A Throwback Night at the Meadowlands

DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 A throwback night at The Meadowlands

Inside this issue

Decoupling bill passed; Pompano’s fate seemingly sealed, Page 3

Jay Bergman: Schnittker hopes to make Lisa Photo some noise with 3YO Billy Clyde, Page 4 The Arthur J. Cutler Memorial at The Meadowlands came down to the wire with Manchego (9) keeping her nose in front of her competition. Keith Gisser: “Little guy” is still the backbone of the sport, Page 6 simulcast locations, it was almost as if some- Kimberly French: Let me introduce thing was in the air at The Meadowlands myself, Page 7 EDITOR’S EYE which caused a buzz of excitement. Of course the return of major stakes horses Graduate starter Amigo Volo easing his By Derick Giwner in the Graduate Series and Cutler Memorial way into form, Page 9 @DRFHarness played a role, as did the presence of a number of other top-level performers on a night that On The Backstretch: Profile of driver featured upper-class racing that you expect Leon Bailey, Page 11 In many ways it felt like the clock had to see on a regular basis at The Meadowlands. Best Bets & Analysis, Page 13 turned back while watching The Meadow- Along those lines, missing were the bottom- lands on May 15. The racing product was feeder conditions like Non-winners-of-$2,500 Industry Headlines, Page 14 superb, the on-track action more than lived and the basement TrackMaster classes. up to the hype and the handle was strong on If you didn’t tune in for the races live, 12 of Comments? Questions? one of the most enjoyable “non-major-event” the 14 winners scored by one length or less Email the Editor [email protected] programs in memory. and five races were decided by just a nose. If you could bottle that Saturday night While horses close to the pace of course did To ensure proper delivery and reproduce it on a consistent basis at well, closers also played a role in the outcome of the newsletter via every track across North America, harness with eight horses coming from at least fifth at racing would be in a much better place in the the three-quarter pole to finish in-the-money email, add [email protected]. public’s eye. Though most people watched com to your contact list and wagered from afar via ADW’s or from CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Congratulations to these Ohio Sires Stakes Winners!

Heart Of Chewbacca Four-Star Flash

Conditions & schedule available at

Trained by Ron Burke www.racingohio.net Trained by Brian Brown

Owned by Hutchison Harness, David Wosniak, Owned by Dennis Owens & Norman Rae Racing David Van Dusen & Acadia Farms

© 2021 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 HISBAR SONS TAKE 2 OF 3 DIVISIONS OF THEHOPPING PASS FOR 3YO COLT TROTTERS AT THE MEADOWS ON SATURDAY, MAY 16 IN RANGE 3, 1:52.3f-’21 ($436,087) · Bar Hopping - Ilia by Windsong’s Legacy A winner in a stakes equaling time of 1:52.3f.

OWNED BY: Amg Stable Inc., Kenneth Kjellgren, Tomas Asell, Rick Wahlstedt TRAINED BY: Marcus Melander DRIVEN BY: Tim Tetrick BRED BY: Windsong Stable

JOHAN PALEMA 3, 1:53.2f-’21 ($111,735) · Bar Hopping - Sobti Hanover by Cantab Hall A winner in a life best in his first start of the year.

OWNED BY: Bender Sweden Inc. TRAINED BY: Ake Svanstedt DRIVEN BY: Ake Svanstedt BRED BY: Kentuckiana Farm LLC and Bender Sweden Inc

HIS SON TAKES PA STALLION SERIES DIVISION FOR 3YO COLT TROTTERS AT THE MEADOWS ON SATURDAY, MAY 16 HANOVER-BRED GINGER TREE KNOX 3, 1:56.1f-’21 ($44,595) · Bar Hopping - Up Front Annika by Andover Hall A winner in a lifetime best and his third win this year.

OWNED BY: Sam Beegle, Double D Racing Stable, Ginger Tree Ventures LLC, Roberchesen Stable TRAINED BY: Sam Beegle DRIVEN BY: Aaron Merriman THIS FALL WE WILL OFFER HIS YEARLING SISTER BY BRED BY: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. CANTAB HALL, UNITY HANOVER

(717) 637-8931 fax: (717) 637-6766 www.hanoverpa.com [email protected] photos: Chris Gooden

ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER Meadowlands Screenshot Horses fanned seven-wide into the first turn at The Meadowlands for the 11th race on Saturday May 15.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and one closing from eighth to win. Seven favorites won, but only Florida decoupling bill passed; three were odds-on and two horses returned over $30 to win. More than anything, it was the show put on by the horses and driv- Pompano’s fate sealed? ers which caught my eye. Who wouldn’t be excited watching Manchego get parked every step of the mile and grind out a nose victory in the Cutler? It was an epic stretch duel where the Dan Patch Award winner showed her class by overcoming all obstacles. As magnificent as Manchego was in victory, it was race 11, a Non- winners-of-$9,000 conditioned race which remains freshest in my head. Hot Mess Express, a promising 3-year-old pacing filly trained by Tony Alagna for former NBA star Sam Bowie, rallied from eighth at the three-quarter marker to get up at the wire with a 26 2/5 final quarter. It was the type of visually-pleasing finish that can get people Barbara Livingston Photo excited about the sport. But the key is how we got to the finish line with Hot Mess Express a nose ahead of Kickupyaheels N. When the Florida Senate officially voted on Wednesday to As the gate sped away for race 11 we saw a dinosaur in today’s decouple all state racetracks from casinos other than Gulfstream racing as seven of the 10 horses made an attempt to leave. That mass Park and Tampa Bay, it likely put the final nail in the coffin for exodus off the gate resulted in four different leaders in the first half of Pompano Park and standardbred horsemen in the region. the race and an all-out battle past the half by a fifth horse. The non- Despite coming off the best season in its 57-year history, includ- stop action paved the way for Hot Mess Express and her late surge. ing 21 nights of $1 million-plus handle, horsemen and legislators Race 11 wasn’t alone in seeing numerous horses make early moves in favor of the track joining its Thoroughbred counterparts as and perhaps a plea from Meadowlands President Jeff Gural at a recent part of the bill were unable to gather enough support to make it Task Force meeting was heard. He asked if the drivers could do him happen. If the bill withstands legal challenges, the 2021-2022 fall/ the favor of keeping the “holes” closed as a two-week experiment to winter/spring meet of 126 racing dates is expected to be the final see what happens with the on-track product. one at Pompano. After watching the replays from Saturday, there were clearly Dan Daley, State Representative for Florida’s 97th District and three to five instances where drivers weren’t allowed the courtesy son of trainer/driver Dan Daley, tweeted the following on the of finding a spot along the pylons and either drove on to the lead situation: “I’m not giving up - and you can’t either. The bill will or raced parked. The result was certainly more aggressive racing now head to Gov. Desantis’ desk for signature. I’ll be drafting a overall. veto request letter and will put out information on how and when Whether limiting “courtesy tucks” is the answer to more excit- to contact the Gov’s office. If you want to save Standardbred ing racing is certainly debatable. It certainly leads to more in-race racing in Florida, and the 10,000+ families who depend on it - It’s action, which can increase the chances of horses trying to get now or never.” involved from the back of the pack. My takeaway from the Saturday Pompano track announcer Gabe Prewitt, who deserves much card is that when drivers make aggressive moves the races are more of the credit for the track’s resurgence in handle, summed up his interesting and those wagering are happier because their horses are feelings succinctly with the following tweet: “Tough day, even “given a shot” to win. That’s all anyone who makes a bet can hope when you expected it was coming.” for, whether their horse is 3-5 or 25-1, to see their horse in a poten- To read Matt Hegarty’s story, click here. tial winning position so if they are good enough, a winning ticket is Another piece on the issue can be found on tallahasse.com. within reach.

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Schnittker hopes to make some noise with Billy Clyde

jaywalking By Jay Bergman BergmanJay

All eyes were focused on two colts last Sunday at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The unbeaten 2-year-old Perfect Sting was making his sophomore debut and would go off as the second betting- choice to the fast and gifted Abuckabett Hanover, making his second sophomore start after a blistering opener at The Meadowlands. For most that was the story and at the finish of the 1:50 mile, Abuckabett Hanover ended the winning streak of his rival and opened the door to a 3-year-old season that now offers a wider expanse. The seven-horse field at Pocono for the $51,045 first local Pennsyl- vania Sire Stakes of the season was filled with talent that included last year’s co-Breeders Crown champion Summa Cum Laude as well as the multiple stakes winner Lou’s Pearlman, who both saw early activity in the race and would finish off the board. Perhaps one horse that didn’t have public attention before the race may rise to this level as the season progresses. We’re talking specifically about Billy Clyde, who was making just his ninth career start on Sunday but looked and acted like a horse with immense talent and certainly potential. “Doc Egloff sent him to me as a baby,” said Ray Schnittker, Billy Clyde’s co-owner and trainer. “He had a chip taken out of a hind leg as a yearling and asked me to train him. He told me if I liked him, I could buy into him and that’s what I did.” Billy Clyde is a beautiful-looking horse that probably could have brought considerable money at a yearling sale if he was fit enough at the time, but Schnittker was able to benefit from having the inside track to the colt from the first crop of Always B Miki. On pedigree Mark Hall/USTA alone there’s much to like about Billy Clyde, just the third foal from Billy Clyde has won 2 of 4 races so far in 2021. the $225K winning Jan It Jackson. The dam hit with her first foal Semi Tough, a stakes campaigner for the Burke brigade that earned over $624K. Billy Clyde is her third foal and second colt. Clyde his made this year. In addition to the Sire Stakes there are Putting pedigree aside for the moment, Billy Clyde raced just five plenty of Grand Circuit races he’s eligible to including the Meadow- times as a 2-year-old with one victory, but that wasn’t exactly the way lands Pace in July. Schnittker had envisioned his freshman campaign. From the pedigree side, maybe 2021 will be the year for Billy Clyde “He was staked pretty good,” said Schnittker, who saw potential in and his rich maternal family. That seems to be an early indicator if we Billy Clyde from the outset and had to be encouraged last June when can just look at the power sent out by Sunshine Beach last Saturday at Billy Clyde debuted at The Meadowlands to capture a baby race in The Meadowlands. With Ontario shut down, three sons of the young 1:55 1/5 with a 1:24 final three quarters. Billy Clyde then made a solid sire paced sub-1:50 clockings in East Rutherford, with Poseidon Seel- stakes debut finishing third from off the pace on July 2 at Pocono ster’s 1:47 4/5 the fastest. Jan It Jackson, the dam of Billy Clyde, is out behind the aforementioned Lou’s Pearlman. of a half-sister to Sunshine Beach. “He developed a foot infection that we had trouble dealing with,” On the trotting side of the Schnittker stable this spring we have seen said Schnittker, who saw hopes of lucrative returns in the Sire Stakes the return to action of Can’t Say No, a sensational 2-year-old prospect slip away at the time. “We brought him back at Lexington but honestly in 2019 that was injured and missed his entire 3-year-old season. I never thought he was at his best.” “I think he could be a nice Open-type horse either here at Pocono Billy Clyde qualified well enough at The Meadowlands in Septem- or Yonkers,” said Schnittker of the 4-year-old son of Explosive Matter ber with a 1:52 3/5 victory but went on to miss a check racing against that’s finished five times first or second in seven 2021 starts. the cream of the freshman crop at The Red Mile. While it’s almost always too early to talk about 2-year-olds given In 2021 Billy Clyde was given a solid foundation, and teamed with how rapidly their fortunes change from May to June to July, Schnitt- driver Mark MacDonald, breezed to a pair of non-winners-of-2 victo- ker won’t be rushing his along when baby races begin in the next few ries in April at Pocono in advance of stakes activity. weeks. There’s a lot riding for Schnittker’s protégé Huntsville, who On May 1 Billy Clyde drew badly and had to come from the back at will see his first crop hit the racetrack soon. The Meadows in the opening sire stakes leg yet got a check in a race “I’ve got a couple of nice ones,” said Schnittker, who has also heard won by Southwind Gendry. from other trainers on the subject. Despite the decent tune-ups, it was somewhat of a surprise to Schnittker also trained and raced So Surreal before that son of see MacDonald race Billy Clyde as aggressively as he appeared Somebeachsomewhere became the first marketable stallion by the to last Sunday once the favored Abuckabett Hanover had cleared sport’s leading pacing sire. the top three-eighths in and last year’s champ Perfect Sting was in “So Surreal has done really well,” said Schnittker, noting how his the pocket. Yet MacDonald and Billy Clyde meant business as they offspring has branched out beyond New York’s borders. “I’ve got a nice buzzed up without cover and attacked the favorites through a 27 2/5 colt by him named J D that’s training down well,” said Schnittker. third quarter. Billy Clyde couldn’t get to the top pair, but it was his Perhaps the most intriguing of the 2-year-olds in Schnittker’s stable performance in the final quarter, paced in 26 2/5 by the winner, that is King Of The North, the first colt out of Schnittker’s star Check Me stood out. Though outkicked barely by Red Right Hand (the horse he Out. King Of The North is from the first crop of Walner. “He’s been provided perfect cover to) Billy Clyde held firmly and finished fourth. very calm,” said Schnittker, comparing this colt to others from the “He’s coming along,” said Schnittker briefly of the progress Billy dam. “He’s done everything right so far.”

DRF Harness Digest | 4 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness BETTING LINE CONGRATULATES PASS CHAMPION

CURTIS SALONICK ABUCKABETT HANOVER p,3, 1:49.1-1:50f-’21 ($196,857) Dam: All Tucked Up by Western Ideal $50,000 PASS division winner for three-year-old pacing colts, May 16 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs in 1:50f, the fastest of three divisions. Now 2 for 2 this year. OWNED BY: Crawford Farms Racing, Alagna Racing LLC, Jablonsky Held Stable, and Barbera Wienick Stable TRAINED BY: Tony Alagna DRIVEN BY: Andrew McCarthy BRED BY: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. HIS FULL SISTER, ABRIELLE HANOVER SELLS THIS FALL IN HARRISBURG

(717) 637-8931 fax: (717) 637-6766 www.hanoverpa.com [email protected]

ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER The “little guy” is still the backbone of harness racing

CONFESSIONS By Keith Gisser

Takter, Alagna, Burke. Those are the last names you read about all the time. The stars of our sport, often with dozens of horses spread among a plethora of tracks, with a battalion of caretakers, second trainers, “riders” and even stall cleaners affiliated with their stables. As successful as the above trio are, they are not the key to our sport’s success. For as long as harness racing has existed, the little guy has been the backbone of the sport. The pet shop owner with a couple horses who jogs before putting in his 50-hour week. The accountant with nothing but homebreds who jogs after work but has to hire somebody from March 1 to April 15. Or the school teacher who is also a fourth-generation horseman. That fourth-generation horseman/school teacher is Tyler Bates. After 32 years teach- Conrad Photo ing high school chemistry and physics at Lake Tyler Bates steering Cedar Point at the Mercer County Fair in May. High School in Ohio, he retired to devote his full attention to training horses, only to jump back in when Fremont Ross High needed a science teacher. He has been back spent. Usually it is the $5-7k yearlings. I think we have five in our teaching two years there and is preparing to retire yet again. With his barn we don’t own part of.” school schedule, he has pretty much always raced at the fairs. Part of the reason for the upgrade this year is Bates’ friend John “When I started teaching, I was coaching basketball and track. Cahill, a long-time racing fan who has trained a few and owned I had 12-13 horses. I had kids and went back to the fairs with 2 and several over the years. Cahill is a well-respected Ohio basketball 3-year-olds. So now I can race a little more with the kids grown up. coach whose daughter Amanda plays professionally in Europe. He The last 10 years, it’s mostly colts at the fairs,” said Bates. put together Cedar Point Beach Racing, a fractional ownership group While his kids jogged and helped when they were younger, they are that has three Ohio-breds with Bates. now pretty spread out. “My daughter teaches English in Japan, my “There was no question that we would go with Ty. He’s an honest one son is in New York City, the other in Indiana,” continued Bates. guy. A great guy. He uses his teaching background to be patient with “Having the farm kept the family together. I would do a bit in the the young horses. He helped me a lot when I tried training horses,” morning, then come home and finish up.” Cahill explained. Bates’ farm has a .43-mile track with half-mile turns, which makes OHHA rep Amy Hollar, who knew Bates in his Raceway Park days, it a tough to accurately gauge how his young charges are coming along agreed, “He’s a good, hard-working guy. I’ve known him for 30 years. (Full disclosure: I own 3% of a Bates-trained 2-year-old pacing filly). He has juggled horses, teaching and coaching with equal passion.” “When Raceway Park was open, we would ship there to train . . . the “It’s different, having all these investors” said Bates. “There are miles on the farm track, if we can get them going in 2:10, 2:15, that‘s people at the farm watching the horses every weekend. I like it. It’s good. a pretty good mile. Now we have to ship them or matinee them to get When I was a kid, everybody grew up with a horse . . . behind a plow, them used to the gate and being racehorses,” said Bates. or on the farm. It was really natural. The sport promoted itself. This Bates remembers sitting on his dad’s lap at age 6 or so, and he has does the same thing. And what the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Associa- always wanted to be a trainer. “I have wanted to do this my whole life. tion (OHHA) is doing [county fair and matinee broadcasts, outreach at It is in my family. Dad trained. My grandpa was killed going over the events, making wraps available for trailers] is really cool. Bringing it hubrail at the Converse (IN) fair. My dad said get a college education. to the people, back to some of our history. That is important.” A big part of becoming a teacher was having my summers free so I But it can be a grind admits Bates. “I have one guy, Jeff Millhime, could work with the horses.” who comes in in the morning and feeds and does stalls. And most of The 57-year-old has had some good horses during a career that my owners are pretty active and can help with jogging if I need it. But has seen him train 285 winners in 2,288 career starts (since the we have to ship for everything – vet, fast training miles. Last week I USTA starting keeping records in 1991). “We had Wiggler who did had four at the matinee and it was just me. I have been doing this for pretty well in the Sires Stakes. We sold her and she won the conso- 34 years.” lation,” said Bates. “Valparaiso Hanover was a good one. Back Tyler Bates is one of the hundreds of “little guys” who are the back- in ‘87 I got one ready for dad – Windswept Song. He beat Quite A bone of the business. We need all of them. Sensation in the Sires final at 4. He was the best we have had, prob- That’s it for this month. Now go cash. Maybe on Cedar Point Beach ably. I was pretty young. He got bought for $400. You don’t compete or Cobra Kai Johnny, a couple Bates trainees. at the top level of Ohio at that price. We also had Cam Yankee who paced in (1:)54 and a piece at Raceway Park. We just keep looking for the next one.” Follow This year, Bates has 13 2-year-year-olds and four 3-year-olds. All are Ohio-breds except one Andover Hall trotting filly he hopes to send east for the summer. That is more than he usually has. “I’ve always had a few pay horses. Most of the time I own part of them,” said Bates. “We spent more money this year than we ever

DRF Harness Digest | 6 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness sent me to Peter Rotundo, who was then at the National Thorough- bred Racing Association (NTRA). Peter was kind enough to give me PARDON MY FRENCH a chance as a production assistant for the NTRA’s horse racing series on ESPN. By Kimberly French @KFrnch Then there was Dean Hoffman and Nicole Kraft who introduced me to Paul Ramlow and the rest is history. During my 15 years in the sport, I have attempted to make the most of every occasion to be around any equine athlete I could. After all, their stories and the ones that love them are the best in the world. I’m The Sky is the Limit! just eternally grateful I could tell them. I have literally worked in almost every capacity in harness racing, Where do I begin? including my work for Hoof Beats as a writer for 13 years and then a Probably the best starting point is who I am and why anyone would three-year stint as editor, which recently concluded when I accepted want to read what I write. a position at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) this spring. I I’m sure many of you have seen my name over the years, but there was also the internet news editor for three years, worked my way up is definitely more behind the byline. the TV ladder in Thoroughbred racing and I’m charge of the Model What it comes down to is I’m a typical horse-crazy girl that never Rules of Racing for the Association of Racing Commissioners Inter- grew up and I couldn’t be happier that I have not yet reached or prob- national. ably never will acquire full maturity. When you pinch yourself every I have received some accolades along the way, such as a Hervey morning because of the opportunities to be around horses and the Award and awards for our TV productions, but the real honor is the people that care for them, why would you ever want to leave Neverland? trust people place in me to talk about their horses, themselves, or I have been involved in horse racing since 2006 when I decided I did report news. not want to attend law school and would take a stab at being involved For instance, I took a call from an Amish gentleman yesterday so in the industry in some capacity. So, it was off to Louisville, Ky., to the he could explain to me why listing all race results in a publication was University of Louisville for a post bachelor’s degree in equine busi- important. ness. I never had my sights set on being a turf writer or participating Since I am no longer the editor of Hoof Beats, I was truly touched he in TV. I merely wanted to do the books on a farm and watch horses run thought that highly of my opinion. Especially when he told me he was around every day. not sure I would even answer. That’s when I explained I’m really not That goal, however, was pushed to the wayside after one of my all that important. professors and mentors, Rich Wilcke, told me I was a damn good So, let’s get back to why anyone would want to read my work? writer, and the sport could use my passion and knowledge. He told Because I’m open-minded, dedicated and can provide unique me to go for it and before I knew it, I was published in HorsePlayer perspectives based on my experience, which is probably, safe to say, Magazine, enrolled in the Clyde Hirt Workshop and off to Amarillo, a little unique. Texas, for an internship with the American Quarter Horse Associa- I toyed with the idea of writing something hard-hitting like a piece tion (AQHA). on HISA, decoupling, fixed odds wagering, post position draws and While I was with AQHA I began pitching my neophyte services to marketing, but decided this would probably be the best approach. any magazine or organization I could find. I was fortunate enough There is plenty of time to discuss all of those issues and many more in Tom LaMarra, editor of the Blood-Horse at that time, took pity on me the months ahead. and gave me a shot to report on Texas racing. I will be forever grateful I’m thrilled I can share what I bring to the table through a new for that opportunity. outlet and in a new format. And believe me the best is really yet to I also reached out to Amy Zimmerman at Santa Anita Park and she come.

Indiana’s best 3YOs come out Friday

Harrah’s Hoosier Park will offer a spectacular display of homebred talent on Friday (May 21) when the track hosts nine Sire Stakes races for 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. NEW PLAYERS Hoosier State 2-year-old champions from each of the four divisions are back and slated to compete while a few others look to lay claim to their crowns in 2021. The parade of Sire Stakes champions begins in race four with DOUBLE YOUR Bridge To Success. The gelded son of Jailhouse Jesse is actually the 9-2 second choice on the morning-line in the $49,500 male trot behind the undefeated (4-for-4, all in 2021) Mallard Hanover. FIRST DEPOSIT Bridge To Success broke in his seasonal debut and adds trotting hobbles this week. One race later JK Going West starts at 6-5 on the early line in UP TO the $35,000 colt and geldings pace. The gelding by JK Endofanera has posted two strong qualifiers in preparation for Friday’s match-up versus another undefeated horse in Robert Again (2-for-2). $250 In the 7th race 3-year-old filly trot going for $47,000, Swift Swanda makes her 2021 debut looking to defend her Sire Stakes title against arch rival Country Girl Charm. Those two finished first and second, respectively, in the $270,000 final last year. Another rivalry resumes in the $49,000 filly pace (race 9) as Join Now champion Somethingbeautiful (11-8-1-0 lifetime) takes on recent Meadowlands winner and second-place finisher in the Sire Stakes final last year, Hot Mess Express. The 13-race card at Hoosier has a opening-race post time of 6:30 PM.

DRF Harness Digest | 7 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

Graduate starter Amigo Volo easing his way into form

By Jay Bergman

The Graduate Series for 4-year-old trotters gets underway on Saturday night at The Meadowlands. Those expecting Amigo Volo, the $1.5 million-winning son of Father Patrick, to be in peak form for the $50,000 opening leg may be a bit disappointed. Amigo Volo made his first start of 2021 last week in a Preferred Handi- cap and finished eighth beaten some 10 lengths. “I was disappointed,” said trainer Rich- ard “Nifty” Norman of the race. “He’s going to take some time to round into form.” While Norman was disappointed, one of the major questions following Amigo Volo’s first race was how the betting public sent him off as the 9-5 favorite in a race with seasoned company. “I was shocked the gamblers made him the favorite,” said Norman, puzzled that people expected the horse that closed out his sophomore campaign in November with 1:50 2/5 victory in the Matron at Dover Downs would be ready for a 1:51 mile right out of the box.

On Saturday (race 10) Amigo Volo makes Mark Hall/USTA his second start and once again drew the Amigo Volo won the Kentucky Futurity in 2020 and hopes to make a name for himself as rail with Dexter Dunn in the sulky. While an older horse as 2021 progresses. he should be better than the 10 lengths he finished in arrears in his debut, fans may need to show a bit more caution considering this Graduate division is unbeaten in three starts in 2021 for trainer Lucas Wallin. Hypnotic includes Lovedbythemasses (post 4), the horse who trotted in 1:51 AM finished fourth in her season’s debut for trainer Marcus for trainer Jeff Cullipher in last week’s prep, as well as some other Melander. significant speedsters including the 2020 Hambletonian Oaks cham- Pacing mares will provide the co-feature on Saturday’s Big M pion Sorella (post 5). program with $37,500 riding in the eighth race, the first leg of a series While we’re throwing big names out, there is Beads and Get Legs. dubbed the Kissin In The Sand. Norman sends out two of the dozen The former was a 1:50 2/5 blowout performer in a qualifying mile on mares that have been named to race, with Keep Rockin A (post 7) and May 15 for trainer Per Engblom and landed post 6 as he hopes to keep Bettors Heart N (post 12) perhaps post compromised. his gait in place for a full mile. Get Legs, who made an uncommon “Keep Rockin A is a bit of a one-run type,” said Norman of the miscue in his return to the mile track for Andy and Julie Miller in 5-year-old imported daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven. last week’s prep, is already a 7-time winner as a 4-year-old and will A surprise winner on May 8 at The Meadowlands in a career-best start from post 7. 1:51 1/5 mile, Keep Rockin A finished third behind Soho Burning Love The first $50,000 Graduate division on Saturday (race 5) finds Char- A in last Saturday’s scorching 1:48 2/5 Mares Preferred. lie Hill Memorial champion It’s Academic looking to continue his “I think Bettors Heart N will appreciate getting back to the mile winning form for trainer Ron Burke. It’s Academic drew post 4 in the track after racing at Yonkers,” said Norman of the 8-year-old daugh- field of nine and the son of Uncle Peter has already flashed extreme ter of Bettor’s Delight who will start from the second tier. speed over the Meadowlands surface, with a 1:51 3/5 victory in April The Kissin In The Sand pits Blue Chip Matchmaker winner 24 on the East Rutherford miler. Machnhope (post 1) against Alexa Skye (post 3) for the first time since Play Trix On Me returns to race against his own age group in this the April 19 battle at Yonkers where Alexa Skye finished off the board division, as last year’s Breeders Crown runner up landed post 9 for for the only time in 2021. trainer Linda Toscano. Play Trix On Me was a bit overmatched in last The field also includes two mares trained by Nancy Takter, who Saturday’s Cutler Memorial yet still trotted his mile in 1:51 4/5 indi- conditioned Kissin In The Sand during her magnificent career. cating he may be ready. Takter sends out J K First Lady (post 6) as well as Peaky Sneaky (post A pair of mares, Ab’sattitudexpress (post 2) and Hypnotic AM 8) in the large field. (post 5), have shown the credentials within their respective divi- The Meadowlands offers 14 races on its Saturday evening program sions but may find the going a bit tougher here. Ab’sattitudeexpress with first post time listed at 6:20 PM.

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Cuatro De Julio goes forth after winter of changes

By Ken Weingartner

After an offseason of adjustments, Cuatro De Julio put his best foot forward in his seasonal debut last week, winning a division of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male trotters at The Mead- owlands. His connections hope for a repeat performance in Friday’s second round of the series at The Big M. Cuatro De Julio won nine of 14 races last year, when his best time of 1:51 3/5 ranked second to only Southwind Tyrion’s world-record 1:51 1/5 among all 2-year-old trotters. The mercurial colt finished second once and went off stride in his remaining four losses. During this past winter, trainer Marie Ortolan Bar’s goal was to stabilize Cuatro De Julio’s racetrack temperament. First, she bought a pacer named Shoot Me Straight to jog and train with Cuatro De Julio. The trotter, who was accustomed to working alone, slowly adjusted to having a companion. “In the beginning, he would not stay next to him. Impossible,” Ortolan Bar said. “It took one month for (Cuatro De Julio) to accept him. But now he doesn’t want to go on the track without his friend. He learned to be with another one.” Ken Weingartner/USTA In addition, Ortolan Bar experimented with different bits and Cuatro De Julio won his first start of the year and hopes to bridles. After watching Cuatro De Julio qualify at Miami Valley continue the roll in Friday’s NJ Sire Stakes at The Meadowlands. Raceway in 1:54 1/5 and win by 23 lengths on April 14, she decided to have the horse race with an open bridle for the first time in last week’s NJSS. Wallin, who guided Cuatro De Julio to a 1:53 1/5 score last week, “It was important to fix the problem,” said Ortolan Bar, who has was grateful. had a special relationship with the homebred colt from his earliest “It was an experience I’ll remember for a long, long time,” Wallin days. “We have to control him. After the qualifier, I had to find some said. “First of all, he’s a very nice colt. He showed that plenty of times solution. I found it, but it took time. He does not like a lot. The more last year. And it’s good for your own development and experience to you try to control him, the more he fights with you. You have to find a drive horses like that. way to put something comfortable on him and be relaxed. “I’m very thankful that they trust me and let me drive him. “Sometimes, he can be so adorable, but when he gets mad, he wants (Breeder/owner) Jean Pierre Dubois is a legend everywhere, so just to control everything. They say he is crazy. I say no. He is crazy to drive a race for him is big. And to give him a win was even sweeter. talented. You have to just understand him. Is he special? Yes. Is he The horse had some issues last year, he was a little bit too aggressive difficult? Yes. But we will try to find a solution.” and grabby, but they did a really good job with him in the winter. He Cuatro De Julio is 6-5 on the morning line in the second of two was very nice to drive last week. I hope he is the same on Friday.” $25,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes divisions on Friday. The colt will start Cuatro De Julio is among 14 Hambletonian-eligible horses in from post seven in a field of eight with Lucas Wallin in the sulky. Friday’s NJSS for the male trotters. The $1 million Hambletonian Wallin last week was a late sub for driver Louis Baudron, who was Stakes is Aug. 7 at The Meadowlands. unable to travel from France. The 7-2 second choice in the second NJSS division is Ake Svanstedt- Ortolan Bar selected Wallin for the assignment because she thought trained Mon Amour, who also was bred by Dubois and raised by Orto- he would be a good fit with her horse. The 28-year-old Wallin was a lan Bar. He finished second to Cuatro De Julio last week. Locatelli, successful driver in Europe and the U.S. before spending recent years trained by Nancy Takter, is the 2-1 favorite in the first division. focused on his own training stable. The $200,000 series final is May 28. “He has talent and there is no stress in him,” Ortolan Bar said. There also are two divisions of the NJSS for 3-year-old female trot- “With this horse, he is a perfect match because he is quiet. I know a ters on Friday at The Meadowlands. Eazy Pass is the 2-1 favorite in the catch driver is important. They do it every day. They are good. But first division while Beltassima is the 3-1 favorite in the second divi- Lucas, he did not forget how to be a good driver. So, why not? He goes sion. very well with my horse. And I love to share this horse. I know for the Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT) Friday at The Meadowlands. future of these kids, I have to give them a chance.” -Courtesy USTA Communications

DRF Harness Digest | 10 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness 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.

Driver Leon Bailey What kind of car do you drive? 2011 Chevy Silverado. Leon Bailey Facebook Favorite dinner meal? Snack? Leon Bailey enjoys fishing as a hobby outside of racing. Shake N Bake Pork Chops; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Considering your family involvement, was there ever a What is your favorite track to race at? Why? chance that you wouldn’t be involved in harness racing? I love Vernon but I would have to say The Meadowlands. It is a big I gave it a shot. There were like four years when I tried to have a nor- track that always has a good surface and you get to race against the mal job, but on my days off I’d still try to drive one or two at night. best in the sport. Racing there is always something to look forward to. I really tried to have a regular job but it just wasn’t the same. Once it is in your blood it is all you can think about. It becomes hard to What is your favorite big event in racing? punch the clock every day. The Hambletonian – It is probably the most prestigious race in the So what were you doing from 2012 to 2016 when you left racing? sport and I like trotters a little more. I worked in a cigarette factory on the Canadian border in Massena, How often is racing on your mind? New York. It was a good job and they paid me really well. Had I stuck it out I’d probably be making good money right now because it is Every day, all day long. huge, but it just wasn’t racing. What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? I tried a couple of different jobs. There was a molding shop I was at but I didn’t like it. During that span I tested the waters. I love to fish and I’m just starting to get into golfing with my buddy Frank Affrunti, he also drives at Vernon. I have to get more practice Are you able to make enough as a driver or do you have a job in but I like it. on the side? What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? In the morning I’m jogging and training for whoever needs help. I make a little bit of money doing that. During the summer there is Pro Football – Dallas Cowboys. Every year I say they are going to do plenty of opportunity as a catch-driver and I make enough to survive something and I’m wrong every year, so I have to stop saying it. They and have a little extra. The winter gets a little tough. I normally go went heavy in the draft on defense and I like the guys they got. down and drive for Brian Brown at Spring Garden Ranch. He is the best guy I’ve ever met. He’s taught me a lot and probably doesn’t What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? even know he’s taught me. Just the way he handles situations. You can’t get the guy mad. The way he presents himself, he is definitely That I’m better with trotters than pacers. someone you want to learn to be like. If the world was full of Brian What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Browns it would be a better place. Life – It is definitely a way of life. Have you improved as a driver over the years? I’ve definitely improved as a driver but I’ve improved more as a per- How did you get started in the sport? son over the years, which has probably translated into my driving. I’m fourth generation. My great grandfather, grandfather, dad and all of my uncles did it, so it was a no-brainer for me. I got into it early You have a 14% win rate as a driver and 16% as a trainer. and liked it. I was fortunate enough that they all had big stables Are you a better trainer or driver? when I was a kid, so there was plenty to do. I’d say as a driver but I like to train horses. It’s just tough, especially How far back do you remember being involved in the sport? racing up at Vernon because we don’t race for a lot of money. It is I’ve been at the barn since I was in diapers but I think I jogged my first horse by myself when I was 10 or 11 years old. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 tough to charge owners enough to justify your time. I definitely like the driving aspect more. How come you haven’t started a horse yet as a trainer in 2021? I gave up my barn last year to focus on driving and be available for anything that comes up. Recently you won seven races on a card at Vernon. Was that a surreal Fotowon experience? Leon Bailey won seven races at Vernon on May 14 and 390 races in 2,681 career starts. Absolutely. There are lots of nights where you can’t do anything right and then there are crazy nights like that fastest I’ve ever been and by far the best colt I’ve ever driven one where you can’t do anything wrong; every move you make is the right one. The horses were obviously good, that’s 95% of it. Which horse is/was your favorite that you’ve driven? Jenny Lake – I won like eight races with her last year. It just seemed like Right now you are a regular at Vernon. At 34, where do you her and I got along really well and won every race we were in together. see your career going from here? What’s the one race that you most want to win in your career? I’m looking to get into the Sire Stakes more. The younger horses is really where I want to be. I grew up around them and that’s how I learned; Hambletonian. my dad had Sire Stakes horses. Plus that is where the money is at. I spent a lot of time at the county fairs last year and did some good. Hope- If you could choose any horse in history to train or drive, fully we can step it up this year and get into the Sire Stakes. which horse would it be and why? You also won a few races at The Meadowlands last year. Do Sebastian K – What a freak he was and good looking too. It would’ve you think after you won people were saying, who on earth is been fun to sit behind him and see how fast I could go. Leon Bailey? If you weren’t involved in harness racing, what would you be Absolutely, but that is the best part of it. People don’t know who you doing? are and you make them look. It’s never a bad thing when people are saying ‘who the hell is this kid’ after I win. Maybe a harness racing judge. What about your “Lightning” Leon Bailey nickname. Is that If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what making the rounds? would it be? Oh boy, I’m never going to live that one down. A lot of people like to I would make everything uniform. Basically for every state to have bust chops and I get a lot of messages about that, picking on it, but it’s the same set of rules, and I’m not just talking about medication, but all cool. Tony Lasinski came up with that name a long time ago when for driving or getting a license. I wish there was just one body rather I started driving but it never took hold until I started winning. than different states or racetracks with their own rules. You have to change your driving style a little bit for every track you visit because What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness they have different rules. racing? How do you view the future of harness racing? There have been so many people that have given me advice but I’m going to stick with what my dad said. He would remind me all the It’s a little worrisome. Tracks need to get more involved in their time to keep my nose to the grind and not to let others tell me how to communities more because those are the people that are potentially drive; that I should drive horses the way they need to be driven. going to come to their races. It would help the future. What was your favorite moment in harness racing? Time for the stretch drive: Best Horse You Ever Saw: It’s probably a tie between when I knew I won the Vernon driving title Atlanta and Manchego. (2020) and when I won two races in the same night at The Meadowlands. Best Race you ever saw: I was at the Jug the year Wiggle It Jiggleit nosed out Lost For Words. Which is the best horse you’ve ever driven? Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes. If the horse needs it, they need it. As far as racehorses, Taco Tuesday. He is a really nice trotter. He’s still going now but he isn’t as good as he used to be. On Friday (May Favorite TV Show?: I’m a history buff – Curse of the Oak Island. 14), the night I won seven, I drove a 3-year-old pacing colt named Na- tameri for Jessica and Howard Okusko. I won in 1:50 2/5. That’s the Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters.

DRF Harness Digest | 12 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Thebeachiscalling, Always B First fastest in PA Sire Stakes at Philly

The second choice came through in each of the three divisions of the first preliminary of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies Wednesday afternoon at Harrah’s Philadelphia, on a card which also featured seven Stallion Series sections. At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping First to Victory Lane was the Somebeachsomewhere miss Thebea- information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring chiscalling, who had earned $161,196 without winning in the first 10 you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to starts of her career, but built on a winning effort last week to take her watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or Sires event in a new mark of 1:50 for owner Bella Racing LTD. simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. The winner was first on top but then saw Grace Hill and then favored Blue Diamond Eyes go by her past the 26 4/5 quarter, with the Thursday, MAY 20 latter carrying on to a fast 54 1/5 half and a 1:21 4/5 three-quarters, nearing which Thebeachiscalling was taken outside to challenge by RACE 7 driver Andrew McCarthy. McCarthy’s filly, trained by Chris Ryder, moved powerfully on the (7) GIA’S SURREAL invades turn into contention, and in the stretch the more heralded fillies to her from the Meadowlands where left were not her main competition, but one to her right was -- Mikala, she’s been facing the likes of a neck behind “Calling” in an overnight last week, and finishing Machnhope in her last couple; strongly again only to miss by the same margin. Blue Diamond Eyes significantly easier spot. was third, a half-length further behind, with Grace Hill another neck -Greg Reinhart behind that one. Next to the winner’s circle was the Sweet Lou filly Continualou, in friday, MAY 21 her first race since winning the Matron last November. David Miller went to the top with the filly and got “soft” fractions of 27, 55 4/5, and RACE 3 1:23 3/5, which left her having plenty in the tank to see off the uncov- ered move of favored JK Alwaysbalady by three-quarters-of-a-length (8) HELLO I LOVE YOU in 1:51. Ron Burke trains the versatile filly for Burke Racing Stable was a willing third with no LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. shot in her first start of the In the third section, year. While the outside post Marsala Hanover was seems like a negative, she has dispatched as the favorite, a bunch of questionable horses but the filly found grind- off the gate to her inside. ing from fifth a bit too much -Derick Giwner as the Always B Miki filly Always B First moved out RACE 8 for Yannick Gingras past a 27 1/5 quarter to make the lead (2) CLASSIC PRO has under- well before a 55 half, and then achieved a bit since the Staf- Grace Zimmers passed the three-quarters in ford claim but drops in class Always B First stopped the timer 1:22 3/5. From there Always again and the way others from in 1:50 on Wednesday at Philly. B First was able to withstand this barn have been perform- the chalk by a length in a ing one would assume this guy mile in 1:50, her best clocking. The winner has now taken four of her will be live. last five races for trainer Robert Cleary and the partnership of Oompa’s -Matt Rose Farm Inc., Robert Mondillo, Craig Henderson, and Allen Wenc. In the Stallion Series competition, six of the seven winners took Saturday, MAY 22 new lifetime marks. Dexter Dunn drove three winners, one of them for trainer Chris Ryder, who also won a Sire Stake: the Somebeach- RACE 1 somewhere filly Podium Girl, who closed in 26 4/5 to win in 1:51 1/5 for Henderson Farms, Robert Mondillo, and Barry Spak. Dexter also (7) ELVER HANOVER only checked in first with the Artspeak filly Filly Speaks in 1:52 for trainer finished sixth but took a big Scott Betts and owners Timothy Betts, Nicholas Catalano, and Keith step forward in his second Pippi, and with the Captaintreacherous filly Classicist, a 1:52 2/5 start of 2021. He finished winner for trainer Tahnee Camilleri and owner David Kryway. up the mile with good pace “Team Orange Crush,” trainer Julie and driver Andy Miller, have versus a field of horses that been on a roll lately, and they had two Stallion Series successes: with would be favored in this spot. the Always B Miki miss So Miki Hanover, up the inside to win in 1:52 -Giwner 1/5 for owners Michael Cimaglio, A And B Stable, and Charles Elliott, and with Tonianne, a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere who equaled the 1:52 4/5 mark she took two starts back for Andy Miller Stable Inc. full card analysis / past performances and Louis Willinger. Driver David Miller, who joined trainer Chris Ryder as winners Yonkers (THU) Analysis Yonkers (FRI) Analysis in both the Sire Stakes and Stallion Series, had the fastest winner in the latter grouping, the Sweet Lou filly Chase Lounge, who at 9-1, Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis was the biggest-paying stakes horse of the day while scoring in 1:51 for owner William Hartt and trainer Roland Mallar. Completing the list of stakes success was the Somebeachsomewhere filly Staycation DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs Hanover, who won the last race in 1:51 3/5 for owner David Mc Duffee, trainer Brett Pelling, and driver Todd McCarthy. -edited release (PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia) Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

Roy returns to Trois Rivieres ahead of Mohawk opening USTA introduces Official’s Internship Training Program

Come this Sunday (May 23) a familiar face at the Hippodrome 3R is The U.S. Trotting Association, in conjunction with the Minnesota returning to the harness racing driver colony. It’s two-time O’Brien Racing Commission, Running Aces Racetrack, Kentucky Racing Award winning driver of the year, Louis Philippe Roy. Commission, and Red Mile Racetrack, announced Monday (May 17) Roy, who has been one of the leading drivers at Woodbine Mohawk the introduction of a new Official’s Internship Training Program Park in Ontario, left Canada earlier last month to drive at Hoosier Park kicking off on May 30. in Indiana after Ontario went into lockdown and racing was halted. The first participant will be longtime Illinois harness horseman “They’re talking about qualifiers on May 27 here at Mohawk,” Roy John Zawistowski, known as “Johnny Z” to many in the industry, who explained. “To be eligible at the track, Mohawk management requires comes highly recommended by Meadows Standardbred Owners Asso- that anyone coming from the United States gets a negative test taken ciation Executive Director and former USTA Director Kim Hankins. minimum 4 days after the return to Canada. READ MORE READ MORE Guide to Careers in Horse Racing Now Available Sophomore trotters take the spotlight at Pocono, Philly The newest version of A Guide to Careers in Horse Racing is now Three-year-old trotters will be in the spotlight this weekend at the available. Co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Associa- eastern Pennsylvania tracks, with the fillies in PA Sire Stakes and tion, the booklet is full of information and photos related to possible Stallion Series action at Harrah’s Philly on Friday and the colts and careers in both harness and flat racing. geldings at Pocono Saturday for a Pennsylvania All-Stars event. “Oftentimes, a student who loves horses might overlook racing as This is the first coming-together for the state-sired fillies, and most a potential career path. Our hard copy supply was depleted, so before of last year’s top-rated misses will be on hand, along with one noted reprinting, HHYF decided to partner with our Thoroughbred cous- newcomer, Bella Bellini. Bella Bellini is in probably the toughest of the ins in order to present a more comprehensive product. We are very three Sires Stakes divisions, race eight, but she’s ready for her “acid pleased with the result of our collaborative effort” explained Adam test” here as she comes in off of three victories in 1:54 or better for driver Bowden, HHYF President. Dexter Dunn and trainer Nifty Norman. There is no shortage of talented Included in the full-color 30-page booklet are descriptions of more than challengers, including Love Muffin, coming off a 1:53 qualifier at The a dozen hands-on careers, three dozen racetrack operations careers Meadowlands; Flawless Country, last year’s Sire Stakes champion; and as well as a segment discussing specialized jobs. In addition, there is a Lady Chaos, the Breeders Crown champion for this group in 2020. general overview of racing and a collection of industry resources. READ MORE Annise Montplaisir from Amplify Horse Racing contributed the written content for the flat racing portion. Surreal Feeling equals Saratoga track record For information on how to obtain individual or bulk copies, please contact the HHYF office at 317-908-0029 or [email protected]. In the more than seventy years of harness racing at Saratoga -release (HHYF) Casino Hotel there has never been a faster mile by a mare than the one Surreal Feeling (So Surreal) paced on Wednesday afternoon. Hambletonian Party & charity casino night The Dale Lawton-trained distaffer has been a winning machine over the course of her career as the 6-year-old mare came into The Hambletonian Party and Poker & Casino Night Charity Event Wednesday’s try in the $14,000 Fillies and Mares Open with 25 wins will be held Friday, August 6, at Meadowlands Racetrack, East Ruth- in 74 lifetime tries. erford, NJ. Proceeds will benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foun- READ MORE dation and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. If you are at the Meadowlands for the races on Friday, August 6 or No eliminations for Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon in town early for the Hambletonian on Saturday, August 7, join us for some fun and camaraderie and raise funds for two charities that are The 2021 Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) trotting stake at Vernon important to the sport of harness racing. Downs will be raced on Friday, June 18. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner, open bar, dessert and There will be no eliminations for the EBC trot or pace (pacers race on $25 in casino chips. Casino chips won at table games are exchanged Sunday, August 29 at Tioga Downs). The stakes will go as a single dash. for raffle tickets to deposit in the baskets of the items you want to Should more than 10 declare, the stakes will be raced in divisions with win. Tickets are drawn at the end of the evening to determine the the purse split equally and the entry fee divided accordingly. winners. Raffle items include sports and harness racing memorabilia READ MORE and fantastic prizes that will be announced at a later date. Additional casino chips may be purchased through the night. Open bar and table Fastest 2-year-old of 2020 wins Philly qualifier games begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Gallery & Lounge on the second floor. Poker tournament is $125 per person with limited seats available. The fastest 2-year-old of 2020, the filly Test Of Faith, made her first The chip leader will receive a three-night, four-day trip for two to racetrack appearance of 2021 a very good one on Tuesday morning at Las Vegas, including round-trip airfare, first-class hotel accommoda- Harrah’s Philadelphia, coming from off the pace in 55 3/5 - 27 1/5 to tions, food/beverage allowance and show tickets. Second place is $250, win her qualifier in 1:55 1/5. David Miller drove the potential star for third $125. The poker tournament begins at 7:15 p.m. in the Gallery. trainer Brett Pelling and the ownership of Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Tickets will be available online and will also be available at the Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran. door. Contact John Mayo at the Museum at 845-294-6330 or Tammy READ MORE Cailliau at Standardbred Retirement Foundation at 609-738-3255 for further information. Cumberland seeking amateur drivers -release (Harness Museum)

First Tracks Cumberland Race Secretary Marc Reynolds is send- Tyler Miller goes “in the sulky” at The Meadowlands ing out an open invitation to all New England-area Amateur Drivers for a new series of harness races being carded weekly for our sport’s On Friday night, “In the Sulky,” starting at approximately 5:50 p.m. non-professional reinsmen and women. will feature Dave Brower interviewing T.J. Miller, the son of Andy READ MORE and Julie Miller who has been driving well at the current meeting.

DRF Harness Digest | 14 | May 20, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness