DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021 contenders and pretenders 14 horses entered the 2021 Meadowlands Pace and two eliminations will be contested on Saturday to whittle the field down to 10 finalists

Inside this issue

Jay Bergman: The pitfalls of uncoupled tag-team racing, Page 6 Derick Giwner Kimberly French: Fixed-odds wagering Perfect Sting could be firing off the gate in his Meadowlands Pace elimination. and what it means for the sport, Page 8 whether it takes the elimination money off the Beads, eyeing $250K top of the final tally). Graduate prize at The Big M, Page 10 EDITOR’S EYE We’ve seen enough of the combatants to Venerate ready to get back on track in form a strong opinion. With the talk of fixed By Derick Giwner odds wagering in and prop- Reynolds, Page 12 @DRFHarness betting becoming more popular through On The Backstretch: Profile of trainer sportsbooks, we present the odds to win the 2021 Meadowlands Pace along with commen- Todd Luther, Page 13 tary from some of the connections. Best Bets & Analysis, Page 15 With all due respect to the races which have already been contested this year for Perfect Sting (3-1) Record falls at Buffalo, Page 16 3-year-old pacing colts, in the 21st century we separate the equine men from the boys Three weeks ago he would be closer to Headlines: Milestones for DeLong, on a big track. With the North America Cup 8-5 due to his perfect 2-year-old record and Kerwood; Reader comments, Page 17 postponed until September, the first meeting monster performance against older foes on of all the expected sophomore giants of the June 19 where he fought back and refused to Comments? Questions? sport takes place Saturday (July 10) in a pair lose. That was followed up with a loss against Email the Editor [email protected] of $50,000 Meadowlands Pace eliminations. PA Sire Stakes foes at The Meadows which When the entry box closed there were 14 will certainly create some doubters. To ensure proper delivery horses entered for the Pace. The first five Trainer Joe Holloway on his last effort: of the newsletter via finishers in each elimination will compete in “He came out of the race [at The Meadows] email, add [email protected]. a final that will be at least $676,800 (it fine. Anything else is just an excuse. He got could potentially be more depending on how com to your contact list BHSCo.-Summer Entries-2_Layout 1 7/5/2021 9:35much AM the Page track 1 decides to add to the purse and CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 DON’T BE ! ENTER ONLINE NOW www.bloode dhorse.com Mixed sale entries will close around JULY 19 or when full!

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He finished just a half-length behind American Courage in the Messenger and has now finished first or second in four consecutive starts. Son of McArdle has displayed great tactical speed early in the mile and the ability to rally in the stretch. Like American Courage, Saturday will be his first start on a track larger than five-eighths. Trainer Steve Carter on Charlie May’s form: “He came out of the Derick Giwner The connections of American Courage hope to be in the Messenger fine and all systems are go.” Meadowlands winner’s circle on Saturday. Carter on trying the big track for the first time: “I have no concerns. He can go over anything. We put four aluminum shoes on him and I’m He’s always been this high on my list and after his Messenger going to train him tomorrow [Wednesday] to see how he goes. We are elim/final others are clearly going to hop on the bandwagon. trying to get a little more speed out of him. If I don’t like what I see tomor- At 4-for-4 in the win column this year and with only one defeat in 12 row we’ll go back to his regular shoes. I’ve always wanted to put alumi- career tries, there is plenty to like. That said, he has never raced on a nums on him in the front. I’m still not sure about the back yet. I’m like a track larger than five-eighths. virgin racing at The Meadowlands. I’ve hardly ever raced there. I’m just Trainer Travis Alexander on his current form: “He came out going by what I think and what other people have told me.” of it very well. He had a good weekend and never missed a meal. He really wasn’t blowing that bad after the race and didn’t seem put out.” Rockyroad Hanover (8-1) Alexander on changes going into the Pace and racing on a mile track: “I’m going to let his hobbles out an inch-and-a-half for One of four Tony Alagna-trained horses in the group of 14, the son the Meadowlands Pace and drop his head three holes. I expect good of Captaintreacherous had been more of a fringe Pace player until things because he is a very nice horse. I think I know what I have but I he ran down perfect Sting in a PA Sire Stakes race at The Meadows don’t want to jinx myself. We train on a big track in Florida. He carted on June 26. Of course he was disqualified for interference when it my anvil hands around in a 25-second quarter at Sunshine Meadows.” appeared he ran up on the horse in front of him and made a brief ***Alexander quotes courtesy Our View podcast break. Either way, that mile along with losing by just a length to One Eight Hundred in his 1:48 win, puts him firmly in the Pace picture. One Eight Hundred (4-1) Driver Dexter Dunn on PASS win and disqualification: “I couldn’t be happier with the performance. He has great gate speed A 1:48 4/5 win after a pocket trip on June 19 at The Meadowlands put and can really get off the car fast. He got good position and his last 100 him squarely on the radar for Pace consideration and his 1:48 romp yards is where he did his best work. He just got up on the back of the with a 25 3/5 final quarter over the same track one week later versus seat, he didn’t hit a wheel or anything, and it kind of caught me a little older foes really opened some eyes. He’s now 6-for-8 on the year and off guard. He only went off for maybe one or two strides.” looking every bit as good as any horse on the list. Dunn on how good Rockyroad Hanover is: “I think he is right Trainer Nancy Takter there with them for sure. He’s already been good against Southwind on whether he earned Gendry and Perfect Sting. He can get off the car with any horse and it respect with the 1:48 feels like he can follow a helmet all day.” win: “I think it was a good performance. If he Southwind Gendry (8-1) garnered some respect with it, that’s great, but As one of the best 2-year-olds in the sport last year he was expected I really don’t care what to shine, and even trainer Ron Burke has admitted that despite his other people think. My 4-2-2-0 record, his on-track work has been just OK. The gelded son of job is to make sure my was uncovered in his last start but just seemed to lack horse is in good condi- the killer instinct late in the mile. Will we see the best Gendry can tion and ready to go. I offer in the next couple of weeks? was happy with him. His Driver on Southwind Gendry’s somewhat lack- back half was in 52 2/5. I luster 2021: “He hasn’t really been healthy. In his first start of the year Derick Giwner don’t think I’ve ever had and Nancy Takter are the at The Meadows I thought he was as good as he’s been, but since then it’s a horse pace a back half team behind One Eight Hundred. been a little bit of a struggle. He’s been like 90%. They scope him and he’s that fast, especially so fine to race and then after the race he comes up sick again. He always easily.” looks like he’s ok and then after the race it turns out he wasn’t 100%. I Takter on whether we’ve seen his best: “No, I don’t think so. We just hope one day he’ll be himself, because if he is he’s as good as any.” weighed him this morning [Tuesday] and he was at 1,275 pounds. Gingras on his hopes that he’ll revert to form: “I was told yester- There is a lot of horse to him. He has a nearly flawless gait, he covers day that health-wise he’s good. It’s been unfortunate. He’s going to a lot of ground, he has a great set of lungs, and a good heart on him. have to be pretty darn good in the elimination because it isn’t an easy Obviously you need a little racing luck, but he is coming into the race bunch of horses.” in good form and I’m happy with how he is right now.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Exploit (10-1)

This guy was done in by an outside post and a rather slow pace in the Messenger elimination. In his last start at The Meadowlands he was just a half-length behind One Eight Hundred while timed in 1:48 1/5. Metro winner from last year could be a live longshot. Heart Of Chewbacca (10-1)

One of two from the Burke stable in the eliminations, this colt by Bring On The Beach made an ill-advised first-over bid from last in the SUMMER Messenger elimination and faded to the back late in the mile. Flash- ing early speed has never been his thing and his first try on the big track could be just what the doctor ordered. Chase H Hanover (20-1) MIXEDSale His major asset is early speed but the son of Captaintreacherous has proven he has some staying power as well. Like so many others in here, the Scott Cox trainee tries the mile track for the first time in his career. Lawless Shadow (20-1)

Shadow Play-sired colt was right with the top dogs in 2020 and he’s never finished worse than third in five starts this year. He was parked well past the quarter through quick fractions in his last start but really had no excuse for not being close at the wire. He’s a very good horse. Is he this good? Red Right Hand (25-1)

He feels like a similar horse to Simon Says Hanover, though perhaps he’s a bit faster on paper? Last time he had no shot from post 9 and he lost to an older foe in the previous start. Trainer Nancy Takter on whether Red Right Hand is good enough to compete: “Todd [McCarthy, driver] told me last time that he never let him go and he still finished with a ton of pace. He probably doesn’t have the flashy credentials of the other horses but he deserves a chance in the race. We’ve been babying him all year because he was so grabby last year. I think once we rev him up you’ll see more from him. We’ve kind of had the kid gloves on with him.” Simon Says Hanover (40-1) While he’s been fairly consistent even in his off-the-board races, we FINAL CALL really haven’t seen the top speed needed to play with this group. Hellabalou (50-1) FOR SALE Eddie Dennis trainee also comes out of the PA Sire Stakes last time and failed to menace, albeit from a bad post. He’d need to take a big step forward to even make the final. SUPPLEMENTS SUNDAY meadowlands pace FIRST ELIMINATION (RACE 6) Post Horse Driver Trainer Morning Line JULY 18 1 Chase H Hanover scott Cox 12-1 2 Charlie May Brett Miller steve Carter 3-1 3 one Eight Hundred tim Tetrick nancy Takter 9-5 12 NOON | MEADOWLANDS 4 Heart Of Chewbacca george Brennan ron Burke 4-1 It’s your last chance to join this high-quality 5 rockyroad Hanover Dexter Dunn tony Alagna 5-1 racehorse sale! Contact your sales agent, 6 exploit Todd McCarthy tony Alagna 8-1 enter online, or call (914) 773-7777. Closes July 11. 7 Hellabalou andrew McCarthy eddie Dennis 15-1 meadowlands pace SECOND ELIMINATION (RACE 8) 1 american Courage Matt Kakaley travis Alexander 3-1 2 abuckabett Hanover andrew McCarthy tony Alagna 4-1 3 Lawless Shadow Mark MacDonald ian Moore 6-1 4 red Right Hand todd McCarthy nancy Takter 15-1 5 Perfect Sting David Miller Joe Holloway 2-1 IN-PERSON | PROXIBID | VIEW CATALOG 6 simon Says Hanover scott Zeron tony Alagna 15-1 7 southwind Gendry yannick Gingras ron Burke 7-2

DRF Harness Digest | 4 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CAPTAINTREACHEROUS CONGRATULATES HIS WORLD CHAMPION DAUGHTER

LISA PHOTO

Hanover-Bred LYONS SENTINEL p,4, 1:48 ($1,354,386) Captaintreacherous - Tutu Hanover by Western Ideal $160,000 Artiscape Mares Open winner in a World Record time of 1:48, July 3 at The Meadowlands. OWNED BY: Threelyonsracing TRAINED BY: James King DRIVEN BY: Tim Tetrick

HER HALF SISTER BY STAY HUNGRY, TALLCHIEF HANOVER, SELLS IN HARRISBURG THIS FALL

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ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER JAYWALKING By Jay Bergman @BergmanJay

Pitfalls of uncoupled tag-team racing

To someone who has spent the better part of the last 50 years observing this sport in one way or another, it was painful to witness the $500,000 final last Friday. Pain- ful not because the results weren’t what might have been expected, but because it was visual evidence of what can happen to a sport when repairs aren’t done properly. While those who concern themselves with Yonkers raceway Video Screenshot governance often bring up the subject of Driver Ake Svanstedt gapped the pocket badly despite a slow half in the Yonkers Trot. “infrastructure week” at times in a comical way, it’s somewhat revealing of our sport that the subject should arise after seeing the results of another “pothole” closing in on Johan Palema as opposed to losing ground. repair gone awry. For years minor changes have been made, theo- While one could have theorized at the time that something may retically to help the sport move forward and grow. The damage of not have been amiss with Ambassador Hanover, the son of Chapter Seven having enough betting interests in a particular race has been revealed was able to pick up his game despite the pace shifting markedly (27 in countless statistics that show fewer betting interests create less 2/5) in the third quarter. The suddenly revived pocket-sitter did do handle. Thus, despite years of scrutiny that preserved the integrity just enough harm to those following in third through fifth during (1950’s style) within the sport, racing commissions were petitioned by that second quarter that he was able to barely preserve a second-place struggling track owners to make adjustments, otherwise run the risk finish over the luckless In Range, who was the biggest victim in the of plummeting handle. proceedings. While there was certainly logic for track owners to pump up the Of course, the headlines will reveal an incredible night for team number of betting interests in each race regardless of how many Svanstedt, with their top two garnering 75 percent of the entire purse. horses a particular trainer entered, there was always implied collat- What wasn’t in the news story was any input at all from those who eral damage. Yet, just as in pothole repair where inevitably the wagered to win on Ambassador Hanover, a horse that only lost by a hole opens wider again and the cost of fixing the problem broadens “head” in his elimination and had in fact drawn the rail for the final. exponentially, the problem only gets worse and the solution always Since the three Svanstedt trainees were separated from each other for appears out of reach. wagering purposes, just how independently were the horses driven The first race in a Triple Crown is always crucial as it lays the foun- within the race? Was Ambassador Hanover ever trying to win the dation for the next two. In the case of this year’s Yonkers Trot, the race? The visual of him losing touch in a slow second quarter doesn’t heavy-hitting stables were in attendance at Yonkers and trainer Ake leave that impression. Svanstedt wasn’t shy when the initial entries were taken, offering up The problem as it exists in our sport today is that we accept collat- five from his vast collection among the 13 that would comprise two eral damage so readily and just move forward as if there is no price elimination heats. That he qualified three for the rich final wasn’t much to pay for it. To offer up a $500,000 purse – which is significant in the of a surprise. Yet when the final field was put in place his three horses trotting business – and not be concerned with how bettors may look at not only drew well in the 8-horse field but were given the distinction of a race is just as short-sighted as allowing uncoupled entries. The idea being “uncoupled” as the New York Racing Commission has given its that we can all wink to each other behind the scenes and know it’s blessing to the illusion that for less than two minutes, in a given week, wrong yet continue to do so is a recipe for impending disaster. horses that stable with each other, train with each other and travel Horse shortages may have caused tracks to panic at some point in with each other can miraculously be separated. Mind you, separated time and that led to racing commissions complying with their whims. just for the betting public, who are unlikely in any way to share in the The 2021 Yonkers Trot may have looked exactly the same had all $500,000 purse when things go exactly the way a stable may like. three of Ake Svanstedt’s horses in the field been coupled as a single Case in point last Friday night when trainer Svanstedt gave a betting interest. The biggest difference though would have been a master class performance in the bike behind Ambassador Hanover, betting public understanding why the race was run in this particular providing all of the assistance one might have needed to allow stable- manner. – but non-entrymate – Johan Palema to scamper off from the If we disregard the betting public, they will do likewise to us. field during the slowest quarter of the race. With Svanstedt ceding authority to Johan Palema early in the mile, there was a one-two pres- ence through a respectable if not overly fast 28 2/5 opening quarter. A week earlier Svanstedt decided to cut the mile with Ambassador Advertise with Hanover and couldn’t hold off Johan Palema in the crucial stages of the elimination, so it was reasonable for even the most cynical to believe him opting for the pocket with five hundred large on the table was a good option. MULTIPLE What didn’t look like a particularly savvy option was how Ambas- PLACEMENT sador Hanover and Svanstedt simply lost contact with Johan Palema, DISCOUNTS going from a tight pocket presence at the quarter pole to suddenly a four to five length gap as the field approached the halfway point. For more information or to place an ad, Making this sudden deceleration more implausible was the relatively contact Derick Giwner at [email protected] dawdling 29 3/5 second quarter that should have had the entire field

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correctly,” Settlemoir said. “By saying correctly, the splits make sense for the track operators and horsemen, and the marketing is PARDON MY FRENCH done correctly. We have decided to take a wait and see approach. We will see how Monmouth Park does at first and make some deci- By Kimberly French @KFrnch sions from there regarding fixed-odds wagering at the Meadow- lands Racetrack. We want to see if it cannibalizes the pari-mutuel business and if it does by how much. I am sure we will see at least some.” On Monday (June 21) the New Jersey legislature passed NJ S3090 Will fixed-odds wagering attract a younger audience? Possibly. It implementing fixed-odds wagering in the Garden State. The system would only apply for win, place or show wagering and exotic wagers will be implemented on July 17 for the Grade I TVG Haskell Stakes would still be conducted pari-mutually. at Monmouth Park. The Oceanport oval will be the first in the U.S. There are definitely many positives to that type of betting. I hit big to offer this type of wagering which is the standard in Europe and on in the 2003 when I bet on him at 99-1 Australia. in the future wager pool. But working in this industry also raises “It would bring benefits to the sports-wagering operators,” said many questions about how fixed-odds wagering would be instituted Judith Nason, executive director for the New Jersey and promoted. Commission in a VSiN.com article. “To a certain extent the revenue “This bill authorizes fixed odds wagering on horse races and can be shared, and some of it can be directed for purse money.” provides that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement may Any revenue stream to bolster purses, increase available cash for issue a license to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority promoting harness racing and improve facilities for the horsemen to establish a system,” NJ S3090 states. “Under the bill, fixed odds and horses, is beyond welcome. But what exactly is fixed-odds wager- wagering may be conducted through a fixed-odds wagering system by ing? Are U.S. bettors and those especially that plunk their dollars fixed odds wagering account holders. down on harness racing familiar with the system? What is it? “Under the bill, “fixed-odds wagering” is defined as a form of horse Fixed-odds wagering is when a bettor knows exactly what odds he racing wagering against odds offered by a bookmaker in which or she will receive the moment their bet is made. Unlike pari-mutuel account holders may lock in their odds when the bet is first placed wagering where the odds are determined by pools right up until the and no fluctuation in potential payout may occur. Once the outcome of starter sends the horses off the gate, a bettor is guaranteed to receive the race or races is determined, funds would be transferred from the the odds listed at the moment they wager. fixed odds wagering licensee to the bettor or bettors that won wagers, For example, if I bet on a horse that is 10-1 on the morning-line and applicable transaction or other fees would be levied by the fixed which is eventually hammered down to 1-5, if my selection scores, I odds wagering licensee for use and distribution as provided by the cash out on the 10-1 and not the 1-5. division’s rules and regulations.” Sounds pretty great, right? But there are other sides to the story. Monmouth’s Park, which has been a long-time proponent of fixed- Fixed-odds wagering or SP betting as it is known by in Australia, odds wagering, will partner with the firm BetMakers is extremely popular and according to Bill Finley in a June 21 article for a 12-month trial. There has, however, been little reported in in the Daily News, $25 billion is wagered annually in both Thoroughbred and harness racing media on how commissions Australia each year, which is $15 billion more than the U.S., despite and racetracks could adjust its systems to incorporate this type of operating with a fraction of the population. betting. While I do not discount Finley’s statistics or the promotion of fixed- Already stretched thin prior to the pandemic, can these entities odds wagering by organizations in the U.S., such as the Thorough- offer this wagering option, no matter how enticing it may be, with bred Idea Foundation, and their analysis of what must transpire to sports betting now taking center stage? enhance the landscape for our nation’s bettors, horsemen and race- I would hope so. As I always believe in the future and promoting tracks, I would like to see more accurate statistics before I can fully anything that strengthens racing, including engaging new fans and embrace the institution. bettors. “I’m all for new ideas in the sport [harness racing],” said Robert But the sport has remained largely silent on this issue and deserv- Boni, former president and a long-time member of the board of direc- edly so, as the demographics and marketing in the U.S. are much tors for the Breeders and Owners Association of New different than in Europe and Asia. This also includes how racing Jersey said. “However, I think we must monitor the data and then operations are conducted. apply it accordingly.” With the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act launching within Jason Settlemoir, general manager of The Meadowlands, also is the next 24 months it is certainly a time for change, especially to positive regarding the implementation of fixed-odds wagering in New construct new frameworks for bettors that encourage and spur Jersey, but concurs with Boni, who is also the owner and president of growth. Before diving headlong to develop an infrastructure we need Northwood Bloodstock, on the fixed-odds wagering topic. to know more. The jury remains out for me on if fixed-odds wagering “I like the concept of fixed-odds wagering as long as it is done will boost pools, wagers and amass fans for harness racing.

Ohio Sires Stakes this weekend at Scioto Downs & Northfield Park!

Friday, July 9 Saturday, July 10 at Scioto Downs at Northfield Park 2-Year-Old Colt & Filly Trotters 2-Year-Old Colt & Filly Pacers

DRF Harness Digest | 8 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness BAR HOPPING CONGRATULATES $500,000 MGM YONKERS TROT FINAL WINNER

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OWNED BY: Bender Sweden Inc TRAINED BY: Ake Svanstedt DRIVEN BY: Yannick Gingras BRED BY: Kentuckiana Farms LLC and Bender Sweden Inc. AND 3rd Place Finisher IN RANGE 3, 1:52.3f-’21 ($446,887) · Dam: Ilia by Windsong’s Legacy WE WILL OFFER 15 YEARLINGS BY BAR HOPPING THIS FALL: 14 IN HARRISBURG AND 1 IN LEXINGTON.

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ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL · CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO · PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER Beads, Ruthless Hanover eyeing $250,000 Graduate prize

By Jay Bergman

The Graduate Series for 4-year-olds is a stepping stone for the top trotters and pacers as they theoretically graduate to aged perform- ers. Among the favorites in the pair of $250,000 events for trotters and pacers are two horses that failed to make their mark as 3-year-olds but appear on the cusp of greatness. Beads, a son of Archangel blessed with wicked speed, was at times brilliant and at other times a major disappointment for trainer Per Engblom in 2020. Ruthless Hanover, a late-developing gelding who didn’t have the experience after an abbreviated 2-year-old campaign in 2019 and first got untracked towards the tail end of 2020, is the likely favorite in the pacing finale. Engblom always knew Beads had talent but the horse would make breaks at the worst times as a sophomore. “He’s matured a great deal and he’s sounder this year,” said Engb- lom about Beads, who landed post 9 in the Graduate final carded as race nine. “He’s coming into the race in good form but the outside Lisa Photo/James Lisa (below) draw is an issue. In elimination races there’s not much traffic on the Beads (above) has won two of three Graduate legs while Ruthless first turn but it can get kind of tight in the finals.” Hanover (below) has three Graduate wins to his credit. Engblom witnessed Beads score against softer foes last Saturday night in a 1:50 4/5 mile despite racing parked the opening half. “He can take air. Some people think because he was on the front end a lot that he’s a runaway but he’s not,” said Engblom. Beads has won three of his first five races this year and driver David Miller appears to be getting along with him just fine. The outside draw gives a major advantage to the likely betting choice It’s Academic (post 3). The Ron Burke-trained stallion has won half of his 12 starts this year including three straight Graduate preliminary scores. Yannick Gingras guides the son of Uncle Peter. Hypnotic AM, the lone mare in the field of 10, returns to mixed company after a solid third-place finish in the Joie De Vie at The Meadowlands last Saturday. The Marcus Melander-trained mare held her own against Atlanta in that event, setting her up nicely for the Graduate final. Engblom has two in the Graduate, with Sermon (post 5) a longshot in with a shot. “If they mix it up he could be closing,” said Engblom. The ninth race Graduate field is rather deep, with a pair of last year’s top performers – Ready For Moni and Amigo Volo – drawing posts 8 and 10, respectively. Play Trix On Me, second in last year’s and fresh off a 1:50 4/5 career-best mile on June 26, drew post 4 for trainer Linda Toscano. Trainer Tom Cancelliere was hardly concerned that Ruthless Hanover, a son of , might be entering the $250,000 Graduate pacing final after missing three weeks of racing. “He won’t be short,” Cancelliere promised. “We had the baby races here [Magical Acres] last Wednesday. I had Andy [McCarthy] get a and will be favored on Saturday, but there are a few in the field that trip with him after the races.” may challenge his supremacy. Allywag Hanover (post 1) appears to Cancelliere didn’t reveal how fast that training mile was but he has have found his form at the right time for trainer Brett Pelling and supreme confidence in his horse. enters the Graduate final off a solid 1:49 1/5 victory last Saturday at Ruthless Hanover drew post 4 and will be looking for his fourth The Meadowlands. Allywag Hanover is the only horse to defeat Ruth- victory in five starts this year with the aforementioned McCarthy in less Hanover this year, posting a 1:48 1/5 mile on June 5. Tim Tetrick the bike. Though unraced as a 2-year-old in a purse event, Ruthless will guide Allywag Hanover, who is HIP 42 in the upcoming Summer Hanover did take a 1:55 1/5 mark in his second qualifier in 2019. Mixed Sale at The Meadowlands on July 18. “We liked him a lot as a 2-year-old and staked him well,” said Captain Barbossa (post 3) put in a rare sub-par performance finish- Cancelliere. “He chipped an ankle, so we quit with him and gave him ing sixth in a division of the Roll With Joe last Saturday. He took a time to come back.” career best 1:47 1/5 clocking in a leg of the Graduate for driver Dexter Ruthless Hanover, who has shown speed and plenty of staying Dunn, who has the assignment again. power this year, posted a 1:47 2/5 career-best mile on June 19 in the Though winless in three starts this year, trainer Ron Burke’s fourth Graduate leg. Ironically the time was exactly the same clock- Cattlewash (post 8) has been right there in all of those starts in 2021. ing posted by another Cancelliere 4-year-old in the Graduate back Cattlewash was the fastest in last year’s 3-year-old crop with a 1:46 in 2009. Bettor Sweet captured a Graduate leg that year but came up 4/5 mark taken at The Red Mile. Burke could have a sleeper in the sick and didn’t race in the final. The gelding would go on to earn $2.7 field in the recent acquisition Save Me A Dance (post 2). Save Me A million during his career including back-to-back Breeders Crown Dance found the winner’s circle for the first time in his new stable last wins in 2011-12 for Open pacers. Sunday at Harrah’s Philadelphia scoring in 1:50 3/5. Any comparisons between the two? Warrawee Vital has thrice finished second in the Graduate and “They got their names reversed,” said Cancelliere. “Bettor Sweet he’ll look to get over the hump from post 5 in the tenth race final. was a difficult horse to be around and Ruthless Hanover has a great The 13-race card at The Meadowlands kicks off at 6:20 PM and also disposition” features eliminations for the Meadowlands Pace and four divisions of Ruthless Hanover has already hit six figures in earnings this year the Reynolds for 3-year-old trotters.

DRF Harness Digest | 10 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness SATURDAY, JULY 17

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#Pace21 | playmeadowlands.com        Venerate ready to get back on track in Saturday’s Reynolds

By Ken Weingartner done. We’re happy. When I bought him Venerate entered this year as a horse everyone knew on the road as a yearling, he was to August’s $1 million final. Rattle My Cage? phenomenal in the Perhaps not so much. paddock, so I knew he But those two colts are among 19 Hambletonian-eligible male had the gait and atti- trotters competing in Saturday’s W.N. Reynolds Memorial divi- tude. We just wanted to sions at The Meadowlands as they embark on their last weeks of wait for him a little bit preparation for the sport’s premier event for 3-year-old trotters at and put him on a differ- The Big M. ent path for a while. It Julie Miller-trained Venerate was the 2020 Dan Patch Award winner seems to have paid off.” for best 2-year-old male trotter after winning five of 10 races, includ- Soderberg, who bought ing the inaugural Mohawk Million and the Kentucky Sire Stakes Rattle My Cage under the championship. He is the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the second Reyn- name Lexingtonian for olds division for the boys, leaving from post nine in an 11-horse field $40,000 at the Lexington with driver Andy Miller. Selected Yearling Sale, Venerate has raced once this season, making his 3-year-old debut hopes his colt’s path now on June 26 against older rivals in a conditioned race at The Meadow- continues to the Hamble- lands. He went off stride on the last turn and finished ninth in a group tonian. of 10. Prior to that start, he won two qualifiers, including a 1:52 3/5 “We paid him in, and score on June 12. I think he has the abil- “I’m pretty excited for him,” Julie Miller said. “He’s had a super ity, but we just have to week and he’s full of energy. I wasn’t too excited about post nine with take it race by race and Ken Weingartner a trailer (on Saturday), but you know what, they don’t hand it to you. see what Anette and Venerate made a break in his first You have to earn it. start of the year but had a “super Tim think,” Soderberg “I think he can bring it. Carter (Pinske) and I have worked dili- week” according to trainer Julie said. “We’ll watch these gently, Andy as well, to get him to this point. Hopefully, we’re going to Miller. (upcoming) races and seal the deal these next couple months.” see what happens. Venerate, a son of French stallion Love You out of Peaceful Kemp, is “He doesn’t have the experience that some of the other ones have, owned by Pinske Stables and Andy Miller Stable Inc. but we gave him three weeks now and I think he’s fresh and sound As for the colt’s miscue two weeks ago, Miller said, “It was just a and ready to go. Every race, I think he’s getting closer to the other hiccup. Andy went to move him and he got a little lost there. Let’s get ones in experience. I’m cautiously optimistic.” the kinks out in those types of races and when the money is down, The 3-1 morning-line favorite in the first Reynolds division for colts he’ll be there. I have all the confidence in the world in the horse and I and geldings is Dancinginthedark M. Tetrick will drive the colt for look for a good race this weekend.” trainer Marcus Melander. Rattle My Cage, also a son of Love You, was lightly raced at 2, going Also on tap Saturday are two divisions of the Reynolds Memorial winless in three starts. This season, he has won three of five races. He for 3-year-old female trotters. Lady Chaos, a Breeders Crown champ enters the Reynolds off back-to-back victories in conditioned events last season, is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for driver David Miller for 3-year-olds at The Meadowlands, with his most recent triumph and trainer Linda Toscano in the first. Anoka Hanover, the 2-year-old coming in 1:52 on June 18. filly Dan Patch Award winner, is the 3-1 choice in the second for driver The colt, out of the mare Caress The Senses, is the 7-2 second choice Todd McCarthy and trainer Noel Daley. behind Venerate on Saturday. He will leave from post three with Tim Seventeen of the Reynolds fillies are eligible to the Hambletonian Tetrick driving for trainer Anette Lorentzon. Oaks, which also makes them eligible to the Hambletonian if their “He showed promise last year, but it felt like he wasn’t really ready connections decide to take on the boys. for the races we were aiming for, so we backed off a little,” owner Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT) at The Meadowlands on Saturday. Perry Soderberg said. “Instead of looking at the Grand Circuit, we The card also includes Graduate Series championships for 4-year-old wanted to get a few starts into him at the end of the year just for educa- pacers and trotters in addition to two eliminations of the Meadow- tion before turning him out. lands Pace for 3-year-old pacers. “Anette has done a heck of a job bringing him back, very nicely LIVE RACING MONDAY - FRIDAY • POST TIME: 7:15 PM FULL CARD SIMULCASTING VIEW CALENDAR AT EMPIRECITYCASINO.MGMRESORTS.COM

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DRF Harness Digest | 12 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness How did you get started in the sport? Greg used to groom and drive, and my dad would always take us to the races. The more I was around it the more I would love it. It is an addiction. Once it is in your blood you can’t get it out. Right out of high school I got into it pretty much full-time and never really looked back. Your training career started in 2005 when you were 21 but Did you ever want to know more about the people involved in the your starters have been sporadic with as low as one starter harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the harness land- in 2017. Does that mean you were working elsewhere on the scape each week to profile a new personality from the sport. side? Greg and I at one time had a little falling out, so I went to work for Brian Brown that winter and learned a lot from him more on the baby side and not just claimers. I worked there for a couple of years and sat behind some really nice horses like Done Well, Workin Ona Mystery and Air Force Hanover. I learned a lot from Brian. It’s widely known that your brother TRAINER TODD LUTHER Greg funded your stable with a What kind of car do you drive? multi-million dollar Kia Sorrento. experiment. How happy are both of Favorite dinner meal? Snack? you with the early Good steak; I’m a snacker, so anything from milk shakes to cereal, I returns? like it all. I’m very pleased with What is your favorite track to race at? Why? where we are at right now. We had to turn Scioto Downs – it has always been home to me. I grew up there and out a couple of 2-year- loved it when I was little. I just love racing there. olds that we paid good money for, but they’ll What is your favorite big event in racing? make good 3-year-

olds. Going into the Courtesy Todd Luther Coming from Ohio it is the Little Brown Jug. The atmosphere in stakes, Catch The Fire Todd Luther has won 337 races in just Delaware is amazing. finally got released 2,227 starts in his career (as of 7/6/21). from stud duties, so How often is racing on your mind? he’ll go out on the big stage now. With Captain Kirk and everbody, I’m very happy with the Since this year started it has been on my mind a lot. There are more money we’ve spent. We’ve won some Sire Stakes. We won our first stressful and easier days, but I’m always thinking of what we can do Grand Circuit event the other night, the Roll With Joe, so hopefully to make the horses better. Now that stakes season has started, we the success continues for us as we roll into the stakes season. are all over the country now. What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? I recall watching the Meadowlands Winter Mixed Sale in January and wondering, who are these guys buying all the Hang out with my fiancé Toni Dale, our newborn Lainey and my horses? daughter Skyler. Toni is my number-one supporter, that’s for sure. COVID was really good to my brother with all the marketing he What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? does. It started with let’s buy a million dollars’ worth of babies and when the Meadowlands Sale came out he said ‘let’s get us some aged Baseball. It was always my thing growing up. Before I got into this horses.’ I said ‘Captain Kirk and Chief Mate are nice.’ He said, ‘which it was all I did. People laugh at me being from Ohio but the Yankees one do you want?’ I said ‘Captain Kirk is faster but everyone likes are probably my favorite team. Paul O’Neill was my favorite player Chief Mate.’ He said ‘how about we buy them both.’ growing up. He went to a school around where I grew up. He started with the Reds and went to the Yankees when I was younger, so I just It must be nice to have a brother who is willing to spend a lot followed him. of money and support you? What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? To put the faith in me is something very special. It is new to both of I’m big into baseball and turned down a couple of scholarships before us. It was even crazier when he called me to say he bought half of I got into horses. My brother’s [Greg] grandpa, we are half-brothers, Catch The Fire and his brother. he got sick and ended up passing. Greg was like, ‘do you want to give it a go with the horses?’ There were like 15 horses or so and I said When did Catch The Fire finish breeding? ‘heck, yeah, I’ll give it a shot.’ July 3 was his last day. I think they bred him to around 80 mares. He’s been training all along and so far it really hasn’t hurt him. Two What is one word that describes harness racing for you? weeks ago he went 1:47 and change at Scioto. Emotional – There are a lot of ups and downs. It really is a roller- coaster ride. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 brother combination that is on the map as competitive as best we can in all the big races. You had a career high in starters (465) and money won What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness ($482,013) in the Pandemic-shortened 2020 season and racing? you’ve already reached $729,885 this year. Have your numbers met expectations? Never quit learning. When you quit learning in this business you might as well get out. This year will be my career high for starters. I think I’m only 80 starts away from last year’s high. The way we branched out it is What was your favorite moment in harness racing? going to be a little hectic, but this will be a career year for me. I’m looking forward to it. Just the other day, even though I wasn’t there, winning the Roll With Joe with Captain Kirk. That is something you dream about as a kid, Has it been much harder for you with horses racing outside of winning a big race at The Meadowlands. That’s where everyone wants to be competitive and to get a race like that under our belt was huge. just Ohio? It is hectic but I have a great team behind me in New York at Mark Which is the best horse you’ve ever trained? Ford’s place. I also have a great team in Ohio. It is definitely new Before these guys we had a few Open pacers here and there. With the because I’ve never had this caliber of horses. Greg and I used to have horses Greg has recently bought, it is tough to separate them. They 10 and 20 claimers. Getting these horses prepped for big races and all hold a special place and hopefully we can have a great summer making sure they can stay sound and healthy all year has been a with all of them. good challenge. Which horse is/ How many horses do you currently have in your barn? was your 45 in Ohio and 5 in New York. favorite that Do you see those numbers continuing to grow? you’ve trained? A handful of years Greg is always looking to buy horses. We have a great team, so if we ago I had a cheap did get more horses we won’t burst. The Meadowlands sale is coming claimer I loved up and we plan on going out there to see what is available. As long as to death named he is willing to spend it, my team can handle it. Midwest Hanover. Do you see a horse like Allywag Hanover Just last year we bought one off of (HIP 42 – Meadowlands Summer Mixed Sale) in your future? Ron Burke named Fanatic. He’s a Some people say he is for sale and others say no. If he is for sale, trotter and he’s there is probably a pretty good chance we’ll be taking him home. really the barn pet Toni Dale Hollar is part of a pretty rich harness racing family right now. that includes the “larger than life” Amy Hollar and perhaps Burke actually racing’s nicest man in Brian Brown. Have you enjoyed the has a good one extended family? in the sale with James Lisa/Lisa Photo It’s great. Toni is the best. She rubs, she is the barn manager and she The Greek Freak Megan Scran with the Luther brothers’ makes sure everything stays in line. Brian is an idol to me. If I have (HIP 39). Any Roll With Joe winner Captain Kirk. any questions I never hesitate to call him because he’s already been interest there? there and I haven’t. He can point me in the right direction if I have any questions. Amy is something else. She and I love teasing each Everybody always says to us, ‘why do you buy off Ron Burke, he’s other. She thinks I’m serious with half the stuff I say but I just love the best in the business?’ But there is a reason why they are the best. getting under her skin and getting her blood boiling. They have the best horses. Greg and Mark [Weaver] have formed a good little friendship. They are both businessmen, so it works out. How are you juggling the larger racing operation and family life? If you could choose any horse in history to train, which horse would it be and why? It is new. Toni came to the barn the other day but I don’t know if she is going to rub much anymore. I think she is going to handle the Probably Somebeachsomewhere because he was a freak of nature. “mom” duties at home and be the barn manager. Skyler is a big help To sit behind a horse of that caliber would be something else. at home and she plans on doing a lot of road trips with me now since we are going to be doing more travelling during the summer. If you weren’t involved in harness racing, what would you be doing? Have you made a lot of trips to New York? I would probably be on the real estate side with my brother learning I was but as the due date got closer I’ve been staying home more. I’m about selling houses and marketing. going to head back out next Tuesday [July 13] with Catch The Fire and make sure all of the boys out there are ready to go. We’ll have The ride continues this weekend with Chief Mate in the four in on Meadowlands Pace night – Captain Kirk, Catch The Fire, Chief Mate and A Fancy Face. Graduate final. What are your hopes for him in that race? At 36, what are your career goals? With him I just hope we draw well. The last few weeks he’s been a lit- tle dull, but he had the 9-hole in an 11-horse field and then the 10-hole I’d love to win a Meadowlands Pace and all the big races. I want to last time. Hopefully Scottie [Zeron] can get him in the mix. Chief compete. I don’t want to go to the big races and be embarrassed. Greg and I went out and bought the horses we did because we want to be a CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

DRF Harness Digest | 14 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Mate is just a funny horse. He’s a one-run horse. If he can stay close and be used for three-eighths of a mile, he can pace with anyone. At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping When you draw the outside with him it is just too hard. Three weeks information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring ago he paced his back three quarters in like 1:199 or 1:20. When they you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to all come home in 26 it is hard to make up ground. watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or You mentioned wanting to win the Meadowlands Pace. Why simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. didn’t you enter Captain’s Place? Thursday, july 8 He just really hasn’t broke loose yet. I changed his bridle and he was ACE a little better than other day at The Meadows. He’s just big and dumb. R 3 I don’t think he is that caliber. I’m trying to save him. He is Kentucky (2) BYE BYE MICHELLE bred and I think a big track will really help him. Once he gets up to slides down a level after speed he can really keep going. He is not a big sprinter, he’s a grinder. finishing a gaining third against NW7500L5 foes a Scott Zeron seems to be your regular driver out east and week ago and should prob- Megan Scran is taking care of your horses in that part of the ably wire this group. country. How did that connection happen? -Greg Reinhart A couple of people out east said she was great at what she does. I went friday, july 9 out there and she has a great operation. We are in contact every day. She’s perfect and loves the horses more than most people. Each one RACE 8 is like her kid. She knows my training schedule well and I don’t have any worries if I can’t make it out there. (1) ART SCAPING couldn’t have hand-picked a better Scott has been really important as well. Sometimes horses can get a field to face tonight. Three- little used to a driver, but Scott has done a great job. He’s had horses year-old sneaks under the in great spots. It’s also an advantage with him because he knows if a top end of the conditions and horse doesn’t feel right that week he won’t push them. has no excuses for failure. -Derick Giwner If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be? RACE 1 The biggest thing recently now that I have more horses, I would like to (4) SILK ROAD SMASH see the same medication rules across states. I think that would really goes for connections that have help everyone. Right now you can use Cortizone here, you can’t use already unveiled a couple of Bute there, you can use Banamine here. It is very hard to keep up with. good rookies and she looks well prepared for this debut. How do you view the future of harness racing? -Garnet Barnsdale I think it is going to get stronger, especially in the state of Ohio. Saturday, july 10 We are breeding so many horses out here. The purse money keeps getting better and I hear the casinos are doing great. I think there is a chance that Ohio can even get sports betting and that would just RACE 8 push everything over the top. (1) AMERICAN COURAGE gets perhaps his final test to What’s the one horse from your barn that no one has heard of stardom here as he visits the yet but six months from now we’ll be talking about? big track for the first time. He is perfect in four starts and he I’m hoping around September it will be my 2-year-old trotting colt should be on the lead or sitting named Hustlenomics [Full Count-Glisten Hanover]. He’s got a lot of behind Perfect Sting in this potential and hopefully he’ll make a name for himself. spot; both prime positions. -Giwner Time for the stretch drive: Best Horse You Ever Saw: The best looking is Captain Kirk. He’s full card analysis / past performances picture-perfect. He’s big, strong and really great-looking. Mohawk Park (THU) Analysis Mohawk Park (FRI) Analysis Lasix – Yes or No?: I prefer it if the horse needs it. Some people don’t like it, but with the amount of speed we have to go now it really Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (SAT) Analysis benefits a horse. Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis Favorite TV Show?: Big Bang Theory.

Trotters or Pacers?: It used to be pacers. Now that I have some DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs really nice trotters…if you get a good trotter there is nothing like it. A Fancy Face is perfect in every way. She is great-gaited, she has a great mouth. She is one-of-a-kind. She may not be like Atlanta and able to go with them, but she gives 100% every time. Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 15 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Bolasci’s Hurrikane Chuck takes aim at Springfield at Yonkers

By Ken Weingartner “He’s a great boy,” said Bolasci, who shares ownership of Hurri- kane Chuck with Jonathan Klee Racing, William Garofalo, and Peter When he was growing up, Justin Bolasci spent a lot of time going to Kleinhans. “He had a great race the other day and we’re excited to the races with his father. Starting at the age of somewhere around 3, watch him develop.” he would accompany him regularly on trips to The Meadowlands, and Hurrikane Chuck was purchased under the name Bandera Buzz whenever his dad cashed a ticket, young Justin got to keep any $1 bills for $21,000 at the Goshen Yearling Sale. In addition to the NYSS and returned with the winnings. Springfield, the colt is eligible to the Kindergarten Classic Series. “I rooted for him to win every race,” Bolasci said with a laugh. “He “Next year, I have him staked a little heavier,” McDermott said. loved the ponies. He loved to bet on the horses, he loved the sport. As “We’re very happy with him so far, he’s a very nice horse. He loves his a little kid growing up, I loved it too.” job. He’s good gaited and everything, but he just never has a bad day. Bolasci’s father always wanted to own a horse, but never did. After He goes out and does it every day and is as pleasant as can be.” his dad passed away two years ago, Bolasci decided he would get Bolasci, a 36-year-old New Jersey resident who still lives near The involved in harness racing as an owner as a tribute to him and fulfill Meadowlands, didn’t get to see his horses in person as often as he that dream. In 2020, he partnered with trainer John McDermott to would have liked last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic but is become co-owner of four horses, and he has added five more this year. thoroughly enjoying his experience as an owner. Among that group is a 2-year-old male pacer competing Friday in “When one of the horses wins, there is no feeling like it,” he said. one of three eliminations of the MGM Springfield Stakes at Yonkers Hurrikane Chuck will start the Springfield elimination from post Raceway. The horse is Hurrikane Chuck, named in memory of Bolas- four with driver Tyler Buter. His elim features two other horses ci’s dad. coming off pari-mutuel wins, Paula Wellwood-trained Wolftrax and “I’m excited,” Bolasci said. “I’m sure he’s watching.” Ron Burke’s River Ness. Wolftrax, the 5-2 second choice from post Hurrikane Chuck, by Huntsville out of All The Buzz, has raced one, captured a conditioned race while River Ness, 7-2 from post eight, twice this season. He finished fourth in a division of the Tompkins- won the Tompkins-Geers division that included Hurrikane Chuck. Geers Stakes in his debut at The Meadowlands on June 19 and won a The 5-2 morning-line favorite in the first elimination is Travis Alex- division of the New York Sire Stakes at Buffalo Raceway on June 30. ander’s Pleaseletmeknow, who debuted with a second-place finish in a The colt is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in the third of the three NYSS division. The 5-2 choice in the second elim is Stretch The Line, $25,000 Springfield eliminations. The first two finishers in each elimi- who is coming off a Landmark Stakes triumph for Erv Miller. nation, plus the two third-place finishers with the fastest individual Racing begins at 7:15 p.m. (EDT) Friday at Yonkers. times in each elimination, return for the final on July 16. -courtesy USTA Communications

Track record falls in New York Sire Stakes dead-heat at Buffalo

The 2-year-old filly pacers in the second $50,400 division of the New Setting splits of 28 4/5, 58 and 1:27 4/5, (Hunts- York Sire Stakes learned a couple of valuable lessons at Buffalo Race- ville-Up Front Kellie Jo) looked in deep trouble turning for home way on Wednesday night (July 7) -- sharing is a good thing. as Lorrie Sue was able to grab about a half-length advantage. But A Girl That Twirls (Chris Lems) and April Angel (Jim Morrill Twenty Grand didn’t waver and stayed strong to pull off the come- Jr.) finished in a dead-heat for the victory and the tandem also had back victory. to share a new track record in doing so as they toured the half mile Co-owned by trainer , Steven Arnold and Mark oval in 1:55 2/5 over the fast track. It eclipsed the old mark of 1:55 3/5 Ford, it was the second victory in three career tries for Twenty established on July 3, 2019 by Fashion Hall (Tyler Buter). Grand. The win upped his bankroll to $33,975. In the other division, Twenty Grand ($2.80) showed she was Liewhentruthwilldo ($4.60) wired the field in 1:57 to collect the worth more than that in beating Symphony Hall by three-quarters victory in the first $15,000 division of the Excelsior A Series. Driven by of a length in 1:56 4/5. Morrill Jr., Liewhentruthwilldo beat Patsville (MacDonald) by 1-1/2 But the talk of the night was the deadlock between A Girl That lengths with Ashlee’s Supreme (Greg Merton) finishing in third. Twirls (American Ideal-Heels On The Beach) and April Angel The other bracket saw a big upset as King Princess (Lems) regis- (American Ideal-Royal Distraction). tered a $25.80 score in 1:57 2/5 over Seahuntsidealbeach (MacDon- “She (A Girl That Twirls) raced phenomenal, especially being on ald) by 2-1/2 lengths. Nadina Hanover rolled in for third place. the outside going around the final turn,” driver Chris Lems said. The $6,300 Excelsior B event, a non-betting affair, had Center “She just kept digging in.” Attention (Denny Bucceri) collect a head decision over Manhunt Jim Morrill Jr., who was in the bike behind April Angel ($3.60) (Kevin Cummings). said, “I didn’t realize it was a track record or a dead-heat. I thought Morrill Jr. and David McNeight III completed the night with maybe (A Girl That Twirls) would bobble a little bit in the stretch triples while Givens and Cassandra Johnson had a training doubles to give us an edge but she kept coming and my horse came back a on the card. bit in the end.” Racing will continue on Friday night at 5 p.m. with a nine-race A Girl That Twirls ($5.60), who entered undefeated in two qualifi- card scheduled. There are just five programs remaining in the 2021 ers, is owned by D Racing Stable and is trained by Deborah Daguet. live racing season. April Angel is co-owned by Nanticoke Racing Inc., Jeremy -edited release (Brian Mazurek for Buffalo) Pentoney and Keesha Givens. She is conditioned by Les Givens. It was her first triumph after a second-place finish in her career debut. In the other bracket, Twenty Grand (Mark MacDonald), after setting the tempo, had to rally and was able to turn back Symphony Girl (Morrill Jr.) and Lorrie Sue (Kevin Cummings). “She’s (Twenty Grand) green so I was glad to see that five (Lorrie Sue) come up alongside and grabbed her attention,” said MacDon- ald after the race. “I took it easy with Twenty Grand around the turns but it was good to come back nice in the stretch.”

DRF Harness Digest | 16 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

Burke, Teague, Gingras, Boring on Hall of Fame ballot Woodbine unveils Standardbred Racing Internship

The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) Hall of Woodbine Entertainment is excited to announce the launch of its Fame Screening Committee is proud to announce an outstanding new Standardbred Racing Internship for the 2021 season at Woodbine slate of candidates for induction into the 2022 Harness Racing Hall of Mohawk Park. Fame. Trainers Ron Burke and George Teague, Jr., along with driver The Standardbred Racing Internship will provide the selected Yannick Gingras, have been placed on the Hall of Fame ballot for this candidates the opportunity to pursue their potential and experience summer’s election. the thrill of horse racing through the day-to-day operations of the This trio was then given a unanimous thumbs-up by four Hall of Racing Department. Fame trustees, who are all members of the Hall of Fame, to finalize the Woodbine will be looking to fill two internship positions. Each process. As well, the committee elected Chris Boring to the Harness selected candidate will spend 16 weeks working in all facets of the Racing Hall of Fame, through the Veterans designation process. Racing Department. The position will introduce the selected candi- READ MORE dates to Standardbred racing and take them through race office management and race night operations. John delong reaches 3,000 career wins The selected candidates will learn and assist in all areas, including the Race Office, Stakes Manager, Bookkeeper, Charter, Placing Judge Driver John DeLong recorded the 3,000th win of his driving career and Paddock operations. after he piloted Parklane Terror to victory in a conditioned pace at Applications for the Standardbred Racing Internship can now be Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Wednesday, July 7. The 1:52 1/5 submitted. To view the posting for the internship, click here. victory marked the third win of the season for the 3-year-old gelded -release (Woodbine) son of Western Terror and a career milestone for the 32-year-old Wisconsin native. Hambletonian beer to be sold at The Meadowlands READ MORE In celebration of the 96th edition of America’s greatest harness NY-sired freshmen trotters compete at Vernon Friday race, the Hambletonian Society, and Ghost Hawk Brewing Company have teamed up to provide fans and guests Vernon Downs will play host to three divisions of the New York Sire with Trotter’s Gold Golden Ale. Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts & geldings on Friday (July The $1 million Hambletonian will be raced Saturday afternoon, 9) with a special post time of 12:00 p.m. Aug. 7 as the finale to the championship meet at the Meadowlands READ MORE Racetrack. Post time is 12 noon. Labeled “Trotters Gold”, the Clifton, NJ based brewery has 5,000 wins for Tony Kerwood produced a crisp and refreshing golden ale with pilsner malt and Simcoe hops with a 4.9% abv. Driver Tony Kerwood achieved a significant milestone in Tuesday Decorated brewmaster Chris Sheehan brewed the ale to be night’s tenth and final race at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack in “perfectly balanced with flavors of cereal grain and citrus fruit. It’ll Minnesota, winning the 5,000th race of his career. pull you over the finish line in the winning time!” READ MORE It will be sold exclusively at the Meadowlands Racetrack starting Friday, July 9th. Muscle Mass fillies sweep OSS Gold at Mohawk The 16oz beer can label features 2020 Hambletonian winner Ramona Hill, the 15th filly in history to win the event. Two-year-old trotting fillies got their star turn at Woodbine Mohawk -edited release (Meadowlands) Park on Tuesday, July 6 and Adare Castle and Elegant Mermaid emerged victorious in their Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series debut. READ MORE letter to the editor - pay to play comments

Favorites prevail in NY Sire Stakes at Saratoga The following is a response to the “pay to play” article written by Derick Giwner in the June 24 issue of DRF Harness Digest: Saratoga Casino Hotel played host to three divisions of the first leg of All this is stopgap nonsense. The only way to revive the sport is to New York Sire Stakes action for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Tuesday infuse new life into it in terms of increasing the fan base. And I’m not afternoon, and Gertrude, Bomb Hugger, and Joviality S were victorious. talking about a 15% increase or anything like that. I’m talking about READ MORE a 1,000% increase. Instead of working for the casinos, the goal should be to put the casinos out of business! Whether this can be done or not Road to the North America Cup - July 6 is hard to say. I have ideas on the subject. We all have ideas on the subject. But the fact is indisputable: casinos, while giving the sport a With the heart of the Grand Circuit season quickly approaching, lifeline, are also slowly choking it to death. The casinos are the enemy, the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings appear poised to provide great not the friend. That needs to be understood before it is even possible entertainment for racing fans in Ontario and across North America. for this sport to grow back into something that is self-sustaining and Woodbine’s Mark McKelvie has released his latest rankings of the even thriving. top Pepsi North America Cup eligible horses following an eventful To address your real question, I think the new proposal would weekend in harness racing. benefit the guys with the very big stables the most, and the guys who READ MORE own a lot of horses. Because if I understand the proposal right, they can reserve slots without naming which horses they intend to race in Eliminations drawn for MGM Springfield Stakes those slots. If you have one or two horses, that would be very risky. But if you have hundreds like Burke, you can reserve all the slots you The Grand Circuit will be back at Yonkers Raceway again on Friday want, not even knowing which particular horses will fill them, but night (June 9), as a trio of $25,000 eliminations of the MGM Springfield knowing with certainty that you will indeed fill them without any Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will take place in races problem---and fill them with very sharp and high-quality animals, six through eight on the program. one way or another. READ MORE -Geoffrey Coleman

DRF Harness Digest | 17 | July 8, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness