DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020 Beware the pitfalls of playing 2-year-olds

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Gingras to become short-term Mohawk regular, Page 3 Melissa Simser-Iovino Zoccali: Hambletonian Day set the bar Ahundreddollarbill surprised many people when he scored at 12-1 at Saratoga Monday. for post-COVID-19 operations, Page 4 lengths in 1:55 4/5. On Monday he faced just five Catch The Fire looks to stay hot in rivals, the most noteworthy was Incommuni- Northfield’s Milstein Memorial, Page 6 JAYWALKING cado, a NYSS winner at Yonkers but a distant second to Dee’s Red Delicous at Tioga. Dee’s Red Bettor’s Wish the top dog in Friday’s By Jay Bergman Delicous, starting from post three, most defi- Dan Patch at Hoosier, Page 8 @BergmanJay nitely deserved favoritism, but at 1-2 odds, was he a solid favorite? Giwner: Wrenn tops in my book, Page 8 What happened in the race, other than Ahun- In an era where so much of the wagering dreddollarbill and Jason Bartlett pulling off Photo Time: Masks all around on dollar shows up on the tote board only after the upset, was a visual example of why betting Hambletonian Day, Page 10 the race has commenced, it is quite difficult to on 2-year-olds with limited racing experience Road to the Mohawk Million, Page 13 gauge a smart bet from one that is ill-advised. at low odds can lead to an awful lot of need- Favorites attract attention no matter what the less pain and suffering. Unlike his two previ- On The Backstretch: Profile of trainer class, but it would seem that 2-year-old races ous wins over five-eighths tracks, on Monday Brett Bittle, Page 15 tend to tilt the bar heavily in favor of those that Dee’s Red Delicous was navigating tighter on paper just look “faster” than their competi- turns for the first time. Though driver Corey Industry News, Best Bets & Video tion. Look no further than this past Monday Callahan had him regain command after an Analysis, Page 18 to find examples of stakes-type juveniles that average opening quarter of 29 and a half of 59 not only felt the weight of the competition but 2/5, the horse didn’t seem to be going around Comments? Questions? buckled at unbearably low mutuels. the third turn at anywhere near full capacity. Email the Editor [email protected] At Saratoga Harness on Monday, it was trot- Bartlett, sitting in the three-hole at this point, ting colts and geldings on the line going for big jetted Ahundreddollarbill, a son of Chapter money in New York Sire Stakes action. Trainer Seven, on attack mode and within a few strides To ensure proper delivery Bruce Saunders has a potential serious horse had collared what bettors assumed was a horse of the newsletter via in Dee’s Red Delicous, who entered Monday’s that would and should put up a fight. In fact, email, add [email protected]. contest with consecutive wins, the last a Sire Dee’s Red Delcious couldn’t shift gears quickly Stakes affair at Tioga where the Credit Winner- enough and broke stride. More important to BHSCo.-Summer PTA_Layout 1 8/11/2020 3:08 PM Page 1 com to your contact list sired gelding was in fact vicious scoring by open CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 394 Entries! PLAN TO ATTEND www.bloodedhorse.com

JERRY HAWS P.O. Box 187 Wilmore, Kentucky 40390 Phone: (859) 858-4415 ONE DAY! AUGUST 25, 2020 Fax: (859) 858-8498 “There’s No Substitute for Experience” © 2020 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 Aug19_HambletonianSoc-Thanks_FullPageTemp.qxd 8/11/2020 1:42 PM Page 1

Thanks to all the horses & their devoted caretakers the bettors and fans owners and breeders drivers and trainers our sponsors and supporters 2020 Hambletonian Winner RAMONA HILL all the staff and historians The , our extraordinary host track partner for 40 years You are what makes the Hambletonian special!

Official Champagne of the Hambletonian For Hambletonian and merchandise visit our store at www.hambletonianshop.com For more information visit playmeadowlands.com or www.hambletonian.com Background: Michael Lisa/Lisa Photo Race photo: Jason Lisa/Lisa Photo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 gamblers is the understanding that odds-on favorites in 2-year-old races often don’t get the same respect afforded those in overnights. The Sara- toga example here was simply Bartlett reacting quickly when he saw the favorite laboring and taking advantage. Ahundreddollarbill did trot home in 1:57 4/5 with Bartlett picking up the catch-drive for the first time on this Dan Daley-trained colt that had previously finished second in NYSS action at Yonkers and broke stride at Tioga. Entering Pennsylvania Sire Stakes action for the first time on Tues- day was the incredibly impressive Caviart Audrey, making her first start in the Quaker state after a monstrous debut at The Meadowlands where she collared multiple-Pennsylvania Sire Stakes winner Grace Lisa Photo Hill on the wire in a 1:51 4/5 clocking. Her 25 4/5 final quarter (something Caviart Audrey was an impressive winner in her Meadowlands that even happens with trotters these days) had everybody excited about debut but had issues on the final turn at Pocono this week. this Nancy Takter-trained filly with an incredible pedigree. That Cavi- art Audrey would be facing fillies that had already competed multiple stressed under new conditions sometimes do; she lost her action and times over a five-eighths track didn’t seem to be an issue with bettors. began to bear out at the precise time that Dunn and Thebeachiscall- The filly by Somebeachsomewhere, out of the champion Darlin’s Delight, ing were to her flank. Dunn would have to gather his filly and Gingras was backed to 1-10 favoritism on the strength of a sparkling debut perfor- did a great job of helping Caviart Audrey regain her poise. Despite mance at The Meadowlands, as well as the steaming-hot trainer-driver losing the lead briefly to Marsala Hanover, she quickly recovered and tandem of Nancy Takter and Yannick Gingras. powered to the wire in front in a sharp 1:52 3/5 clocking. Gingras did what he’s accustomed to doing with favorites and The judges made the correct call in setting Caviart Audrey fourth that is take his time before moving to the front. On Monday, Caviart behind the filly she impeded on the final turn. This race may eventu- Audrey allowed the speed to settle before marching to the front. This ally be proven a footnote at the start of a brilliant filly’s career. way Gingras was able to rate off the 27 2/5 opening quarter and use For my money, 2-year-olds are often tremendous value to play on, a pedestrian 29 2/5 mostly-straight track to secure the front. Thebea- especially in moments where it’s more than obvious that a horse must chiscalling had left the gate in this field and by virtue of the Gingras not just take on new rivals but also perform under various new condi- move had found a comfortable three-hole. This is a spot where most tions previously unfamiliar to them. drivers like to sit and wait, especially when they are following a 1-10 As a parting note, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Vinny favorite on the lead and the 5-1 second choice (Marsala Hanover) in the Aurigemma at just 72 years of age. Aurigemma was a past leading pocket. Yet Dexter Dunn took nothing for granted as Caviart Audrey trainer at Roosevelt Raceway and was the first link for many of my and Gingras continued to stall the pace in the third quarter. When colleagues to live trainers and not just names on the past performance Dunn pulled midway down the backstretch I had that “what is he program. Aurigemma was younger than many of his contemporaries doing?” moment, thinking for sure that Dunn had blown any chance and related well to all of the Sports Eye staff at the time. He helped of finishing second and probably would find himself off the ticket the late Geoff Stein get into the ownership side of the business with with Thebeachiscalling. Dunn put some pressure on the favorite, but the claimer Golden Airway and would go on to much greater heights after three quarters in 1:25 it didn’t appear as if his strategy could trainingAug13_HamboSociety-quart_Layout the Saturday-night king Doc’s 1 8/11/2020 Fella. 9:37 AM Page 1 work. Then Caviart Audrey did what 2-year-olds that have never been Rest in Peace Vincent.

Oh Canada! Gingras headed to Mohawk Yearling Supplements By Derick Giwner for foals of 2019 are due August 15: they must be postmarked by August 18! In all aspects of life you must go where the work is to survive. That is no different in as driver Yannick Gingras will pack his bags and head to Canada from his homebase in New Click here for forms, or visit Jersey from August 15 though potentially the end of September. “I was hoping to get some relief and maybe not stay up there the www.hambletonian.com whole time, but that doesn’t look very good right now,” said Gingras as he waited to get his “leading driver” award from The Meadow- ONE CHECK (US FUNDS) lands. “I’m going to miss the Sire Stakes finals, but realistically, my best pacing colt is Tall Dark Stranger, a Canadian-bred. My PAYABLE TO AND MAILED TO : best trotting colt is Ready For Moni. He’s a Ready Cash. Sorella is going. Atlanta is going for the Canadian Trotting Classic. There are The Hambletonian Society, Inc. so many big races. I’m going to miss a lot of money here, but my best 109 South Main Street, Suite 18 horses are going there, so it made the most sense for me.” Cranbury, NJ 08512 While Gingras is going for the stakes, he’s not planning on relaxing at night if there are no Grand Circuit horses in action. Tel (609) 371-2211 I Fax (609) 371-8890 “I’ll be racing every night at Mohawk and whatever they have for Credit card payments accepted me I’ll be ready,” said the 41-year-old driver. Gingras, who will travel north with the family initially so they email [email protected] don’t have to be apart the entire six-to-seven weeks, said that his website: www.hambletonian.com plans remain fluid. If a horse like Tall Dark Stranger decides to race in the Little Brown Jug on September 24, he’ll return to the United States. “There is no quarantine here (U.S.) because they consider us essential personnel,” said Gingras about any issues with returning home. While Gingras is the only driver to officially announce he is heading north, trainers are already making the necessary plans. Nancy Takter will be stabling at a farm in Buffalo and ship her horses in on the day of each stakes event.

DRF Harness Weekend | 3 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Hambletonian Day set the bar for post COVID-19 operations

at the track By Darin Zoccali AtTheTrack7

Another Hambletonian Day is in the books and it certainly was a one that none of us will ever forget. In the past Hambletonian Day brought a wide range of customers out to The Meadowlands. The “hard-nosed, step over a guy who just fell so I don’t get shut out at the window” gamblers were there, but so were the families. The children who wanted their faces painted, to take a ride on a pony or partake in many of the other festivities that Hambletonian Day provided. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, none of those festivities were possible. Despite that, what The Meadowlands and The Hambletonian Society achieved this past weekend was extraordinary. of what The Meadowlands has accomplished since returning to racing. The Meadowlands is always the center of attention in the harness Since the beginning of July, The Meadowlands has handled $39.1 racing world, but this past weekend they were under a different kind million in wagers over 12 racing programs. The last 12 racing programs of microscope. Operating with customers on-site, albeit limited to 2,500 of the 2019 Championship meet produced $35.6 million in handle. That’s patrons, The Meadowlands knew that the eyes of decision makers would a 10 percent year-over-year increase, despite Hambletonian Day being be on the East Rutherford oval on their biggest day. Was it strange? Sure. down close to $800,000 year-over-year, an obvious product of the crowd Socially distanced interviews are certainly odd. Having to take separate being limited to 2,500 and live handle suffering for that reason. In fact, photos in the winner’s circle to limit the number of people at one time comparing the 12 programs year-over-year, The Meadowlands had was a necessary change as well. In addition, everywhere you looked, increases on 10 of the 12, including a $1 million increase on Meadowlands there were masks. But when you put all of that together and apply it Pace night. to the landscape of what is happening in the world right now, what When you tie all of this together, The Meadowlands has been one of The Meadowlands and The Hambletonian Society accomplished was a this country’s greatest success stories through this pandemic. Is its tremendous success. financial situation as strong as it would be under normal circumstances? The handle figure was strong, considering the limitations on the Of course not, because other than a company like Amazon, who is in a on-site attendance, at just over $5.7 Million in North America (the great position right now? But The Meadowlands has shown the world amount wagered through the international export signal is added to this that a large company can be viable and operate in a safe manner as we figure at a later date). But that just scratches the surface of the success. all work through this terrible pandemic. There are businesses every- Living in New York City, I can speak of the massive divide in this where, especially in the New York Metro area, who should be pointing area regarding how people should be going about their lives right now. at The Meadowlands as an example that they too can operate safely and There are arguments made from one end of the spectrum to the other. successfully with the necessary protocols in place. There are people who feel that if you step out of your house before the Sure, horse racing is an outdoor sport, but when you think of all the pandemic is over, you are contributing to the problem. There are people interactions that typically occur at a racetrack, it reaches far beyond the who believe this pandemic is being politicized and we should all be back excitement of just a horse race. For the horsemen, it’s having the horses to our lives. There are also arguments made for every point in between. in the paddock, checking in, getting them rigged, etc. For the custom- Operating a business in that type of environment is a challenging thing ers, it’s placing bets at a window and dining at the facility. For the race- to say the least. track, it is making sure that operationally the days’ races are conducted Watching Hambletonian Day unfold may not have pleased the parties correctly and within the COVID-19 guidelines. I can imagine the meet- on the extreme ends of the spectrum that I touched upon in the para- ings that took place trying to determine every possible scenario and graph above, but every logical person who watched that should have being prepared for it. applauded the effort. The Meadowlands showed the world how to put Make no mistake, Hambletonian Day was a herculean effort from both on a show that can be enjoyed by many, while simultaneously keeping The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society, not to mention the everyone safe. remainder of the meet that was conducted. As it turns out, the powers In the winner’s circle after every race, you couldn’t find a person that that be shouldn’t have placed The Meadowlands under the microscope to wasn’t wearing a mask. When shots of the racetrack apron appeared, the make sure they were operating within the guidelines; they should have sight was the same. Groups were socially distanced from one another been watching them to learn how to safely conduct an event and use and there were masks everywhere. Hambletonian Day may have been what they saw at The Meadowlands to create protocols moving forward. the day that everyone focused on, but it was really just the culmination To The Big M and the Hambo Society, I say job well done!

DRF Harness Weekend | 4 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

Catch The Fire looks to stay hot in Northfield’s Milstein

By Jay Bergman

Two weeks after a scintillating victory in the Adios at The Meadows, Catch The Fire will make his first career start on a half mile track in Satur- day’s $250,000 Carl Milstein Memorial at North- field Park as the early 2-1 morning-line favorite. Trainer John Ackley believes the son of Captain- treacherous has all of the ability and speed it will take to handle the dynamics of a four-turn oval. “I think he’ll be fine,” said Ackley. “He’s trained over the Washington Court House (Oh) Fair track.” As for the condition of Catch The Fire after successive sub-1:50 victories at The Meadows, Ackley believes his horse has recovered and will be ready for what looks on paper to be a very inter- esting contest. “That Ocean Rock horse the Nobles have is pretty impressive,” said Ackley. Fortunately for the trainer, Catch The Fire drew the rail and Ocean Rock, already a 1:50 2/5 winner at North- Chris Gooden field Park this season, drew post eight. Catch The Fire hopes to build on his Adios win in Saturday’s Milstein Memorial. Originally a $15,000 yearling purchase that owner Charles Taylor (C T Stables LLC) plucked from the Lexington Selected sale while Ackley was out looking for driver Peter Wrenn in the bike. Odds On Osiris has a victory and two sandwiches, Catch The Fire enters Saturday’s contest with $466,413 in seconds in three starts this year while racing at the elite level in Indi- career earnings and the potential to see that number grow exponen- ana’s Sire Stakes program. tially this year. “We were looking at a few of the Captaintreacherous Stanford Court has won four of his six starts this year, all in Ohio yearlings,” Ackley said, recalling the 2018 sales. “Catch The Fire was for trainer Brian Brown, and could be a sleeper in the Milstein. The kind of a small horse but I didn’t think we could buy him the way the Nob Hill High-sired colt has shown talent on all-sized tracks but his others were selling.” Ackley left the sales ring and when he returned effort in a second-place finish at Northfield on June 13 sticks out. Taylor had made the purchase. “When he told me that he bought the Saddled with post eight, Stanford Court rallied from seventh at the colt for $15,000 I immediately went over to look at Catch The Fire half to finish a powerful second to Ocean Rock in an Ohio Sire Stakes again to see if there was something wrong with the colt,” said Ackley, event. That the colt paced a final half near 53 seconds racing overland laughing now. suggests he could be heard from on Saturday night. Who will be laughing on Saturday after the Milstein is contested Joining the Milstein on a trip in from New Jersey are two colts that remains to be seen because a solid Invitational field has been assem- competed in last Saturday’s at The Meadowlands. Manti- bled with strong roots to the Buckeye State. The Aforementioned core (post 6) and Chief Mate (post 7) will be making their first appear- Ocean Rock, a gelded son of Rockin Amadeus, captured the $118,000 ances over a half-mile track this year. Manticore does have half-mile Ohio Sire Stakes event at Eldorado Scioto Downs on August 1 in a 1:49 track ability, having finished third in last year’s Sheppard Pace at clocking. Trained by Christi Noble and driven by Dan Noble, Ocean Yonkers. Chief Mate, a surprising second at 53-1 in the Adios final, Rock has won four of his six starts this year, but perhaps none more makes his half-mile track debut in the Milstein. impressive than his last where he paced a 53-flat final half. Completing the field for the Milstein is Slippin The Clutch (post 5), Elver Hanover, fifth in the Adios final two weeks ago, returns to an Iowa-bred with 17 wins in 22 career starts. Ohio where he was unbeaten in nine starts as a freshman in 2019 The Milstein is race 10 on a 16-race card that also features a number but has but one victory in four sophomore starts. Trainer Ron Burke of races for top Ohio-breds. The $50,000 Myron Charna President’s appears to have the Yankee Cruiser-sired gelding going in the right Pace lured nine “Buckeye’s” including the very talented Bllack Hole, direction. Elver Hanover drew post three with Chris Page in the already a 1:48 winner in 2020 and Sectionline Bigry, a 22-time winner sulky. in 57 career starts. Those tuning in for the Milstein may want to hang Coming in from Indiana for the Milstein is Odds On Osiris, an around one more race to watch the undefeated-in-2020 Action Uncle. altered son of Rockin Image with a very impressive resume. Odds On The 3-year-old trotting colt by Uncle Peter starts from post one in a Osiris won seven of 10 starts as a freshman, good for $343K in 2019 $50,000 Ohio Sire Stakes leg while looking for his sixth victory of the earnings. The Melanie Wrenn trainee drew post two and will have year.

Ohio Sires Stakes ~ this weekend at Northfield & Scioto!

Friday Saturday August 14 August 15

3-Year-Old 3-Year-Old Colt Trot - Leg 4 Filly Trot - Leg 4 3-Year-Old Filly Pace - Leg 4

Scioto Downs Northfield Park

For information contact Kimberly Rinker at 614-779-0269 [email protected] For schedule & conditions go to www.racingohio.net

DRF Harness Weekend | 6 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Free DRF Harness Eye PPs Saturday, August 15 Northfield Park Post time: 6:00 ET

$250,000 Carl Milstein Memorial $20,000 Guaranteed Early Pick 4 (race 7) $50,000 Myron Charna $10,000 Guaranteed Late Pick 4 (race 11) President’s Pace $10,000 Guaranteed Super Hi Five (race 13) Ohio Sire Stakes

GET PPs Bettor’s Wish headlines EDITOR’S EYE competitive Dan Patch By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy Friday at Harrah’s Hoosier Ronnie Wrenn Jr. tops in my book By Jay Bergman Over the last 10 weeks I’ve watched more racing from Ohio Bettor’s Wish leads a solid group of 10 entered in Friday’s $225,000 than perhaps the previous eight years. Sure, there were a few Dan Patch Stakes at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The 4-year-old son of days here and there where I’d play the occasional Pick 4 carry- Bettor’s Delight is fresh off a well-deserved victory in last Saturday’s over from Northfield or the Ewart Memorial card from Scioto, $229,660 Sam McKee Memorial at The Meadowlands where he scored but for the most part Ohio racing was never my focus. in a 1:47 2/5 career-best mile. Of course that changed when Ohio became the first state back The McKee victory pushed Bettor’s Wish’s career bankroll above from Covidcation and Scioto and Northfield were the only games $2 million for trainer Chris Ryder. It was just his second victory in in town. It turns out that I really enjoyed the product put forth five starts this year, but Ryder believes Bettor’s Wish is now going in in Ohio. the right direction. “His first start on Lasix (August 1), he had traces Even when The Meadowlands, my main track, returned on of blood when we scoped him afterwards,” Ryder said. “We upped the June 5, I found myself sticking with Scioto for a couple of weeks. dose for the McKee and he was much better.” Then my attention began to sway. Did the racing at Scioto become Bettor’s Wish was more than any less interesting in mid-June? No, it just faded out of the regu- much better, he was sensa- lar rotation as other stakes racing began in Pennsylvania and tional, working hard to gain other regions. the front after a stinging 25 3/5 Don’t get me wrong, I’m still paying three times more attention opening quarter and then keep- to Ohio racing now as I was in past years. I often have the Scioto ing favored Dancin Lou parked signal on in the background and will take a stab here and there. through incredibly fast frac- Plus, I try to watch all of the Sire Stakes just to get a grasp on the tions of 52 1/5 and 1:19 4/5. With caliber of horses racing in Ohio versus other states. Backstreet Shadow breathing Watching hundreds of Ohio races in the last two months have down his back, driver Dexter provided me with the opportunity to properly assess the driving Dunn coaxed Bettor’s Wish to colony and the results are in. Ronnie Wrenn Jr is the best driver open ground into the stretch and in Ohio right now. survive late challenges in his personal-best outing. All due respect goes out to Aaron Merriman, who handles a On Friday, Bettor’s Wish drew post three and that should give Dunn much more hectic schedule and makes speed probably better a few more options than were available to him last week when he drew than anyone. Brett Miller wakes a horse up as well as any driver post eight in a field of 11. That said, Bettor’s Wish is going to need to and Chris Page is certainly solid, but for my money, Wrenn has be at his best in a field that includes five horses from the Ron Burke the most complete package in terms of ability to make speed, stable. Burke’s horses have won this race twice in the last six years, on-track decision making, and perhaps most importantly, getting with Sweet Lou capturing the 2014 edition, and more recently, Check his horses in a position to win. Six prevailing for driver Yannick Gingras in the 2017 event. Gingras, My analysis of Wrenn’s status comes with a handicapper’s tint, who has captured two of the last three Dan Patch stakes, will pilot no doubt. We understand that there are times when horses need This Is The Plan, who last year captured the Hoosier Pacing Derby to be raced more conservatively and Wrenn balances that better over this surface. This Is The Plan drew post four but must improve than most. If his horses aren’t forwardly placed, they typically off his eighth-place finish in last week’s McKee. don’t have the power to win. I rarely watched a race where Wrenn Backstreet Shadow is likely Burke’s best chance as the 5-year-old was loaded with horse and boxed in along the cones or too far by Shadow Play enters the contest with five wins this year in 11 starts. back to threaten. Last week, though second behind Bettor’s Wish, Backstreet Shadow I certainly have enjoyed the increased exposure to Ohio fought right to the wire after playing a major role in accelerating the racing and look forward to watching the horse population pace. Tim Tetrick will drive Backstreet Shadow from post six. continue to evolve and improve in the state as the foals from The 4-year-old Century Farroh came from well back to finish a solid higher-quality mares and stallions enter the population. We’ve third in the McKee last week and draws more favorably for the Dan seen Indiana make its mark with top horses like Hannelore Patch. Trained by Dr. Ian Moore, Century Farroh landed post two as Hanover and Freaky Feet Pete in the years following VLTs he seeks his second victory in 2020 after an impressive sophomore and Ohio seems to be on the right track to explode onto the campaign where he won 12 of his 16 races. Grand Circuit soon. Trainer Virgil Morgan Jr.’s import Our Majordan A could benefit Trainer Virgil Morgran Jr., who has numerous top Ohio-sired greatly having drawn post 10 and starting from the second tier. The horses, is certainly seeing the improvement of the breed in the veteran 8-year-old by Art Major has shown blistering speed in North state and thinks Ohio may have arrived once again. America, including a 1:47 3/5 score in a William Haughton stakes “I think they are,” said Morgan when asked if the Ohio-breds consolation at The Meadowlands. have reached Grand Circuit caliber. “Action Uncle’s (11-8-2-1, Workin Ona Mystery continues to hint that he could emerge as a top $367,075) mom earned $1 million and was a Dan Patch Award player in this division for trainer Brian Brown, but has been unable to winner (2011). I think you’ll continue to see that because the Sire climb the hump in major races. A son of Captaintreacherous, Workin Stakes money is so good. Ona Mystery was a solid second in the Graduate final at The Meadow- “Look at horses like Elver Hanover and Looksgoodinaromper. lands on July 11 but has raced just one time since, a tune-up for the Ohio breds can definitely compete on the national stage, for Dan Patch last week at Eldorado Scioto. sure.” Completing the field for the Dan Patch are Shnitzledosomethin With Northfield and Hoosier Park hosting the richest stakes (post 1), Dorsoduro Hanover (post 7), De Los Cielos Deo (post 8) and races of the weekend in the $250,000 Carl Milstein and the Filibuster Hanover (post 9). $225,000 Dan Patch, respectively, all eyes will be on these Friday’s Dan Patch card kicks off at 6:30 PM and features 15 races Midwest states and they should probably stick around to watch of full fields ranging from nine to 11 horses. The Dan Patch is race 11 some great racing, be it overnights, Sire Stakes or Grand Circuit. with a scheduled post time of 9:50 PM.

DRF Harness Weekend | 8 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

Masks, Masks and more Masks were the norm on Hambo Day

By Derick Giwner

Masks are now a part of our daily attire and Hambletonian Day certainly provided us with a fair sampling of of these new mandatory fashion accessories. Over the following pages we celebrate the people who particpated on the track, behind the scenes, and in the crowd to help make Hambletonian Day great. There were moments when a few of these masks fell below the nose, but be assured that in these instances the people were either with someone they live with or properly socially distanced from others. In all cases, everyone make a concerted effort to pick up their masks when in the company of others, and that committment should be appluaded. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I did taking them.

Caretaker Victor Rosales walks Ramona Hill out of the winner’s circle after her Hambletonian win.

(above) Co-owners John Fodera and Steve Wienick were still all smiles behind their masks after leaving the Hambletonian winner’s circle. (below) Marcus and Olivia Vanderkemp (childen of Mark and Sharlene Vanderkemp) were firmly in the corner of driver Andy McCarthy.

(above) Albert and Michelle Crawford, breeders and co-owners of Hambletonian winner Ramona Hill. (below) Ramona Hill driver Andrew McCarthy and his wife Katrina.

DRF Harness Weekend | 10 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Trainer Nancy Takter was sporting a black mask as she handled Driver Yannick Ginras went with his nickname “The Green winner Sorella. Hornet” on his mask for Hambletonian Day.

Trainer Marcus Melander went colorful while it was black and white for Gimpanzee caretaker Nathalie Norlander and driver Brian Sears. (below) Trainer Chris Ryder went with a U.S. flag-inspired mask as he waited for Bettor’s Wish after his Sam (above) Driver David Miller had his “Buckeye” moniker on his McKee win. mask while Dexter Dunn (below) stuck with the more basic black when taking pictures with Sam McKee winner Bettor’s Wish.

DRF Harness Weekend | 11 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

ROAD TO THE MOHAWK MILLION The inaugural Mohawk Million for 2-year-old trotters is scheduled for September 26 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Nine owners paid $110,000 each to own slots for the $1,000,000 race. Each slot-holder may enter their own horse in the Mohawk Million or make arrangements with another owner to use the entry. In addition, a tenth spot in the million-dollar race will be awarded to the winner of the William Wellwood Memorial on September 12 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Below are the Top 10 horses on the Road to the Mohawk Million as rated by DRF Harness Editor Derick Giwner along with his comments.

Horse Sex Sire Record/Best Win Time Trainer/Driver Last Start 1-Captain Corey C Googoo Gaagaa 2-2-0-0 (1:54 1/5 - Mw) Ake Svanstedt Track-record win at Philly on 8/5 Owner(s): SRF Stable, Knutsson Trotting, Midnight Sun Partners Two races and two track records. He’s being talked up as the second coming of Muscle Hill and has done nothing to disprove the hype.

2-Southwind Tyrion C Muscle Hill 3-3-0-0 (1:54 - Med) Ake Svanstedt Won Garden State at Meadowlands on 8/7 Owner(s): SRF Stable, Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc., Brittany Farms LLC Co-fastest trotter in North America has done everything right and beaten some talented horses.

3-Darlene Hanover F Chapter Seven 4-2-1-0 (1:54 4/5 - Med) Brett Bittle / Andrew McCarthy Won Jim Doherty at Meadowlands on 8/8 Owner(s): Yankeeland Partners LLP Proved MUCH the best in the Jim Doherty and there seems to be more in the tank.

4-Macho Martini C Muscle Mass 3-3-0-0 (1:56 3/5 - Wbsb) Luc Blais / Bob McClure Won ONSS Gold at Mohawk on 7/30 Owner(s): Determination Four deep into the first turn, parked to the half and accelerated away from the field easily on 7/30 at Mohawk. Talent!

5-Lady Chaos F Cantab Hall 2-2-0-0 (1:55 3/5 - Med) Linda Toscano / David Miller Won NW2 at Meadowlands on 7/24 Owner(s): Richard Gutnick, Tom Pontone, Joseph Lozito Jr, Enviro Stables Ltd Spectacular qualifiers, ok debut, powerful second start. Lots of talent here.

6-Zenith Stride C Muscle Hill 4-1-0-0 (1:55 1/5 - Med) Mark Harder / Brian Sears Won Peter Haughton at Meadowlands on 8/8 Owner(s): Emilio & Maria Rosati Paid $177 to win in the Haughton while stamping himself as an up-and-comer.

7-In Range C Bar Hopping 4-3-1-0 (1:55 1/5 - PCD) Marcus Melander / Tim Tetrick 2nd in PASS at The Meadows on 8/12 Owner(s): Amg Stable Inc., Kenneth Kjellgren, Tomas, Asell, Rick Wahlstedt Undefeated going into action on August 12 but finished second timed in 1:56 4/5 with no shot chasing fractions of 1:00 1/5 and 1:29 1/5.

8-Plumville Prince C Father Patrick 4-1-1-0 (1:54 2/5 - Med) Rick Zeron / Scott Zeron 10th (broke) in Haughton 8/8 at Meadowlands Owner(s): Thomas Brice, Charles Receski Broke before the start last time as the favorite. Not going to let one start speak for this guy.

9-Insta Glam F Father Patrick 3-2-0-0 (1:55 - Mw) Nancy Takter / Yannick Gingras 7th (broke) in Doherty elim 7/31 at Meadowlands Owner(s): Goran Falk, Christina Takter Looked like a break in the making the entire mile and did just that into the stretch last time. She’s better than that.

10-Lindys Dollywood F Muscle Hill 4-1-0-0 (1:54 - Med) George Ducharme / Scott Zeron Won Garden State at Meadowlands on 8/7 Owner(s): Ftm Racing Stable LLC She owns the co-fastest mile of the year. Even though the pace helped her get that time, she still had to trot home in 27 4/5 to win.

DRF Harness Weekend | 13 | August 13, 2020 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 landscape each week to profile a new personality from the sport.

trainer brett bittle Derick Giwner What kind of car do you drive? Trainer Brett Bittle and wife Aima pose in the winner’s circle after Darlene Hanover won the Jim Doherty Memorial Pick-up truck. That is where I feel most comfortable. at The Meadowlands. Favorite dinner meal? Snack? Were horses your grandfather’s passion? Toss-up between bushel of steamed crabs from Maryland or a Peter Luger’s porterhouse for two. He took more pride in his achievement breeding horses than what he did on the ball field. What is your favorite track to race at? What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Meadowlands. I live in New Jersey and it is my home track. I feel lucky to be able to race there and compete. Disarray. We just have not kept up with the times. We got left behind. To me, we don’t cater to our spectators or to the public. We What is your favorite big event in racing? could make our sport an event to come watch, but we don’t. We still have exciting racing, but you go to the track and get insulted by Hambletonian. To me it is the most prestigious event we have in the meal you get served, by the service you get, by the treatment. If our sport. It is a hard race to win whether they go heats or not. you have a fan that comes to the track, serve them a good meal. We were just talking about Peter Luger’s, if you give someone a good How often is racing on your mind? meal, they’ll come back. The racing is exciting, especially if you know a little about the sport. We have some great match-ups now, Just about every day of the year. Every day we go in we are trotting mares and pacing colts. I just think we insult the public. working towards a goal with each horse based on their abilities. Maybe insulting might be the right word. I probably should be I don’t watch the races every day, but when it comes to stakes more positive, but I get disappointed with our sport sometimes. season, I like to know what the competition is like and how my horses are going to fit. How did you get started in the sport? What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? Obviously I was born into it. I worked on the farm and loved horses as a kid. I prepped yearlings at the farm and enjoyed the I like to get out on a salt-water fishing boat or just be on the horses more than painting the fence and picking up the rocks water. in the hayfield. My brother stayed on the farm and did the breeding end of it. My cousin Chaz stayed on the farm. I kind of What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? wanted to be with the horses and the training end of it. Golf – I’m a Rickie Fowler fan. You started training around 1989? What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t Yeah, I graduated from UK (University of Kentucky) and started know? training right after that. I don’t think fans or bettors know much of anything about me. Yankeeland Farms closed in 2006 but the tradition I’m pretty quiet and in the shadows, and I like staying there. I continues through Yankeeland Partners. Can you tell me don’t like the spotlight. My grandfather (Charles “King Kong” Keller) played for the New York Yankees and he was the same about that? way. Yankeeland Partners is myself, my brother Dan Bittle, Chaz Keller and uncle Charlie Keller. They did the breeding end of it Was life growing up any different for you having a and I trained when Yankeeland was still breeding horses. We grandfather who was a successful MLB player? still had interest in the horses. Our farm was getting swallowed up by Frederick City because the land became too valuable to I would say not because he never talked about it. We knew he race horses on. We made the decision to sell the mares and de- was somewhat famous to baseball fans, but he never talked velop the land. But we still had passion for the horses, especially about it around us. It was never a big deal. It was a bigger deal my uncle Charlie, he’s very passionate about it. He wanted to to just be working next to him and making sure you did things right, because you’d get your ass chewed out if you weren’t. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

DRF Harness Weekend | 15 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Derick Giwner Darlene Hanover stamped herself as one of the top 2-year-old trotters in the sport with an impressive Jim Doherty win for Brett Bittle.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 runs off of him. He just keeps believing and dreaming. continue the legacy of it. We are just doing things in a different ca- What was your favorite moment in harness racing? pacity now. We still have some mares and we are breeding. We got to the sale and buy fillies that we think could have some residual value Probably winning the Hambletonian Oaks (Windylane Hanover, on the breeding end. We race them and if they are good performers, 2002). My kids were with me that day. we keep them around and eventually breed them. I think we are sell- ing five yearlings this year and next year maybe it will be 10. Which is the best horse you’ve ever trained? Windylane Hanover. She was good for a lot of years. She won the Oaks So you are breeding, just on a smaller scale? at 3 and was a world-record holder at 4, I think. She just raced at a high Yeah, and those guys don’t have to be there on a day-to-day basis level for a long time. She was also my only millionaire. I have a son because we keep the mares at Hanover Shoe Farms. They take care of hers that is 8 years old (Muscle Diamond) that is at about $800,000. of things and we just write the checks. He’s as fast as her but not as durable. She’s pretty special to me. How many horses do you have in training? Which horse is/was your all-time favorite? We started with 5 yearlings and we have 10 total horses. Typically with a trainer they’ll tell you the all-time favorite is the one that made them the most money, and that would be Windylane How does one make a living as a trainer with only about 100 Hanover. I raced five horses this weekend and four of them won. The one that didn’t get a check was actually my favorite horse all winter, starts a year? just because she has a great personality and just wants to do right. Her name is Showmethetanlines. You can’t really. I shoe my own. I ship my own. I don’t have a big labor bill with only one employee for the 10 horses. I’m also fortunate to have some outside income other than training, so that helps, for sure. What’s the one race that you most want to win? Hambletonian. It will be hard for me to win because I don’t really What is the best harness racing advice you’ve ever gotten? train colts, though it looks like you don’t need a colt to win it any- more. I’ll just keep dreaming. Have thick skin. I’m pretty good friends with Chuck Sylvester and he’s like a duck. He can have bad luck and more bad luck and it just CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

DRF Harness Weekend | 16 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

You train and co-own recent Jim Doherty winner Darlene Hanover. Is she a ‘skies the limit’ type? Possibly. I thought the effort she put in Saturday (Doherty on 8/8) was huge, not seeing the rail and marching up uncovered. Andy (McCarthy, driver) did a great job of just being patient with her, eas- ing up during the race and believing in her. She’s got size. Her heart rate is unbelievable for recovery. If she stays healthy and sound, she could be a life-changer. What schedule do you have outlined for Darlene Hanover? She has Kentucky Sire Stakes races in Lexington. We’ll probably skip the first one and hit the next two, hopefully followed by the final. She has Breeders Crown (Hoosier Park) on her card and the Goldsmith Maid (The Meadowlands).I didn’t stake her up in Canada, but it looks like that would’ve been a pain with the virus restrictions. If you could choose any horse in history to train, which horse would it be and why? Muscles Yankee, because it was a horse we bred. Although a great family friend (Chuck Sylvester) trained him, it would’ve been special to have taken that horse to the Hambletonian. How has COVID-19 affected your life and business? Just the anxiety of not knowing if we were going to be racing. People in the racing game are somewhat lucky in that we are racing and can con- duct business. I would think the racehorse guys are getting hurt worse than the stakes guys, because we have scheduled racing opportunities.

Being raised on a farm, I just know that if you get a virus in the herd, you are not getting rid of it until it is gone or your body simply adjusts to it. There is not a lot you can do. By the time you know it is there, it is already going through the barn, or the country. If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be? How we treat our customers. How do you view the future of harness racing? There is no question we have troubles, but I think we have a chance to survive if we decide to listen to our customers and be innovative. We have a viable sport and if we decide to wake up and do the right things, we can survive. Time for the stretch drive: Best Horse You Ever Saw: Secretariat.

Best Driver Ever: John Campbell – I’ve always thought he was the greatest. That being said, Walter Case could keep a horse alive as long as anyone I’ve ever seen.

Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes - for the benefit of the horse. Bleeding is a syndrome that happens when horses get chased in the wild or on the racetrack. It is just how they are made. If you want to help them do less damage, it should be allowed.

Favorite TV Show?: I don’t watch a lot of TV. Maybe Wicked Tuna.

Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters. Getting a good trotter is not easy to do, so when you get one it is a little more special.

DRF Harness Weekend | 17 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness INDUSTRY NEWS

Standardbred Horse Sale changes locations for 2020

Standardbred Horse Sales Company announced that its 2020 Annual Sale will be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping York Road, Lutherville - Timonium, MD. Yearling sale dates are information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5. Mixed sale dates are you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, 2020. watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or READ MORE simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. Top-ranked Gimpanzee headlines big Tioga card Thursday, August 13 RACE 11 Tioga Downs will host an exciting day of Grand Circuit stakes racing on Sunday, August 16 with nearly a half-million in purses (1) P L NOTSONICE just offered to many of North America’s top . set the all-age track record The Crawford Farms Open Trotting Stake will see 10 of the finest at Rideau Carlton and she is older trotters battle for a purse of $220,000 led by last week’s Cashman another big chalk that will Memorial winner Gimpanzee, who currently sits atop the Top 10 Poll. be hard to beat. READ MORE -Garnet Barnsdale Sophomore fillies vie in final leg of Ohio Sire Stakes Friday, August 14 RACE 6 Two $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies set to be held on Friday, Aug. 14 at Scioto Downs, will determine the field for (5) COVENTRY HALL the $300,000 Championships, set to be held at this same five-eighths chased to protect third in the mile venue on Sept. 5. Tompkins behind the much This fourth leg of the series features 15 diagonally-gaited distaffs, tougher Rome Pays Off. This including three each sired by Triumphant Caviar and Uncle Peter, group is far more manageable with two each being sired by Break The Bank K, Cash Hall and than the Grand Circuit fields. Manofmanymissions. As well, Ohio stallions represented by one foal -James Witherite each in these contests include Coraggioso, My MVP and Team Six. READ MORE RACE 2 (1) EYE OFA TIGER AS was Online bid registration open for Ohio Jug Sale a bit steppy chasing the streak- ing Stormy Kromer. Assum- Those planning to bid online for yearlings selling at the Ohio ing the Lorentzon trainee Selected Jug Yearling Sale may now register to do so by clicking here. has his mind on business he Online buyers must sign up and receive approval from sale manage- should be tough to catch. ment before placing bids when the sale commences. -Matt Rose The deadline for registration is Sept. 10. READ MORE Northfield $20,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 analysis

Northfield Park plays host to a stellar card on Saturday, August 15 that not only includes top 3-year-old pacers in the $250,000 Carl Milstein Memorial but also many of the best Ohio-breds currently racing. In addition to the racing action, the track is offering a pair of guaranteed Pick 4 pools in conjunction with the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program. Race seven offers a $20,000 guarantee and the eleventh race has a $10,000 promised pool. Below is my analysis for the early Pick 4. READ MORE Derick Giwner & Matt Rose discuss the $225,000 Dan Patch. Hoosier offers Pick 4 carryover Thursday night full card analysis / past performances With no winners in the Pick 4 sequence on Wednesday, August 12, a $5,493.69 carryover will jump-start a $20,000 Pick-4 guaranteed pool Harrah’s Philly (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (FRI) Analysis at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, August 13. In partnership with the Indiana Standardbred Association and the Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (SAT) Analysis United States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering program, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will offer the guaranteed sequence for races DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs three through six on Thursday. READ MORE Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Weekend | 18 | August 13, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness