Bongiorno Rises to the Occasion for “Nicholas”

DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 Bongiorno rises to the occasion for “Nicholas”

Inside this issue

Jay Bergman: Embarking on a new Road to the Hambletonian, Page 4 Burke quartet hopes to make some noise in Graduate, Page 5 Little Rocket Man looks to fire in Battle of Lake Erie, Page 6 Bob Marks: Somebeachsomewhere a Derick Giwner genetic anomaly, Page 7 Joe Bongiorno was visibly limping but still got behind Nicholas Beach and won the Commodore Barry at Harrah’s Philadelphia on May 30. On The Backstretch: Caretaker Katie Remmerswaal, Page 9 While the $2,500 check for winning the Aaron Merriman reaches 13,000 wins; Commodore Barry was unlikely the para- Best Bets & Analysis, Page 11 EDITOR’S EYE mount reason why Joe Bongiorno showed up at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (May Headlines: Test Of Faith blazes the way in By Derick Giwner 30) to drive top older pacer Nicholas Beach, NYSS; Marvelous May at Big M, Page 12 @DRFHarness it should not be lost that sitting home to mend his wounds from an accident the previ- Comments? Questions? ous night at The Meadowlands ultimately Email the Editor [email protected] For most of the working world, if you wake would’ve cost him $3,125. up in the morning and don’t feel well one Approximately 18 hours before heading email or phone call will get you a day of rest behind the gate with Emblaze Hanover in To ensure proper delivery at home to recover. In the Harness Racing Sunday’s seventh race, Bongiorno laid on the of the newsletter via industry sick days don’t exist. If a driver or a track at The Meadowlands when his horse Pat email, add [email protected]. horse doesn’t show up for the races, there is Stanley N took a bad step and dropped to the no compensation or path to get reimbursed for com to your contact list lost revenue. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Join Now CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Nicholas Beach – The body of work ground causing a multi-horse accident. Realizing his life wasn’t in While Joe Bongiorno deserves recognition for not only overcoming danger, Bongiorno admits that his thoughts quickly went to Sunday the pain but expertly guiding Nicholas Beach to the winner’s circle, and the future. the son of Somebeachsomewhere warrants a bit more recognition for “I was on the racetrack and the ambulance people were attending to his on-track performances to date. me and I was thinking this is stakes season and I broke my arm. I had In seven starts Nicholas Beach has produced five wins and two a serious pain in my arm. It actually ended up being a huge puncture seconds. He holds the co-fastest winning time of the year (1:47 2/5) hole into my arm that was the root of the pain but thank God there and won just the second stakes race of the year for his class. The horse were no broken bones or ribs,” said Bongiorno. “God was on my side (This Is The Plan) that won the first stake (Borgata final) has now and luckily I came out with no broken bones that I know of yet.” raced against him twice and lost both times, including in the Commo- dore Barry. Somehow the industry Top 10 Poll has This Is The Plan rated ahead of Nicholas Beach, perhaps on the fact that the former has earned three times as much money in 2021. I don’t understand it, but it is far from an injustice. It’s more upsetting to see Abuckabett Hanover ranked ahead of Nicholas Beach before he has won a single Grand Circuit race. I respect Abuckabett Hanover and he is arguably the best 3-year-old pacing colt in North America right now, but you don’t get close to top billing without facing a full field of the best in the sport at least once or doing something spectacular along the way. Yeah, you could argue that he did upend the formerly unbeaten Perfect Sting and that vaults him into the ranks. I guess that is fair. My eye test reveals Nicholas Beach as the top dog among pacers and at least in the conversation with Manchego in the top spot of the poll. Speaking of Manchego, one has to marvel at her ability to not only win but set records into her 6-year-old campaign. The Nancy Takter trainee set a track record when stopping the clock in 1:51 3/5 and moved her career record to 35 wins in 58 starts. She is just $230,000 from passing Hannelore Hanover and $306,000 from Moni Maker on

Derick Giwner the all-time earnings list among trotting mares. Both of those totals Team Nicholas Beach: (left to right) Co-owner Michael Cote seem well within her reach in 2021. Gagnon, Daniel Hernandez, Joe Bongiorno, Melissa Bongiorno Looking even and Jenn Bongiorno. further ahead, Manchego is exactly Once cleared by medical professionals Bongiorno had to make a $1,215,589 from Bee personal decision whether to drive or not on Sunday. When I spot- A Magician as the ted him on the track warming up at about 2:00 PM and asked about top-earning trotter his health he said he was just sore but fine when driving. Little did I in North Ameri- know until he was trying to get out of the bike following the win with can history. For Nicholas Beach how much pain he was feeling. an owner in Barry Bongiorno visibly had trouble getting out of the bike and limped Guariglia (Black badly once on his feet. “I might have to get my knee checked out again Horse Racing) who because they didn’t really look at it because it wasn’t the main issue called racing her at last night,” said Bongiorno, who was in enough pain after the card to age 7 “tempting” if take off his drives on Monday. her form remained Listening to his post-race comments, it was clear that driving Nich- strong, isn’t the olas Beach was more than worth facing the pain. “He’s like a pet to us. possibility of her He’s such a special horse,” said Bongiorno about Nicholas Beach, who sitting atop the Derick Giwner Gabrielle, Lucy and Barry Guariglia were is owned by John Lengacher, Michael Cote Gagnon and Joe’s sister throne attainable? all smiles after Manchego’s Maxie Lee Jennifer Bongiorno (Stable, LLC), who is also the trainer. Regardless of her victory on May 30. Just like in any professional sport, certainly there have been other future, Manchego’s drivers, trainers and caretakers who have participated while under legacy is secure. the weather or even despite severe injuries. That type of gritty deter- Her raw speed is undeniable. Her class is evident. mination to personally see things through to completion is to be Perhaps Guariglia put it best, “She’s one of a kind.” lauded.

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Connections embarking on a new Road to the Hambletonian

the 2021 debut of Captain Corey, a son of Googoo Gaagaa that swept through the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes program as a juvenile last year jaywalking but had his perfect season upended with defeats both in the Breed- BergmanJay ers Crown elimination (to Venerate) and then fading in the stretch By Jay Bergman after cutting the pace in the finale. Regardless of his efforts at Hoosier Park in the Breeders Crown, Captain Corey’s races within Pennsyl- vania set him apart from many in this class. His debut on Monday was an effortless march down the road in an actual Sire Stakes division with Ake Svanstedt along for the ride that ended with a more than 10-length score in a 1:53 4/5 clocking. So how do we look at two colts who six months earlier had established themselves as quite close in talent off of Monday’s first efforts? While the times of the respective efforts are literally miles apart in horse terminology, it’s fair to say that neither was as good or bad as the times and margins of victory might suggest. In winning by nearly There’s a sense that all of handicapping is historical to some degree. the length of the stretch Captain Corey just found a field of horses that For those who look ahead and try to predict the outcome of a race, did not show up to race on Monday. Most notably in that group was there’s a need to draw from history whether it’s a specific horse or Arnold N Dicky, a son of Bar Hopping trained by Hall of Famer Chuck a trainer. In two months the Hambletonian will be raced at The Sylvester, who started from the pole position and never took a step Meadowlands and that’s something we know as a constant. What we forward. The effort was somewhat disheartening for followers of this don’t know in 2021 is just how the finalists for that $1 million event colt, who was a strong second in his seasonal debut at The Meadows will chart a course and arrive there. The puzzle became even more on May 15. Yet it is still quite early in the racing season and perhaps complex earlier this week when we watched the winner of last year’s the intent was to race from off the pace regardless of the outcome. Breeders Crown race, On A Streak, and the rival he conquered, As for On A Streak’s very presence in the “B” class at Pocono on Captain Corey, in action at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Monday, you have to believe trainer Luc Blais is embarking on a long- term strategy to bring his colt along slowly and the only way to get a race for On A Streak that allows him to work his way into top form while not being asked to go at maximum capacity would be a Stallion Series event, as the team utilized effectively on Monday. Of course, Blais and Sylvester are not alone when it comes to devis- ing a plan that will have them not just ready but peaking at the right time come the first Saturday in August. Trainer “Nifty” Norman spent numerous weeks with last year’s Valley Victory winner just in qualifying races. The gelded son of Muscle Hill from champion Bee A Magician has raced just once this year in a New Jersey Sire Stakes at The Meadowlands. Bee Forever did finish third in his debut on May 14 but was hardly ready to go sub-1:52 speed that the race demanded. So Norman sent Bee Forever to Pocono to race in non-winner’s company this past Tuesday. It’s the type of placement you never saw in the past for any major stakes horse returning as a 3-year-old. Yet it’s clear given the shut down in Ontario and the limited number of actual stakes races on the schedule between the first of June and Hambletonian Day trainers have to utilize a different path to prepare their horses. Curtis Salonick [EDITOR’S NOTE: Bee Forever made a bold wide move on the Captain Corey romped in a PA Sire Stakes race on May 31 to final turn before substitute driver Mark MacDonald lost him on the begin his Road to the Hambletonian. turn and the horse made a break. Bee Forever recovered quickly and charged home for fourth.] What was strange to see for those who have watched this sport for While The Meadowlands does afford many trainers of high-level years wasn’t the presence of two top-rated colts in action on a Penn- trotters a great place to qualify for the coming season, it’s options for sylvania Sire Stakes stop, but the choices that were made and the youngsters to get racing opportunities that don’t require maximum stunning differences in the outcomes of these events. efforts are rather limited. In this way it’s understandable that many First and foremost, trainer Luc Blais, who masterfully brought of the sport’s leading conditioners have ventured away from East Forbidden Trade to The Meadowlands in 2019 and captured the Hambe- Rutherford to start work on the road to the Hambletonian. tonian, has had to change a lot of his past tendencies simply because As with all plans, the strategy will only be as good as the perfor- he’s racing in the U.S. instead of Ontario where he’s based. Still, On mance one can get when $1 million is up for grabs in the Hambleto- A Streak won two prestigious juvenile trotting events in 2020 (Crown nian. What we’re seeing today, just from the direction a few train- and Wellwood Memorial) yet made his stakes debut in the “Stallion ers are taking, is that building confidence and keeping these horses Series” portion of the Pocono program, avoiding just a few of the top- sound is a method many rely on. Just as getting the proper shoeing on rated colts. Bob McClure put On A Streak in front and he stayed there a trotter is vital towards their gait, so too is a balance in scheduling throughout the final half winning in 1:56 2/5 while being driven out. that will allow them to perform in peak condition on a set date on the Contrasting On A Streak’s performance on Monday (May 31) was racing calendar.

DRF Harness Digest | 4 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Burke quartet ready to make some noise in Big M’s Graduate

By Jay Bergman

Trainer Ron Burke’s impressive stable will have many of its stars in action on Saturday night at The Meadowlands, with legs of the Grad- uate Series for 4-year-olds being split into two $50,000 divisions for trotters and two for pacers. For Burke the Graduate will mark a return to the big track for It’s Academic as the son of Uncle Peter looks for his second straight Graduate score. “He disappointed me just a little on Sunday,” Burke said candidly of It’s Academic’s fourth-place finish in the Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Phila- delphia. “Then again it was the first race he’s had against the true aged horses so maybe that’s an excuse.” Burke’s criticism aside, It’s Academic’s three-race win streak was broken but the trainer still has an enormous amount of confidence in the horse. “He got sharp late last year and has continued to race consistently well since,” said

Burke. “It’s not like he was a big- Amanda Stephens track horse, but he seems to like The Cattlewash, who posted a 1:46 4/5 win in 2020, makes his yearly debut Saturday at The Big M. Meadowlands.” That’s the good news for It’s Academic fans and bad for his six rivals on Saturday in the evening’s his second straight Graduate leg at the Meadowlands. sixth race. Tim Tetrick will pick up the driving assignment from post Burke looks for improvement with The Greek Freak (post 3) in the two with regular pilot Yannick Gingras in Ohio and Burke doesn’t eighth race Graduate division. The Greek Freak was a bit too wound believe the change in drivers will make a difference. up in the second Graduate leg and Burke made some changes to calm Of course there are a few horses in this Graduate division who may him down. try for an upset, with Ready For Moni (post 3) and Play Trix On Me “The last start he was chasing Elver Hanover and Andy (McCar- (post 5) coming off of winning trips in overnight events at The Mead- thy) thought he was too lackadaisical,” said Burke. “We’ll try to find a owlands looking to step up their collective games. Ready For Moni happy medium this week.” came from last to first in his debut on May 22 winning in 1:51 1/5. Play The Greek Freak will need to be at his best in a field that includes Trix On Me was a game first-over winner in 1:52 1/5 on May 29 prep- the rugged Warrawee Vital (post 2), a game 1:48 winner on May 22 ping for this series. that is in search of his first win in the series. Leg winners Poseidon Burke has traditionally had more pacing power in his large stable Seelster (post 5) and Captain Barbossa (post 6) add to the depth in this and that holds true in the Graduate as well, with three horses entered contentious division. in the two $50,000 divisions of the third leg that go as races eight and The 14-race Meadowlands Saturday night program kicks off at 6:20 10 on the card. Last year’s fastest 3-year-old Cattlewash, who won in p.m. 1:46 4/5 at The Red Mile, makes the first start of the year in the second division with David Miller in the bike from post seven. “He’s ready to rattle,” said Burke with some conviction. “He’s trained down well and David (Miller) just loved his last qualifier.” The 4-year-old by Somebeachsomewhere has been doing double duty this Spring and according to Burke bred some 70 mares already. Cattlewash won his first qualifier on May 22 in 1:50 3/5 at The Mead- owlands and then came back a week later with a more impressive 1:49 2/5 clocking that should set him up nicely. Entries “He’s another horse that took a long time to get into shape and was really at his best at the end of the season,” said Burke. Joining Cattlewash in this division is Elver Hanover (post 6), who & Results has apparently turned the corner and is now on the right path towards success in 2021. DRF Harness has “His first start (May 1) he tied up,” said Burke. “He was loaded entries and results for in his second start (May 15 Graduate leg) but didn’t get any money. He was full of himself in his last start.” Elver Hanover won his last all U.S. tracks and outing in 1:49 on May 22 going down the road in an overnight event at live odds for all The Meadowlands and sprinting home in 26 1/5. Both of Burke’s horses will need to be razor-sharp in this Gradu- North American tracks ate division as they cede post advantage to two-leg winner Ruthless Hanover, who drew the pole. Ruthless Hanover has been on quite a form spree for trainer Tom Cancelliere. The altered son of Some- DRF.COM/HARNESS beachsomewhere set a career best with a 1:48 mile on May 15 winning

DRF Harness Digest | 5 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Little Rocket Man looks to fire in Northfield’s Battle of Lake Erie

By Ken Weingartner

After watching Little Rocket Man recently take a test flight at Northfield Park, trainer Missy Essig hopes the 5-year-old is ready to soar in Saturday’s $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie Invitational for older male pacers. Little Rocket Man competed in the Open Handi- cap at Northfield on May 16, which marked his first-ever start on a half-mile oval. Little Rocket Man started from post six in a six-horse field, got away at the rear, overcame traffic at three-quar- ters with a three-wide move, and finished second by a neck to local stalwart Southwind Amazon. “We took him up there to make sure everything was OK, that we had him shod right, and see if we needed to make any adjustments,” Essig said. “We didn’t want to go out there without knowing. He got a little steppy in the first turn, so we’ll adjust his hobbles, and that’s about it. We were very happy Dean Gillette with him. It was a good test run.” Little Rocket Man starts from post 2 in Saturday’s $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie. Little Rocket Man, who has made 33 of his 37 lifetime starts at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, heads to the of his life with us.” Battle of Lake Erie with 23 career wins and $352,055 in purses. This This Is The Plan is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in the Battle. He season, he has won six of eight races with one second and one third. heads to the race off a second-place finish behind Nicholas Beach in The gelding will start the Battle from post two with driver John this past Sunday’s Commodore Barry Invitational. Trained by Ron DeLong and is 8-1 on the morning line. Only once in his past 31 starts Burke and driven by Yannick Gingras, the 6-year-old gelding has won has Little Rocket Man started inside post four. two of eight races this year and not been worse than second. “He won’t know how to race coming out of the two hole,” Essig said For his career, This Is The Plan has won 16 of 77 races and $2.10 with a laugh. “We were very happy with the post position. There’s not million. In his 10 most recent starts on a half-mile oval, dating back a bad horse in the field so it’s all about the trip. Hopefully, we get a to 2019, he has four wins and five seconds. His victories include the good trip. They’re all great horses. It’s just an honor to be invited to go MGM Borgata Series championship at Yonkers Raceway in April. up there for that race. We’ll see how it all shakes out.” Southwind Amazon, an 11-year-old gelding, has started nine times Essig trains Little Rocket Man for her father, Russ Beeman, and this season at Northfield Park, winning eight. Lifetime, he has won Jack Freeman. Little Rocket Man, by Rockin Image out of GT Miss 70 races at Northfield and his total of 108 victories is tied for ninth by Royal, was purchased under the name Just Like Pete for $18,000 at the a pacer over the past 45 years. His next triumph will put him in a tie 2017 Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. He was unraced at 2, blossomed at with Hall of Famer Foiled Again, who was a three-time Battle of Lake 3, and has a career mark of 1:47 2/5 established at 4. Erie champ. “He loves to do his work,” Essig said. “He’s got a big heart. He’ll Racing begins at 6 p.m. (EDT) Saturday at Northfield Park. The give everything he’s got every start. He’s very special to us. He’ll be Battle of Lake Erie is race 10 on the 15-race card. here forever. He’ll retire at our house, and he will live out the rest -courtesy USTA Communications

Created by Jenna Giwner

DRF Harness Digest | 6 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Always B Miki is by the Western Ideal son Always A Virgin from an Artsplace mare who previously produced the near $1.5 million on the mark winner Yagonnakissmeornot. Somebeachsomewhere was a robust son of the nice but not super- By Bob Marks @BobMarks3 special Mach Three from Where’s The Beach by Beach Towel. Mach Three is probably the best son of the good but not super Matt’s Scooter. Despite excellent opportunity Matt’s Scooter never produced one even remotely approaching the level of “The Beach.” Somebeachsomewhere : Genetic anomaly Mach Three has been a good sire over the years but other than Some- beachsomewhere it’s hard to categorize his other sons or daughters Generally speaking I could always find a genetic reason for super- as approaching superstar status. stardom in a particular horse, but I’m not so sure that is applicable to the late and super-great Somebeachsomewhere. For example, Adios Butler and Bret Hanover were by the foremost sire of that era in Adios. ‘Butler’ was from a Billy Direct mare, a brilliant broodmare sire at the time. ‘Bret’ was from a Tar Heel mare, perhaps the ultimate broodmare sire of any time, and a son of Billy Direct. At first I wondered where Speedy Scot came from as initially he seemed to have a modest pedigree being by Speedster, from Scotch Love, by Victory Song. By the time Speedster’s second crop hit the races, which featured Speedy Count, Argo kid, etc., it was obvious Speedster was far more than just an ordinary stallion and certainly eligible to sire superstars. Moving over to the pacers, Overtrick, by Solicitor-Overbid-Hal Dale, actually combined the four great sire lines close up – they being Volomite, sire of Solicitor’s sire King’s Counsel, and Scotland, sire of Solicitor’s dam Jane Reynolds. Overbid was by Hal Dale, from a superbly-bred Billy Direct mare named Barbara Direct. It was all right there. Yes, Meadow Skipper was by the unsung Dale Frost, but his dam Countess Vivian was a great one also responsible for the legendary Countess Adios. Romeo Hanover may have been by the also unsung Dancer Hanover, but his dam Romola Hanover is in the discussion as the greatest pacing broodmare of all time. Nevele Pride was by the great sire Star’s Pride from Thankful by Hoot Mon. That’s a similar cross to other exceptional Star’s Prides, Ayres and Armbro Flight in particular. Most Happy Fella and Albatross were by Meadow Skipper, then in the process of recreating the pacing breed in his own image. While their individual ascensions may not have evident at first glance, Meadow Skipper’s emergence as a super-sire told the rest of the story. Niatross was a large robust son of Albatross from the good broodmare Niagara Dream, who previously had two rather capable Best Of All’s in Best Bizzare and Minute Ms. Niagara Dream was a sister to the excellent Niagara Byrd so the availability was there when sent to super-sire Albatross. Michael Burns Cam Fella was by Most Happy Fella and very much his signature Somebeachsomewhere and owner/trainer Brent McGrath. son. While many might not consider No Nukes “super” he did show Where’s The Beach is but a modest daughter of Beach Towel. elements of incredible speed. He’s a paternal grandson of Most That one does not have a broodmare siring credit even remotely Happy Fella from the Overtrick mare Gidget Lobell. Similar to his approaching Somebeachsomewhere. In addition, Beach Towel is a grandsire before him, namely Meadow Skipper, whose paternal line foal of 1987, and other than one top son Jenna’s Beach Boy, he was skipped a generation from Hal Dale to the modest Dale Frost, No but a marginal sire at best. Nukes also skipped a generation via Most Happy Fella to his own And yet here he is and was. A horse on a par with any before him, modest sire Oil Burner. but unlike his Overtrick, Bret Hanover, Niatross, Speedy Scot and Mack Lobell was by the infertile but brilliant Mystic Park, who Nevele Pride brethren, Somebeachsomewhere was also a super stal- sampled free-for-allers as a 3-year-old. Mystic Park also shows up as lion that may actually be in the process of recreating the breed in his the dam’s sire of another superstar in Self Possessed. own image, much like Meadow Skipper did before him. Valley Victory was by Baltic Speed, who had the distinction of Someone on social media recently likened Somebeachsomewhere siring two superstars in his first crop with daughter Peace Corps to being influenced by Abercrombie, which is possible as Abercrom- being the other. While he never came close to those two thereafter, it bie is the sire of Mach Three’s dam All Included. That however puts does not detract from his eligibility to do so. Abercrombie back in generation three in “The Beach’s” extended Muscle Hill is by Muscles Yankee, the preeminent sire of his day. pedigree with no other crosses within the first five generations. As Viking Kronos, the one that got away being foaled in Italy, was by usual, there are multiple mentions of Meadow Skipper and Most American Winner from an excellent mare named Conch. Happy Fella, as there are in all contemporary pacers these days. Varenne, by the American Waikiki Beach, was a product of Amer- Therefore it’s hard to credit Abercrombie with Somebeachsome- ican and European blood in addition to sporting a double dose of where’s greatness. Speedy Crown. That said, I can see nothing in his immediate lineage that would Western Ideal was by Western Hanover from the brilliant Leah suggest the appearance of a horse the caliber of superstar Some- Almahurst. One super-son Rocknroll Hanover was from the excep- beachsomewhere. He apparently just happened and the pacing breed tional Rich N Elegant while the other American Ideal was from Life- is so much the better for it. time Success, a daughter of Three Diamonds.

DRF Harness Digest | 7 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness DRF HARNESS DIGEST NEWSLETTER

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DRF.COM/HARNESSNEWSLETTER 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.

caretaker katie remmerswaal Derick Giwner What kind of car do you drive? Katie Remmerswaal plants a kiss on Manchego after her track record win in the Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Philadelphia on May 30. 2018 Ford Edge. Favorite dinner meal? Snack? How did you get started in the sport? Grilled chicken with anything. I’m really not that picky. For snack, Born and raised. My parents trained their own stable so I was in the Açaí Bowls are amazing! I could eat them every day. barn before I could even walk. That is probably why I let this industry consume my life [lol]. What is your favorite track to race at? Why? There are a number of other Remmerswaal’s on the USTA Red Mile. Between the size and the track material, you can’t get any database. Any relationship? better than that for a horse. My dad Jack Remmerswaal drove and trained horses up until I was What is your favorite big event in racing? 16. Growing up I was lucky enough to spend most of my weekends and summer helping him. He taught me so much, I wouldn’t be as There are so many big races to choose from, but I guess I’ll have to patient, caring or knowledgeable about the horses as I am today go with the Breeders Crown. After a long year of racing, getting to without him. see a full card filled with the best of the best is great to watch and be a part of. I was lucky enough to take care of four winners and a close Was there ever a chance that you wouldn’t be involved in second in the past two years; memories that will last a lifetime. harness racing? How often is racing on your mind? No. I always planned on being a part of the business. Whether it was A lot more than I should [lol]. I try to unwind after working long days grooming, training, or vet school. but often find myself thinking or talking about the horses. Whether it’s past performances, planning ahead for upcoming races or think- You are currently working as a caretaker for the Nancy Takter ing of solutions to help my horses, it’s always on mind. stable. What is that experience like? What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? Very rewarding. It may be extremely long days and a lot more work than your average stable, but getting to look after top-notch horses I love playing sports and being active, especially with a group of gives you thrills of a lifetime. It makes every second worth it. As friends. baseball, soccer, bowling, Top Golf. Anything that involves a well, this job has made me gain a lot more experience and learn so little competition. much more than what I already knew. Especially about the condi- tioning and management of young horses. I was never around babies What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? much until the past few years and now have gratefully learned much more working for her. Philadelphia Eagles (Only because my boyfriend Josert Fonseca is reading this!). Honestly, I never really had a lot of time to watch You’ve had the pleasure of caring for Manchego over the sports before as I was always racing. Now, working for a grand circuit stable gives me more free time during the winter to do other years. Do you think great horses know they are great? things. And since my boyfriend is a huge Eagles fan that rarely I definitely believe they do. I was fortunate enough to look after some misses a game, I guess that makes me one too. pretty amazing horses, especially as of late Tall Dark Stranger, Kissin In The Sand and of course Manchego. After every win they What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? always walked around the test barn with ears straight up, happy I was born and raised in Canada. Moved to the U.S when I was 22. and proud of themselves. If they got beat it was a different story, ears back and agitated! I always felt so bad for their egos. Except ‘Strang- What is one word that describes harness racing for you? er’s’ 2020 Breeders Crown final because he still doesn’t know that horse caught him at the wire – please nobody tell him [lol]. Passion. This industry is not for everyone as there is great amount of blood, sweat and tears involved. But if you feel the way myself and a lot of others do, you couldn’t see yourself do anything else. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Can you describe the bond between caretaker and horse? You are their parent/best friend. They rely on you for everything – hay, feed, water, a clean stall, paddock time, bath, brush, etc. And since they can’t talk, it’s usually the groom who will be the first to notice if something is not right. Do you think most caretakers feel underappreciated in the racing world because trainer, drivers and owners get much more press? Are you trying to get me fired? Kidding! Honestly, I believe as long as you work hard and try your best people will always notice. Between social media and being at the track/in the winner’s circle, people Derick Giwner pay attention. I’m lucky enough to be a part of a stable where Nancy Katie Remmerswaal has 19 career training wins in 138 starts, gives a lot of credit to her staff. So that’s always a great feeling when but has been honing her craft as a caretaker for top horses like we hear or see that. Manchego, Kissin In The Sand and Tall Dark Stranger. You also trained some horses from 2016 to 2019. Why did to do her job and win. You really can’t ask any more from a horse. you stop? If you weren’t involved in harness racing, what would you be I stopped because after moving from Ohio to New York to New Jer- doing? sey, unfortunately the expenses tripled and I couldn’t justify keeping low-end condition horses/claimers. I cut down and decided to get It is hard to consider anything else but as long as it involves animals, a job working for someone who I would gain a lot more experience I’m in! from. I tried still training while having a job but it got to be too much to handle and decided I needed to just focus on the horses I was look- If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what ing after for Nancy. It was obviously the best decision I could have would it be? made, as the past few years have been so surreal. Making Sunday racing illegal [lol]. I understand it’s a great day for What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness the betting public but it’s nice to have an easy day once a week. racing? How do you view the future of harness racing? Someone once told me, ‘there’s no right way in this business nor Unfortunately it doesn’t look good for us and obviously we need to wrong way, just do what you believe in and you’ll be ok.’ After hearing find ways to attract more fans and bettors, especially the younger that it always made me feel more confident in the decisions I make. generation. Hopefully something is done before it’s too late. What was your favorite moment in harness racing? As a young person in the sport (30 years old), do you have That’s a tough one. I’ve had so many! It’s between the Meadowlands any tips on how harness racing can reach the younger Pace when Tall Dark Stranger was passed mid-stretch and fought to generation? come back to win and TVG night when Manchego and ‘Kissin’ both went out winners before “retiring.” Well one of them did at least [lol]. Although I know some tracks have been working hard to do this, I think promoting our sport through social media with free give- Which is the best horse you’ve ever trained? aways, meet and greets, and inexpensive drinks will interest younger crowds. I never had any great horses yet. Just a lot of claimers that never usually stayed very long. I had a horse named Turbo Mach for a What are your long-term aspirations in the sport? couple starts that was probably the hardest earned win and second I had. He had a lot of issues to be worked on, so winning his first start To train 15-20 quality horses for Josert Fonseca and I. It’s a great for me was so gratifying. number to still be hands-on and focus on detail. Plus, I always like to see my horses getting the best care they can. Which horse is/was your favorite that you’ve trained or cared for? Time for the stretch drive: Although I always try to form a strong bond with all my horses, Best Horse You Ever Saw: Tall Dark Stranger- his determination Manchego’s my number one. She’s got such a great personality and to win was unparalleled. constantly making me laugh. She’s a queen and she knows it! It’s her Best Race you ever saw: Wiggle It Jiggleit in the 2015 Little Brown world we’re just living in it. Jug.

If you could choose any horse in history to train, which horse Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes. would it be and why? Favorite TV Show?: Currently Lucifer. I may be biased but again I’ll have to say Manchego. With her, when she’s right, you know she’s always going to give you 110%. She loves Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters.

DRF Harness Digest | 10 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Merriman reaches 13,000 wins

Aaron Merriman, who ranks sixth on North America’s all-time win list, collected career victory 13,000 Wednesday at The Meadows. The milestone win came with Biggiessecondshot in race 8. Milestones and awards have been coming fast and furious for Merriman, 42, a native of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and harness racing’s At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping six-time reigning dash champion. Although he recorded his first win information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring in 1998, more than half those victories have come since 2014, testa- you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to ment to Merriman’s talent and breakneck schedule as he drives at watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or both The Meadows and Ohio tracks. simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. While Merriman intends to maintain that frantic pace, he says he’s been cutting back ever so subtly. friday, JUNE 4

RACE 8

(7) SUDDEN CHANGE N drops in class and all the power is to her outside. You have to think Gingras will be firing hard off the gate here. -Derick Giwner Saturday, JUNE 5

RACE 2

(3) EXPLOIT took a tour of the track last week from an outside post versus one of the divisional leaders in South- wind Gendry. Expect to see the Metro winner in the race tonight. Chris Gooden Aaron Merriman trails only Dave Palone, Anthony Morgan, -Giwner Herve Filion, Cat Manzi and David Miller in career wins. $200,000 BATTLE OF LAKE ErIE - RACE 10 “You couldn’t see it last year because it was a COVID year,” he So many of these horses are said, “but I tried to cut out some racing on Fridays. I’m trying to find capable of firing off the gate maybe 10 percent of my starts and cut them out to the point where I’m that it is impossible to figure comfortable again. I’m taking days off here and there, and I’m cher- out who will get a good trip. ishing them more.” While (3) THIS IS THE PLAN clearly ranks as the horse

Driver Name (Years Active) starts Wins earnings to beat, because he’s very Palone, David M “Dave” (1981 - ) 75551 19580 $149,066,298 sharp and certainly going to Morgan, Anthony N (1974* - ) 84899 16858 $137,404,324 make the top, the uncertainty Filion, Herve (1960* - 2013) 82336 15183 $88,477,467 mentioned above that comes Manzi, Catello R “Cat” (1968* - 2014) 95690 14812 $158,560,958 with a possibility of heavy Miller, David S (1977* - ) 69236 13325 $252,030,308 pressure for him at a short Merriman, Aaron E (1997 - ) 69902 13000 $88,573,779 Tetrick, Tim A (1996 - ) 61407 12185 $230,472,581 price, makes me want to lean in other directions. That trainer Dr. Ian Magee, David R “Dave” (1973* - 2015) 70919 11869 $101,184,248 Moore started (7) CENTURY FARROH in Ohio tells me that this race Parker Jr, William L (1970* - 2020) 59033 11313 $31,267,063 was on his radar from the start. The outside post isn’t ideal but this is Case Jr, Walter H (1977* - 2017) 11049 $43,746,706 a horse who seems to be able to rough it a bit and still get the job done. *Statistics from USTA - Starts prior to 1977 may not be complete - Case Jr. starts not available (5) HESA KINGSLAYER N is a horse that proved he could handle the turns at Yonkers and Northfield is much kinder for those horses But with his son Kristopher (he also has a daughter, Ava, 6) set to that want to live on the rim. He’s not the best horse in the race but attend Bowling Green State University in the fall, Merriman says he certainly one who could take advantage if the pace is hot. (8) SOUTH- may need to pick up all the race dates he eliminated to fill the void. WIND AMAZON has proved capable of winning from post 8 here “He’ll only be two hours away, but I’ll miss him dearly. I don’t know (against much easier) and is coming off a 1:49 3/5 win that is just a if I’ll go stir crazy without him.” few fifths off the all-age record. How much faster can these really go? Merriman, whose mounts have won more than $88.5 million, indi- -Giwner cates that if he is able to slow down, he may use the time to savor the significance of 13,000 victories. full card analysis / past performances “It’s a lot of wins and I’m actually very proud to have reached 13,000,” he said. “One day I’ll start looking back and reflecting on this Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis and the names around me on that list. I haven’t won a bunch of major stakes, but I’m just as happy winning a Non-Winners-of-$750-in-the- last-4. Every win means something to the sport and it means some- DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs thing to the owners. “Every race is a milestone. I try to take it like that.” -edited release (Evan Pattak for MSOA) Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

County Fair is located in Canandaigua, which is hosting harness Test Of Faith blazes the way in Sire Stakes opener racing on its track for the first time in memory. “The New York Sire Stakes is excited to welcome these three new Test Of Faith was last year’s New York Sire Stakes champion for locations to expand our racing offerings,” said Young. “We hope this 2-year-old fillies and made her 2021 debut on Wednesday afternoon at schedule encourages more individuals to participate in harness racing Saratoga Casino Hotel. Dave Miller was in town to pilot the Brett Pelling and attend these exciting grandstand events in New York State.” trainee, who was one of the top fillies in North America last season. Additionally, the Lewis County Fair celebrates its 200th year Test Of Faith flashed speed off the gate but waited for the dust to this summer. Harness racing has long been an integral part of the settle before making her way to the front passing the 27 3/5 opening Lowville, NY, event and the NYSS is excited to be part of this mile- quarter. Once in charge she set fractions of 56 2/5 and 1:25 with Alber- stone celebration. You can learn more here. gita Hanover doing her best to keep pace in the pocket. Lastly, all County Fair Finals entries, except those for Erie County, READ MORE will go through the New York Fair Entry Hotline at 518.388.0964. Visit the New York Sire Stakes website at www.nysirestakes.com Second leg of Ohio Sire Stakes Saturday at Northfield for more information. -edited release (NYSS) Four $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies and 3-year-old trotting colts are set for Saturday, June 5 at Northfield Irish American celebration announced for this weekend Park in round 2 action of the four-leg series for the Buckeye State’s finest-bred youngsters. Post time is 6 pm at the Cleveland-area half- The first running of the Irish American Celebration Weekend, as miler. part of the “Invest in Ourselves” breeding initiative announced earlier READ MORE this year, is further more international recognition and support for the growth of the sport of harness racing in Ireland. To be held this Iteration aims to repeat NYSS success starting at Vernon weekend, Saturday and Sunday June 5 & 6, the event was launched by the official body for the sport of harness racing in Ireland, the Irish Iteration, a full sister to multiple Dan Patch Award winner Gimpan- Harness Racing Association (IHRA), is in recognition of the financial zee, heads to Vernon Downs this week to begin her 2021 campaign in and organizational support that they have received from industry the opening round of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old female leaders and globally recognized farms in the United States of America trotters. The Marcus Melander-trained filly, who won the series cham- (US) Bill Donovan, Hanover Shoe Farms and Winbak Farms. pionship at age 2, competes in the second of two divisions on Friday. READ MORE READ MORE May was marvelous at The Meadowlands Yonkers to open for fans starting June 9 One year ago, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing its grip on As harness racing resumes at Yonkers Raceway after a brief break not only harness racing, but all aspects of life as we once knew it, it this Monday June 7, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire was scary to think what might happen to the game. City”) announced today (6/3) harness racing spectators can return to Remarkably, the sport has seen a resurgence as coronavirus restric- wager and enjoy live racing in person at the historic track beginning tions have slowly eased. In fact, last weekend (May 28-29) was the first Wednesday June 9. Fans will be permitted trackside with a limited since March 7 of last year to see The Meadowlands at full capacity. capacity to ensure social distancing requirements can be maintained. “One year ago, there was no racing due to the pandemic,” said track READ MORE Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “Perhaps we will look back years from now and might say May of 2021 was the come- Trotting fillies to compete in PA-sired races Sunday back from the pandemic. And a month for the record books.” The increases seen during the nine May programs over the compa- The Pennsylvania Sire Stakes / Stallion Series for 3-year-old trot- rable race cards from 2019 are startling. ting fillies makes its stop at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono during The month started strong as Sat., May 1 saw the second-highest Sunday’s twilight card, with this third preliminary leg consisting of total handle of 2021 as $4,451,363 was pushed through the windows, an two Sire Stakes divisions in races 10 and 11 and three Stallion Series incredible $1.8 million more than was bet on the corresponding 2019 cuts in races 7, 9, and 12. program. (Saturday’s average per race of $342,412 was a yearly high.) READ MORE All nine race cards during May saw wagering of over $3 million and an increase of at least $500,000 over the corresponding programs from 2021 New York County Fair Series Schedule Confirmed two years ago. Five programs saw the increase exceed $1 million. “What can you say?” said Settlemoir. “Saturday handle in May The Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development averaged almost $4 million a night ($3.993 million). The 50-cent Pick-4 Fund today (June 2) released the approved schedule for the New York and 20-cent Pick-5 were over $100,000. The 20-cent Pick-6 handled over Sire Stakes (NYSS) County Fair Series. This year’s season gets under- $31,000 on Saturday (May 29) without a carryover. The GSY Amateur way on July 8 at the Afton Fair in Chenango County. The County Fair Series races handled over $293,000 on race one and $286,000 on race Finals are scheduled for September 5 at Goshen. The full schedule of five, respectively, on Friday (May 28). Our racing has been spectacu- race dates can be viewed here. lar and everything we do right now is getting an enormous response The series will consist of 21 non-pari-mutuel harness racing events from the horseplayers around the world.” open to eligible 2- and 3-year-old New York-bred Standardbreds. The Total handle during May was $32.9 million, good for an average per events provide young horses with the opportunity to earn as they card of $3,664,022. The average per race was $274,801. When compared learn while bringing harness racing to communities across the state. to the same month in 2019, total wagering was up $9.7 million, average “This schedule came together thanks to the work of many dedicated handle increased $1 million and the average per race was $74,875 higher. individuals in counties around the state,” said Executive Director M. “Standardbred racing is rolling right now,” said Settlemoir. Kelly Young. “We appreciate the commitment of all our racing fairs “Handle at The Meadowlands is blowing up and Woodbine Mohawk and are excited for the outstanding season coming up.” Park is getting ready to resume and everyone is excited about that. The New York State County Fair Series has three new locations On Sunday (May 30) , Hawthorne, Northfield and Philadelphia all saw this year in Genesee County, Madison County and Ontario County. wagering of over $1 million. It’s an exciting time for the sport as we Genesee County racing will occur at Batavia Downs, while Madi- roll into the stakes season.” son County racing will be offsite at SUNY Morrisville. The Ontario -release (Meadowlands)

DRF Harness Digest | 12 | June 3, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness