Mccarthy Seeks First Hambletonian Win

DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 McCarthy seeks first Hambletonian win

In just his second appearance in the Hambletonian final, driver Andrew McCarthy has the chance to make history with filly Ramona Hill

By Derick Giwner

Growing up in Australia it was impossible for Andrew McCarthy to imagine one day driving the favorite in the Hambletonian. On Saturday (Aug. 8), the 34-year-old driver will do just that when he takes a seat behind Inside this issue the filly Ramona Hill in the $1,000,000 final carded as race 11 on a 16-race stakes-filled Hambletonian past performances and Meadowlands program. commentary, Page 4 “You dream of something like that because it is an iconic race,” said McCarthy, who has Rick Zeron brings a pair with big upside been competing in North America since 2007 to Hambo Day, Page 5 and raced in the Hambletonian final for the first time in 2019 when he was seventh with Dancin Lou looks to follow in his sire’s Pilot Discretion. “For the first few years I was hoofprints in Sam McKee, Page 7 working as a groom and driving a little bit for Noel Daley. I started racing full time in 2009 spot. That is when McCarthy pulled the right Gimpanzee ready for test against older on the Pocono/Chester circuit. Then I eventu- line and showed her daylight. The response in Cashman Memorial, Page 9 ally decided to make the move to The Meadow- was instant and the acceleration was explo- lands (2014) because I thought there would be sive. Ramona Hill charged home in 25 4/5 Hambletonian Day full-card staff a spot for me. Back in 2009/2010, there really to win going away as McCarthy sat almost selections and analysis, Page 11 weren’t too many spots. There were 12 Hall of motionless in the bike. Fame drivers sitting around. I think I timed it “Just after the head of the stretch,” said Bob Marks: Thoughts on stallion pretty good.” McCarthy when asked when he knew he was productivity, Page 15 Off a Dan Patch Award-winning season in a winner. “I got her trotting the way I wanted 2019 as a 2-year-old for owners Brad Grant, her to trot. Then I looked up and kind of On The Backstretch: Profile of owner Crawford Farms Racing, Robert Leblanc and In sensed Scottie Zeron’s horse’s (Back Of The Bob Key, Page 16 The Gym Partners, expectations were no doubt Neck) body language on the front. After I high coming into the year for Ramona Hill. straightened her up, I felt like she had a good Handicapping best bets and Hambo The Tony Alagna-trained filly was third in the shot at catching him.” Day video analysis, Page 19 Reynolds from an outside post to start her year For those looking to pick holes in what looks Industry Headlines, Page 20 on July 11, and despite her credentials, went like the fastest horse in the Hambletonian, off at 8-1 the following week in the $253,500 Del the most obvious flaw, if you can call it that, is Comments? Questions? Miller, where she blasted down the road in 1:50 Ramona Hill’s somewhat odd gait. Despite the Email the Editor [email protected] 3/5 for the win. The final clocking stands as the minor imperfection, the daughter of Muscle second fastest of 2020 for 3-year-old trotters. Hill-Lock Down Lindy has never made a Entering last week’s Hambletonian elimina- break in her 10-race career. To ensure proper delivery tions the public got on board, making Ramona “She must look a little worse than she feels,” of the newsletter via Hill the 6-5 choice to win. She responded by joked McCarthy. “I’m sure there are probably a email, add [email protected]. coming away next to last in the field of eight lot of trotters that might look a little funny trot- com to your contact list and was positioned in eighth at three-quar- ting home in 25 4/5. I have all the confidence in ters stuck behind poor cover in an impossible CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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$75,000 G $100,000 G $50,000 G $50,000 G CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the world in her and as far as her gait goes, I think she has a terrific gait. It is a very fast gait. She reaches and gets across the ground good. To me it feels like a strong gait.” Her elimination win afforded her the luxury of a good post position in the final. She’ll start in the middle of the gate from post five, which will leave McCarthy with an early decision of whether to ask for speed at the start or let the dust settle as other vie for the front. According to the driver, he’s going in with a clean slate. “I have no thoughts on strategy,” said McCarthy, who added that he’ll play it by ear behind the gate. “The Meadowlands is different than other tracks and you can’t really go in with a Plan A and a Plan B. I’ve always found that you should look at the form (program) and get an idea of what you think everyone is going to do, but a lot of the times it doesn’t work like that and you need to have an open mind. “I’m very confident. I know I have the best horse in the race and I just have to make sure she’s in position to get the job done.” The horses McCarthy will certainly be keeping an eye on as the gate unfolds at about 4:40 PM are fellow elimination winner Ready Derick Giwner For Moni (post one) and elim runner-ups Back Of The Neck (post two) Ramona Hill starts from post 5 with Andrew McCarthy in and Threefiftytwo (post six). Saturday’s Hambletonian. Ready For Moni is perfect in two starts this year. Prior to the Hamble- tonian elimination, he won the Stanley Dancer at The Meadowlands for favoritism status on Saturday. the team of driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Nancy Takter. Back “I never even asked her to trot,” said McCarthy about the Brett Bittle Of The Neck has two wins and two seconds in four 2020 starts. He led trainee. “She’s an extremely fast filly. She’s been doing everything we’ve by more than two lengths in last week’s elimination before getting run asked of her so far. Brett wanted to teach her that way, from off the pace, down by Ramona Hill. Two-time Hambo champion Scott Zeron drives and let her come home. She seems to really like it, but I’m sure she is for trainer Ake Svanstedt, who won the marquee race in 2017. Threefif- versatile and we can race her any way we wanted. So far she’s been tytwo flashed speed at both ends of his elimination effort and goes out terrific and I think she has a really good shot to win the Jim Doherty.” for 2019 Hambletonian-winning trainer Luc Blais. Dan Dube picks up McCarthy also drives his share of pacers in rich stakes on the the drive with Zeron choosing Back of The Neck. Hambo Day card, including Capt Midnight in the $273,125 Cane Pace. The 10-horse Hambletonian final is the anchor leg of a $100,000 Despite a disappointing sixth-place finish in the $375,000 Adios at Guaranteed Pick 4 that includes the $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks for The Meadows last Saturday and finishing eighth in the Meadowlands 3-year-old filly trotters in race 9. Twelve sophomores will go behind Pace two weeks prior, the driver hasn’t lost confidence in the Tony the gate in that trotting classic, with Hypnotic Am, who starts in the Alagna-trained colt. second tier from post 12, listed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. “It was a bit of a start/stop type of race in the Adios at The Meadows. While McCarthy said they only card one or two trotting races a week It wasn’t an ideal trip for him. He’s a big horse with a big gait and I had in his homeland, he’s become quite proficient behind the diagonally to check him in the last turn,” said McCarthy about Capt Midnight’s gaited crew on these shores. In addition to driving Ramona Hill in the most recent effort. “His first start back this year was terrific and then Hambletonian, he sits behind another major contender in the $350,300 I got parked every step in his second start. In The Meadowlands Pace I Jim Doherty Memorial final (race 6) for 2-year-old filly trotters. was going to finish in the money, but had a little trouble in the last turn. Despite dealing with a breaker while sitting sixth just after three- “I think he is a top colt and can go with the top colts. It just hasn’t quarters, Darlene Hanover delivered a Ramona Hill-esque rally in worked out that way yet.” the stretch to sweep by the field and power clear to a very easy 1:54 4/5 The Saturday action at The Meadowlands kicks off at noon and win for McCarthy. The impressive performance will no doubt lower features multiple guaranteed wagers including a mandatory payout her off-time odds from 12-1 outsider in her elimination to potential of the Jackpot Hi-5 in race 14. The carryover sits at $109,280.

Hambletonian Day Schedule & Wagering Menu POST TIME RACE # PURSE CONDITIONS WAGERING MENU 12:00 1 $17,000 Non-winners $20,000 in last 5 WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Double, Pick 6 12:21 2 $90,525 Shady Daisy - 3yo Filly Pace WP, EX, TRI, Pick 3 12:45 3 $166,550 John Steele - FFA Mare Trot WP, EX, TRI, Super, $75K GTD Pick 5 1:07 4 $30,000 Continentalvictory - 3yo Filly Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 1:30 5 $50,000 Muscle Hill - 3yo Colt Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 1:55 6 $350,300 Jim Doherty Final - 2yo Filly Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 2:25 7 $229,660 Sam McKee - FFA Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 3:00 8 $319,000 Peter Haughton Final - 2yo Colt Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, $100K GTD Pick 4 3:30 9 $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks Final - 3yo Filly Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 4:00 10 $291,350 John Cashman - FFA Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 4:35 11 $1,000,000 Hambletonian Final - 3yo Open Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, $50K GTD Pick 5 5:00 12 $25,000 Vincennes - Preferred Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 5:23 13 $273,125 Cane Pace - 3yo Open Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, $50K GTD Pick 4 5:48 14 $61,540 Sam McKee - FFA Pace Consolation WPS, EX, TRI, Super, *$109,280 C/O Jackpot Hi-5 6:09 15 $177,100 Lady Liberty - FFA Mare Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Double 6:38 16 $12,000 Non-winners $10,000 in last 5 WPS, EX, TRI, Super *Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5

DRF Harness Weekend | 3 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Floated away easily into fourth, moved uncovered at three-eighths, rushed to the top at the half and held sway when asked for speed. DERICK GIWNER ANALYSIS: He was clearly best in his elimination and if you take that at face value, he’s at worse the second-fastest horse in the race. If you assume others may improve, he has to as well, and you’ll only get about 2-1 at post time. Driver Yannick Gingras certainly deserves the win here and he’ll have to earn it as tactics will be key with a number of horses leaving to his outside.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Quarter-moved and went comfortable fractions for the class but simply wasn’t fast enough late to hold off Ramona Hill. GIWNER ANALYSIS: The son of Ready Cash actually improved in his elimination in terms of time compared to recent races, equaling his fastest career mile (1:51 2/5) set on June 27. With the forecast on Saturday set at mid-80s and sunny skies, he’ll need to find another second to win the final. That said, another line of thinking is that the colt got a bit lonely on the lead and stopped racing when up by multiple lengths in the stretch. It is worth noting that driver Scott Zeron already has a pair of Hambletonian wins in his pocket.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: You won’t see it on his charted line, but this guy left strong from the gate and was actually parked most of the opening quarter before ducking in fifth. He gained spots on the inside into third and was all out up the cones while out-finished by multiple horses.GIWNER ANALYSIS: One of three Marcus Melander trainees in the field, he’s an honest horse who shows up with a steady effort each week, but nothing from his 2020 performances shows a horse that is likely to win on Saturday without plenty of luck. A minor award seems to be his ceiling.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Colt made the top easily enough and quickly gave way to Back of The Neck. He gapped the pocket around the final turn and was passed by two horses in the stretch. GIWNER ANALYSIS: Julie Miller trainee appeared to have a big engine as a 2-year-old but really hasn’t developed into a faster horse over the winter. He possesses big early speed that will serve him well to gain positioning, which is a plus. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem to be fast enough to win.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Filly had to abort a leave attempt, was stuck behind bad cover on the final turn, swung wide and uncorked an unfathomable 25 4/5 final quarter to win unasked. GIWNER ANALYSIS: If you were a doubter of this Tony Alagna trainee going into the eliminations, certainly her sparkling finish changed your mind. She looks to be the fastest in the field and has displayed the versatility to win from any spot. The only slight blemish might be her less than perfect gait. She’s the one to beat.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Was fast off the gate to make the lead entering the first turn, yielded into the pocket just past the three-eighths, slipped off the cones behind cover at three quarters and rallied willingly for second. GIWNER ANALYSIS: If you view the glass as half-empty, he had a smooth trip and couldn’t beat Ready For Moni. If you view it as half-full, he showed good speed at both ends of the mile and could be a horse to watch after posting his fastest career mile. Son of 2013 Hambletonian winner Royalty For Life goes out for last year’s winning trainer Luc Blais and looks like a clear contender but loses driver Zeron to Back Of The Neck.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: He left well to secure position and ultimately wound up fourth on the inside after a shuffle. When clear up the pylons in the stretch, he closed steadily in the co-fastest mile of his life. GIWNER ANALYSIS: The good news is this Cantab Hall colt has some early speed and rarely throws in a bad race. On the negative side is that he hasn’t shown the overall speed necessary to win.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: He was looped away from the gate and never saw the pylons during the mile. While the colt had a chance at brief cover, for the most part he went a mile on the rim with no escort and actually held his ground reasonably well considering. GIWNER ANALYSIS: Muscle Hill colt brought a perfect 2020 record into the eliminations and was 100% done in by a bad trip. That’s not to say he would’ve won with a clean journey, but you can at the very least draw a line through that mile. It’s hard to say how much more this guy has in the tank and whether his young regular driver can get it out of him. He remains a question mark with upside.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Filly pulled before the quarter and brushed to the front before giving way to Ready For Moni. She had every chance in the stretch and didn’t accelerate. GIWNER ANALYSIS: She just didn’t look like the same horse that won the Geers on July 25. It’s possible she could rebound here, but maybe the loss of Lasix hurt. Outside post and other early speed to her inside is a definite issue.

ELIMINATION TRIP NOTES: Was quickly settled down along the cones, picked up less than desirable cover at the half, tipped in the lane and was steady. GIWNER ANALYSIS: There was nothing remarkable about his elimination effort but nothing really bad about it, either. The son of Father Patrick didn’t exactly appear keyed up for the race of his life. Will he be this week? Will it matter from post 10? He’s not the worst stab in the field if you want a longshot, but post 10 has the lowest win percentage at just 4.8%.

DRF Harness Weekend | 4 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Zeron brings a pair with big upside to Hambletonian Day

jaywalking By Jay Bergman BergmanJay

Two years ago, when trainer Rick Zeron showed up in East Ruth- erford at this time of year, it was to make history with the brilliant Atlanta and capture the Hambletonian. Zeron campaigns most of the time in Ontario but now has 18 horses stabled at Mark Ford’s training center in New York, and that has allowed him to campaign in the Tri- State area with a host of potential star talent. Primary to Saturday’s Hambletonian Day, Zeron emerged with a pair of contenders for big-money events, with Solsbury Hill, a Muscle Hill-sired filly hoping for an upset in the $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks, and the surprising Plumville Prince, who emerged from last Saturday’s lone Peter Haughton trial with a victory and prime placement in Saturday’s lucrative final. Lisa Photo Rick Zeron was at Woodbine Mohawk Park last Friday night when Plumville Prince charged home to win the Peter Haughton his son Scott guided Plumville Prince to a victory that in early stretch elimination last Friday at The Meadowlands. had all the appearances of a potential disaster. Scott had chosen an inside path with the Father Patrick-sired colt and for a moment he seemed in danger of a collision when Caruso, driven by David Miller on what you do it for,” said Zeorn. “You try to find the right mare and the the lead, started drifting into his path. Was the elder Zeron concerned? right sire and put them together to get a horse like this to be in major “I’m never worried when Scott is driving,” said Zeron, most confi- stakes. This is what it’s all about.” dently. “Scottie said that when he started to go, Andy’s horse (Vener- Charles Receski is co-owner and breeder of Plumville Prince. ate) was drifting out and there was plenty of room, but then David’s Solsbury Hill finished third behind Hypnotic AM in a prep race for horse started drifting too.” Needless to say the younger Zeron and the Saturday’s Hambletonian Oaks and drew post nine in the field of 12, very professional Plumville Prince managed to keep their composure yet that’s far from a reason to count her out. and navigate a small hole into a 1:54 2/5 maiden-breaking triumph. “She’s like Atlanta in some respects,” said Zeron. “By that I mean Plumville Prince entered the Haughton trial following just two races, she is best when we give her some time between starts.” Solsbury Hill but the progression gave both Zerons enormous confidence. “In his first had a month between starts before surprising Hambo-finalist Sister start he got a little sideways behind the gate and wouldn’t settle,” said the Sledge in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Harrah’s Philadelphia on elder Zeron, explaining the break in stride in his July 14 debut at Pocono. July 15. The 1:52 4/5 victory was a career best and certainly gave his Six days later, Plumville Prince returned to make his Pennsylvania Sire connections the confidence to take the next step. Stakes debut and finished well back of record-setting Captain Corey in Zeron said that Solsbury Hill was a bit of a handful as a 2-year-old second, but was powerful in his own regard trotting his mile in 1:55. but has matured and is easier to control. The filly did make a break While many of the 2-year-olds entered last Friday in the major in stride in her first sophomore start. “That was driver error,” said stakes eliminations were acting their age, Plumville Prince was Zeron. “I let her go too quickly and she went to pacing.” extremely professional from the start. “Scott wanted him to get away While seeming somewhat overmatched in last Saturday’s prep race, close (only the top 7 finishers qualified) and so he put him in a good the Oaks final, with a dozen horses, may set up as more of a driver’s race spot early,” said Rick Zeron. Once again the slow fractions didn’t seem and a horse with the manners and speed of Solsbury Hill could shine. to stymie Plumville Prince, who appeared full of himself and just Rick Zeron is not someone to shy away from the big stage and there waiting for his driver’s cue. The win assured the colt prime placement is none bigger than this Saturday’s Hambletonian Day at The Mead- in the final after starting from post eight in Friday’s elimination. owlands. His talent may have been doubted by some in the late days Perhaps an elimination win was long overdue for owner and breeder of 2018, but it is clear with the caliber of horse he’s bringing to East Thomas Brice, who has remained loyal to this maternal family and has Rutherford that he knows how to prepare a charge and bring the best been this route before. In 2008, Dover Miss, the first foal of Miss Athens out of them when it matters. and half-sister to the dam of Plumville Prince, won her Merrie Anna- Of course, like most trainers, Zeron wants to be a perfectionist, yet belle (now Jim Doherty) elimination only to finish second in the final. is quick to admit if he’s made a mistake. “I’ve got a really nice filly In 2012, Major Athens, who would go on to be the richest foal from the named Eliza B that I should have entered in the Doherty,” Zeron said dam, captured his elimination of the Peter Haughton at The Meadow- last Saturday. “I had to make a decision whether to race her in the lands but then came back with a sixth-place finish in the final. Sire Stakes (Batavia August 2) and I went there.” Rick Zeron appreciates the patience Thomas Brice and his wife Eliza B raced impressively at Batavia, cutting the mile and finish- Priscilla have had and hopes he can help them realize the champion ing second behind potential standout Destined To Dance in a 1:59 1/5 they have been seeking for all these years. clocking over the half-mile oval. Of course in hindsight, with many of “They’re great people,” said Zeron of the Brices. “I met them a few the Doherty juveniles making breaks, Eliza B, a Chapter Seven-sired years ago and they’re in the furniture business in Plumville (Pennsyl- filly, could have qualified for the final. vania). They spend their winters in Florida near Sunshine Meadows Confidence is a major part of trotting success and Rick Zeron is where we train, so they get to see the horses all the time.” quite confident in his horses and extremely confident in his son’s abil- Zeron knows what it means to a breeder to reach this point. “This is ity to navigate the best path to success on the racetrack.

DRF Harness Weekend | 5 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness 95th Anniversary Hambletonian Champagne

"Serious opulence and ﬁnesse[...] ripe, red-berried fruit and 95 self-evident expertise.” ‘Lou’ looks to follow in his sire’s hoofprints in Sam McKee

By Greg Reinhart Not every crop, because I don’t One of the 10 straight victories Sweet Lou had during his tour de think every crop force run through the Free-For-All pacing ranks in 2014 came on is equal, but the Hambletonian Day in the United States Pacing Championship. On great crops, the Saturday, his son Dancin Lou will look to do the same thing as he horses out of those starts from post two in the $229,660 Sam McKee Memorial. crops can compete Even though four of his top five earners are males, as a sire Sweet i m m e d i a t e l y,” Lou has been best-known for the brilliant filly Warrawee Ubeaut. Now Bowden said. Dancin Lou has given him a signature colt to add to her, as he’s paired “Sweet Lou’s crop his late-season prosperity a year ago that saw him win the Breeders was one of those Crown with a strong start to his 4-year-old campaign, highlighted by crops. When they a 1:47 2/5 career-best mile in his W.R. Haughton Memorial triumph all became 4-year- on July 18. Sweet Lou stands at Diamond Creek Farm, and according olds, they domi- to owner and general manager Adam Bowden, Dancin Lou’s success nated, and it looks gives Sweet Lou a real notch on his belt going forward. like this group of “I think for a long time Sweet Lou’s flagship horse was Warrawee 4-year-olds right Ubeaut, which is great. She was a fantastic 2-year-old and 3-year-old, now is going to be winning both Breeders Crowns, but a colt somehow makes a stallion, able to compete like they can hang their hat on that one colt,” remarked Bowden. immediately with “Captaintreacherous was that for Somebeachsomewhere in the first the older horses. crop, and to have a horse like Dancin Lou, who won the Breeders “Dancin Lou Crown at 3 and then came back to be competitive immediately, not won the Haugh- only against the 4-year-olds but against the older horses when he won ton, Hurrikane the Haughton, that’s huge. Emperor won “Coming into the Sam McKee Memorial, it’s feather-in-the-cap type the Graduate in stuff for Sweet Lou, which is great. We were at the Meadowlands this 47 flat and our Derick Giwner past weekend and watched him tune up for the race, and he looked other colt Workin Dancin Lou looks to build on his Haughton awfully good doing it.” Ona Mystery was win in Saturday’s Sam McKee Memorial on While Dancin Lou didn’t have the same type of precocious, wicked second that night. the Hambletonian Day card. early speed that Sweet Lou did as a 2-year-old, he’s obviously gotten Century Farroh faster as his career has progressed, and he has displayed a great deal was second after making a couple moves to Dancin Lou. It’s a hell of of toughness in his races this season, overcoming rough trips to finish a group right now.” third in the Graduate Series final and then to take the Haughton final. While the winner’s share of the purse wouldn’t quite get Dancin Bowden recalled Sweet Lou having that gameness in him as well. Lou to the million-dollar plateau in career earnings, he is quickly “Sweet Lou was one of those pure speed type horses right from the approaching that mark. When he does get there, Bowden explained beginning. It seemed like Dancin Lou took a while to get there, but that he will likely reach a new level of interest from the breeding side maybe now he has that ability to make a couple of different moves,” of the industry. Bowden commented. “I think one of the things about Sweet Lou is that “Money is still important. When we’re talking our stallions up to he did a lot of that on his own, and if you listen to those old interviews, the small breeders, one of the major questions is ‘what did he earn on he didn’t really want to be asked. He gave you 100 percent every single the track?,’ and we feel like that million-dollar barrier is this magi- time. I’m not sure that this colt is the same way, but he easily could cal number that once they get over a million dollars, and they’ve be. He looks like he’s definitely got the ability to leave hard, make a won prestigious races, it makes it like, ‘okay, this is a horse that I feel couple moves, and he’s clearly a tough horse as well, just maybe in a comfortable breeding to,’” Bowden stated. “Once he crosses that, then different way.” I think you can start thinking he can stand somewhere. Where that Dancin Lou is one of five 4-year-olds that will compete in the Sam is, I can’t tell you, but yes, I do believe once they cross that threshold McKee Memorial, and while racing in the age-restricted Graduate they become a stallion candidate.” Series has seemed to help those horses make the transition before While those days likely lie ahead for Dancin Lou, for now, another they tackle their elders, Bowden noted that this group appears to have chance to win a major stakes event is coming up on Saturday after- the same type of talent as the one that included Sweet Lou when he noon at the Meadowlands. The Sam McKee Memorial is race seven on was a 4-year-old. the jam-packed Hambletonian Day program, and the estimated post “I believe a good 4-year-old can compete against the older horses. time is 2:25 P.M.

DRF Harness Weekend | 7 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness June10_HambletonianSoc_FullPageTemp.qxd 7/17/2020 8:45 AM Page 1

THE GREATEST DAY IN HARNESS RACING $1.2 Million Hambletonian & $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks

Saturday, August 8, 2020 Elimination heats will race on Saturday, August 1

Streaming live on the Hambletonian Facebook page

Delayed Broadcast 6:00-7:00 p.m. EDT

For Hambletonian and Breeders Crown merchandise visit our store at www.hambletonianshop.com For more information visit playmeadowlands.com or www.hambletonian.com Michael Lisa/Lisa Photo Gimpanzee ready for his test against older foes in Cashman

By Jay Bergman

Trainer Marcus Melander harkened back to last year’s TVG Final at The Meadowlands where his multi-Breeders Crown champion Gimpanzee went up against the top aged performers. “He was only about a length behind them at the finish,” Melander said of the race that saw Gimpanzee finish fourth behind notables Six Pack, Manchego and Guardian Angel As. As luck would have it, only Guard- ian Angel As has drawn into Saturday’s $291,350 John Cashman Memorial for Open trotters at The Meadowlands. The big question for Gimpanzee, unde- feated in four starts heading into the Cashman, is whether he’s ready to tackle older foes and do so while not blemishing his perfect record. “He’s developed a lot physically between 3 and 4. I think he’s ready to take on older horses. We’re already in August,” said Melander, referring to the calendar that Derick Giwner gives his star some extra seasoning. Thus Gimpanzee was an impressive winner last time out in the Hambletonian Maturity. far in 2020 Gimpanzee has been impressive, capturing the Graduate Series final and then overcoming post 13 to score in the rich Hambletonian Matu- behind rival Manchego in the record-setting Spirit Of Massachusetts rity. Both races at The Meadowlands showed the versatility of the two weeks ago. 4-year-old by Chapter Seven. In the Graduate, he used early speed to Guardian Angel As won at The Meadowlands in 1:50 1/5 in June gain control of the issue and never looked back with a 1:50 4/5 mile for but has since missed time for trainer Anette Lorentzon. He looked driver Brian Sears. In the $464,900 Hambletonian Maturity, he will- fresh and fit winning a qualifier last Friday at The Meadowlands and ingly raced from well off the pace in the mile-and-one-eighth contest certainly looks formidable from post four in this field. and then overpowered his rivals in the final eighth, winning by open “It will be a tough race for sure,” said Melander, wary of the power lengths. on the inside part of the field, yet confident in the horse and the driver. “I didn’t want to race him three weeks in a row,” said Melander in “I think Brian (Sears) can do whatever he has to do to get him close response to why he didn’t send Gimpanzee to Plainridge for the Spirit to the lead in this field. Gimpanzee is as good following as he is on the of Massachusetts. “I was thinking about getting him a race last week lead.” but I didn’t want him to have to start from post 10.” Nevertheless, There is tremendous depth to this year’s Cashman, as the field not Melander is both comfortable and confident that Gimpanzee will be at only includes two of last year’s combatants in Marion Marauder and the top of his game when he meets two former Hambletonian winners Guardian Angel As, but also the 2019 upset winner Crystal Fash- in the Cashman. ion, who overcame post seven for driver David Miller to post an 8-1 First and foremost for Gimpanzee is getting position from post surprise. This year Crystal Fashion landed post 11 and will have seven in a field of 11 horses while having to deal with Atlanta (post Jordan Stratton in the bike. The 5-year-old with $1.7 million banked 2) and the aforementioned Guardian Angel As (post 4). In between during his career has won just once in five trips this year but is always those two standouts is the rugged veteran and Triple Crown cham- dangerous with his tactical speed. pion Marion Marauder. Last week Marion Marauder tuned up for this Trainer Ake Svanstedt has two in the field, with last year’s Beal contest with a 1:50 2/5 overland victory, the fastest of his illustrious winner Marseille (post 1) and Soul Strong (post 5), a pair of 4-year- $3.3 million-winning career. olds that are improving. Don’t Let’em is another 4-year-old worth Favoritism will likely go to the 2018 Hambletonian champion Atlanta, mentioning as the Muscle Hill-sired horse has shown wicked speed as the daughter of Chapter Seven returns to the Meadowlands where when he keeps his gait under control. Jimmy Takter drives Don’t she’s already captured the Cutler Memorial this year in a sparkling Let’em from post eight. Rounding out the field for the Cashman, race 1:50 1/5 mile. Atlanta’s career bank account moved north of $2 million 10 of 16 on Saturday’s program, is Lindy The Great (post 6), Run Direc- along the way and she hopes to bounce back from a second-place finish tor (post 9) and Pikachu Hanover (post 10).

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DRF Harness Weekend | 9 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

HAMBLETONIAN DAY HANDICAPPING Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Race 6 $17,000 $90,525 $166,550 $30,000 $50,000 $350,300 NW $20,000 L5 Shady Daisy John Steele Mem. Continentalvictory Muscle Hill Jim Doherty Mem.

(5) ANGERS BAYAMA (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO is (9) CAVIART EVA (6) BEADS faces (4) MATERIAL GIRL always looked like ME stands out here simply too good for recorded the fastest easier and gets the looks like Tetrick’s the winner last week and will be tough to these. mark of any of these driver change to choice over #6; slight in this class. A repeat beat at odds-on. here last start and Gingras. He should nod in a very tough (3) WHEN DOVESCRY looms. post 9 should help be tough here. race. (5) LADY LOU (2) PLUNGE BLUE her price. (7) SPRINGSTEEN (7) PATRIARCH (5) DARLENE (4) PEAKY SNEAKY CHIP (8) SANS DEFAULT HANOVER HANOVER (1) IDEAL FEELING GARNET (3) LINDY’S (9) JULA TRIX (6) MAZZARATI BARNSDALE STARDUST TREASURE

(7) SPRINGSTEEN (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO (3) LINDY’S (7) PATRIARCH (5) DARLENE will only benefit from ME can outsprint any is just too fast for STARDUST has HANOVER is a big HANOVER has racing back-to-back of these no matter these. shown promise from horse that may just manners and high weeks. the trip. limited starts and thrive on the mile speed beyond the (1) PRINCESS DEO may be ready to oval. rest of these. (5) ANGERS BAYAMA (4) PEAKY SNEAKY (2) PLUNGE BLUE surprise. (4) BEYOND KRONOS (4) MATERIAL GIRL (6) ANA AFREET N (5) LADY LOU CHIP (8) SANS DEFAUT (9) JULA TRIX (3) HOT AS HILL JAY (6) DIP ME HANOVER TREASURE BERGMAN

(5) ANGERS BAYAMA (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO is the (6) DIP ME (6) BEADS comes (5) DARLENE finds a tough field ME should take best trotting mare in HANOVER had more off a strange Hambo HANOVER posted but early speed rules charge in this short the country. late life recently; elim. Yannick drives a very impressive on Hambo Day. field. tough race. now and will gun elim; early speed this (3) WHEN DOVESCRY to top. week. (7) SPRINGSTEEN (4) PEAKY SNEAKY (3) LINDY’S (2) PLUNGE BLUE STARDUST (8) CHESNUT HILL (10) ALTAR (1) IDEAL FEELING (5) LADY LOU CHIP (8) SANS DEFAUT (7) PATRIARCH (4) MATERIAL GIRL DERICK HANOVER GIWNER

(5) ANGERS BAYAMA (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO (8) SANS DEFAUT (6) BEADS had a (1) MAY KARP enters off two ME doesn’t have to avoids Atlanta today comes in off two no-chance trip in probably needs a brilliant wins, with race any of the other and was amazingly strong wins in Penn- his Hambo elim. more patient drive the most recent top fillies here and good last time out at sylvania and gets to Switches pilots to today, but I like her consistency and that coming in this class. looks like a standout Plainridge. stretch out on the Yannick and I’m hop- she’s had her races mile track today. ing he gets sent. (1) IDEAL FEELING (4) PEAKY SNEAKY (3) WHEN DOVESCRY spaced out. (3) LINDY’S (8) CHESTNUT HILL (7) SPRINGSTEEN (5) LADY LOU (2) PLUNGE BLUE (5) DARLENE STARDUST GREG CHIP (7) PATRIARCH HANOVER REINHART (6) DIP ME HANOVER HANOVER (3) HOT AS HILL

(7) SPRINGSTEEN (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO (8) SANS DEFAUT (6) BEADS gets (3) HOT AS HILL looks like he’s got ME filly looks to faces a legit test filly has been ultra- Gingras today after Bongiorno handles his mind back on make it four straight today but is still best. consistent in PA it looks like Takter her well and she business. in 2020. stakes action. taught him some lands a good post. (3) WHEN DOVESCRY manners. (5) ANGERS BAYAMA (4) PEAKY SNEAKY (2) FASHION (10) ALTAR (2) PLUNGE BLUE CHARMER (5) PAULIE WALNUTS (9) ESCAPETOTHE- (5) LADY LOU CHIP (6) MAZZARATI BEACH (6) DIP ME HANOVER (4) BEYOND KRONOS MATT ROSE

(7) SPRINGSTEEN (3) REFLECT WITH (5) MANCHEGO is (8) SANS DEFAULT (6) BEADS seems like (4) MATERIAL GIRL is expected to be a ME won’t offer the the queen of this has beaten better he is the best in here. was Tetrick’s choice Free-For-All pacer in price we got Pace group until proven fields than this That plus the driver and exits what clearly the near future. night, but she’s the otherwise. recently. She looks change will equate to looked like the better best in this short quite imposing. a short price. elimination. Looks (1) IDEAL FEELING (3) WHEN DOVESCRY field. solid. (9) CAVIART EVA (8) CHESTNUT HILL (5) ANGERS BAYAMA (2) PLUNGE BLUE (4) PEAKY SNEAKY (5) DARLENE CHIP (6) DIP ME HANOVER (5) PAULIE WALNUTS HANOVER DARIN (2) NEW YEAR ZOCCALI (9) INEFFABLE

DRF Harness Weekend | 11 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN DAY HANDICAPPING Race 7 Race 8 Race 9 Race 10 Race 11 $229,660 $319,000 $600,000 $291,350 $1,000,000 Sam McKee Mem. Peter Haughton Mem. Hambletonian Oaks John Cashman Mem. Hambletonian

(3) HURRIKANE (5) LOCATELLI N posted a (7) SORELLA’s price (7) GIMPANZEE has been (2) BACK OF THE NECK EMPEROR could get a big mile from the 10-hole goes up here and she is outstanding this year and races better off a helmet similar trip as he did in in elim; packs 1/2 of a capable. Time off may I don’t see him getting and Scotty Z has had the Graduate Final win strong Takter 1-2 punch. have been good for her. beat here. great success in this race; here. upset play. (1) PLUMVILLE PRICE (12) HYPNOTIC AM (2) ATLANTA (2) DANCIN LOU (5) RAMONA HILL (4) TYPE A (2) NEXT LEVEL STUFF (3) MARION MARAUDER (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (1) READY FOR MONI GARNET BARNSDALE

(8) BETTOR’S WISH was (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE (2) NEXT LEVEL STUFF (2) ATLANTA should (5) RAMONA HILL is better than expected in appears to be the was a bit hot in last. assert her class from this electric off the starting first Lasix try. complete package for the Filly has been ultra- spot. car and will make no Zerons. impressive this year and mistakes for seven (2) DANCIN LOU (7) GIMPANZEE is in top hands. figures. (4) TYPE A (3) HURRIKANE (11) CRYSTAL FASHION (12) HYPNOTIC AM (2) BACK OF THE NECK EMPEROR (2) VENERATE (11) PANEM (10) AMIGO VOLO JAY BERGMAN

(2) DANCIN LOU is able (4) TYPE A is fast away (7) SORELLA gets a great (4) GUARDIAN ANGEL AS (2) BACK OF THE NECK to take a lickin’ and keep but can back down too; spot to dictate the race finds the perfect post to will be a fair price; hoping on tickin’. good spacing of races. with others in second- take charge and sit no for a cover trip. tier. worse than second. (3) HURRIKANE (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE (5) RAMONA HILL EMPEROR (3) REBA BLUE CHIP (7) GIMPANZEE (7) MOONSTONE S (6) THREEFIFTYTWO (8) BETTOR’S WISH (4) MAY BABY (2) ATLANTA DERICK GIWNER

(8) BETTOR’S WISH goes (2) VENERATE faded after (12) HYPNOTIC AM will (7) GIMPANZEE meets (2) BACK OF THE NECK second-time Lasix today being used multiple times get into the race as she’ll his toughest test thus far, got lonely on the lead and probably needed last in the elim. I’ll bank on a be behind Next Level but a win would keep him in his elim, I think, and week’s start after the gap cleaner trip today with a Stuff, who always leaves, on a path towards Horse I believe they’ll go back in his schedule. better price. and I’ll trust Sears to map of the Year, and he was to off-the-pace tactics. things out from there. dazzling in the Graduate Scotty Z adds another (2) DANCIN LOU (5) LOCATELLI final. Hambletonian trophy. (3) REBA BLUE CHIP (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE (2) ATLANTA (5) RAMONA HILL GREG (11) PANEM REINHART (6) LINDY THE GREAT (6) THREEFIFTYTWO

(2) DANCIN LOU was the (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE (12) HYPNOTIC AM (2) ATLANTA loses (5) RAMONA HILL Haughton winner and the exploded when clear to Melander trainee is Manchego but gains Alagna-trained filly had a 4-year-old has been hard take his elim for Team versatile enough to Gimpanzee. Tactical edge breathtaking stretch rally to fault. Zeron. handle this starting spot. from this post? to win her elim. (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (7) MOONSTONE S (7) SORELLA (7) GIMPANZEE (6) THREEFIFTYTWO (8) BETTOR’S WISH (4) TYPE A (11) PANEM (3) MARION MARAUDER (1) READY FOR MONI MATT ROSE

(3) HURRIKANE (4) TYPE A is a horse I’ll (2) NEXT LEVEL STUFF (7) GIMPANZEE (6) THREEFIFTYTWO gets EMPEROR is very sharp gladly take 5-1 on with can help alleviate some After what I saw on a perfect post following right now and should offer this barn in a race that of the Hambo disappoint- Pace night, I cannot pick a very good try in the value in a wide-open race. seems to be up for grabs. ment with Real Cool Sam. against him. elimination. Follows the filly here. (2) DANCIN LOU (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE (12) HYPNOTIC AM (5) SOUL STRONG (5) RAMONA HILL (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (5) LOCATELLI (7) SORELLA (2) ATLANTA (2) BACK OF THE NECK DARIN ZOCCALI

DRF Harness Weekend | 12 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN DAY HANDICAPPING Race 12 Race 13 Race 14 Race 15 Race 16 $25,000 $273,125 $61,540 $177,100 $12,000 Vincennes Cane Pace Sam McKee Conso. Lady Liberty NW $10,000 L5

(3) JL CRUZE the veteran (6) TALL DARK (2) TRUMP NATION gets (5) SHARTIN N is very (6) EFFRONTE A was millionaire is peaking at STRANGER adds Lasix his first good post since tough to beat when she super winning here last the perfect time; slight here and he should get a the break and Gingras brings her best race, week; call to repeat. nod here. much better trip leaving chose him over #8 and which is most of the time. (7) NUMBERED ACCOUNT from post 6. #10. (7) VAINQUEUR R P NO (8) WARAWEE UBEAUT (10) LETS ROLL (5) CAPTAIN KIRK (6) OUR MAJORDAN A (4) IT’S A HERBIE (3) KISSIN IN THE SAND (8) CHIEF MATE (3) GEEZ JOE GARNET BARNSDALE

(4) IT’S A HERBIE is an (6) TALL DARK (5) DONTTELLMEAGAIN (6) TALL DRINK HANOVER (6) EFFRONTE A appears Indiana-bred with plenty STRANGER adds Lasix in could find the perfect trip raced solid in her first headed in the right of speed and draws a short field and won’t be for his closing kick here. race in a month and may direction now for Noel perfectly here. stalled in traffic. pull off a shocker here. Daley (6) OUR MAJORDAN A (2) MISSION ACCEPTED (5) CAPTAIN KIRK (5) SHARTIN N (7) NUMBERED ACCOUNT (11) SAN DOMINO A (3) J L CRUZE (4) MANTICORE (1) MAJOR OCCASION A (3) BLOOD BROTHER JAY BERGMAN

(2) MISSION ACCEPTED (6) TALL DARK (5) DONTTELLMEAGAIN (5) SHARTIN N rebounded (8) GODS SPIRIT N was won this race here last STRANGER adds Lasix was never involved last in the Clara Barton; too sixth in this class last year. and could drift over even- time; Tetrick’s back in good on best. time but this field is much money. the bike. easier. (3) JL CRUZE (6) TALL DRINK HANOVER (5) CAPTAIN KIRK (6) OUR MAJORDAN A (6) EFFRONTE A (4) IT’S A HERBIE (8) WARRAWEE UBEAUT (4) MANTICORE (3) GEEZ JOE (1) VANQUISHED N DERICK GIWNER

(3) JL CRUZE just keeps (6) TALL DARK (5) DONTTELLMEAGAIN is (5) SHARTIN N returned (7) NUMBERED ACCOUNT putting up quality efforts, STRANGER had excuses reunited with Tetrick and to her brilliant ways at gained through the mile including a track-record for last week’s fourth- should get a hot pace to Plainridge and will make last time at Yonkers from mile a week ago. place finish, and I’ll expect set up his kick. amends for her runner-up post eight, easier spot him to rebound today. finish in the Dorothy today and his prior effort (2) MISSION ACCEPTED (6) OUR MAJORDAN A Haughton. at the Meadowlands was (5) CAPTAIN KIRK (7) VAINQUEUR R P NO (1) JESSE DUKE N good. (4) SOHO BURNING (8) CHIEF MATE GREG LOVE A (2) MISSILE SEELSTER REINHART (1) MAJOR OCCASION A (8) GODS SPIRIT N

(2) MISSION ACCEPTED (5) CAPTAIN KIRK showed (6) OUR MAJORDAN A (5) SHARTIN N paced (8) GODS SPIRIT N is one ran into a killer at Yonkers. no signs of letting up in went thoroughbred-type 1:48 1/5 at Plainridge like of many Tritton imports Prior Big M form was fine. last week’s upset win. fractions last week. Got it was nothing. She’s the that impressed upon to respect that. Queen. arrival; hit the skids a bit (7) VAINQUEUR R P NO (6) TALL DARK STRANGER but he can rebound here. (3) GEEZ JOE (4) SOHO BURNING (9) EUROBOND (4) MANTICORE LOVE A (6) EFFRONTE A (1) JESSE DUKE N (8) WARRAWEE UBEAUT (4) OLLIE’S Z TAM MATT ROSE

(7) VAINQUEUR R P NO (4) MANTICORE has been (6) OUR MAJORDAN A (5) SHARTIN N went back (3) BLOOD BROTHER could be a freak. Looked flying under the radar and Simply put, I think he’s to dominance last time comes off a sharp tremendous in his first isn’t too far off the best in just better than this and if she’s sharpening qualifier in preparation for start. a race that has produced group. up, they won’t beat her. this. Finds a good spot. upsets in the past. (3) J L CRUZE (5) DONTTELLMEAGAIN (3) KISSIN IN THE SAND (7) NUMBERED ACCOUNT (5) CAPTAIN KIRK (9) EUROBOND (1)) SAN DOMINO (8) WARRAWEE UBEAUT (10) LETS ROLL (6) TALL DARK DARIN STRANGER ZOCCALI

DRF Harness Weekend | 13 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

and Rocknroll Hanover blood to the “Captain” on the mark adds an additional By Bob Marks Albatross link to many @BobMarks3 current stakes stars. Speedy Crown domi- nated trotting in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, Thoughts on Stallion Productivity and while his line is still alive today, it probably came from Contrary to popular social media belief, Bret Hanover was not the an unlikely source same in the stud barn as he was on the racetrack. While a good stal- in Speedy Somolli’s lion, especially in his first few crops, the good times eventually faded son Baltic Speed, who into memory. in turn sired Valley Bret Hanover’s first crop was outstanding, featuring Strike Out, Victory. Interestingly Hilarious Way, Breadwinner, etc. Then, similar to most if not all Adios enough, Baltic Speed stallions, he petered out after a few crops. Today his male line is barely also sired Peace Corps hanging on through son Warm Breeze, and that one’s son Falcon in that memorable first Seelster. Falcon Seelster sired McArdle, who in turn has contributed crop but thereafter McWicked, who will get his opportunity to continue the line. faded to oblivion. The only other significant Adios line in existence today comes Valley Victory was from Henry T Adios, a marginal stallion at best who offered Silent not overly fertile, but Stock Photo Majority, who in turn begot Abercrombie. Abercrombie established those he got to the races Bret Hanover. two branches through Artsplace and Life Sign. Of those, Artsplace were absolutely bril- is relatively healthy via sons Art Major, Sportswriter and Artiscape, liant. This was also whose son Yankee Cruiser sired Sweet Lou. Art Major’s son, J K applicable to his sons, particularly Victory Dream, who somehow got Endofanera, has made a nice debut in Indiana thus far, but it remains Self Possessed from but a handful of live foals. Self Possessed, himself to be seen if his progeny, like those of Rockin Image and Swan For All, infertile, sired the still-active Cantab Hall, and he in turn had several can succeed out of the boundaries of the Hoosier State. Life Sign’s best stallion sons including Father Patrick, who has been sensational thus son Real Desire is still around but he’s not contributing on anything far. more than a regional basis these days. Valley Victory’s best siring son according to some, Muscles Yankee, Adios himself maintained his productivity till his final year at age was always fertile, though he may have been more influenced by 25 and was as good if not better in his later years. However, the cali- maternal grandsire Speedy Crown than his actual sire. Muscles ber of mares also enters into the equation. His initial superstars, like Yankee begat Muscle Hill, and we all know his sensational story. Adios Harry and Adios Boy, were not from his quality mares, whereas As Valley Victory is three generations back in Muscle Hill’s sire line later superstars Bret Hanover, Bullet Hanover, Adios Butler, etc. most and five generations in the male line of Father Patrick, there will be emphatically were. much comingling of the blood from the now two established branches. Actually Adios didn’t see mares by Tar Heel, generally considered One cannot discuss trotting stallions without noticing the abili- the greatest pure broodmare sire of that era, until his last couple of ties of Back Of The Neck and Ready For Moni, the winners of Dancer crops. Prior to that, he noticeably excelled with mares by Tar Heel’s Memorial heats on Meadowlands Pace night. Both sensational 3-year- sire Billy Direct. olds and Hambletonian contenders are sons of the great French stal- Generally speaking, most if not all Albatross sons were early crop lion Ready Cash. Previously imported stallions like Revenue S, Sebas- wonders, similar to the Adios sons, though Albatross himself, like tian K S and Meadow Road showed a distinct inability to produce Adios, maintained potency in the way of top performers throughout the early speed necessitated for racing on our side of the Atlantic his career. Incredibly enough, Albatross super-son Niatross, similar Pond. Thus far Ready Cash, sire of Readily Express and Bold Eagle, to Adios super-son Bret Hanover, accounted for a great first crop and looks like he can be as good under our specific conditions as he most solid second crop, but managed little thereafter. In fact, it’s almost emphatically is on the European side of the pond. And he brings an impossible to find a direct “male line” Albatross amongst today’s outcross outlet for many American mares. As for Ready For Moni, he pacing horses, although there might be an obscure one or two in the may be the Moni Maker grandson we’ve been waiting for. Down Under regions. Last month’s column featured the stallion sons of Kikikatie, and However, through his daughters responsible for Western Hanover and one of them, Rockin Amadeus, may indeed have that “big horse” in Artsplace in particular, there is ample Albatross blood in today’s pacing Ocean Rock, a multi-length conqueror of previously unbeaten Elver pedigrees. The great Captaintreacherous is from an Artsplace mare, Hanover at Scioto in 1:48 3/5. He might have aspirations beyond the he in turn from an Albatross mare and reintroducing Western Ideal Buckeye State.

DRF Harness Weekend | 15 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Courtesy Bob Key Owner Bob Key has been involved in the sport since the early 1980s and won the Hambletonian in 1993 with American Winner.

My secretary Debbie does a great job getting me programs and helping me keep track of everything. What is your favorite big event in racing? Hambletonian. I won it with American Winner in 1993. Joe DeFrank and his wife made it a great experience for me. When you win that one you know you’ve done something. That has to be the top event. You have a tendency to enter horses in all stakes they are eligible to whether they will be longshots or not. Is there a reason why? A person in my position, you can’t stay in this business unless Did you ever want to know more about the people involved you are in stakes races. I have to take my shots and go for the in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the money. I can’t make it on just racing for the overnight purses. harness landscape each week to profile a new personality from the sport. How often is racing on your mind?

About four hours a day. I have 123 horses in training and racing. I spend a lot of time talking to my trainers and now my son owner bob key (Robert Key) is involved and I spend a lot of time talking to him What kind of car do you drive? about it. I have an 11-year-old Cadillac with only 32,000 miles on it. What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? Where I live and where I work, Key Bellevilles, is only two miles apart. So I only drive about four miles a day. I have a lot of fun running my manufacturing company. The other thing is spending time with my family, especially my Favorite dinner meal? Snack? grandson Ollie. It is nice to watch a young child learn and grow up. My grandmother on my father’s side was German. She made the best Apple Strudel you ever had. On my mother’s side is Slovak What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? and they would make Pierogis. I was very lucky to have grand- mothers on both sides and get to taste such good foods. Football – Pittsburgh Steelers. What is your favorite all-time track to visit? What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? It is a real toss-up. It has to be The Meadowlands, but I’ve had some very interesting visits to other tracks. One was Edmonton I don’t bet on racing. I haven’t bet a race in the last 10 years. (Northlands Park) when I had Amneris in the Breeders Crown. First of all, I feel like I jinx myself and secondly, I put enough They really treated us nicely there. It was a great race. The people money in with breeding, raising and staking them that the were very enthusiastic. Another one was in Munich. I had a horse betting doesn’t help me that much. I also don’t want any games called BJ’s Super Star and we had a great time over there. played with the horses. I want the drivers to go out and win every race for me that they can. I never want there to be any Do you still go to the track? holding back of one of my horses for a race later on. No. I wish I could but it is a little difficult for me to get around. I watch the races constantly. I record races and re-watch them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

DRF Harness Weekend | 16 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Hambletonian Society American Winner won the 1993 Hambletonian for owners Bob Key and John Glesmann. Ron Pierce was in the bike.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Which horse is/was your all-time favorite? What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Amneris. Right at the beginning I got lucky. She won the Breeders Crown as a 2-year-old and was second in the 3-year-old Crown. She Competition. broke a world-record. She was perfect to watch and go. I had her with (Jan) Nordin as a 2-year-old and he didn’t take much to pacers and How did you get started in the sport? then I put her with Billy Haughton as a 3-year-old and she really did well. Ernie Gaskin was the assistant trainer and he really did a great I’m an attorney and one of the things I have to do is keep good rela- job with her. His girlfriend at the time was her groom and she did a tionships with doctors so they will testify on my cases. I had a friend good job as well. Just really great people. of mine named Dr. Soweida. We had lunch and he kept talking to me about getting involved in horse racing. I didn’t have much choice but to say yes. I have another doctor friend as well involved, there Is there a race you haven’t won but are still holding out hope were three of us in total. The first trainer I got involved with was to win? Nick Salvi, about 1981. He was a really nice person to deal with and The Hambletonian Oaks. I have been second and third. I have a filly he gave me a great insight into the sport. In fact, he recommended this year, Tricky Sister. Of course the hometown race I’ve never won that me and my doctor partners get Billy Haughton to be a trainer is the Adios. I’ve had a couple of horses in it but I haven’t been suc- for us. Then I got to know Billy Haughton and that is a story in itself. cessful winning it. I always said I didn’t want to be involved in racing unless I worked with him. He and I got along really well and had some good horses together. He was a perfect gentleman and we had a lot of fun to- Do you think Tricky Sister could pull off the upset? gether. I had him on an airplane, I’m a pilot and I was flying, because Anything can happen in a horse race. If you aren’t in it, you can’t sometimes I would take him places. By the time I would taxi to the win it. Andrew Harris is my trainer and he believes she has a shot or runway to take off he was always asleep and when I landed he was up he wouldn’t have put her in. and ready to go to the races. How many horses do you own? What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness racing? About 400 horses. Billy Haughton told me to breed the best with the best. It worked out. People talk about how hard it is to make money in the sport We had this mare named BJ’s Pleasure. Even though she got hurt as an owner. Is the sport more enjoyment or investment for in her first race as a 2-year-old, she came back to win $300,000 as a 3-year-old and as a result, we bred her to the top stallion at the time you? that I thought would work with her, Super Bowl. She’s been a founda- It’s not about the money. I don’t think this is the kind of business tion mare. Her first three foals were Super Pleasure ($827K), BJ’s you get into thinking you’re going to make a big profit. You have Mac ($376K) and American Winner ($1.3 million). She had 20 foals to hope to break even and have a lot of fun while being competi- and was proof that breeding the best with the best works. tive. I certainly don’t want to be a loser. I race to win and it is a business, but my manufacturing business is a lot easier to make Which is the best horse you’ve ever owned? money in. American Winner, no question about it. He had determination and conformation. Also, if you take his mares, they really have done You’re also a breeder. How many mares do you have? well. Whether it is Muscle Hill or whoever, if you trace the line back About 150. there is often an American Winner in the family. In some of these top races you’ll see that four out of 10 horses will have some relationship to either American Winner or BJ’s Pleasure. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

DRF Harness Weekend | 17 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be? I’m very upset about the way the sport is going CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 with staking. I don’t agree with Have you increased or decreased that number as you’ve eligibility based gotten older? on earnings. We need the elimina- We keep the mares after they are done racing if we can’t find a good tions or divisions. home for them, so we end up with a number of mares that are re- A horse can break tired. We probably have about 20 of those types who don’t breed. down or get sick. Like American Which do you enjoy more, racing or breeding? Winner wasn’t right as a 2-year- I enjoy both. If you breed a horse and it does very well, even if I don’t ld but came on as own it, I’m very happy for them. Of course, when I breed it and own it a 3-year-old. He Hambletonian Society and they win, it is an extra-special treat. wouldn’t have a Owner Bob Key with driver Ron Pierce after chance the way American Winner won the Hambletonian. You are now 87 years old. What motivates you in the sport? some of these Competition. I want these horses to win and I want to see Rob and races are written everyone else in the winner’s circle. now. [Making stakes conditions based solely on earnings] is the worst thing we could do and it is showing in the nominations. Divi- What do you see happening to the horse operations in a sions come in handy because if you don’t have the best horse he can at least get lucky and draw into an easy division and make enough decade or more when you are gone? Will family take over? money to pay for the whole year. The top-money condition also can eliminate the best horse because they could be coming on late in My wife (Patty Key) is much younger than I am. She runs the breed- the season. ing end of it and she wants to continue that. Rob, my son, likes the racing end. I think that combination will work out very well. Rob is I don’t care about getting my money back if my horse doesn’t make knowledgeable on the racing end and he has a trainer’s license. He the cut for a race. I take the chance up front with my money that has some good experience. I’m going to have a good 2-year-old or 3-year-old. At least before I would have a chance to get into a race and make some money. Now I’ve seen your name mentioned at times as a possible Hall of I don’t even get a chance to race sometimes and it just keeps getting Famer. What would that honor mean to you? worse. I can’t see the future of the sport improving unless they change that. I’m not an old guy thinking the old ways are best. It It would be a great honor to be elected, but it is up to the committee just happens that it was the best way. People like me want to stake to decide who is worthy. I’d certainly appreciate it but it is out of my horses to races and get in. I might have the longshot in some races, control. but at least I’m in them. You have a reputation for changing trainers often. Any thoughts? How do you view the future of harness racing? I don’t change them unless a horse is not doing well with them. Billy I think we could use someone in charge like in Football or Baseball. Haughton used to tell me this, I give a horse three chances with At one time we had like 1,800 tracks in the 1890’s and you can see three trainers. If one trainer can’t get along with a horse, maybe where we are at now. I think we can keep this sport going and maybe another one will. After it goes through three trainers, if they don’t increase it if we have the right people overseeing it. make it, I give up. I don’t want to have a good horse not make it because the trainer isn’t doing right or the groom isn’t working with Time for the stretch drive: them or because of the training style. But I won’t take a horse away from a trainer if they are doing well. Best Horse You Ever Saw: Mack Lobell.

I’m always looking for young trainers who want to win; guys who are Best Driver Ever: Back when I started it was Billy Haughton. He willing to put the work in. really got along with the horses and could make them go. In the next era, I think it is a toss-up between John Campbell and Ron Pierce. If you could choose any horse in history to own, which horse Pierce did a very good job for me with American Winner and some would it be and why? other horses. I think the two drivers are pretty equal. Right now, there is no question about it, far and above is Yannick Gingras. He It would be Mack Lobell. He is a brother to my mare BJ’s Pleasure. races for me whenever he can. He’ll give a 30-1 shot a chance. One I was second bidder on Mack Lobell. Three of the top trainers, and I time Billy Haughton told me that a driver should not be able to see won’t name them, said he was too small and that I shouldn’t bid any a tote board. I think a lot of these drivers drive according to the tote more on him. You have to give credit to Chuck Sylvester. He did a hell board. If they have a 20-1 shot they don’t even try. Especially with of a job with him and that horse went on to win all over the world. young horses. They see one bad race and don’t try. With Yannick, he Chuck made the best of that horse and he’s a great trainer. Perhaps the tries. He gives them a shot. I might make a lot of enemies by say- trainers I had at that time wouldn’t have done as well. I’m sure they ing it, but the hell with it. I hate to lose. If a driver comes first-over, wouldn’t have because Chuck did as good as job as you could’ve done. tries, and we don’t make it, that is fine. But to sit back and do nothing doesn’t work, I don’t like that, I’m competitive.

How has COVID-19 affected your life and business? Lasix – Yes or No?: To me that is something that is up to the train- My manufacturing hasn’t been affected because we are an essential ers. I don’t know enough to know better, but it seems to do good for business. My employees came in and we worked without a problem, the horse and as long as it does, I’d say yes. but it did affect the racing. It affected the schedule of the horses but Favorite TV Show?: Masterpiece Theatre. more importantly, the business. You can’t go on forever without fans. You need people in the stands, because having people at the track Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters. I’ve had some successful pacers, but helps sway the politicians to work with us. The more fans you have, I think it takes a lot more effort and breeding to get a good trotter. the more power you have with the politicians. We need that.

DRF Harness Weekend | 18 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Meadowlands $100K Pick 4 Analysis Race 8: $319,000 Peter Haughton Memorial

(4) TYPE A is not only fast off the gate but he is also capable of settling down quickly. That maturity will serve him well here. (1) PLUMVILLE PRINCE, (7) MOONSTONE S and (5) LOCATELLI also make my ticket.

Race 9: $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks Final At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring I absolutely love this spot for (7) SORELLA. Driver Yannick Gingras you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to is no doubt heading to the front and should be able to control the action. watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or Her connections have said she’ll race barefoot again, like in the Reyn- simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. olds when she went the fastest mile of the year by a 3-year-old trotter Happy Handicapping! (1:50 2/5). Thursday, August 6 Race 10: $291,350 John Cashman Memorial RACE 11 (4) GUARDIAN ANGEL AS is a horse I rarely select, but I can’t help but think he’ll be sitting in good position this week with every chance This is the best spot (6) to win. While he has missed over a month of action, the return qualifier ANETO has seen in a while on July 31 was sharp and you know the price will be right with Gimpan- and I expect he will be sent zee and Atlanta in the race. (7) GIMPANZEE and (2) ATLANTA are right down the road by others I’ll use. Jamieson. -Garnet Barnsdale Race 11: $1,000,000 Hambletonian Final Friday, August 7 (2) BACK OF THE NECK could very well be riding live cover from Ready For Moni. We’ve seen Back Of The Neck on the lead twice now RACE 12 and both times he was caught, perhaps getting a bit “lonely on the lead” in the late stages. I’m thinking we’ll see a different horse off a helmet. (1) SOUTHWIND TYRION (5) RAMONA HILL was spectacular in her last two starts and she is looks like the real deal and clearly the filly to beat. doesn’t face very much in this stake. Take the 3-5 and Derick Giwner’s .50 Pick 4 Ticket: 1,4,5,7 / 7 / 2,4,7 / 2,5 = $12 be happy if you can get it. -Derick Giwner

RACE 9 (2) HELL PATROL posted a resounding odds-on win on June 28 before chasing for third in two stakes assign- ments since. He’s the only one to drop in class in a field that’s largely unproven at this level. -James Witherite Saturday, August 8

RACE 8

(4) TYPE A is not only fast off the gate but he is also Derick Giwner & Matt Rose discuss the Hambletonian and capable of settling down Hambletonian Oaks finals on Saturday at The Meadowlands, and quickly. That maturity will the $109K Mandatory Payout Jackpot Hi-5 in race 14. serve him well here. -Giwner

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DRF Harness Weekend | 19 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

Captain Corey sets another track record Lexington Selected to offer a mixed sale in 2020

A second purse start, a second win, a second divisional track record. Lexington Selected Sales Co. announced today that it plans to hold The racing game must seem easy to Captain Corey, as he won his a mixed sale after the company’s Oct. 6-10 Selected Yearling Sale at $103,361 section of the second preliminary of the Pennsylvania Sire the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion. The specific date and time for the mixed Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts Wednesday afternoon at Harrah’s sale is to be announced. Philadelphia, matching his divisional colt record of 1:55. This will be the company’s second mixed offering. Before a hiatus READ MORE last year, the company’s first mixed venture in 2018 grossed nearly $5-million and was led by the sale of World Champion Impinktoo for $300,000. Party Girl Hill heads Sunday Pocono Sire Stakes Bringing back the mixed sale this year, according to sale managers Randy Manges and David Reid, was important, especially consider- Premium Pennsylvania-sired 3-year-old pacing fillies will be ing the times we’re in. racing for over $300,000 on the Sunday twilight card at The Downs “With the large number of breeders in Kentucky, and the trainers at Mohegan Sun Pocono, including two $93,542 divisions of the third who are expected in Lexington for the Red Mile meet, it’s a great spot preliminary round of the group’s Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and six to sell,” Manges said. “Many breeders have said they prefer to sell $20,000 divisions of their Stallion Series action. close to home, and trainers will be operating more from a Midwest- READ MORE ern base this fall, with Lexington followed by the Breeders Crown at Hoosier. “This sale will give them some assurance on having a great market- Fillies set to battle at Northfield Friday place close at hand for their breeding stock and racehorses.” Another plus for bringing back the mixed sale, according to Reid, is Five Ohio Sires Stakes divisions of freshmen fillies will line up the sale facility itself. behind the Northfield Park starting gate on Friday night, August 7. “We’re fortunate in these times to have the Fasig-Tipton sales Two $50,000 divisions of pacing fillies and three $40,000 divisions of grounds at our disposal,” Reid said. “It’s not only a world-class facil- trotting fillies are slated to go postward in round three of the four-leg ity, but one that’s spacious enough inside and out to accommodate series, with a first race post of 6 pm, ET. in-person attendance, while maintaining safe social distancing stan- READ MORE dards.” Along with in-person attendance, the sale will offer the options of “live” online bidding plus enhanced phone bidding. Papi Rob Hanover to stand at Hanover Shoe Farms Entries of racehorses, race fillies and mares, breeding stock and stallion shares are now being accepted. Those interested should It is with great pride and excitement that Hanover Shoe Farms contact David Reid at (914) 773-7777 or Randy Manges at (859) announces that superstar pacer Papi Rob Hanover will be returning 255-8431. to the farm he was foaled and raised at to begin stallion duties in 2021. -release (Lexington Selected Yearling Sales Co.) Papi Rob Hanover took a record of p,2,150f at 2 while earning $754,774. He won the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Final, his Breeder’s Crown elimination, the Matron and Governor’s Cup. 25% purse increase coming at Scioto READ MORE Eldorado Scioto Downs has increased purses 25% across the board starting with the races on Friday, August 7. Standardbred Horse Sale searching for 2020 location “We are happy to announce this purse increase due to great numbers, both on our export signal and on the gaming floor.” As originally reported by harnessracing.com, the Standardbred explained Joe Morris, Senior Vice President of Racing for Eldorado Horse Sale annually conducted in Harrisburg, PA, will not take place Resorts. “Our property has been outperforming projections since at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex in 2020. re-opening on June 19 and with Scioto being the first harness track in According to President and CEO Paul “Pete” F. Spears, the search the country to host live racing after the shutdown, our 22 $1-million+ continues for a new location and all options are being considered. handle nights have added funds to the purse account.” “Standardbred is currently considering a number of alternate The purse increase will be noticeable at all racing levels, from the venues inside and outside PA,” said Spears. “We are targeting our $6,000 claimers increasing from $4,000 to $5,000 all the way up to the current dates, but if conditions or goals require, we are also flexible Opens going from $18,000 to a range of $20,000 -$25,000. about dates depending on consignor and customer needs. Our goal “This increase puts our purses back on par with our purse struc- is to conduct a live auction successfully while observing necessary ture from 2019,” said race secretary Jason Roth. “We are glad to COVID-19 restrictions.” work with our horsemen to bring purse levels back to pre-COVID-19 The 2020 auction, one of the two biggest sales for yearlings in the levels.” U.S., was slated to commence on November 3 and last for three days, Scioto Downs has used innovative and alternative means to followed by a two-day mixed sale. increasing handle, and therefore purses, for 2020 including switching from Tuesday afternoons to Tuesday evenings, taking advantage of some early season Sunday evening race cards, as well as a robust new wagering menu. Melander sends out Oaks fave, three in Hambletonian Racing at Scioto is held Tuesday through Saturday with a first post time of 6:15pm. Closing night is Saturday, September 5 and will host Marcus Melander will send morning-line favorite Hypnotic AM to Ohio Super Night with the $300,000 Ohio Sire Stakes finals for all 8 Saturday’s $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks at The Meadowlands and, for divisions of 2 and 3-year-olds. the second year in a row, three horses to the $1 million Hambletonian - edited release (Eldorado Scioto Downs) Stakes final. READ MORE visit us online: drf.com/harness

DRF Harness Weekend | 20 | August 6, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness