DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 Triple Crown brings early fireworks to Yonkers

The $500,000 MGM and $500,000 MGM Grand Messenger

NEW PLAYERS provide plenty of intrigue for fans of the sport and handicappers alike

DOUBLE YOUR Fourth of July may be scheduled for Sunday FIRST DEPOSIT but the fireworks will be exploding a bit early as Yonkers Raceway hosts a quartet of major stakes on Friday (July 2) for UP TO 3-year-olds, including the kick-off legs for both the trotting and pacing Triple Crowns. $250 Eliminations on June 25 thinned the fields

Join Now: promos.drf.com/offer down to the elite eight that will compete in the pair of $500,000 Triple Crown races – MGM Yonkers Trot and MGM Grand Messenger – for the boys as well as two $150,000 filly companion races – New York New York Mile Inside this issue Trot and Park MGM Pace – for the ladies. As is customary, the ladies lead off the parade of stakes carded as races six through nine on the Jay Bergman: Disqualification by 12-race card that starts at 7:15 ET. technical foul; Derick Giwner: A central Trainer Marcus Melander enters the New Judges office, Page 6 York New York Mile Trot with a strong pair of Courant Inc-owned 3-year-old fillies on Hambletonian & Oaks champions to opposite ends of the starting gate. The 2019 battle in Joie De Vie at The Big M, Page 7 Dan Patch Trainer of the Year sends out Itera- tion from post 2 and Imhatra Am S from the Bob Marks: First-crop stallions making 8-hole in hopes of taking down at least half of an early name for themselves, Page 9 the $150,000 prize. Iteration, along with Sweeping Rainbow Alexander has high hopes for Lightning (9-2, post 5, David Miller), were given byes as Leia in Scioto’s Next Generation, Page 10 the other six finalists competed for spots in USTA Photo last week’s elimination. The Chapter Seven- Trainer Marcus Melander has Iteration & Imhatra Am S in the NY NY Mile and In On The Backstretch: Profile of trainer sired Iteration, listed as the 5-2 morning Range in the MGM Yonkers Trot. Steve Carter, Page 11 line favorite, has won both of her starts in Mohawk Hi-5 Mandatory payout 2021 including an impressive 1:53 1/5 Empire Breeders Classic victory at Vernon Downs on bike again on Friday as he choose Iteration analysis & Best Bets, Page 13 June 18. over Imhatra Am S (15-1), who gets a very Industry news, Page 14 “She really stepped up in the Empire Breed- capable replacement in George Brennan. ers Classic. I wasn’t there but Brian [Sears] Imhatra Am S came charging home when Comments? Questions? said it was not the best track that night. She clear in the stretch to finish just a head back Email the Editor [email protected] did it very easy and I think she is coming into in second behind Mazzarati (3-1, post 7, Tim this very sharp,” said Melander, who felt the Tetrick) in the elimination a week ago. change to the smaller half-mile oval wouldn’t “She raced very well in the elimination. To ensure proper delivery hurt her chances. “She was on the half last If she would’ve gotten room a little earlier of the newsletter via year and didn’t have any problem with it and I think she would’ve gotten there,” said email, add [email protected]. I would be shocked if she had a problem with Melander about Imhatra Am S. “I think she it this year.” com to your contact list Regular driver Brian Sears will be in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Congratulations to last weekeknd’s Ohio Sires Stakes Winners!

Coming up Friday, July 9 at Scioto Downs 2-Year-Old Colt & Filly Trot ~ Leg 1

3-Year-Old Filly Trot Leg 2 Winner Saturday, July 10 at Northfield Park 3-Year-Old Filly Trot Leg 2 Winner Herculisa 2-Year-Old Colt & Filly Pace ~ Leg 1 Katie’s Lucky Day

© 2021 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 FRIDAY, JULY 2ND • 7:15 POST TIME

Please play responsibly. Concerns about gambling? Help is available. Call the 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1.877.8HopeNY. Melissa Simser-Iovino Test Of Faith, who is undefeated in 2021 and only beaten once in 12 career starts, will be a heavy favorite in the Park MGM Pace.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 can get a good check with the right trip, but the 8-hole is the 8-hole.” The wide-open New York New York Mile also features a pair of starters from trainer George Ducharme – Lindys Dollywood (9-1, post 4, Todd McCarthy) and Contested Hanover (8-1, post 6, Scott Zeron) – and elimination fourth- and fifth-place finishers Rebel Girl (6-1, post 3, Dexter Dunn) and Presto (9-1, post 1, Yannick Gingras). There is no doubt that the seventh race Park MGM Pace will feature the shortest-priced favorite of the stakes on the Friday card. The unbeaten-in-2021 Test of Faith headlines the field of sophomore fillies after winning her elimination handily in 1:52 1/5, more than two full seconds faster than the other elimination was timed. “She came out of the race really good,” said trainer Brett Pelling, who admitted that Test Of Faith has no weaknesses. “If she has one, I haven’t found it yet. She’s sound, has a beautiful gait, gets around a half perfectly and doesn’t wear any rigging. I try to spend time with her but my job as a trainer is to fix things and there isn’t much wrong because she is who she is.” Georgia Panagi Test of Faith (3-2), who will start from post 3 with regular pilot Ahundreddollarbill seemed well within himself as he crossed the David Miller at the controls for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana wire first in his Yonkers Trot elimination. Racing Stable and Eddie Gran, should face her greatest obstacles to the winner’s circle from a pair of Linda Toscano-trained fillies on the inside of the gate. Heart Of Mine (7-2, post 1, Jason Bartlett) won the Trainer Tony Alagna hopes he has that chance with elimination other elimination a week ago in 1:54 2/5 and is now perfect in six starts winner Ahundreddollarbill (4-1, post 6, Andrew McCarthy), who this year. Her stablemate Marsala Hanover (9-2, Zeron) starts just to scored over the surface last Friday in 1:54 2/5. Owned by Crawford her outside and was third behind Test of Faith in the elimination. Farms Racing and James A Crawford, the son of Chapter Seven has “Marsala Hanover has gone some big trips and might be the only posted a perfect record in four starts this year. one that can go her speed. Do I fear her, probably not,” said Pelling “He’s trained back well all winter and has really lived up to what when asked about the competition. we thought he could be,” said Alagna. “I think we have the best horse, Other contenders in the field include Darby Hanover (7-1, Andy but it is half-mile track racing and you need things to go your way. As Miller) and Classicist (7-1, Todd McCarthy) from posts 4 and 5, respec- far as ability-wise, who he’s racing against and how he’s done it so far tively. Both finished second in the preliminary round last week, with – he won with the earplugs in the other day – I feel very comfortable.” the former chasing Heart Of Mine and the latter getting run down by While handicappers may be concerned that Ahundreddollarbill Test Of Faith. had trouble with the turns at Yonkers in his elimination win, Alagna All 20-1 in the early line, Shania Blue Chip (Dunn), So Irresistible is hardly worried. (Andrew McCarthy) and Lyons Softassilk (Tetrick) complete the field “It was more so that Andy [McCarthy] was taking a hold of him to from posts 6 through 8, respectively. see where the field was getting settled. It really wasn’t the [first] turn Race eight marks the 2021 launch of the Trotting Triple Crown, itself, he just had him doubled-up letting everyone else get position which combines the MGM Yonkers Trot, Hambletonian at The Mead- before he could move on to the front.” owlands and at The Red Mile. All eight starters Fellow elimination winner Johan Palema (1:54 1/5) worked out in the $500,000 Yonkers Trot are also Hambletonian eligible and one a perfect pocket trip and sprinted home in 27 2/5 to advance to the winner will have the opportunity to become the 10th Triple Crown champion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 final. That sharp mile earned him morning-line favorite status at 3-1. Driver Yannick Gingras should once again get the chance to make his own luck with the Ake Svanstedt-trained and Bender Sweden Inc- owned son of Bar Hopping from post 3. Svanstedt’s chances of taking home the trophy are exponentially better than Gingras since he also trains Ambassador Hanover (9-2), who he co-owns and will drive from post 1, and Mon Amour (6-1), leav- ing from post 4 with Andy Miller in the bike. As in the New York New York Mile with Imhatra Am S, the post draw was not kind to the Marcus Melander-trained Yonkers Trot starter In Range (7-2). Considered one of the top 3-year-old trotters in the sport entering the year, In Range has only posted one win from four starts and must overcome the eight-hole with Tim Tetrick in the bike. “Obviously we are going to need some luck from out there, but that is Timmy’s [Tetrick] problem,” joked Melander about $446,887 career winner owned by Amg Stable Inc, Kenneth Kjellgren and Rick Wahl- stedt. “You can’t ask for him to go faster than he did in the last quarter,” added Melander on In Range’s 27 2/5 final fractional time in his elimi- nation. “I don’t know what Tim is going to do but I guess he has to leave a little bit.” Even the outsiders on the morning-line in the Yonkers Trot have the credentials to win. On A Streak (10-1, post 2, Dan Dube) is a Breed- ers Crown winner and leads the field in earnings at $764,659. Ethan T Hanover (12-1, post 5, Bartlett) has a win over the track and along with Arnold N Dicky (10-1, post 7, Dunn) has eclipsed six figures in the earnings column. The pacers get their chance to shine one race later in the $500,000 MGM Grand Messenger and four of the eight starters – Simon Says Hanover, I’ll Drink To That, American Courage and Abuckabett Hanover – are eligible to the , second leg of the Pacing Triple Crown. Certainly the fastest and perhaps the most impressive elimination winner was American Courage. The Fiddler’s Creek Stables-owned Derick Giwner American Courage is the 7-2 second choice for Friday’s MGM colt secured the lead passing the opening quarter from an inside Grand Messenger despite winning his elimination in near track- post and marched down the road for a 1:50 4/5 win. Now driver Matt record time. Kakaley may have to map out a new plan from post 6 in the final. “He came out of it better than he went into his elimination,” said trainer Travis Alexander. “Post 6 is not the greatest but it isn’t the his way,” said Alagna, who is clearly focused not only on the Messen- worst either. Matt [Kakaley] doesn’t usually fire him out anyway. I’m ger but on the long stakes season for 3-year-olds that is just kicking sure the 2, 3 and 4 will blast out hard and then he can make a decision. off on Friday. My job is just to get the horse ready and the rest is up to Matt.” Also given a 6-1 early chance of winning for Alagna is Simon Says Despite winning his elimination, American Courage was installed Hanover. Much luckier at the draw, he starts from post 1 with Scott as the 7-2 second choice on the morning-line behind the horse that Zeron in the bike for Riverview Racing, Brad Grant, Ken Jacobs, finished 1 1/4 lengths behind him in second, Charlie May (2-1, Brett Plouffe Head and VJ Stable. Miller), who received the opposite post switch from 7 in his elimina- “The way he closed in his elimination the other day, I thought he tion to 3 on Friday night. The Don Tiger-owned and Steve Carter- was really good. I thought he might even get up for second,” said trained gelding by McArdle had some bumps in the road to start the Alagna about the Hanover Shoe Farms-bred son of Captaintreacher- year but has since paced three impressive miles and certainly is on ous who was fourth beaten 1 3/4 lengths in the elimination. “If they Alexander’s radar. mix things up and he gets a good trip, he wouldn’t be a total surprise.” “Charlie May. He’s a nice horse,” said Alexander on the rival he The early speed in the Messenger is sure to come from I’ll Drink fears most in the field. “I know he didn’t do a lot of work in his elimi- To That (4-1, post 2, Dunn), who hasn’t been worse than second in six nation, but Steve Carter is no dummy. I respect him very much. It’s a 2021 starts, and Chase H Hanover (10-1, post 4, Sears), another son of good field, but if I had to pick one horse it would be Charlie May.” Captaintreacherous who has been first or second at the quarter in all Considered one of the favorites coming into the Messenger, Abucka- five of his current-year starts. bett Hanover, who scored a 1:51 3/5 elimination victory as part of a 1-9 Outsiders Mysweetboymax (post 5, Bartlett) and Higlandbeachs- entry, has dropped to 6-1 on the morning-line. Despite the impressive best (post 7, Gingras), both rated at 20-1, round out the field. performance line on paper, perhaps the oddsmaker and the general The stakes action at Yonkers doesn’t end Friday. When the July 4th public saw the son of Betting Line veer sharply right on the first turn weekend fireworks conclude, fans will only have to wait one week before ultimately coming first-over to win. for more top horses to visit as the eliminations for the MGM Spring- “He got around the turns good but the issue was we put a gaiting field for 2-year-olds is scheduled for July 9. The New York Sire Stakes pole on him to help him out a little bit,” said trainer Tony Alagna series will also make multiple stops to Yonkers culminating in New about Abuckabett Hanover’s first-turn issues. “He raced in his first York Night of Champions on September 10. start at The Meadowlands but we never had to touch him with it. Yonkers races Monday to Friday weekly with a 7:15 ET post time. Andy [McCarthy] touched him with it in the first turn and he turned right. It just scared him. So we are going back to a gaiting strap, which is what he wore when he won at Chester [Harrah’s Philadelphia]. “ With the equipment issues behind him, Abuckabett Hanover, who Follow is co-owned Alagna Racing along with Crawford Farms Racing, Jablonsky Held Stable and Barbara Wienick Stable, will try to keep his unblemished record in four starts intact despite an unfavorable starting spot. “With the eight-hole he’s going to have to have some things shake

DRF Harness Digest | 4 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness WE’RE BACK! NORTHSTANDARDBRED AMERICA’S #1 RACING 5 NIGHTS A WEEK Post Time: 7pm (ET)

$100,000 Guaranteed Early Pick 5 Every Race Night

Know When To Take The Reins. ResponsibleGambling.org TM Trademark of Woodbine Entertainment Group lone difference in the “takedown” versus the “non-call” was in the visual appearance of contact being made. In the Pennsylvania Sire jaywalking Stakes Rockyroad Hanover’s momentum shifted suddenly and other BergmanJay drivers reacted. Dexter Dunn, who drove both Rockyroad Hanover By Jay Bergman and later Don’t Fence Me In, did not aggressively grab into Don’t Fence Me In when the filly’s path was taken away. Perhaps that visual left the impact of the alleged interference more speculative than actual? People will say that all bettors want is a “fair” chance at success. It’s hard for me to think there aren’t more than a couple who came Disqualification by technical foul away from the races on June 26 wondering exactly what fair means. JAYWALKING: Given the advances we’ve made technologically, The divide between technology and technicality is something we’re I believe it may be time for the sport to add an important element to left to deal with in society as well as racing. The ability to scrutinize the handicapping puzzle that has been missing. Watching Angers video tapes from numerous angles only theoretically allows one to Bayama upset world champion This Is The Plan at The Meadowlands make perfect decisions. Then again, what exactly are perfect deci- in a $50,000 Open on Saturday I was struck not just by the wicked sions? Are they ones that allow for the “right” horse to win when a burst of the winner in the closing yards but the final-quarter clock- rule has been broken? Or is going to the technical definition of an ing. Angers Bayama appeared to do the unthinkable of rallying off a infraction something that in itself lacks nuance and angers those bad third-over trip into a 26 final quarter. Any replay will show just impacted by such decisions? how much faster Angers Bayama was going than his eight rivals in While there will be countless arguments and disagreements the final sixteenth. What’s missing to those who simply look at quar- regarding the Saturday (June 26) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes outcome ter times was just how fast/slow the final eighth of the mile was? at The Meadows where Rockyroad Hanover, the first horse to cross The charted line will give Angers Bayama credit for his victory but the finish line, was disqualified for something I could only compre- to me it doesn’t reveal enough information. If the final quarter was hend was a “touch foul” at worst and insignificant to the outcome at broken down into two parts, it might have shown the first eighth to be best, is really not the issue we’re facing today. What judges and refer- closer to 12 seconds and the second 14. At least that’s what the visual ees in modern times have been given are not just tools to see a correct suggested. outcome is determined, but also the reason to overlook some video As with almost anything that’s added to the past performance line, and do what’s in the best interest of the game, regardless of techni- it’s up to individual interpreting it to divine any relevance. However, calities. given the speed in which horses are completing races these days I In a recent NBA playoff game between the Los Angeles Clippers believe there’s a lot more to be gained from adding a “split” quarter and Phoenix Suns there was a ball deflected out of bounds in the mile fractional time than leaving it to the imagination. waning minutes of the game by defender Patrick Beverley against Devon Booker. It was a play anyone who has watched basketball has seen as routine and one that the offensive team gets to take the ball out. Upon video review the play was overturned because techni- cally while Beverley knocked the ball from Booker’s control, the ball EDITOR’S EYE grazed Booker before going out of bounds. In any times before video review there likely wouldn’t have even By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy been a complaint on the court from this incident but given technology the game was stopped, and video was examined from enough angles to reveal a technicality. Just like everyone else involved in Harness Racing, I watched While we can all be thankful of the advancements and revelations as the Judges at The Meadows made the decision to disqualify that have come due to technology, there’s a point where decisions are Rockyroad Hanover from his PA Sire Stakes win due to interfer- broken down in slow motion or stop footage to reveal something that ence to multiple horses and came away with an opinion. would have been missed by referees on the field or of the most compe- My thoughts on whether it was the right decision are somewhat tent judges in the stands. irrelevant at this point, though it appeared from the visual evidence Looking back at The Meadows, it’s easy to be sympathetic towards provided that the contact was incidental at best and hardly worthy the Judges and the drivers as both are now victims of what’s on the of a disqualification. It certainly would’ve helped to see a head-on tape. It’s impossible to ignore the fact that those who wagered smartly shot or receieve a better explanation from the Judges; that’s on them. on Rockyroad Hanover, a son of Captaintreacherous that has given Ultimately, what’s done is done and there is no changing the ruling. plenty of indication this year that he’s a potential elite stakes colt, will That said, perhaps there is a better way. Every sports league never come to terms with the official decision. While there were some nowadays seems to have a central office where decisions are made. owners and trainers that benefited from the decision, specifically If there is a close call in a MLB game, umpires chat with officials the connections of Perfect Sting that realized a 100 percent increase at a central office and they make the call. What this provides the in earnings for the event, the sport as a whole suffers because the game is consistentcy. The calls aren’t different from game to game incident enforces a lack of clarity. You can run the replay as many because the same people are making them at all games. times as you’d like and be hard-pressed to see a significant incident Obviously MLB, NBA and other sports have much more money that could rise to your attention in real time. To me that’s the crucial and are able to fund the operation, but after initial setup, how element of these decisions that appears to be missing. Is it really in much could it cost to have two crews of three people in a room everyone’s best interest to watch the game in real time and have it somewhere reviewing races? Quite frankly, on most nights you picked apart in super-slow motion? probably only need an afternoon and evening crew of unbiased Ironically there was another incident that same Saturday which people who have no contact or connection to the participants. looked worse in real time but was scrutinized only briefly by the Judges That’s not to say that Judges currently in place are making at another track that begins with Meadow. In an overnight event for decisions in any way that are unethical but more that we are all 2-year-old fillies, Max Contract and driver Andy Miller took the lead human and constant interaction with people will result in hidden into the homestretch at The Meadowlands but began veering in. The feelings which could affect decisions. aptly named Don’t Fence Me In and driver Dexter Dunn wedged out The new system would be simple: If Judges at a track feel the between horses and then had his path cut off as Max Contract drifted need to light the “inquiry sign,” the central office is immediately down towards the pylons. Miller was able to straighten Max Contract called into action and makes the final call. Now each decision will briefly, but the daughter of Huntsville drifted inwards again, cutting be consistent and the on-site Judges will be “off the hook” for the into the real estate Don’t Fence Me In desperately needed to keep her tough calls and able to perform their jobs without added stress. momentum. The technology is certainly there for a central Judges office. The replay was briefly reviewed and Max Contract remained the Whether we could find the funding and convince the states to official winner. give up complete control is another question. It’s hard to put words into the mouths of Judges, but perhaps the

DRF Harness Digest | 6 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Hambletonian and Oaks winners battle in Joie De Vie

By Jay Bergman

It’s a rarity in modern times to have a pair of Hambletonian winners racing competitively as older horses. Rarer to say the least is to have two mares that have captured the Open stake in recent years meeting up for the first time. When 2018 Hambletonian winner Atlanta meets the 2020 champion Ramona Hill in Saturday’s $156,000 Joie De Vie it will be unique for certain. Whether Ramona Hill, just a 4-year-old, will be competitive against 10 older mares at The Meadowlands remains to be seen. Yannick Gingras, who guides Atlanta from post 6 in the ninth race, exudes confidence in his mare. “She’s always good when she’s fresh,” Gingras said Tuesday of Atlanta, who he piloted to victory in a $40,000 Open last Saturday at The Meadowlands. “They bred her this year and that changed the way they trained her Lisa Photo back,” said Gingras. “I wanted to give Three years removed from her Hambletonian win Atlanta is still going strong. her a decent trip and it worked out great.” Atlanta, a daughter of Chapter Seven, overpowered When Dovescry A total of 19 older male pacers drew into the Roll With Joe and that in her 2021 debut and seems more than ready for a larger field and forced the group to be split into two divisions. This Is The Plan (post tougher competition. Trainer Ron Burke has done a great job prepar- 4) will go in the $113,000 first division carded as race eight on the ing Atlanta for battle, but Saturday’s field is likely among the deepest program. she has faced in some time. Ramona Hill (post 5) was a solid second “I was a little disappointed in him last week,” said Gingras frankly against 4-year-old male competition in the Graduate at The Meadow- of the second-place finish after This Is The Plan set a very comfort- lands on June 19. Last year’s Hambletonian champion was a nose shy able pace only to be outsprinted by Angers Bayama, who he’ll meet of Atlanta when the two met in a qualifier at Gaitway Farms on June again on Saturday. 14, but must prove herself with the money on the line. “Maybe it was the three weeks off,” Gingras said, suggesting the The Joie De Vie has power from all fronts including a pair of gap between This Is The Plan’s incredible 1:47 3/5 world record- champions in the 2019 victor When Dovescry setting performance in the Battle Of Lake Erie over Northfield Park’s (post 11) and last year’s champion Sorella (post 10). Add the 2020 soph- half-mile track on June 5 and the June 26 race played a role. “You just omore filly champion Next Level Stuff (post 9) to the can’t send him full tilt out of there every week.” mix and it’s easy to see this won’t be a one-mare race. This Is The Plan, a 6-year-old, has already exceeded his 2020 earn- Not to be overlooked in any analysis is Hypnotic AM, already a ings with $462,000 banked. His record reads three wins and seven 1:50 3/5 winner in a leg of the Graduate this year for trainer Marcus seconds in 10 starts. Among the victories was a memorable post 8 Melander and the beneficiary of the pole position in the field. triumph in the $514K Borgata Final at Yonkers in April. “She’s a tough horse and is as fast as any of these fillies, even Backstreet Shadow (post 9), another Burke-trained veteran, looks Atlanta,” said Melander. “She’s been racing for a little time now and for his third straight victory at The Meadowlands in the second she should be coming into this race in full form.” $111,500 Roll With Joe division, race 10 on the card. The son of Shadow Gingras likes his chances in the $135,000 Crawford Farms for Open Play posted a career-best 1:47 3/5 mile on June 19 at The Meadowlands trotters, carded as the fifth race, with It’s Academic (post 7), already a as a tune-up. six-time winner in 2021 including three consecutive legs of the Gradu- The fourth major stakes event of the night at The Meadowlands ate. is the $160,000 Artiscape for top pacing mares (race 6). Nine entered “He’s a horse that’s got great tactical speed,” said Gingras of the the contest with Gingras listed on one of two Nancy Takter-trained 4-year-old by Uncle Peter. mares, Peaky Sneaky. Last year’s upset winner in the Breeders The Crawford field may have just seven horses, but it includes a Crown has yet to win in 2021 in five tries. Hambletonian winner and a Hambletonian Oaks champion as well. “Two starts back she finished really well,” said Gingras with hope Forbidden Trade, the 2019 Hambletonian champion, landed the pole that the daughter of Bettor’s Delight was turning the corner. “Then position for trainer Luc Blais, and that’s the best starting position of she didn’t finish that well last time.” the year for the son of Kadabra who picks up Dan Dube. Manchego, Peaky Sneaky is going to have to be better having drawn post nine, the 2018 Oaks champion, drew post 4 with Dexter Dunn aboard look- but in the mare’s defense she was one of many that were powerless ing for her fourth straight win of the year without defeat. On June 12 to track down race-winner Racine Bell, who went wire-to-wire with Gingras guided Manchego to a victory in a leg of the Miss Versatility a back half in 53 seconds in the Kissin In The Sand final on June 19. at The Meadowlands and has a pretty good idea what he’s up against Trainer Jim King Jr. appears to have the upper hand in the Arti- on Saturday. scape with the rugged Lyons Sentinel (post 3) and the speedy Soho “She’s much more relaxed now than she was as a younger horse,” Burning Love A (post 6), a 1:48 2/5 winner this year at The Meadow- said Gingras of Manchego, who he drove to the Oaks victory. “But I lands in the field. think It’s Academic is very good and we’re not going to make it easy With 13 races programmed the Meadowlands card has a listed first on Manchego.” post at 6:20 p.m.

DRF Harness Digest | 7 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness MANDATORY

RD PSAATUYRDOAY, JUULY T RACE , POST TIME ::: PM ET

* ESTIMATED POOL SIZE 20¢ Minimum B$et5 150% Ta0ke,o0ut 00

*Visit WoodbineSB.com for full details and the latest carryover announcement! First-crop stallions making an early name for themselves

on the mark By Bob Marks @BobMarks3

For many the most significant part of the beginning of “baby race” season is the appearance of those colts and fillies sired by first-crop stallions. After all, we’ve seen the incumbents and for the most part have a pretty good idea of where they fit in the overall ranking of stal- lions. While it’s true some incumbent stallions may or may not main- tain what we thought was impressive, or for that matter unimpressive debuts, we still have a reasonably good idea of what to expect from their offspring. However, the ongoing great mystery are those “first-croppers” as the only initial expectations can be gleaned from impressive and/or unimpressive training reports. Then the question becomes will they prove as “advertised.” Thus far this year the first-crop brigade feature a quartet of stal- Ken Weingartner/USTA lions who have indicated they will be strong factors in the produc- Pebble Beach, a 1:54 4/5 winner at Magical Acres on June 30, is tion of quality stakes colts and fillies. Among them are trotting sire the latest son of Downbytheseaside to post an impressive mile. Walner and pacing stallions Downbytheseaside, Huntsville and Fear The Dragon. Each has accounted for a multitude of starters and more to win a major stake during those seasons, it was because the “other importantly “winners,” suggesting that they will emerge as not only colt” beat them too it. Fear The Dragon from the well-bred Armbro factors in their respective regions but on a National basis as well. In Cinnamon (Western Ideal-Mattaroni) is a half-brother to Art Offi- addition, regional first-crop stallions Devious Man, Dover Dan, Luck cial’s all-time best Cinamony p, 4,1:49 3/5. Be With You and Long Tom have been showing up primarily on the Fear The Dragon p,3,1:48 4/5 ($1,578,547) thus far has 60 starters and fair circuits and will warrant some attention in the future. 12 winners, though with that many starters more winners will surely Let’s take a look. come. For the record, the dam Armbro Cinnamon, who carried Fear The Dragon, was purchased from the final Perretti Farms dispersal by leading Ohio Breeder Bruce Trogden for $16,000. Fear The Dragon WALNER stands at Ohio’s Midland Acres. Prior to his premature retirement, Walner looked to be potentially EDITORS NOTE: 15 of the 18 starters in the $150,000 Next Genera- an all-time great and possibly on a par with or even better than the tion races for males and females on Saturday at Scioto Downs feature great sire . That however will never be determined. Walner 2-year-olds sired by Downbytheseaside or Fear The Dragon. is the leading son of current exceptional New York-based stallion Chap- ter Seven, sire also of such greats as Atlanta and Gimpanzee. As of June 29 Walner had accounted for 40 starters and 17 winners, HUNTSVILLE including the visually impressive King Of The North and Wall Of Here is another son of Somebeachsomewhere and “crop-mate” Moni. Walner himself was a brilliant 2-year-old, lowering the world of Downbytheseaside and Fear The Dragon, having been foaled in record to 1:51 3/5 in 2016, a season in which he won seven of eight 2014. Huntsville was the Dan Patch and Breeder’s Crown champion starts and $434,037. As is well known, Walner raced but twice at age 3 2-year-old of 2016. In all, the Somebeachsomewhere-Wild West Show winning both starts, including the Dancer Memorial in 1:50 3/5. Ironi- son earned more ($1,707,202) and took a faster mark (p,3,1:47 4/5) than cally, Walner stands alongside Muscle Hill at Southwind Farm of New his above mentioned crop-mates. Huntsville is managing a noticeably Jersey and is genetically compatible to cross with Muscle Hill mares. impressive siring debut with 50 starters and 17 winners, including the Whether or not that becomes a golden cross of the future remains to stakes filly River Ness, from his New York home base at Cameo Hills be seen, although undoubtedly it will be attempted quite often. Farm. Of the others, Devious Man, a son of Credit Winner, has managed 19 starters from a small initial crop numbering 37. Of those eight have DOWNBYTHESEASIDE already won and it’s noticeable that some are making appearances By the apparent “sire of sires” Somebeachsomewhere from Sprig in the New York Sires Stakes program. In fact, son Middleman won Hanover, Downbytheseaside has made perhaps the most auspicious an Excelsior B NY Sires event at Yonkers on June 28. Devious Man debut of any recent stallion in terms of sheer numbers. From his base stands at Blue Chip Farms. at Ohio’s Sugar Valley Farms, Downbytheseaside has accounted for Dover Dan (Andover Hall- C R Kay Susie) and Luck Be With You 67 starters and an eye-catching number of 30 winners thus far. Those (Western Ideal-Trim Hanover) have primarily impressed on the Indi- numbers appear destined to increase significantly as this season ana Fair Circuit thus far and we’ll be checking to see if some graduate progresses. Ironically two major trainers – Brian Brown and Peter to the Indiana Sires Stakes as well. Dover Dan has accounted for 30 Wrenn – described the “Seasides” as a tad tough to get gaited initially starters and 12 winners thus far while Luck Be With You checks in at but once they caught on, they were great. Brown indicated that since 26 starters and 10 winners. he himself did not initially break Downbytheseaside he wasn’t sure In Ohio, Long Tom, a son of Muscle Hill standing at Midland Acres, what to expect, but he is extremely happy with them now. has been attracting noticeable attention at the Buckeye tracks like Northfield and Scioto. At this point Long Tom has 35 starters and 16 winners, several of whom appeared and earned money in Ohio-Sired FEAR THE DRAGON events. He could be one to “keep an eye on.” Perhaps the last outstanding son of the great Dragon Again and With the stakes season getting underway it’ll be interesting to see his potential line extender, Fear The Dragon functioned as the other how these “first-croppers” fare down the road when the going gets half of the formidable Brian Brown entry in seasons 2016 and 2017. It tougher, but an educated guess suggests they’ll be just fine if not often appeared if either Downbytheseaside or Fear The Dragon failed significantly better than fine.

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Alexander has high hopes for Lightning Leia in Next Generation

“He never disappointed me or had a bad day. The filly never did By Gordon Waterstone anything flashy but did her work.” Lightning Leia won her qualifying race on June 9 at Pocono in 1:57, Last year’s inaugural $150,000 The Next Generation races for and then came back two weeks later to score her maiden victory in the 2-year-olds — where nominators purchase a slot for an unnamed overnight. Alexander said after Lightning Leia clicked off first-half horse in March for $10,000 — were a big success at Eldorado Scioto fractions of 28 and 57 1/5 in that race, she posted identical 28 3/5 back- Downs, so much so that after the initial contests were only for pacers, half clockings that he admitted left him a bit surprised. trotters were added this year. “I was caught off-guard because she went down the backside more Slots for all four races quickly sold out when the March 15 deadline than (Kakaley) wanted,” said Alexander. “She just floated away and arrived, and trophies will be handed out for the trotters on Friday had plenty of pace finishing, but Matt never flashes one until the night (July 2) and for the pacers on Saturday night (July 3). money is up. It was a well-measured win and a nice confidence builder Last year, Winella Hanover won the race for filly pacers, while for her going into this race.” Charlie May captured the colt pace, which was the early springboard Alexander said Lightning Leia will have a home at Virgil Morgan for a campaign that ultimately resulted in him being named Ohio’s Jr.’s Winner’s Circle Training Center near Scioto Downs while she 2-year-old Colt Pacer of the Year. campaigns this summer on the Ohio Sires Stakes circuit. The first According to Scioto’s director of racing Jason Roth, 13 slots changed Sires Stakes stop is scheduled for July 10 at Northfield Park. hands in the days leading up to the draw, three in each event except Alexander said he expects even bigger things from Lightning Leia for the filly pace, which saw four slots sold to new connections. The as she also has some open stakes on her schedule, including during vast majority of the 36 The Next Generation starters — sired by nine the Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile. Ohio-based trotting stallions and by three Ohio-based pacing stal- “I think our filly is better than just an Ohio-sired filly,” said Alex- lions — will be making their career debut while racing for a six-digit ander. “She has to show it, but I think she has the talent.” purse, with only eight having a purse start under their belt. Lightning Leia has the pedigree to justify Alexander’s belief. She is That short list includes pacing filly Lightning Leia, who won her out of the Bettor’s Delight dam D D Delightful, and her second dam is lone 2-year-old qualifying race and then was an impressive gate- the world champion Thereal Ideal. D D Delightful’s first foal was DD to-wire, 1:54 2/5 winner in an $11,700 overnight on June 21 at The Delicious, who earned $143,910 while competing primarily on the New Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. A daughter of Downbytheseaside-D York Sires Stakes circuit for Alexander and Kakaley. D Delightful, Lightning Leia is trained by Travis Alexander and she “They are very similar,” Alexander answered when asked to will be driven by Matt Kakaley, lining up in post two on Saturday compare the two fillies. “Matt absolutely loved DD Delicious at three. night in the event that is slated as race six. Matt says this filly is just like her, she’s smart, classy and fast. And Lightning Leia is owned by Mark Wasserman’s Fiddler’s Creek that’s all you can hope for. Stables. Alexander said Wasserman had also purchased a slot in the “Lightning Leia is handy and when she’s on the front end she’s calm colt pace, but when that freshman developed an abscess in his left and lets Matt drive. In a hole she is just as calm. She can do it either front foot, that slot was sold to owner William Hartt, who entered The way. She’s ready to go.” Mountain, who has a first and second in a pair of qualifiers at MGM Alexander is a big supporter of the concept of The Next Genera- Northfield Park on his resume. tion, which allows a nominator to purchase the slot without naming “When it came to buying slots, I talked to Mark (Wasserman) about a horse and have the availability to sell and/or buy if need be. It’s the buying one for each (pacing event), and he said sure,” said Alexan- same concept as the Mohawk Million for 2-year-old trotters that was der, who will be at Scioto Downs for the first time since 2001 when he contested last year at Woodbine Mohawk Park (won by Venerate), brought a trotter for the Tompkins-Geers when he worked as an assis- with those slots going for a heftier price of C$100,000. tant for trainer Joe Holloway. “Unfortunately, my very nice Downby- “I think this is a fantastic idea and no downside to it,” said Alexan- theseaside colt named Double Double decided it was time to blow an der. “It’s a great way to start out the season for these horses.” abscess, or we would have had two in. -courtesy USTA Communications

George Brennan joins the 11,000 win club at Yonkers Wednesday

George Brennan became just the 11th North American driver to reach the milestone of 11,000 career wins thanks to a 1:55 tally with Jose Godinez-trained Dibaba N in Wednesday night’s (June 30) fifth race at Yonkers Raceway. Brennan came into the program with 10,998 trips to the winner’s circle, and made his total 10,999 after a 1:56.3 decision with Scott Di Domenico trainee Party Queen in the third dash on the card. Two races later came the big prize, as he tipped Dibaba N two-wide from the pocket on the final turn, and she drew off after passing leader Amanderosa to win by a length and a half. The 54-year-old driver shared top honors in the standings at Yonkers Raceway in 2019 with Jason Bartlett, and he’s also been the top dog across the river at the Meadowlands during his career. He was second to Bartlett at Yonkers in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 Yonkers season, and he’s currently runner-up to Jordan Stratton at the Westchester oval this year. His best year to date overall came in 2011 when he finished second nationally in both wins (753) and earnings ($14,530,682). He has finished in the top 25 in season’s wins by a driver ten of the last 11 years, and his charges have banked over $187.8 million, placing Georgia Panagi him eighth all-time. George Brennan drove Dibaba N to victory in the fifth race on -release (Yonkers) Wednesday at Yonkers to get his milestone win.

DRF Harness Digest | 10 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Did you ever want to know more about the people involved in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the harness land- scape each week to profile a new personality from the sport.

Conrad Photo trainer steve carter Steve Carter (far left) is closing in on 1,900 career training wins and already has 2,143 driving victories. What kind of car do you drive? I got heavy, old and sore. My body went to hell and I guess my genetic Ford F350. makeup wasn’t as good as some other guys. Favorite dinner meal? Snack? Do you think most people know you have more driving wins Spaghetti; BBQ Fritos. (2,143) than training (1,885)? Maybe just the local people in Ohio. What is your favorite track to race at? Why? Scioto Downs – That is where I grew up and it is close to home. Comparing your heights as a driver and trainer, which are you better at? What is your favorite big event in racing? Those are really different times and hard to compare. I’d have to go Little Brown Jug. I’m from Ohio and I don’t stray far from home too with training because that is what I’m doing for a living and I think often. my best is yet to come. Hopefully I continue to get better, though I’ve been doing it with my parents since I was 10. How often is racing on your mind? What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness Seven days a week. racing? What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? Never quit. There are lots of ups and downs in this sport and you have to stick it out. Watch a movie with my wife. What was your favorite moment in harness racing? What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? Probably last year winning the 2-year-old colt pacing final [Ohio I like all sports but I guess football. I’m a fan of whichever team has Championship] at Scioto when we beat Heart Of Chewbacca. the good quarterback. Tom Brady is probably my favorite because he is so good at everything in the sport. Which is the best horse you’ve ever trained or driven? What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? For training it is for sure Charlie May. Probably the best horse I ever drove is Psiluvuheartbreaker. My personality. I’m out there a little bit, they say. Which horse is/was your favorite? What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Judy’s Home. I owned her when I was a teenager. She was the first My life. horse I trained by myself. How did you get started in the sport? What’s the one race that you most want to win in your career? My father and mother had some horses when I was young. They had Little Brown Jug. horses and did that on the side after work. How many horses are in your barn? Was there ever a chance that you wouldn’t be involved in harness racing? 20. I wanted to do it early in my life. It was the only thing I ever wanted Let’s talk about Charlie May. In your mind, how good is he to do and still is. compared to the rest of the 3-year-old class? From the mid 1980’s up until 2007 you drove fairly regularly. The only horse I really know is Heart Of Chewbacca. My horse is big What made you stop? CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness If you could choose any horse in history to train or drive, which horse would it be and why? My next one because I like the unknown of what is to come. From the past, Cam Fella was unbelievable as a 3-year-old and Somebeach- somewhere was nearly undefeated. If you weren’t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 involved in harness and likes to race. He really is a great racehorse and I think he is bet- racing, what would ter gaited this year. He likes to win. you be doing? Charlie May missed some time in May. What was wrong? Probably working in a factory. He had a quarter crack and then got sick. He also missed time be- cause there were no stakes races for him. If you had the power to change one thing If you could only win one Grand Circuit stake this year with in the sport, what Charlie May, which would you choose? would it be? The Little Brown Jug so I could sit around with my Ohio friends who As a trainer, I’d like have won it and be part of the club. to see consistent Charlie May started his career with a win in the Next medication rules in every state. That way Conrad Photo Generation at Scioto. What do you think about a series like everything would be Steve Carter with his wife Tammy. that where owners pay for a spot and race for the money? clear. It’s good if you win it, but it is a lot of money to put up to get a spot. How do you view the future of harness racing? You have to have a lot of confidence in your stock to put up the $10,000. I think it is definitely on the upswing. Horses cost more now but there is more money to be won than there was before. It’s good for As an Ohio regular, how has the revitalization of the sport in breeders and everybody is making a better living now than they the Buckeye state changed things for you? used to. It has enabled horsemen to make a living instead of starving to Time for the stretch drive: death. It has certainly made life easier. Best Horse You Ever Saw: Sweet Lou was the best looking.

You weren’t in the winner’s circle when Charlie May won the Lasix – Yes or No?: I’m on the fence. I could take it or leave it. Next Generation in 2020. What happened? Favorite TV Show?: Gunsmoke. I think I was lying in a hospital bed then. I had a tear in my small intestine. They saved my life. If not for the doctors and my wife I Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters. They are more difficult to rig up but wouldn’t be here today. Then I met my deductible and I got my knee they’re getting better gaited and easier every year. replaced.

Racing and Hall of Fame inductions in Goshen this weekend

By Ken Weingartner get to sit behind, they put their heart and soul out there for us. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” said the 39-year-old The wait will come to an end Sunday for harness racing’s Hall Tetrick, who already ranks third all-time in driver purses with of Fame class of 2020, which saw its induction day a year ago post- $231 million and seventh in wins with more than 12,000, prior to poned because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunday’s ceremony at last year’s postponement. “To get to be in the Hall of Fame is a the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame will cap this year’s dream come true for me. I’m just glad to be able to do something I Hall of Fame weekend, which begins Friday with Grand Circuit love. I wake up every morning getting to drive horses. It’s pretty racing at Goshen Historic Track. awesome.” Friday’s racing at Historic Track, located adjacent to the Harness Entering the Communicators Hall of Fame will be author and Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y., features eight former publicity director Phil Pikelny and U.S. Trotting Associa- Landmark Stakes for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters. Racing tion Media Relations Manager Ken Weingartner. begins at 1 p.m. (EDT). Admission is $5, with children ages 12 and Also being honored will be the classes of 2020 and 2021 for the under free. Living Horse Hall of Fame: Always B Miki, Bee A Magician, Sweet Racing continues Saturday with New York Excelsior Series Lou, Danae, and Precious Beauty (2020) and Chapter Seven, Father events for 3-year-old pacers and a Billings Series trot for amateur Patrick, and Peaceful Way (2021). drivers. On Sunday, the track hosts Excelsior Series races for Roy Davis, Arlene Siegel, Ken Marshall, Geoff Stein, and Bob 3-year-old trotters and the Hall of Fame Trot. Tucker will be inducted as Harness Racing Immortals. Entering the Hall of Fame will be retired Hambletonian Soci- In addition, 2019 Horse of the Year Shartin N and 2020 Horse of ety President and CEO Tom Charters, racetrack owner as well as the Year Tall Dark Stranger will be honored. horse owner and breeder Jeff Gural, trainer/driver Bill Popfinger, For more information about the Harness Racing Museum and and driver Tim Tetrick. Hall of Fame, visit its website here. To learn more about Goshen “We have to thank the athletes, these four-legged creatures we Historic Track, click here.

DRF Harness Digest | 12 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness WOODBINE MOHAWK PARK

At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. Thursday, JULY 1

RACE 7

Jackpot Hi-5 Mandatory Payout - Race 11 - July 3 (7) DASHING MUSCLE, last year’s Superfinal Woodbine Mohawk Park will be offering a mandatory payout winner, got a perfect tight- of its Jackpot Hi-5 on Saturday, July 3. The carryover sits at ener for this Gold event and $156,293 heading into the Thursday night card. she should be more aggres- By Garnet Barnsdale sive early tonight. -Garnet Barnsdale This mandatory High-5 race seems to have the contenders lined up on the inside of the gate. I’ll give a slight edge to (4) friday, JULY 2 BETTER B GOING who has improving form and raced tough against a repeat winner last week. He gets post relief here and RACE 12 he should offer some value moving up in class off a loss. The horses lined up to his right and left are also logical contend- (3) KING OF THE NORTH ers for the top spot. (2) POINTOMYGRANSON is another that paired with Mark MacDonald appears to be rounding into his best form and he should be leav- on a couple of very nice-looking ing hard again for position, which is key in a 12-horse field with winning qualifiers and here’s two trailers. It makes sense to use him in all High-5 slots. (3) another Walner offspring RHYTHM IN MOTION didn’t show much at even money in his who’s ready for action. first start back at Mohawk Park but that was probably a tougher -Matt Rose spot. He took a mark of 1:50 1/5 here last year and he figures to be in the mix tonight. RACE 7 (7) CHEDDAR BAY produces a good late kick often and he’s a good one to use underneath in this High-5. (5) MAJOR CUSTARD (3) TEST OF FAITH has spun his wheels racing uncovered on the rim last week. He can be been driven this year like she closer here with an easier trip. can’t lose regardless of the trip Others to consider for the bottom of the ticket: (6) REVOLT and that is because she really figures to be closer at this level; (9) HERVEY HANOVER can pass hasn’t been in tough enough many of these in the back 1/2, and (11) WHITECOOKIE who rarely to even consider a negative misses a check. outcome; same result. -Derick Giwner 20-Cent ticket: 2,3,4/2,3,4/2,3,4,5,7/2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11/2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11 = $72 Saturday, JULY 3

RACE 7 By Derick Giwner (5) CATTLEWASH picked Give the race office credit here for putting together a very chal- up his game in start two this lenging race to handicap. Simply put, there are no standouts in the year while losing by just field. I’m going to put my eggs in the basket of the one horse who a head to a gutsy Ruthless seems to be showing clear signs of life lately. (4) BETTOR B GOING Hanover. Last year’s fastest has taken solid steps forward in each of his starts since the COVID horse should be ready to peak. shutdown and appears to be sitting on potentially a career-best -Giwner effort. In the underneath spots we’ll use a pair of 4-year-olds - (3) full card analysis / past performances RHYTHM IN MOTION and (5) MAJOR CUSTARD - who posted huge 3-year-old campaigns and are still trying to find them- Mohawk Park (THU) Analysis Mohawk Park (FRI) Analysis selves in the older ranks, and the classy veteran (2) POIN- TOMYGRANSON, who seems to be enjoying his stay at these Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (SAT) Analysis reduced conditions. (11) WHITECOOKIE failed as the chalk in this class last time and deserves another look. (12) OUTLAW Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis ACEOFSPADES was a bit better last time and certainly fits in this class. DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs 20-Cent Ticket: 4/2,3,5/2,3,5/2,3,5,11,12/All = $28.80 Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

Summer Mixed catalog now available Hambletonian tickets go on sale

The sale catalog and past performances booklet for the Tattersalls Admission and Promenade seating are now on sale for the greatest Summer Mixed Sale are now available at tattersallsredmile.com and day in harness racing -- the 96th Hambletonian on Saturday, August on the Equineline Sales Catalog app. Print catalogs will be mailed 7th at the Meadowlands Racetrack. next week to prospective buyers. READ MORE Supplements to the sale are being accepted now through July 11. Horses may be added to this “all-racehorse” sale by entering on the Tattersalls Ontario Sire Stakes and fans at Mohawk Thursday website or by calling the sales company office at (914) 773-7777. The Summer Mixed gets underway on Sunday, July 18 at noon in Thursday’s Ontario Sires Stakes season opener at Woodbine the Meadowlands race paddock. It caps off one of the track’s biggest Mohawk Park will be a festive affair for the Baillargeon family as weekends, as the $700,000 est. and its stakes-laden they send out hopefuls in both the 3-year-old trotting colt and trotting undercard will be contested the night before. filly Gold Series events. Although the Summer Mixed is an “in-person” sale, real-time video READ MORE and bidding will be offered through Proxibid. Sign up information is available in the catalog. MSOA to livestream Adios Final “This venue is important in providing sales liquidity for our busi- ness, and I’m extremely pleased with the quality in the book. For the second consecutive year, The Meadows Standardbred “Sellers are likely to be very well-rewarded, as many horses in the Owners Association (MSOA) will produce and offer a livestream of sale are stakes winners and upper conditioned types that are in such the July 31 final of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids -- this demand – the kind you won’t find in high claimers and the kind that year with the participation of an influential media partner. bring fair market value to buyer and seller only at an auction house.” READ MORE Highlighting the sale are a pair of 4-year-olds that have raced in the Graduate Series at the Meadowlands: Allywag Hanover, who won a Cumberland extends current meet leg of the event in 1:48 1/5 over Ruthless Hanover and is in again this weekend; and The Greek Freak, timed in 1:47 4/5 while racing against The Maine Harness Racing Commission has approved additional Captain Barbossa and Warrawee Vital. race dates for the extended pari-mutuel meeting at First Tracks Also cataloged is $350,000 winner Eurobond, who comes into the Cumberland to include Wednesday, August 4 and Thursday, August sale off three consecutive Open Trot wins at Plainridge, along with 5. Post time for these two additional cards will be 11 am. Blood Line, stakes winner of more than $500,000 and a consistent 1:50 READ MORE pacer at the top levels. Fourteen 2-year-olds are entered that include McClelland Hanover, USTA announces Standardbred Incentive Program 1:55 3/5 baby race winner last Monday at Gaitway, plus royally-bred fillies like the half-sister to last week’s Meadowlands Preferred The U.S. Trotting Association announced Monday (June 28) the winner Backstreet Shadow and a Captaintreacherous lass who’s line- creation of a Standardbred Incentive Program (SIP) for horses regis- bred 3 x 2 to the golden producer World Order. tered in North America. The program will recognize horses who are -Release (Tattersalls Sales Co.) participating in disciplines other than racing and provide awards for leading contestants. Pickup Man Hanover sets track record at Buffalo in NYSS READ MORE

Pickup Man Hanover ‘picked up’ his first career victory and also Meadowlands comes back strong from pandemic set a new track record along the way in taking his $33,600 division of the New York Sire Stakes for the 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers at While the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the handle Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday evening (June 30). numbers during 2020 at The Meadowlands were not unexpected, what READ MORE has come as a pleasant surprise to Big M management is how busi- ness has come back during 2021. Charna and Aldrich to see purse increases to $100,000 A look at the mile oval’s business through the first six months of each of the last four years illustrate how solid betting has been during MGM Northfield Park has announced that both the Myron Charna the current season. In 2018, business was slow by Meadowlands’ stan- President’s Pace and the new Tom Aldrich President’s Trot will carry dards, as a total of $110.1 million was wagered over 52 race cards (539 purses of $100,000 when they are contested on Saturday night, August races), good for an average of $2.1 million a night and $204,367 per race. 14. Both were originally slated as $75,000 races this year. Except for considerably fewer race cards due to the pandemic last READ MORE year, 2019 and 2020 were similar from a business perspective, as nightly handle averaged $2.7 million both years, while there was only Pebble Beach leads Daley Stable winners at Magical Acres a slight difference in the per race, where 2019 ($213,592) was slightly better than 2020 ($211,009). Trainer Noel Daley took advantage of the final week of 2-year-old Enter 2021. Through June 30, a total of $169 million has been pushed qualifiers at his stable base of Magical Acres to send out 13 rookies on through the windows over 51 programs (660 races), an average daily Wednesday, with 11 horses in the group making their debuts. handle of $3.3 million and a per race of $256,302. READ MORE “So often, it’s hard to quantify results. In this case, it’s obvious that the pandemic knocked us down in 2020, since we were able to conduct Improved Johan Palema leads Svanstedt’s Yonkers Trot trio only 29 programs through the first half of the year,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “It’s also Only one of the eight finalists in Friday’s $500,000 MGM Yonkers obvious that New Jersey racing has gotten back up and put up giant Trot was winless last season, but that horse -- Johan Palema -- expe- numbers during 2021.” rienced a transformation during the winter. When he returned to Pick 6 Carryover: There were no winning tickets sold in the training for Ake Svanstedt, the 3-year-old male trotter was no longer 20-cent Pick-6 last Saturday, creating a carryover of $13,928 for this difficult to control, but much better to drive. Friday’s edition of the wager, which kicks off in the eighth race. READ MORE -edited release (Meadowlands)

DRF Harness Digest | 14 | July 1, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness