Friday witness the spectacle live once again. with a first-race post-time of 7:15 PM.

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness New to Ontario for 2021, Hambletonian Champion... TRIXTON (Muscle Hill - Emilie Cas El) • 2,1:54.4s; 3,1:50.3 ($968,696)

From trotting’s two greatest families, a $360,000 yearling by super-sire Muscle Hill and out of former of the Year Emilie Cas El, Trixton’s pedigree is unrivalled! Hambletonian Champion! Leading Money Winning Sires: 3-Year-Old Trot (2020) One of N.A’s leading trotting sires, with 6 1) Muscle Hill finalists in 2020. 2) Father Patrick Sire of 2020 2YO star CUATRO DE JULIO 2,1:51.3 -’20 3) Chapter Seven ($129,275). 4) TRIXTON Sire of 3YO Breeders Crown runner-up PLAY TRIX ON ME 3,1:53s ($591,859). Sire of 2019 Elegantimage winner EVIDENT BEAUTY 3,1:52.2 ($890,866). His progeny are already winners of close to $10 million.

Standing in Ontario at Winbak Farms in 2021. FEE: $7,500 (U.S.)

deovolentefarms.com • 908 782 4848 winbakfarm.com • 905 838 2145 Illogical decision keeps Canadian racing on the sidelines

But for the better part of a year we have been told to be socially distancing ourselves from others. We have been told to limit indoor at the track activities with groups of people. Yet, the leaders of Ontario have made the decision that it is safer to have these horses remain in their By Darin Zoccali AtTheTrack7 barns –being cared for by people as they jog around training tracks in the morning, under safety protocols implemented by tracks and training centers – rather than have these horses compete in races while implementing more oversight into how to keep everyone safe. For much of the COVID-19 pandemic my chief concern has been How does this make any sense? inconsistency. Inconsistency pertaining to what is said about the When I learned that Ontario was going into a lockdown and racing seriousness of the virus itself; inconsistency pertaining to how was going to have to shutter, I believed this was simply an over- we protect ourselves from the virus and ultimately inconsistency sight by the government. I thought that they simply hadn’t thought pertaining to measures needed to be taken by society to prevent this through, not realizing these horses were going to be cared for future spread of the virus. regardless of whether or not they were racing, and thus, it would We have always been told to “follow the science and follow the have been logical to allow them to race so long as proper protocols facts,” but in New York City for example, the science and facts were implemented to keep everyone safe. I was shocked when the through testing and contact tracing told us that schools and restau- Ontario government did not allow racing to continue. It seems to rants were not high-risk environments. Schools yielded less than a me that if you are a famous millionaire playing the country’s most 0.2% positivity rate while the city as a whole was over five percent. beloved sport that you can continue to make a living, but if you are a Yet, schools were closed and indoor dining was prohibited. Why? horsemen, not making millions of dollars and needing to compete to Enter Ontario and its inconsistency. Within the province the earn money, then you are out of luck. National Hockey League was permitted to begin play. This was done I really do feel for the industry in Ontario. They by creating an all-Canadian division within the league as to limit are facing adversity that in my view is not justified. Here in Staten the travel of Canadian teams within Canada. The Toronto Raptors Island, New York we have seen so many of our favorite restaurants are playing basketball, but doing so in Tampa, Florida. But the close their doors for good. Friends of mine that are small business Raptors heading south for the winter has nothing to do with them owners don’t know what to do. Entire industries are being wiped out not being allowed to play in Canada for health concerns, it’s a travel that we don’t even think about, like catering halls or entertainment issue. The Raptors are the only Canadian basketball team and there companies that provide services for weddings, graduations, etc. are restrictions pertaining to entering and leaving the country, as If not for a strange twist of fate in which I got out of that business well as other teams doing the same when having to travel to play shortly before this pandemic started, my family would be in a much the Raptors. different situation right now because sadly for some of these indus- Why can they play hockey in Ontario but horses cannot race? tries, there is nothing that can be done. You can’t have a big wedding Hockey is a full-contact sport. It is indoors. The competitors are right now in a catering hall. Even if you could, how many people constantly crashing and bumping into each other. Sure, there are would actually go? So, you have no need for the band or DJ that plays strict protocols for the players and widespread testing. But why at a wedding. The ripple effects are endless. can’t that be the case for racing as well? Why is one sport allowed to But something can be done about the situation in Ontario, continue when another is not? because to say what has transpired is a hypocrisy would be a gross The most compelling argument for racing, in my opinion, is that understatement. They are telling those in the industry that you these horses need to be cared for regardless of whether or not they can take care of your horses and you can train your horses, you are racing. The trainers, grooms and veterinarians all have to just cannot race the horses. This would be the equivalent of telling continue to work to keep the horses (who are athletes by the way) the Toronto Maple Leafs that they can hold practice in their arena, healthy and safe. By prohibiting racing from continuing at this they just can’t play an actual game in that same arena. It borders moment, the leaders of Ontario are saying that the actual racing on the insane. element of the sport is the problem. Other than writing this piece, there really is very little I can do. Follow the science and follow the facts they say. Yet an outdoor But to our friends north of the border, I say that I am sorry you are sport, in which the athletes, both human and equine alike, are not going through this ordeal. You shouldn’t have to be in this situation. supposed to have any contact with one another, is being prohibited, It’s illogical and beyond unfortunate. I only hope racing returns while hockey, an indoor sport with constant contact, is permitted. sooner rather than later so the men and women of the Ontario horse I am admittedly not anything close to a healthcare expert and I racing industry can get back on their feet. can only live my life by following the instructions of those who are.

DRF Harness Digest | 5 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness BY YANKEE CRUISER OUT OF SWEET FUTURE 2021 FEE: $12,500 Distraction & FOMO leads to poor choices at the windows

tool is functioning nicely as selecting the proper horses hasn’t been a problem. EDITOR’S EYE The first issue deals with stubbornness and a refusal to depart from my first opinion, mostly as it relates to The Meadowlands. My By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy selections are prepared typically three days prior to post-time and sometimes adjusted due to driver changes two days out. Often I’ll get to race night and make a determination to depart from my top selec- tion for any number of reasons, but I’ve also noticed times when I Now more than ever there is something missing from the harness simply can’t get off the bandwagon. Often enough it is price-related. racing experience – focus. In my head I’ll see a horse that should be 3-1 that is going off at 4-5 It dawned on me the other day while past an Off Track and the sheer fear of missing out on my top pick lures me into a bad Betting location. Likely years have passed since my last visit. To play. There is no good logic for playing the horse, but this psychologi- some that may not seem like a big deal, but for someone who has cal fear of missing out (FOMO) takes over. always lived about an hour from the closest track (without NY-area Running hand-and-hand with the first issue is an inability to traffic), OTB was my home away from home for 10 to 15 years of my stand my ground. Too many times recently I’ve known that playing life. a certain wager, typically a multi-race bet, was not in my best inter- As my car rolled past this particular Suffolk OTB location, est and I went ahead and made the bet anyway. Basically after handi- thoughts began to enter my mind about the amount of distraction capping I deemed the wager too difficult for my budget and instead of there is when playing the races nowadays. In my early 20s, I’d walk moving on to a different type of wager, I eliminated key horses which into my local OTB, stand at a counter and get to work handicapping would’ve produced a winning ticket. Again, this relates to FOMO. the next race or whatever sequence of races I was looking to play that Similarly, I’ve added horses onto my multi-race tickets that I night. All of my attention was on the task at hand. Maybe there was didn’t like just because they had a “chance” to win. It happened at a TV in the room with a sporting event and there was certainly loud Northfield Park the other day with a Ron Burke trainee. Everything white noise from my fellow racing diehards, but not quite enough to in my head said he was a toss as the favorite and yet there he was on distract my tunnel vision to the program, most likely a Sports Eye. one of my tickets because I didn’t want to miss out on cashing. It’s Now think about today and all of the distractions which get in the silly really and a money-burning problem that relates back to the way of our handicapping as we most likely sit at home wagering on a fact that outside of work I view wagering as more of a “fun” activity computer or mobile device. rather than a money-making opportunity. At the top of the distraction list has to be our phone. There’s a call, Obviously comparing apples and oranges here, but basically a text, an email, an alert from an app, and of course the need to check making these poor decisions is like knowing that jumping off a something at almost any moment. Even into my early 30s, when smart bridge will kill you and for some reason thinking “I can make it.” phones were first being launched, the constant bombardment of noti- However, there is a silver lining. As G.I. Joe would say, “knowing fications wasn’t nearly as frequent. Sure, you were connected, but not is half the battle.” I’ve recognized the problem and now all I have to so keyed into the universe that it distracted you from your task. do is be conscious of it when wagering. Hopefully it is that easy. Being at the track or in an OTB provided a certain freedom from Now, as they say on racing Twitter, “Shut up and bet.” home life. That’s not to say that we all can’t wait to escape family but more a point that when out of the house there is no fighting between the kids or asks from your significant other to pull you from your handicapping or wagering. Sure, you may get a call or text when at the track, but those can be easily ignored or put off. It’s much harder to ignore your 10-year-old chasing your 14-year-old around the house with a wooden sword. The home experience also brings into play that you are likely watching TV, surfing the web and/or your favorite social media sites. How is a handicapper to concentrate with distractions surround- ing their environment? Some would argue that we are better off now. Most of the informa- tion we need is right at our fingertips – replays, live video, past perfor- mances. There is no longer the need to scour the earth looking for the one store that hadn’t sold out of Sports Eye. You never have to worry if the program will have the track you want to bet, though the continued frustration of your ADW potentially not carrying the track you like still exists as in-fighting continues between different companies. Everything is more convenient now in the betting experience and perhaps in some ways that is good, but we are certainly missing out on the social aspect of commiserating with fellow players or laugh- ing at the person slapping their leg with the program to get a horse home. Thankfully we can all still do the “lean” as the horses near the wire in hopes that will help our horse win the race. Despite the distractions of our time, recently I’ve been giving more thought to the wagering decision process as I’ve uncovered some serious flaws in my decision making. Interestingly my handicapping

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DRF Harness Digest | 7 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Brittany is proud to have been voted Breeder Of  e Year

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GSI, LLC 2021 | Photos: Amanda Stephens, Dean Gillette, Michael Lisa/Lisa Photo Miller’s 4-year-old trotters take the stage at The Meadowlands

By Jay Bergman

For trainer Julie Miller there appears to be a sense of doing right by her horses and over time her horses doing right by her. Such is the case of Get Legs, a now 4-year-old son of Muscle Hill that missed his entire 2-year-old season and only emerged late in 2020 for the trainer. “He broke a sesamoid behind as a 2-year-old,” said Miller. Get Legs debuted in a June quali- fier in 2019 at Gaitway Farms but sustained the injury in that race that shelved his entire fresh- man campaign. “When we brought him back at 3, he sustained a soft tissue injury,” said Miller. “We sent him to Lindy Farms and they did a great job with him.” A $115,000 yearling purchase, Get Legs would finally give Julie and her husband/driver Andy

Miller the chance to show what he could do late Amanda Stephens in 2020, with the colt winning his first four starts winner Venerate is in Florida preparing for his 3-year-old campaign. in rather effortless fashion. “Andy did a great job with him, taking him back and letting him learn how to race,” said Miller. Get Legs scored in 1:55 1/5 in his first pari- Gural, USTA organize committee to explore HISA mutuel start at The Meadowlands on November 13 and has since shown a new wrinkle while working himself up the class ladder. He made his Spurred on by Jeff Gural, owner of the Meadowlands, Tioga 2021 debut on January 8 in powerful fashion, taking a new lifetime mark Downs and Vernon Downs, and facilitated by the United States of 1:53 1/5 while winning by nearly seven lengths at The Meadowlands. Trotting Association, a group of key stakeholders representing On Saturday, Get Legs will race against the best field he’s seen and various parts of the industry and holding diverse viewpoints will will be up against it having landed post nine. Get Legs moves out meet in the coming weeks to examine the Horseracing Integrity of the restricted non-winners-of-five-races class and faces a more & Safety Act and ’s potential role within it. The seasoned overnight field in the ninth race conditioned event with a HISA passed Congress last month as part of an omnibus spend- purse of $15,500. The race includes some more experienced and fast- ing bill that was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. class horses with Double Account (post 3), a 1:51 2/5 winner in 2020 at The Act authorizes the creation of the Horseracing Integrity Hoosier Park, Cash Me Out (post 8), a $1.2 million career earner, just and Safety Authority that will oversee anti-doping/medication two classy rivals. control and racetrack safety programs for racing. “We’re going to do right by him and make sure he gets the atten- An opt-in provision allows other breeds to be included. HISA has tion. Anytime you have a horse that’s had his physical history you been controversial within harness racing, with support coming want to stay on top of everything,” said Miller. “We’re trying to from the Gural-owned tracks and the Hambletonian Society, and space out his starts, racing him two weeks in a row and then giving opposition put forth by the USTA and numerous horsemen’s orga- him a week off.” nizations. The committee aims to bring these competing interests Given that it’s only January, Miller appears to be hopeful that Get to the table in an effort to find common ground and to help clarify Legs can blossom into the type of horse that can reach and race against harness racing’s needs as they apply to the federal legislation. the top-class horses later this year. “Hopefully we can preserve him “I think the two things we all agree on is that the current now for the bigger races over the summer,” Miller said. system is not working and the federal legislation needs to be On Friday, Hipster K will make his debut for Miller in a non- modified for it to work with ,” said Gural. “I look winners-of-2 conditioned event carded as race two. forward to working with the committee and hope to pass any “He’s a big horse and he probably needed time to develop,” said amendments that our industry can support.” Miller of Hipster K, a 4-year-old by the late world-champion Sebastian USTA President Russell Williams expressed his support. K. “Andy was happy with the way he qualified.” “Jeff is presenting this as the opportunity to including every- Hipster K was a 1:56 3/5 winner in a Meadowlands qualifier on thing that harness racing needs in the new statute,” Williams said. January 9 but Miller seemed to think the horse will need a few races. “I hope to be able to report just such a package to the USTA Board “Andy’s going to race him from off the pace,” Miller said. of Directors for approval when the work of this committee is done.” Miller was enthusiastic about 2021 and that’s expected given that The group is comprised of: she’ll have the 2020 Dan Patch Award-winning 2-year-old trotting colt John Campbell -- President, Hambletonian Society Venerate back in her stable for the 3-year-old classics. Andrew Cohen -- Senior editor, The Marshall Project, harness “He’s turned out in Florida now and scheduled to go back into train- racing writer and owner ing with Carter Pinske on February 1,” Miller said. “Either Andy or I Steven Dey, DVM -- Heritage Hill Farm will go down to Florida a few times to see how he’s doing.” Joe Faraldo -- Chairman of the Board, USTA; President, Stan- Venerate captured the Mohawk Million as well as the Kentucky dardbred Owners Association of New York Sire Stakes final during a memorable campaign. “I was very happy Renee Mancino -- Executive Director, Ohio Harness Horse- with the way he came through the year. There was a lot of traveling men’s Association going to Canada and racing in the Midwest,” said Miller. Paul Nolan, DVM -- retired regulatory veterinarian for the Venerate was a horse that Miller tried to purchase as a yearling but State of . got outbid. “He was the number-one trotter on our list. When I saw Andy Roberts, DVM -- USTA director Carter Pinske signed for him, I asked if he would let us go partners Jason Settlemoir -- COO/GM -- New ; and he agreed.” VP-Racing, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Venerate earned $772K in his first year on the track. The son of David Siegel -- past President, TrackMaster -- USTA director European sire Love You is out of a full sister to 2014 Hambletonian Mike Tanner -- EVP/CEO, USTA champion Trixton. The as-of-yet unnamed committee is expected to convene The Meadowlands has 13 live races on Friday and a 14-race card virtually for the first time within the next two weeks. Saturday with a first-race post-time of 6:00 PM both nights. -release (USTA Communications)

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness A CUT ABOVE... in the sales ring

OUR 2020 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average (more than 10 horses) at Ohio Jug Select Sale #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average (more than 20 horses) at Lexington #1 CONSIGNOR by Mixed Sale Average at Lexington #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average at Timonium #1 CONSIGNOR by Mixed Sale Average at Timonium

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As we expand our sales division, Diamond Creek Phone: 717-638-7100 looks forward to earning [email protected] your business. www.DiamondCreekFarm.com Did you ever want to know more about the people involved in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the harness land- scape each week to profile a new personality from the sport.

Western Fair District’s greg blanchard Courtesy Greg Blanchard What kind of car do you drive? Greg Blanchard began working at Western Fair Raceway in 2010 and has risen in the ranks to become Director of Marketing, Dodge Journey. Sales and Communications for Western Fair District.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack? and training aspect, but when I was 17 an opportunity came up to call the races at Summerside in Prince Edward Island. They called BBQ steak; shelled peanuts. me and two days later I tried out for the job and got it. I spent nine years in that capacity. I always hoped to make a career in the game What is your favorite all-time track to visit? Why? and I was able to. My breakthrough in the sport was when Steve Wolf Probably Mohawk. I like the location and the layout of the track. It offered me a job at Freehold in 1995. I spent three years there and has always represented to me, top-level racing, same as The Meadow- that gave me a good foundation to work from and get me going in the lands. As a spectators the views are fantastic. You are close to the ac- industry. tion but it is also big track with great racing. It is the whole package. What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? Do you enjoy handicapping and betting? After horse racing, hockey. Unfortunately my favorite team is the Yes, but I don’t play as much as I used to. I’ve always enjoyed the Toronto Maple Leafs. handicapping aspect of the game. It is fun to solve the puzzle and piece together information to get rewarded. I think it makes you a bit What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? sharper when you try to analyze the races to find winners. I used to host karaoke in my younger days. What is your favorite big event in racing? What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Gold Cup & Saucer. I grew up there and maybe I’m biased, but it Thrilling – I still get excited over big races or events. It doesn’t have is the greatest spectacle of North American harness racing. To be to be the best horses, it could be a big carryover or whatever. there live with the crowd, and the pomp and pageantry of the night in the smallest province in Canada of Prince Edward Island. It is a Do you have a favorite horse from your time in the sport? unique experience. From my time in the sport Somebeachsomewhere. Prior to that as a As Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications for the kid it was Niatross. Western Fair District, including Western Fair Raceway, how much of your time is spent on racing versus other projects? What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness racing? Nowadays racing is just one area of my focus. I deal with sports center, show and events, an agro-business hub, the annual 10-day To see both sides of the business. There are the horse people who are fair which is one of the largest in Canada, the weekend market, and a working side-by-side with the horses. Then there are the racetrack comedy club. There is a lot going on. operators, administrators and people on the regulatory side. I got advice a while back to not to look at things all one way and to think How did you get started in harness racing? in a holistic manner. It has served me well over the years. I started as a young kid going to the track with my father. He was What was your favorite moment in harness racing? more of a fan but he did own a cheap horse once in a while. I just caught the bug. At a young age it was a social thing to go to the track I worked for many years on the broadcast side and probably the with my buddies. Over time we all became lifelong fans. highlight for me was to work twice on the CBS broadcast of the Hambletonian with Gary Siebel, who I always looked up to, and Dave How did you get started on the business side of the sport? Brower and the great team that is involved with that event. I was always fascinated by track announcers. A lot of kids grow up and want to be a driver, and I was certainly interested in the driving CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

What’s the strangest thing to happen to you in harness racing? This is going back many years to when I was a young announcer. I had the program page turned to the wrong race without knowing it. As the race started the horses weren’t coming to me and I was strug- gling. So I looked down at the program and nothing was matching up. I kept throwing the wrong names out there for about half the race before I figured it out. I flipped the page over and continued to call the race with the proper horses for the final half. I always ex- pected to get a lot of negative feedback but I never heard a comment about it. That was a lesson learned early from another announcer who told me if you ever get stuck in a race just keep talking and avoid any dead air. You are like a Swiss Army knife, having worked in management, as a broadcaster, announcer, and handicapper. Did I leave anything out? I’ve also worked as a mutual clerk and caretaker. That experience has served me well. I have at least some experience in almost every facet of the business. I realized quickly working as a caretaker, as much as I loved being around horses, there was more opportunity on the grandstand side. I still get out to the farms once in a while to see the horses firsthand.

Courtesy Greg Blanchard Of the jobs above, what do you think you do best? From the backstretch to the announcer’s booth, Greg Blanchard has worked in all aspects of harness racing. It might sound strange but I think I do them all competently. I’ve re- ally worked hard on being diverse so I can work in the industry and do a lot of things. side. We are in Southwestern Ontario and provide a lot of opportuni- ties for the people in this part of the province. Which of the above jobs do you enjoy the most? Handle for Western Fair has come a long way. Are you What I really wanted to do was on the broadcast side. I’ve had the surprised by the rise in numbers? What do you attribute it to? chance to do that for a number of years in some capacity. That’s probably the thing that I am most proud of and enjoy the most. That is something I’m really proud of during my time at Western Fair. Prior to my joining the team we had some really good people in You typically cover the North America Cup. Do you have a place that had the track heading in the right direction and handle favorite NA Cup moment? had been creeping up a bit. When I joined the team in 2010, along with Ian Fleming, we were able to continue that trend over a number Definitely Somebeachsomewhere winning. The race itself was anti- of years and steadily got to the point where we were one of the top climactic in that he went to the front and did what was expected. But wagering signature tracks in the province. Our new team, Greg that is exactly why it was so special. There was six months of hype Gangle and Rob Lumsden, have been able to carry that forward in and anticipation. To finally see it all come together and see the King the last couple of years as well. This last year it culminated in a crowned was something special. I think of the Jate Lobell-Frugal record handle of $997,000 back in March on the final day before the Gourmet NA Cup. I wasn’t there in person, but when I watch that COVID shutdown. So it was certainly disappointing to shut down on replay I get chills to this day. the heels of that. When we started back up last October, handle was up year-over-year and we had good momentum, so it was tremen- Obviously COVID-19 has racing shut down in Canada right dously disappointing to shut down again. now. Do you have any insight on when it may return? I think we’ve been able to carve out a strong brand for ourselves in the We are totally at the mercy of the government easing restrictions. racing landscape. I think we are seen as a horseplayer-friendly track. Right now we are in a provincial lockdown and while we are in that Tracks like Pompano, where Gabe (Prewitt) has done a tremendous state, racing is unable to operate. Initially it was supposed to be 28 job, Scioto, and Northfield, which has always been a leader in that days, but that is coming to an end and there have been no indications regard. I’ve very proud that we’ve been able to get recognition on the it will be lifted. I suspect it will last another month and I’m just hop- North American stage and I think our handle has reflected that. ing that sometime during that period we’ll get indications that we can open. It is frustrating because I think we have clearly demon- The Camluck Classic is the signature race at Western Fair. strated in Ontario over this last summer that we can operate safely, Can you talk about the past and future of the race? and for an extended period of time. Many in the industry would argue we’ve been a leader when it comes to COVID protocols. The race has been around for a long time. It was known as the Labatt Invitational, then became the Molson Pace for a number of years and Where does Western Fair stand now in the landscape of recently we changed it to the Camluck Classic to honor the great Cam- luck, who at the time was standing at Seelster Farms, which is about 20 Canadian racing? Do you see it being a mainstay for decades minutes north of Western Fair. A lot of great horses have won the race to come? over the years. The who’s who of the older division typically makes a stop here. Foiled Again has won the race a couple of times. State Trea- It is hard to predict that far out, but we hope and intend to be around. surer is a three-time champion. We are anxious to get it back. It is also We’ve become more of a significant player in Canadian racing in a strong on-track event for us as the closing night of our meet. It was recent years. We’ve risen to be the number-two track in Canadian really disappointing that we couldn’t conduct the event last year and we wagering behind Mohawk Park. We have one of the largest number are looking forward to getting it back into the rotation. of racing dates with about 125 a year and the hope is to race more because of our significance both geographically and on the racing CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

DRF Harness Digest | 12 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring Talk a bit about COSA TV. As host you helped launch the you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to virtual show in 2020. Where do you see it going in 2021? watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. I have to give the credit to COSA (Central Ontario Happy Handicapping! Association). They have a marketing budget that had been tied up in trust for a number of years. Once it became available, they were Thursday, january 21 mandated to spend it to market harness racing. They’ve done a lot of cool things, including the trailer wraps which are basically ACE travelling billboards all over Ontario. COSA chatted with myself R 3 and Curtis MacDonald, who operates Cujo Entertainment. It was (6) ASHTINI hung around really just an idea to get some content out there at the time, but it to finish fourth last week has grown pretty quickly with virtual shows and live racing events despite getting parked the during the season. In the last year and a half the brand has really mile from post eight. She grown. We filled a void last spring when all of North America was moves inside a couple of down and people in the harness industry were home with noth- notches tonight, and I think ing to do and needed to get their fix with shows twice a week. We will be tough. started up again with shows this year and we’ll have a schedule of -Greg Reinhart live events once the summer stakes season begins in Ontario. It is a great way to keep Ontario racing in the forefront on social media friday, january 22 applications. It keeps us connected and potentially reaches out to a new audience. I have to give full credit to COSA for supporting it ACE and seeing the benefits of it. R 7 (1) I GOT THE LOOKS If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what double drops this week and would it be? while this isn’t a soft NW4500, he should prove tough. Post-time drag. I’ve done it as a track operator to drive handle and -Derick Giwner it worked. At the same time as I could see results with handle, I didn’t like the trend. I think tracks all over North America really got carried away with it. I’m happy to see that this topic is back on RACE 3 the radar and tracks have finally acknowledged it and are trying (1) TALK SHOW came ready to respond, like Gulfstream, which has made an effort to go off on to play last week and blew the post. Yonkers went from no drag to probably longest drag to a more doors off the field at over 9/1. reasonable drag past post. We need the major tracks to take the A similar effort should be lead. One track trying to send a statement by going on post is noble, enough to get it done again, but it will kill handle. That has been proven. We need a collective albeit at much shorter odds. effort. I’d love to see a day when starting on post time didn’t affect -Matt Rose handle. Saturday, january 23 How do you view the future of harness racing? I’ve always been an optimistic person, so I remain optimistic about RACE 6 the future of the sport. You have to be able to adapt and change to (1) ROCKIN THE ACES survive. Sometimes we live in a bubble and think we are the only wound up way too far back and industry going through different things, and we are not. Because traffic compromised against things are changing so rapidly these days, industries have to find better last Saturday. I think their way, and racing is no different. We need to realize that we are he’s the one to beat in here. a niche sport, and there is nothing wrong with that. I think niche -Reinhart sports can survive and thrive. We are quick to criticize ourselves, but we’ve had a lot of good things happen in recent years. COVID showed us that as racing was poised to handle the situation and people were able to bet from home. Tracks have upgraded broadcast signals and productions. That’s just one example where we were full card analysis / past performances ready for a challenge when opportunity presented itself. Yonkers (THU) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis Time for the stretch drive: Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Best Horse You Ever Saw?: Somebeachsomewhere. Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Best Driver Ever?: John Campbell.

Best Trainer Ever?: . DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs Favorite TV Show?: Forensic Files Trotters or Pacers?: Pacers, but I love both. Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness 23rd Annual Stallion Auction to Benefit New Vocations

Conducted through OnGait.com Feb 2-4 ending at 2:00 pm (“Open Ended Format” All bids in US dollars)

Additional Breedings Still Needed & Greatly Appreciated!

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MINNESOTA Art’s Chip Sally Josefczyk 1,000

NEW JERSEY How To Bid: Bid at OnGait.com 12:00 pm Tues. Lazarus N Tom Pontone 10,000 Feb. 2 through 2:00 pm Thurs. Feb. 4, in an Open

Ended Format (bidding remains open for up to 1- NEW YORK minute after the last bid). All bids are in US dollars. Boston Red Rocks Rick Berks & Peter Blood 4,000 Minimum raise is $100. Winning bidders owe a Courtly Choice Courtly Choice Syndicate 6,000 Manningly Morrisville College Fdn Inc Private refundable 10%, min. $100 deposit. Balance is due Roll With Joe Scott Kimelman 4,000 to New Vocations with a live foal. Winning bidders So Surreal Jon Kurnit 4,000 will be charged $50 by OnGait for each breeding purchased. ( Please do not bid for mares over 20

OHIO yrs old, ones that have been barren 2+ Art Director Kovach Stables 2,000 consecutive years, ones due to foal after May 10, Bring On The Beach Paradox Farm 2,500 or those that are already booked.) FMI: (937) Coraggioso Joe Spadaro & Tom Durkin 2,500 947-4020 or email [email protected] Dancin Yankee Burke & Weaver Bruscemi 2,500 NewVocations.org Domethatagain Marion Beachy 3,000

Fool Me Once Snow Ridge Farm 3,000 I’m Gorgeous Michael Miller 2,500 Lost In Time Andrew Betts 3,000 NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

“The Conditions for these races are basically the same as the AHDC 2021 Prix d’Ete canceled Series currently racing at Freehold. The Club Entry Fee will be $50 for the whole year and there will be an Entry Fee of $50 for EACH The 2021 Prix d’Ete Grand Circuit race normally held in August at LEG. Entries will be made by EMAIL ONLY on the day prior to the the Hippodrome 3R racetrack in Quebec, has been canceled for 2021. host track’s box closing at Noon. Those entries will be made to the The Quebec Jockey Club made the announcement today (1/19), email address [email protected]. citing that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of “We will try and add as many dates as I can secure with racetracks being able to have spectators at the racetrack starting this fall, it that I think will have a chance of filling,” Verruso added. “I hope to was in the best interest to cancel the race for 2021. The race was also see everyone racing at some point this year.” canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Currently two divisions have already been drawn and will be “Preparing for such a big event in these difficult times is unrealis- contested on Thursday (Jan. 21) at Yonkers Raceway. tic,” said Murielle Thomassin, Director of Racing at H3R. “But I am confident next year will be brighter and a much different story.” $7,388 carryover in Saturday Pick 4 at northfield One of the richest races in North America restricted to just 4-year- olds, the Prix d’Ete dates back to 1966 at Blue Bonnets Raceway in MGM Northfield Park has announced a $30,000 guaranteed Pick-4 Montreal. Over the years many world champions won the prestigious total pool for Saturday’s (January 23) race card. Beginning in race race. The stakes race ended when Blue Bonnets closed in 1992 and was two, the $30,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $7,388. revived by the Quebec Jockey Club in 2014. The guarantee is being offered at part of the Strategic Wagering The Hippodrome 3R is scheduled to start the 2021 harness racing Program through the United States Trotting Association. meet on Sunday, May 2. The evening’s eighth race starts the 50¢ (non-jackpot) Pick-6 offer- For more information, visit www.hippodrome3r.ca. ing a healthy $801 carryover. -edited release (Quebec Jockey Club) Northfield’s Pick-3s, Pick-4s, Pick-5, Pick-6 and 20¢ Super High Five offer a reduced take-out rate of just 14%. Kindergarten Classic schedule announced at Meadowlands Saturday’s post time is 4:20 p.m. -release (Northfield) The Meadowlands has scheduled the legs of the popular Kindergar- ten Series for 2-year-old trotters and pacers where it is hoped they will Luther buys top two sellers in Monday’s Winter Mixed Sale best serve those nominating horses for 2021. The Kindergarten was designed to assure a place to start on a big Greg Luther’s million-dollar experiment has increased in size and track against other 2-year-olds when needed as well as a place for the scope. late-blooming freshmen. The four preliminary leg purses remain at After spending seven figures at last fall’s yearling sales in what the guaranteed $20,000 level. he called his “million-dollar experiment” to find and develop Grand The legs will be raced with all divisions scheduled for the same Circuit talent, the Ohio resident has continued to add to his stable date, all at The Meadowlands and have been placed as follows; with the recent purchases of several veteran performers. Leg # 1 on Friday, July 23 which will serve as a prep for the Peter On Monday (Jan. 18), Luther bought the top-selling horses at the Haughton and Jim Doherty Memorials which have their elimination Tattersalls Winter Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands - Chief Mate for the following Friday as well as a start over the mile track for pacers $220,000 and Captain Kirk for $215,000. Both are 4-year-old male who may be on the way to The Red Mile for KY Sires Stakes pacers trained formerly by Tony Alagna. Legs #2 & #3 fall on consecutive Fridays, September 17 & 24, just READ MORE before The Meadowlands live harness goes dark for the Thoroughbred meet, which begins on October 1. This will provide races for those Kelly series concludes Saturday at Freehold horsemen that have a 2-year-old whose sires stakes are completed and seeking races, and others who may need a test to sort out their abili- The Harold Kelly Memorial Pacing Series comes to a conclusion at ties before the fall Grand Circuit gets rolling. on Saturday (January 23) as the headliners of a Leg #4 will be on Saturday, November 6, on the heels of the Breed- great 13-race card. ers Crown Finals and providing a race going into the Kindergarten The series, named in honor of the great New Jersey horseman who Finals for those not competing in the Crown. died last fall, began on January 9 and was split up into two divisions. The Finals are on Saturday, November 13 with purses expected to READ MORE be at or above the 2020 levels, which were $252,000 for the filly trot, $207,000 for the colt trot, $204,000 for the colt pace and $151,000 for the 2021 stakes schedule released for woodbine mohawk park filly pacers. -edited release (Meadowlands) Woodbine Entertainment today (1/21) unveiled the tentative sched- ule for the 2021 stakes season at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Billings series to have a reduced schedule in 2021 More than $20 million in stakes races, including over $12 million in Woodbine administrated events, will be contested at Woodbine After being sidelined last year for the first time since its inception, Mohawk Park in 2021. the granddaddy of all amateur racing organizations, the CKG Billings “While we continue to advocate for the safe return of live Stan- Harness Driving Series, is in the process of resuming races again this dardbred Racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, we are preparing for an season, albeit with a reduced schedule exciting 2021 Standardbred meet,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine “Last year was a tough year for all of us”, noted Billings Series Entertainment. “With a proven track record and industry-leading President Tony Verruso. “The Billings was unable to race at all for health and safety protocols already in place, we are confident that the first time in 38 years and looking forward to this year, I still see when it is safe and permitted to resume horse racing at Woodbine obstacles to construct any type of series as we have had in the past. Mohawk Park, we will be well positioned to restart the industry and Horsemen are reluctant to travel as far as they used to and with still the thousands of jobs it supports.” so many COVID restrictions in place, many are unable to. Currently, horse racing (without spectators) is not permitted until at “So with that in mind we are going to race a reduced schedule this least February 10 in Ontario due to the COVID-19 pandemic and govern- season. We are starting with a three-race schedule at Yonkers Race- ment restrictions. However, Woodbine Entertainment has published way beginning on Thursday 1/21 and then every other week from this 2021 stakes schedule (subject to the latest government restrictions) there, 2/4 and finally on 2/18. Other legs will be added as the Spring to provide horse people with the information to prepare for the season. approaches, but for now this is all I can guarantee.” READ MORE

DRF Harness Digest | 15 | January 21, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness