DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 Katz goes for Meadowlands Pace trifecta
Owner Marvin Katz has three chances at winning his third DOUBLE YOUR FIRST DEPOSIT Meadowlands Pace, potentially using three different trainers
NEW PLAYERS UP TO $250 By Derick Giwner reunion in JOIN NOW Manalapan, The first major stakes date of 2020 will New Jersey. take place on July 18 at The Meadowlands Her family is and few people have more to root for than all from the Inside this issue owner Marvin Katz. With three horses in New York/ the $631,650 Meadowlands Pace – including New Jersey Jay Bergman: Breaking down the 2020 likely favorite Tall Dark Stranger – and a area,” said Meadowlands Pace, Page 6 pair of contenders on the undercard stakes, Katz. “So I the Toronto native, a regular at these major was about 45 minutes from The Meadowlands Meadowlands Pace Night insider nights of racing, will have to do his cheering and watching the Hambletonian on TV. I just selections and analysis, Pages 8-9 from afar due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. won the Hambletonian and I honestly didn’t “I’ve been know if I was the happiest guy in the world or Taylor eyeing another Hambo price thinking about the sickest, because I was so close to the track with Back Of The Neck, Page 11 it,” said Katz and won but not in attendance. I took so much on the possibil- abuse from people who said, ‘Sure you’re a big Chin Chin Hall out for the year after ity of making shot. You don’t even come to the Hambletonian suffering injury, Page 11 it to The Mead- when you win.’ So, as far as not being there, owlands on the horses will do what they can. They have Darin Zoccali: Manchego vs. Atlanta a Saturday before my best wishes, but I would much prefer to be brewing rivalry, Page 12 outlining all of there on Saturday and have some excitement.” the obstacles. If there is solace to the fact that Katz must Derick Giwner: Time to take notice of “My wife prob- watch Meadowlands Pace night at home, it is Ohio-bred Action Uncle, Page 13 ably won’t let the fact that even if he did show up, owners me go. You also are not permitted in the winner’s circle due On The Backstretch: Profile of trainer need special to COVID-19 restrictions. That will hardly Bruce Saunders, Page 14 Racehorsephoto Marvin Katz won the permission to dampen the spirits of those in attendance as $100K Meadowlands Pick 4 video + 1997 Meadowlands cross the border many of the sport’s top trotters in pacers will Pace with Dream Away and then you compete in 10 stakes races on a blockbuster best bets and analysis, Page 17 and the 2013 Pace with have to quaran- 13-race card with an early post time of 6:30 PM. Industry Headlines: Whose Blues and Captaintreacherous. tine for 14 days The main event on Saturday for Katz and when you come most fans of the sport is the Meadowlands Pace. May Baby shine in Sire Stakes, Page 17 back. I love to come to these events, but it is Listed as race 9 on the program with an approx- Comments? Questions? probably more prudent to stay home.” imate off time of 10:05 PM, The Pace final is the Email the Editor [email protected] Katz, who won the Meadowlands Pace as part first major race for 3-year-old pacers of 2020 due of the ownership group with Captaintreacher- to the rescheduling of the North America Cup ous in 2013 and Dream Away in 1997, recalled to August 29 and the cancellation of the Max the last time he missed the opportunity to feel Hempt Memorial. the adrenaline rush of being at the track as one Tall Dark Stranger, who Katz owns in part- To ensure proper delivery of his top horses won a marquee race. It was a nership with Crawford Farms Racing, Caviart of the newsletter via decade ago and for arguably the most important Farms and Howard Taylor, is the 7-5 morning- email, add [email protected]. race for Standardbreds in the world. line favorite in the Meadowlands Pace. The BHSCo.-Summercom Entries-2_Layout to your contact 1 l ist 7/13/2020 3:19“Muscle PM Page Massive 1 was racing in the Hamble- tonian on the same day as my wife’s family CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 DON’T BE SHUT OUT! ENTER ONLINE NOW www.bloodedhorse.com Mixed sale entries will close around JULY 20 or when full!
JERRY HAWS P.O. Box 187 Wilmore, Kentucky 40390 Phone: (859) 858-4415 AUGUST 25 & 26, 2020 Fax: (859) 858-8498 “There’s No Substitute for Experience” © 2020 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 Coming soon! Important 2020 events:
Sat., July 18 $400,000 Hambletonian Maturity at the Meadowlands
Sat., Aug. 8 $1,000,000 Hambletonian and the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands ELIMS FOR BOTH AUG. 1
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 30 & 31 All 12 Breeders Crown Events worth over $6-million at Harrah’s Hoosier Park
and Breeders Crown 109 South Main St • STE 18 Cranbury, NJ 08512 609-371-2211 Hambletonian.com Nikki Sherman Trainer Nancy Takter (left), driver Yannick Gingras (center) and co-owner Marvin Katz were all smiles after winning the 2019 Breeders Crown with Tall Dark Stranger.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 only got into the race off the ‘Also Eligible’ list because stablemate Chief Mate elected to race at The Meadows in a PA Sire Stakes race 2-year-old divisional champion defeated older horses off cover in his first instead. “In his first start of the year he beat Papi Rob Hanover in 1:49 start of the year in 1:47 4/5 and came back with an easy win on the engine and change and he paced in 1:49 as a 2-year-old. He’s a very good horse in 1:48 1/5 in last Saturday’s elimination. and I don’t think he should be dismissed lightly.” “It’s the joyride that we all dream about,” said Katz about the experi- While Katz has the horse to beat in Tall Dark Stranger, a person he ence thus far with Tall Dark Stranger, who has won 10-of-11 career starts is very familiar with trains the 4-1 second choice (Papi Rob Hanover, with one second-place finish. “I never feel confident in these big races, post 9) and 5-1 third choice (Allywag Hanover, post 4). Brett Pelling but I’m hopeful. He’s clearly demonstrated that he is an exceptional conditioned Dream Away when he won the 1997 Pace Final for Katz, horse with rare ability. He’s one of those horses that is an outstanding Robert Tucker, Sam Goldband and Al Libfeld. Interestingly, Captain- individual and combines it with great pedigree and top-end talent.” treacherous was trained by Tony Alagna, so Katz has strong ties to Certainly to Tall Dark Stranger’s advantage is having perhaps most of the trainers in the field. the hottest trainer in the sport, Nancy Takter, calling the shots. The “I’m friends with all three (Takter, Pelling and Alagna). Tony, of 39-year-old trainer has won 33-of-76 races in 2020 and sports a UTRS course, I’m very good friends with and have the highest regards for (Universal Trainer Rating System) of .564, best in North America by him. Brett and I have a cordial relationship and I consider him one of a wide margin. Incidentally, she was also the caretaker for Muscle the greatest horsemen ever. I wish him nothing but the best, however, Massive when he won the Hambletonian for Katz in 2010. we are hoping we do a bit better on Saturday,” said Katz. “I think that Nancy Takter is demonstrating the ability, intelli- Pelling’s one-two combination of Papi Rob Hanover and Allywag gence and skill that she was born with,” said Katz. “She is devoted to Hanover are no doubt formidable. The former actually defeated Tall her craft and has become a master craftsperson. She was born into Dark Stranger in the 2019 Breeders Crown but was disqualified for this business, grew up around the business and trained under argu- causing interference. In two starts this year, the son of Somebeach- ably the greatest horseman who ever lived (Jimmy Takter). She has somewhere has drawn post 10 twice and really hasn’t had the oppor- clearly taken a lot from her father and she deserves the attention. I’m tunity to shine or been in a spot where it made financial sense for proud of her but I’m not surprised.” driver David Miller to empty the tank. As part of a three-horse contingent from trainer Tony Alagna, Katz Allywag Hanover, along with Chief Mate, took a bye into the Mead- also has Meadowlands Pace elimination runner-up Captain Kirk owlands Pace final and instead elected to race in a leg of the Pennsyl- (post 10) and Capt Midnight (post 7) in the field of 10. Alagna also vania Sire Stakes on July 10 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. As with each of trains Captain Barbossa (post 3). his three starts this year, he won, and didn’t seem fazed by new driver “It is unfortunate he drew the 10-hole because I think he has really Tim Tetrick being in the bike. He enters the ‘Pace’ with a lifetime become one of the top contenders this year,” said Katz about Captain mark of 1:48, just one-fifth behind the favored Tall Dark Stranger. Kirk. “He’s come back great. All credit to Tony. He stopped with him The Pace field also includes Roll With Jr (post 1), Catch The Fire early. He showed ability and he liked him a lot, but he just felt he (post 2), Manticore (post 6) and Major Betts (post 8). needed more time. As a yearling, he was a tremendous individual. I In addition to the Meadowlands Pace trio, Katz will be represented think he will be one of the big players this year. on the night by Kissin In The Sand in the $172,850 Dorothy Haughton “He has a significant resume,” said Katz on Capt Midnight, who CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
DRF Harness Weekend | 3 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Memorial (race 10) and American History in the $391,300 William Haughton Memorial (race 7). Kissin In The Sand has only raced twice thus far in 2020 for Katz and co-owner Hatfield Stables, but she certainly seems to have found herself over the winter after a somewhat disappointing two-for-17 record in her 4-year- old campaign last year. “For as many years as I’ve been in this busi- ness, I don’t think I’ve fully appreciated, perhaps more with pacing fillies than almost any cate- gory, the step between 3 and 4 is just enormous. It is not speed because she went (1:)47 4/5 as a 3-year-old. It’s not toughness, because she’s as tough as there is and has had more bad posts than any horse I’ve ever owned,” said Katz. “The job that Nancy did with her is brilliant. I wanted to stop with her at least three differ- ent times last year, but Nancy loves Kissin In The Sand and she worked her heart out on her. All winter Nancy told me that she has grown and that she is more powerful.” Powerful is certainly the right word to describe Kissin In The Sand so far. She won her Lisa Photo 2020 debut in 1:47 4/5 at The Meadowlands and Kissin In The Sand owns the fastest winning mile by a pacing mare (1:47 4/5) and lost by just a half-length to Soho Burning Love A co-second fastest mile of 2020. in a 1:48 1/5 mile most recently, a loss that could be explained by a four-week gap between races. “It has been frustrating trying to get her races,” said Katz. While she will likely be ready for a peak effort with Yannick Gingras in the bike from post 4, Kissin In The Sand will have her work cut out Meadowlands Pace Night Schedule for her facing 2019 Horse of the Year Shartin N (post 2), who is return- ing from a minor foot issue which caused her to scratch from a race on July 5 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. The field also includes her stablemate Race # - Conditions Post Time Wagering Options Soho Burning Love A (post 7) and $1.8 million career earner Caviart 1-NW200000 Last 5 6:30 dd (1-2)-$50K GTD PICK 5 (1-5) Ally, who starts from the outside post 8 in the field. 2-$40,000 Ms Versatility 6:55 PICK 3 (2-4) Another opportunity for Katz could come with American History 3-$253,500 Del Miller 7:20 PICK 3 (3-5) (post 7) in the Haughton. The Breeders Crown winner in the older pacing ranks last year was a complete non-factor in the Roll With 4-$142,250 Stanley Dancer 7:45 PICK 3 (4-6) Joe at Tioga on June 21, but he improved with an even effort on July 5-$142,250 Stanley Dancer 8:10 PICK 3 (5-7) 11 in an Open at The Meadowlands, beaten less than two lengths 6-$194,400 Mistletoe Shalee 8:35 $100K GTD PICK 4 (6-9) while timed in 1:48 3/5. 7-$391,300 W.Haughton Mem. 9:00 PICK 3 (7-9) “Last year it took him a little while to get going,” said Katz. “Every trainer has their own style and I think Tony (Alagna) usually has 8-$464,900 Hambo Maturity 9:30 PICK 3 (8-10), PICK 6 (8-13) them ready for their best after two or three races. 9-$636,650 Meadowlands Pace 9:55 PICK 5 (9-13) “As he continues racing, we are hopeful he’ll be one of the top Free- 10-$172,850 D.Haughton Mem. 10:25 PICK 4 (10-13) For-Allers this year.” 11-$123,100 W.Haughton Con. 10:50 $65,089 c/o Mandatory payout HI-5 The William Haughton lured a strong field of 11 with a host of contend- ers, including Roll With Joe winner Backstreet Shadow (post 5), runner- 12-NW14000 Last 5 11:15 dd (12-13) up None Bettor A (post 11), and a host of 4-year-olds looking to step up. 13-NW10000 Last 5 11:40 JACKPOT HI-5 The Haughton also includes a $123,100 consolation as race 11 on the card. The stakes action on Saturday at The Meadowlands starts in race 2 and continues through race 11. Other stakes include the $40,000 Miss *WPS, EXACTA, TRIFECTA & SUPERFECTA WAGERING ON ALL RACES Versatility, $253,500 Del Miller, two $142,250 divisions of the Stanley ** NO SUPERFECTA RACE 11 Dancer, $194,400 Mistletoe Shalee and the $464,900 Hambletonian Maturity with 13 trotters going 1 1/8 miles.
Ohio Sires Stakes ~ this weekend at Scioto Downs!
Friday Saturday July 17 July 18
2-year-Old 3-Year-Old Colt & Filly Trot Colt Pace
For information contact Kimberly Rinker at 614-779-0269 [email protected] For schedule & conditions go to www.racingohio.net
DRF Harness Weekend | 4 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
be taken down, Papi Rob Hanover has drawn poorly in every start this year. Two post 10’s offered Papi Rob Hanover the chance to race with jaywalking cover on both occasions, but I would hardly suggest that second-over By Jay Bergman BergmanJay is a “perfect trip” in this day and age. Speed dominates most races and it did on both occasions. Papi Rob Hanover was forced overland, albeit with cover. Post nine for the final is Papi Rob Hanover’s plight, but there is every reason to believe it will prove less of an obstacle than some may think. Driver David Miller knows he needs to be at least in the top five in the Breaking down the early stages, so expect a far more aggressive steer from him. One horse that was disappointing in the “Pace” elimination was Major Betts. The son of Art Major showed extreme speed through- 2020 Meadowlands Pace out his juvenile campaign but was erratic at times. He was perfectly mannered last Saturday and that driver Dexter Dunn tipped him Handicapping the 2020 Meadowlands Pace final brings with it from the pocket would suggest he had thoughts of passing Tall Dark elements many players have never had to encounter. Primarily, the Stranger. Major Betts faded to sixth then drew post eight for the final. loss of a significant portion of the early season stakes schedule to the Major Betts shows plenty of early speed in his past performances, but I COVID-19 virus has eroded what would have been fertile ground to wonder if Dunn, after last week’s mile, will be less assertive early. sufficiently analyze exactly where all 10 finalists earned their places. Manticore is an interesting horse from post six. The Bruce Saun- Perhaps as important was that eight of the 10 in Saturday’s event ders-trained son of Western Ideal has flown under the radar this year, arrived there after going around the track in a certifiable “non-race” as likely favorite Tall Dark Stranger set the tempo early and nine other drivers attempted for the last three quarters to stay out of trouble and 2020 meadowlands pace avoid finishing ninth or tenth. It is the substance of that elimination race that needs to be exam- july 18 - RACE 9 - 10:05 PM EDT ined in a way that most handicappers never try to. A predominant number of people who play the races put a large percentage of focus on 1. Roll With JR (Corey Callahan, Jeff Cullipher), 20-1 the most recent past performance line. In the case of the Meadowlands Pace elimination held last Saturday, it should only be viewed with 2. Catch The Fire (Mike Wilder, John Ackley), 12-1 the strength one would put on a qualifying race. That said, all eight horses raced well enough to be considered ready for the final. Tall Dark 3. Captain Barbossa (Brian Sears, Tony Alagna), 10-1 Stranger, the race-winner, did what was expected of him and can’t be faulted for that. On the other hand, driver Yannick Gingras was in a 4. Allywag Hanover (Tim Tetrick, Brett Pelling), 9-2 rare position, as literally no horses in the front flank were willing to pull and offer an instant or quick accelerated challenge. With only Capt 5. Tall Dark Stranger (Yannick Gingras, Nancy Takter), 7-5 Midnight being rated while on a long coverless grind, Gingras and Tall Dark Stranger had the freedom to do as they pleased. 6. Manticore (Jordan Stratton, Bruce Saunders), 15-1 An analysis of Tall Dark Stranger’s performance, in my mind, is no different than the rest who performed on Saturday: Incomplete. He 7. Capt Midnight (Andy McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 15-1 has won both of his starts this year, with his first effort impressive but hardly conclusive given that he enjoyed a good cover trip and then 8. Major Betts (Dexter Dunn, Mark Harder), 12-1 moved just about the same time Escapetothebeach was jumping over an object while on the lead. Tall Dark Stranger drew the rail in his first 9. Papi Rob Hanover (David Miller, Brett Pelling), 4-1 start and post three in his second, making both his winning trips far less stressful than some he’ll face on Saturday. 10. Captain Kirk (Joe Bongiorno, Tony Alagna), 15-1 Trainer Nancy Takter’s entire stable has come out ready at first call while other trainers’ horses in the final appear to have taken a differ- ent approach. This of course does not mean that Tall Dark Stranger but has been going forward in the stretch each race against this level isn’t the best horse in this group, he may very well be, but that what competition. Driver Jordan Stratton has left the gate each week but we have seen of him from his first two starts is what he is, versus what settled for off-the-pace trips with Manticore. With the big money riding some of the nine others may turn out to be. on Saturday, what better time for Stratton to put his horse close to the That’s what makes looking at this year’s Meadowlands Pace so lead. fascinating. There’s more nuance involved in trying to take from Trainer Tony Alagna has three good horses that in my mind are all what’s been seen and extrapolate on it. One horse that has shown vast capable of winning this race. Captain Kirk (post 10) had pace early and improvement from his juvenile form to today is Allywag Hanover, one late in the elimination, but young driver Joe Bongiorno may never get of two finalists for trainer Brett Pelling. Allywag Hanover used his that kind of trip again, at least not this week. Captain Barbossa (post “bye” effectively by winning last Friday in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 3) has Brian Sears, who orchestrated a major upset with Best In Show at Harrah’s Philadelphia. It was his first start this year for driver Tim in last year’s edition. Capt Midnight (post 7) gets a second chance after Tetrick and visually the two were impressive, navigating the victory Chief Mate withdrew to race at The Meadows this Saturday in a Penn- over a sloppy surface. Pelling credited driver David Miller for keeping sylvania Sire Stakes. While he is clearly more capable, Capt Midnight Allywag Hanover calm during his first two wins at The Meadowlands. in my mind had the benefit of soft fractions in the elimination and gave Tetrick was able to settle Allywag Hanover easily in the early stages way badly. Driver Andrew McCarthy is never afraid to pull the trigger and then the son of Captaintreacherous was vicious when called upon. early and may want to make up for last week’s steer in the final. Tetrick drove his sire to the 2013 Meadowlands Pace title. Last year Catch The Fire showed some brilliance at The Red Mile When Allywag Hanover drew post three for the final with Tetrick, winning the Kentucky Sire Stakes final in 1:49 4/5. He beat Roll With Jr it suggested to me that he would be the key to the race and not Tall on that occasion. The pair drew posts two and one, respectively. They Dark Stranger. Year after year Tetrick shows us on the big stage that essentially are unknowns against this level. Catch The Fire did what he can put a horse in the right spot while at the same time assessing the he had to do to qualify last week racing from off the pace. He’s shown speed necessary to get there. Even last year when he drove Workin Ona plenty of early speed as a 2-year-old. Trainer Jeff Cullipher has been Mystery, he was exactly where he needed to be despite drawing post red-hot since racing returned to the Meadowlands and his Roll With Jr nine against a 1-2 shot in Captain Crunch, who landed the rail. It’s more got the best of the draw. Still he seems an outsider against this caliber likely Tetrick will dictate the action on Saturday rather than following field. with Allywag Hanover. In the final analysis, I think Pelling has the power here and Papi Rob On reputation, Papi Rob Hanover is a player in the final. Unlike Tall Hanover is likely to be the best value of the duo. Dark Stranger, a horse he beat in last year’s Breeders Crown only to
DRF Harness Weekend | 6 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
MEADOWLANDS PACE NIGHT HANDICAPPING Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Race 6 $40,000 $253,500 $142,250 $142,250 $194,400 Miss Versatility Del Miller Stanley Dancer Stanley Dancer Mistletoe Shalee
(6) MANCHEGO - No (1) SORELLA (BEST (6) BACK OF THE (1) BEADS trotted a (8) REFLECT WITH Atlanta in here, so BET- She is likely just NECK - overcame huge mile in defeat ME - Sight nod to this should be a too good for these major trouble last last week. He should last year’s Breeders gimme for this right now. week in a stellar win. be tough from the Crown winner in a rail. contentious race. outstanding mare (8) HYPNOTIC AM Call to upset. (7) EL IDEAL (1) JK FIRST LADY (7) PLUNGE BLUE (10) RAMONA HILL (7) THIRD SHIFT CHIP (4) AMIGO VOLO (4) READY FOR MONI (9) LYONS SENTINEL GARNET (4) BEAUTIFUL SIN BARNSDALE
(6) MANCHEGO - In (8) HYPNOTIC AM - (6) BACK OF THE (2) GANGSTER (6) ROCKNIFICENT - short field she should Could benefit from NECK - He just keeps HANOVER - Should Enters the race as have her way. contested pace. getting better. be ready at first the sharpest filly in asking. the division. (7) PLUNGE BLUE (5) PANEM (7) THIRD SHIFT (1) BEADS (8) REFLECT WITH CHIP (1) SORELLA (4) AMIGO VOLO ME (2) GRAND SWAN (8) BEYOND KRONOS (2) PEAKY SNEAKY JAY BERGMAN
(6) MANCHEGO – It’s (1) SORELLA – Might (7) THIRD SHIFT – (4) READY FOR MONI (6) ROCKNIFICENT - hard to imagine a just be too sharp to Top two seem to – Might need one Should offer fair value scenario where she lose; tactical edge have a conditioning start for his best but in a very talented loses. from post 1. edge right now. the price should be field. right to take a shot. (7) PLUNGE BLUE (6) LOVE A GOOD (6) BACK OF THE (1) JK FIRST LADY CHIP STORY NECK (1) BEADS (9) LYONS SENTINEL (5) FELICITYSHAG- (8) HYPNOTIC AM (1) REAL COOL SAM (7) EL IDEAL DERICK WELL S GIWNER
(6) MANCHEGO - (1) SORELLA - looked (7) THIRD SHIFT - (1) BEADS - (6) ROCKNIFICIENT - Gets away from like an absolute gives Open company a freakish mile last loved her mile at The Atlanta tonight and monster last week try off two strong wins week, parked the Meadows where she beat most of the rest with no shoes and in New York, plenty route and held sec- chased down Lyons of these handily on draws inside the talented and might ond, just have to hope Sentinel determinedly June 19. other contenders. have some value. he stays flat again. and she has plenty of speed to get spotted. (5) FELICITYSHAG- (8) HYPNOTIC AM (6) BACK OF THE (7) EL IDEAL (1) JK FIRST LADY GREG WELL S (6) LOVE A GOOD NECK (4) READY FOR MONI REINHART (7) PLUNGE BLUE CHIP STORY (4) AMIGO VOLO (9) LYONS SENTINEL
(6) MANCHEGO (1) SORELLA – (4) AMIGO VOLO – (3) CHESTNUT HILL (8) REFLECT WITH (BEST BET) – There’s Perfect this season Big earner as a fresh- – Nice try before ME – Alagna trainee no Atlanta in here. and getting stronger. man returns to The breaking in last and should offer some Meadowlands off a prior Big M effort was value from outside (7) PLUNGE BLUE (8) HYPNOTIC AM sharp score. a sharp win versus post but certainly is CHIP (4) NO MAS DRAMA overnight foes. talented enough. (1) REAL COOL SAM (1) KENZIESKY (4) READY FOR MONI (1) JK FIRST LADY HANOVER (6) BACK OF THE MATT NECK (7) EL IDEAL (9) LYONS SENTINEL ROSE
(6) MANCHEGO - (8) HYPNOTIC AM - (6) BACK OF THE (4) READY FOR (8) REFLECT WITH They’ll be looking at Oaks favorite has NECK - Could be a MONI (BEST BET) ME - Loved her her heels all the way looked very sharp in bit sharper than Sam - Barn is white hot. seasonal debut. to the wire both starts this year and Volo right now. Full of trot in his last Should get a good qualifier. setup from off the (7) PLUNGE BLUE (1) SORELLA (4) AMIGO VOLO (1) BEADS pace. CHIP (6) LOVE A GOOD (3) BIG OIL (6) ROCKNIFICENT (5) FELICITYSHAG- STORY (7) EL IDEAL DARIN WELL S (1) JK FIRST LADY ZOCCALI
DRF Harness Weekend | 8 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness MEADOWLANDS PACE NIGHT HANDICAPPING Race 7 Race 8 Race 9 Race 10 Race 11 $391,300 $464,900 $636,650 $172,850 $123,100 W. Haughton Mem. Hambo Maturity Meadowlands Pace D. Haughton Mem. W. Haughton Con.
(5) BACKSTREET (7) REIGN OF HONOR (5) TALL DARK (4) KISSIN IN THE (11) GEEZ JOE - SHADOW - Big trip - Great spot to STRANGER - draws SAND - I can’t take Sharp horse will likely from post 9 last upset with the clear perfectly and he can the favorite at odds- offer an overlay from week. Should be sit- favorite stuck in post win from anywhere. on coming in off an second-tier post. injury. ting on a big mile. #13. (4) ALLYWAG (6) SINTRA (4) CENTURY (1) FORBIDDEN HANOVER (2) SHARTIN N (1) WESTERN JOE FARROH TRADE (9) PAPI ROB (7) SOHO BURNING GARNET (1) THIS IS THE PLAN (13) GIMPANZEE HANOVER LOVE A BARNSDALE
(4) CENTURY (5) WHEN DOVESCRY (9) PAPI ROB (2) SHARTIN N - Has (11) GEEZ JOE - FARROH (BEST BET) - Has prepped HANOVER - In what looked better than Loves the track and - Has been brilliant perfectly and appears figures to be more ever this year. finds perfect second- with no luck this year. to be next great about toughness (4) KISSIN IN THE tier placement. mare. than speed. (1) THIS IS THE PLAN SAND (4) OUR MAJORDAN A (13) GIMPANZEE (5) TALL DARK (11 )NONE BETTOR A (1) MAJOR (6) SINTRA (3) KINGS COUNTY STRANGER OCCASION A JAY (4) ALLYWAG BERGMAN HANOVER
(6) DANCIN LOU – (13) GIMPANZEE – (9) PAPI ROB HANO- (4) KISSIN IN THE (4) OUR MAJORDAN Races his eyeballs Don’t see the trip VER – He may be the SAND – Seems to A (BEST BET)– Had out every week. He’s from post 13 working best horse and he’ll have matured as a an issue when the fast/sharp enough out as bad as some likely be the best price 5YO and might be gate sprung but to win. think. of the top contenders. good enough to beat David Miller knows the Queen. his quirks now. (5) BACKSTREET (1) FORBIDDEN (5) TALL DARK SHADOW TRADE STRANGER (2) SHARTIN N (6) SINTRA DERICK (7) AMERICAN (7) REIGN OF HONOR (4) ALLYWAG (7) SOHO BURNING (3) SAN DOMINO A GIWNER HISTORY HANOVER LOVE A
(4) CENTURY FARROH (1) FORBIDDEN (4) ALLYWAG HANO- (2) SHARTIN N - raced (3) SAN DOMINO A - - totally shuffled out TRADE (BEST BET) VER - been all over this great at Yonkers on totally blocked in the of contention in the - vicious mile in his horse on Twitter for June 30, going to stretch a week ago Graduate, will give Meadowlands come- weeks so I can’t jump hope the foot issue but had pace, hope- another shot based on back last Friday and off now. All of his preps she had afterwards is fully a clean journey how he closed. has a huge post edge have been superb. as mild as said. this time. on his biggest foe. (6) DANCIN LOU (5) TALL DARK (7) SOHO BURNING (6) SINTRA (13) GIMPANZEE STRANGER LOVE A GREG (5) BACKSTREET (4) OUR MAJORDAN A REINHART SHADOW (7) REIGN OF HONOR (2) CATCH THE FIRE (4) KISSIN IN THE SAND
(4) CENTURY (13) GIMPANZEE – (5) TALL DARK STRAN- (2) SHARTIN N – (5) DEALT A WINNER FARROH – 4-year- Needs some Brian GER – Professional Does the injured – Classy vet has old was in a tough Sears magic from effort in the Pace elim- scratch help her price stepped up on the spot with plenty of post 13 but his re- ination and the Nancy a bit? I’ll assume the big stage at a price in finishing pace in the cord is unmatched. Takter barn is winning Queen is 100% ready the past. to go. Graduate Final. (1) FORBIDDEN with everything. (11) GEEZ JOE (6) DANCIN LOU TRADE (4) ALLYWAG (4) KISSIN IN THE (6) SINTRA HANOVER SAND MATT (5) BACKSTREET (7) REIGN OF HONOR ROSE SHADOW (7) CAPT MIDNIGHT (8) CAVIART ALLY
(7) AMERICAN (1) FORBIDDEN (3) CAPTAIN (4) KISSIN IN THE (6) SINTRA - Caught HISTORY - Surprise TRADE - Blais has BARBOSSA - Needs SAND - Stung a bit in traffic last time. package after finish- the screws tightened a trip. But, will be a early last time. Better Had pace. Perfect ing full of pace while perfectly. Looked tre- price and Sears is the post. Wire to wire post. having too much to mendous last week. man to find that trip. threat. (1) WESTERN JOE do last week. Upset special. (5) WHEN DOVESCRY (2) SHARTIN N (11) GEEZ JOE (5) BACKSTREET (13) GIMPANZEE (5) TALL DARK (7) SOHO BURNING DARIN SHADOW STRANGER LOVE A ZOCCALI (6) DANCIN LOU (7) CAPT MIDNIGHT
DRF Harness Weekend | 9 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
Taylor eyeing another Hambo prize with Back Of The Neck
By Jay Bergman
Howard Taylor has owned literally thousands of horses over the years in whole or in part, yet it’s clear having a horse that could win the Hambletonian is high on his list of priorities. Two years ago he shared the winner’s circle spotlight after Atlanta captured the sport’s most elite prize at The Meadowlands. Now just a few weeks away from the 2020 edition, he has a colt in Back Of The Neck that was off the radar a month ago but is clearly in focus now. Back Of The Neck looks for his second stakes victory in a row in one of two Stanley Dancer Memorial divisions at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (July 18). “Stefan (Balazsi-Order By Stable) had been telling me for years that Ready Cash was the best trotting stallion in the world,” Taylor said, going back some time. “He tried to sell me this colt as a weanling but I wasn’t interested at the time.” Taylor became a bit more interested when the horse was up for sale at the Harrisburg auction in 2018 and bought the colt for $150,000. Lisa Photo “When Stefan asked to buy back into the horse I was really happy Back Of The Neck went last to first to win the Reynolds on July because I knew he believed in him,” said Taylor. In fact, the partnership 11 at The Meadowlands. shifted once again when Howard’s mom Judith became a co-owner. While Back Of The Neck’s breeder was pushing Taylor onto the sire side of the equation, the owner saw the dam’s side. “He’s got the hottest maternal family right now,” Taylor said. Included in that list Chin Chin Hall suffers season-ending injury of powerhouses was the ‘winter book’ Hambletonian favorite Real Cool Sam, who makes his season’s debut in the same fourth race divi- sion on Saturday. By Derick Giwner Back Of The Neck is the first foal of the Andover Hall mare Big Barb. Balazsi purchased Big Barb, who is out of a half-sister to 2009 Just when it appeared that everything was moving in the Hambletonian Oaks champion Broadway Schooner as well as Cooler right direction for 4-year-old trotter Chin Chin Hall, the Rich- Schooner, the dam of Real Cool Sam. ard ‘Nifty’ Norman trainee suffered a broken coffin bone in the With three wins in nine starts as a 2-year-old for trainer Marcus Graduate series final that will keep sidelined until 2021. Melander, Back Of The Neck earned six figures, but after season’s end “He’s having surgery Thursday (July 16) to have a screw put a decision was made to move him to the stable of Ake Svanstedt. The in,” said Norman. “It usually takes about six months to recover.” colt qualified well on two occasions, the first with Svanstedt in the Chin Chin Hall had yet to win in five starts this year but was bike and the second with Yannick Gingras. Taylor tried to look for one holding his own against the top older trotters in the sport with driver who could guide the colt’s fortunes from his first start at least a trio of second-place finishes and a third in the Graduate final. to the Hambletonian. “I asked Yannick, who was really impressed He was supposed to start in Saturday’s $464,900 Hambletonian with him,” said Taylor. Yet after Back Of The Neck drew into the Maturity for 4-year-olds at The Meadowlands. same field as Sorella, Taylor quickly needed to find another driver. “It’s sad because the horse has really been racing fantastic, but In stepped Scott Zeron, who has piloted two Hambletonian winners he’ll come back, I think just as strong,” said Norman. already during his young career. “Scott is a very good big-money While Norman won’t be able to watch Chin Chin Hall compete, driver,” Taylor said with some confidence. “I asked Scott if he would the veteran horseman has a half-dozen other players in the 10 commit and he agreed.” stakes on the Saturday Big M card. Back Of The Neck’s debut on June 27 was scintillating in that he “I think all of the horses have a chance but they need the right cut a 1:51 2/5 mile and was just nailed by the aforementioned Sorella. trip,” said Norman. “There are a lot of big fields and some of the Taylor suggested that had it not been the first start of the year the races will get messy.” results could have been different. Perhaps the best opportunity for a victory and certainly the Last week Zeron was asked to race Back Of The Neck from off the horse all eyes will be on is Hambletonian hopeful Amigo Volo. pace with the connections not looking to make a “speed” horse out of The Breeders Crown winner in his division last year makes his him in advance of the bigger races. The results were impressive as third start of 2020 in the first of two $142,250 divisions of the Stan- Back Of The Neck, despite being mired by dull cover much of the way, ley Dancer memorial for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. showed explosive energy to win a Reynolds division doing away. After a sixth-place finish to start the year, Amigo Volo took “Ake (Svanstedt) definitely understands the big picture and wants home a split of the PA All-Stars at The Downs at Pocono in a him at his best for Hambletonian Day,” said Taylor. “He’s wearing somewhat uninspiring 1:54. steel shoes right now and I think that will change.” “I think we are on target and he is getting a little better every As for Saturday night, Back Of The Neck gets a significant test, not week. He trained well this morning (Wednesday) and I couldn’t only with the emergence of Real Cool Sam (post 1) but the presence of be happier with him. He’s sound and fresh,” said Norman. “We’ve stakes winner Big Oil (post 3) and stablemate Third Shift (post 7), who really never asked him to do more than he needs to. He doesn’t was a recent solid winner in an Empire Breeders Classic division. The have to peak now. We want him at his best in three weeks.” division of the Dancer also includes last year’s Breeders Crown cham- Amigo Volo starts from post 4 in the fourth race with Dexter pion Amigo Volo (post 4). Dunn in the bike. The gelded son of Father Patrick is owned by Taylor shares ownership in a few big horses on Saturday night, Pinske Stables and David J. Miller. including Tall Dark Stranger in the Meadowlands Pace, and one of Norman also has a pair of trotting fillies racing on Friday in his all-time favorites Shnitzledosomethin in the William R. Haughton New Jersey Sire Stakes action at The Meadowlands. Beautiful consolation. Game and Easy Pass are listed at 9-2 and 8-1 on the morning-line Somethingbeautiful, an Always A Virgin-sired half-sister to Shnit- respectively. zledosomethin has shown signs of early brilliance at Hoosier Park. “She “Both are really nice fillies but I wouldn’t call them top fillies,” may be one of the fastest horses I’ve ever owned,” said Taylor of the juve- said Norman. “They are coming along. I like both and they are nile pacing filly. “She’s paced sub-26 quarters and done it effortlessly.” getting better with experience.” Dylan Davis trains Somethingbeautiful, a Breeders Crown eligible.
DRF Harness Weekend | 11 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Manchego vs. Atlanta: Harness Racing’s greatest rivalry?
at the track
By Darin Zoccali AtTheTrack7
Over the past decade, harness racing has been blessed to have seen some of the best trotting mares the sport has ever known compete. Mares like Bee A Magician, Shake It Cerry, Emoticon Hanover and Hannelore Hanover have been a force on the racetrack. But amongst that group there was never really a rivalry. They competed against each other, but one mare was always the “Queen of the Hill” at a given point in time. That may be different in 2020. Coming into the 2020 season, all eyes were on Manchego in the trot- Lisa Photo ting division. The double-millionaire was super in the latter part of Manchego gets away from rival Atlanta this week as that foe 2019, even in defeat like in the TVG Free For All Trotting Champion- watches from the sidelines. ship where she finished second to Six Pack in a 1:50 mile. Her season started with a bang as she dominated a solid group of Preferred trot- Manchego cannot race in the open division of the TVG, but she would ters at The Meadowlands with a 1:50 3/5 performance. Then came the need to win either the Breeders Crown Open Trot or the Breeders first leg of the Miss Versatility trotting series, where she would hook- Crown Aged Mare Trot to get invited to that race, so while that could up with Atlanta for the first time this year. certainly happen, it is not guaranteed. Atlanta was coming off a stellar campaign herself, where she won Both Atlanta and Manchego are eligible to the Joie De Vie, sched- over $750,000 in 2019, winning 8-of-17 starts. The first showdown uled for August 16 at Tioga Downs and that seems to be a likely date between the two mares produced a stirring stretch rally with Atlanta for a showdown between the two. They can also square off in the closing the gap on Manchego nearing the wire and only Manchego’s Dayton Trotting Derby on October 3, where both are eligible, as well nose separating the pair at the finish of a sparkling 1:50 mile. The next as the Allerage Mare Trot at The Red Mile on October 11. act came two weeks later in the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in what is The season can certainly end in a championship showdown through an early nominee for Race of the Year. the Breeders Crown and into the TVG Free For All Championships, Manchego asserted an early lead through blazing fractions of 25 4/5 where it is entirely possible that Trotter and Horse of the Year could be and 54 3/5 with Atlanta in hot pursuit from the pocket. Sure, there on the line. But I have a day circled on my calendar prior to that - Thurs- were eight male trotters in the race, but everyone knew what this day, September 24, 2020: Little Brown Jug Day. On that day, the Miss race was going to come down to. It was all about girl-power. After Versatility Final will take place and for my money, a showdown between Manchego dispatched Chin Chin Hall’s first-over bid, Atlanta came Atlanta and Manchego in that setting will probably steal the show. to call and surged at Manchego and the two did battle through the The Delaware County Fair is a racetrack unlike most others. It stretch, with Atlanta’s head hitting the wire first, this time in 1:50 1/5. has wide turns for a half-mile oval that leads to a shorter stretch and Two races, two stretch battles, two photo finishes. you have to be aggressive if you want to win races there. I wouldn’t Yes, Atlanta and Manchego are setting things up for a rivalry for expect a Miss Versatility Final between these two magnificent mares the ages. However, that rivalry could hit a few road bumps. First, the to simply be one mare on the lead and the other in the pocket for two mares are likely to dominate the Miss Versatility, but the last most of the mile. The connections know that these match-ups will be two weeks they are taking turns in the series. Atlanta dominated a crucial to deciding several year-end awards this season and every Manchego-less group on July 10 and this coming Saturday, Manchego victory is important. I envision a scenario where Manchego is on the gets her turn, with Atlanta taking a week off. The two could techni- lead, Atlanta makes her move past the half-mile pole and the two of cally meet again on August 1 in the series, unless this trend continues them are eyeball-to-eyeball the rest of the way in one of the grandest with each skipping a leg. If you are hoping for a huge clash on Hamble- settings in all of racing. tonian Day between the two, I would say that is unlikely right now. As far as who will come out of 2020 on top between Atlanta and While both mares are nominated to the Dr. John Steele Memorial, a Manchego, it’s just too soon to tell. It appears that Atlanta is more race that is restricted to trotting mares, only Atlanta is nominated to aggressively staked and will have opportunities in races like the the John Cashman Memorial. I would imagine that Atlanta’s connec- John Cashman Memorial and the Caesars Trotting Classic that tions would be happy to race for more money against a field without Manchego will not have. But when the two of them step onto the race- Manchego in the Cashman. track together, it will be a sight to see, as it already has been. Make In addition, Manchego was not made eligible to the open division no mistake, the best rivalry in sports this year could very well be of the TVG Free For All Trot, while Atlanta was. That doesn’t mean between two trotting mares.
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DRF Harness Weekend | 12 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Time to start taking notice of Ohio-bred Action Uncle
EDITOR’S EYE By Derick Giwner
@DRFHarness
Answer this one simple question: Have you heard of Action Uncle? If the answer is no than you probably don’t pay any attention to the Ohio Sire Stakes. There was a time when that series was an afterthought on the national scene, just as Indiana was a decade ago, before the likes of horses like Hannelore Hanover and Freaky Feet Pete. Let me clue you in, the quality of Ohio horses is getting better – FAST! Action Uncle is an unbeaten-in-2020 3-year- old trotting colt who also was the Ohio cham- JJ Zamaiko pion as a 2-year-old. The Virgil Morgan trainee Action Uncle posted a North American record 1:53 2/5 win at Northfield on June 13. has raced three times in Ohio Sire Stakes this year and won by an average of over three lengths. His other win came by just a nose in his 2020 debut, but that Could we see owners Carl Howard, Joyce McCelland and Larry Wills was against older company. pony up the $62,500 necessary to supplement to the Breeders Crown on “He’s met expectations and more. He’s come back really good,” said October 30 at Hoosier Park? Morgan. “He’s raced four times this year and won all four with Brett “All three of them are knowledgeable owners who are not afraid to (Miller) never pulling the earplugs. He has a world record as a 2-year- gamble,” said Morgan about the chances. “If he continues to progress old and a 3-year-old.” and go the way we want, it would be a consideration. If Action Uncle was eligible to the Stanley Dancer on Saturday at “It’s Academic, the Ohio-bred of (Ron) Burke’s just won the Grand The Meadowlands or the Hambletonian, we’d be talking about him Circuit Currier & Ives stake handily at The Meadows in 1:53 4/5. Action right now as one of the many contenders in a field still lacking a clear Uncle has already beaten him in the Sire Stakes here. So when you look standout. Instead he is going under the radar and likely could continue at that, it makes you think he would be competitive.” outside the spotlight for some time. While Action Uncle won’t be racing in the Dancer, Morgan does have “We staked him to everything in Ohio. The Ohio Sire Stakes is one entrant on the stakes-filled Meadowlands card. really good now. It goes for $300,000. We also put him in some stuff Our Majordan A drew post 4 in the $123,100 consolation for the later, like the Erskine (Hoosier) and Matron (Dover). Obviously we William Haughton Memorial (race 11). The 8-year-old import went a have some regrets,” said Morgan about the fact that the Uncle Peter- sizzling 1:49 3/5 winning mile in his North American debut at Scioto sired colt doesn’t have the Hambletonian on his schedule. “The Downs on July 4 but broke as the 2-1 favorite in the Open at The Mead- Yonkers Trot would’ve been the perfect race to supplement to but owlands on July 11 just when the gate sprung open. unfortunately it is the same night (Sept. 5) as the Sire Stakes finals “He just got to the gate too soon. He hit the gate and got upset. He has at Scioto.” a history of that,” said Morgan about the miscue. “I think he’ll be fine. Next up for Action Uncle is the Ohio State Fair at Scioto Downs on David (Miller) just needs to time the gate with him. Now he knows what August 1, followed by the fourth leg of the Sire Stakes at Northfield on not to do, so he should be fine.” August 15 and the $300,000 Championship back at Scioto on the first Our Majordan A is 10-1 on the morning-line. Sintra is the 3-1 favorite Saturday in September. After that, the next steps are up in the air. in the Haughton consolation.
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DRF Harness Weekend | 13 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Did you ever want to know more about the people involved in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the harness landscape each week to profile a new personality from the sport.
trainer bruce saunders What kind of car do you drive? Lincoln Nautilus. Favorite dinner meal? Snack? I’m a beef and potatoes guy but I’ve switched to beef and veg- etables. I’m a bit of a steak snob. For snack, toasted pound cake
with ice cream and whipped cream. Courtesy Bruce Saunders Bruce Saunders has been involved in the sport since 1978. What is your favorite track to race at? I’ve always been a Meadowlands guy, although I’ve been lucky What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t enough to race at some terrific tracks during my tenor. Brandy- know? wine and Liberty Bell were terrific places to race; great environ- ment, great racetracks and terrific people. Even in Maryland, I don’t think they know how old I am and I’m happy with that. when Rosecroft was in its heyday and Laurel. Yonkers is a nice place because of the purses involved. But there is nothing like par- Is it true that you have a Master’s degree in finance and ticipating and going to the winner’s circle at The Meadowlands. were the acting Governor of Delaware for one day? What is your favorite big event in racing? That is correct. I was lucky in that my parents insisted that I get an education. I did my undergraduate work at the University The Meadowlands Pace. If I had a bunch of trotters it would of Delaware. I stayed there an extra year because I was fearful be the Hambletonian. But those two races to me are the most that I was going to get drafted out of school, so I joined the ROTC significant events in the game. program, which led to an obligation of two years in the Army, one of which I spent in Vietnam. When I was done I went to How often is racing on your mind? Temple for two years and got my master’s degree. I worked in a Because it is my profession, 24/7. I get up in the morning and go brokerage firm for a few years and got a gubernatorial appoint- to the bathroom with something about the horses already on my ment in 1975 or so and handled the division of economic develop- mind. I find it is necessary for me to be more focused than I’ve ever ment for governor Sherman Tribbitt. When he was out of town been. The game has gotten tougher and the attention that I need to one of his cabinet secretaries would be responsible for running give it is more than it used to be. I think I’m a pretty smart guy. I the government. One week he was out of town and my boss was got my way through high school and college without much study- out of town, so I was appointed the governor for a day. ing, it came very naturally, and racing has always been like that. Now with the variety of venues we have to go to, the ever-changing What is one word that describes harness racing for you? draw dates, scratch-times and the advent of the online entries, Frustrating . . . for a variety of reasons. which I just starting doing last year, I was probably one of the last ones to transition, but there is a lot happening. There are a lot of ways to lose a race and only one way to win a race. For me, I find How did you get started in the sport? that I have to dot every “I” and cross every “T”. I had a good friend that I would go to the track with. He had some Standardbred horses. He was on a small farm in Maryland and I What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? was living in Newark, Delaware, and Rising Sun is like the first town when you go south on the Kennedy Memorial on I95. I used At this point in my life, being at home with my wife and watch- to go to his farm to help with the chores so we could play golf or ing a good movie. When I was younger, it would be to play a go to Timonium or Pimlico for the afternoon. I wasn’t married at great golf course in beautiful weather. the time and had no commitments, so I got to jogging horses and kind of liked it. So when the colder weather came in, he said, ‘I’m What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? going to Liberty Bell for the winter. Do you want to come?’ I said, Football – Eagles. While poker is not a sport, it is very conducive that I didn’t want to go. Another friend had a couple of Standard- to watching on TV. I love to play cards and poker, but I never breds that were 2 turning 3 and needed someone to put them back do it in the casinos and it is very difficult to get a poker game in this day and age. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
DRF Harness Weekend | 14 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Conrad Photo Rock N Roll Heaven gave trainer Burce Saunders the best moment of his career when the colt won the 2010 Little Brown Jug.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 and I’ve been doing it a long time. I’ve been able to survive the game and in the process I’ve compiled a number of victories and made a lot in training. He asked me if I wanted to take them to Liberty Bell and of starts. It’s just a reflection of longevity and having good people to put them in training, so that is what I did. It was just a matter of choice work for and good people to work with. and chance that I had the opportunity in I think the winter of 1978. I enjoyed doing it, so I continued. The game seemed pretty easy. Little What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness did I know how difficult it was. racing? My first experiences were good ones. I was lucky enough to have It is the same advice that I tell people. You get so vested in it that horses that knew what to do without me helping them too much. I It is very easy to get really high or low in this game. The game is a just kind of stayed out of their way. I developed some clients in and reflection of life. Nothing stays the same forever. If you are on a great around the Delaware Valley. Lots of times the horses ate better than roll - your horses fit the right class, you get the right drivers and the I did. There are a lot of deep prolonged valleys in this game and the right trip – it is easy to sit back and say that it is an easy game. Then occasional highs are that much more appreciated when they come. you go 0-for-50 and wonder how to win a race. There are a lot of highs For me, the game has been good and I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done. I and lows and in order to get through it, you can’t be too emotional. wouldn’t have wanted to do anything else. You have to be committed but not emotional. You had a noticeable lull in your number of starters during What was your favorite moment in harness racing? the early 1990s. What changed? Winning the (Little Brown) Jug with Rock N Roll Heaven in 2010. It is In the fall of 1992 I was in Lexington and a horse I raced at Garden State really an incredible experience. I didn’t think highly of it previously. Park and won while I was out in Lexington, tested positive for two prod- I had been there a couple of times with horses that couldn’t compete. ucts that I didn’t use or even knew what they were at the time. I had a I hated being stabled out in the middle of the fairgrounds with people hearing, but it fell under the trainer responsibility umbrella and I got 30 meandering into my stall, but the new Jug barn makes the experi- days. I felt like it was stupid because I didn’t do it, so I said I’m not going ence terrific. People come by and are truly interested in the horse. to do this (train) anymore. My companion at the time was involved in The crowd’s reception to the horse and his accolades was a once in a the game, so she got her trainer’s license and I had a second trainer that lifetime experience. That will always stick out for me. had a license. When I realized that I needed to have a presence in the game in order to get more owners, I went back on the program. Which is the best horse you ever trained? I was just very frustrated and angry that because of the trainer Rock N Roll Heaven, obviously. I had a lot of terrific horses, but none responsibility rule that I was punished and couldn’t do my job. It was were able to accomplish what he did. He was good from the first day very painful not be able to go to the barn for 30 days. he set foot on the racetrack until he retired. The colt won over $2 million as a 3-year-old without winning the North America Cup or You have over 1,370 training wins. What does that number the Meadowlands Pace. He was the best horse in those races, but as mean to you? the case is very often, the best horse doesn’t always win. He was a brilliant horse. For all that he accomplished, Horse of the year, Pacer It is indicative that I have some longevity. I’ve been lucky enough to of the Year, he still doesn’t get enough credit. have some wonderful owners who have enabled me to train some ter- rific horses. For the most part I’ve had a variety of horses in my barn CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
DRF Harness Weekend | 15 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness was the best horse I’ve ever seen look through a bridle. He was a natu- ral and overcame his environment. I don’t think Brian (Sears) ever stretched him out once. I don’t know how fast he could’ve gone under the right circumstances. You like to have brilliant horses. I was really happy with Rock N Roll Heaven. I wouldn’t trade that horse for any CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 other pacer. He made my life easy. All we did is stay out of his way.
Rock N Roll Heaven gave you a career year with over $4 million How has COVID-19 affected your life and business? in earnings in 2010. Did that change anything for you? I’m fortunate. During the shutdown our horses needed to get exercise every day, so I was able to go to the barn and do the same thing I nor- Surprisingly, no. I thought it would buy me seven-to-10 years of mally do. The problem was that we had no objective or short-term goal. goodwill but it didn’t work out. The owners are great people. They It was boring in a sense that we didn’t have a target. We practiced social treated me well. There was little to no acrimony when we went our distancing. We didn’t wear facemasks, but we never got close enough to separate ways. They made a lot of money and I made a lot of money. I each other that it mattered. We all committed to making sure we stayed just thought I would always train horses for them. healthy. I have mostly older people working for me. At my age, while I don’t have any underlying conditions, I’m probably in that category Which horse is/was your favorite? where I’m a little more susceptible, so I was very careful. After you’ve had to euthanize or put one down that you are invested in . . . I had a horse called Big Shift who was by Adios Harry. He raced If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what at Yonkers and Roosevelt back in the Joe Marsh, Buddy Gilmour, Lou would it be? Fontaine, Sonny Patterson days. He was a nice hard-earning horse. He could only pace in (1:)59, but that was good enough to win the Open The single biggest shortcoming in the sport right now is the influence in the winter. He earned $500,000 racing at Roosevelt and Yonkers of performance-enhancing drugs. The only way to change that is to go over a three-year period. He got cast in a stall and snapped a stifle to a type of system where every horse in every race is stabled on the (bone). We had to euthanize him in the stall. That’s heartbreaking. racetrack and every stall has an eye (camera). In the old days at The You try not to let your emotions get to where you say ‘I love this horse’. Meadowlands and Garden State, when money was no object because I care very much about every horse I have in my care, but he was a people were betting so much, every section had a security guard that favorite. Rock N Roll Heaven was a favorite horse. I had a horse two was around your barn, so people doing their own vet work, injections, years ago, a terrific horse called Mangogh who I’m trying to get back pre-racing, anything to make these horses go a little faster than nature to the races. We were just starting to see him when we got hurt. I have intended, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do that. Everybody a horse named Decision Day. He has the front stall and his head is out would race pretty much with the same preparation of vitamins and every day. When I go by it is like he’s looking at me to see if I’m ok. supplements. That’s the step I would love to take in racing. Even though Horses are special. They all have their personalities. You try not to get those indictments brought to a halt a lot of the people who were skirting too attached, but the ones you have for a long time have special mean- the law, that only took the head off the snake. There are still many guys ing to you. I’ve had some very good horses for a long time, like Casimir out there using performance enhancers in one way or another. Camotion for four years. Those horses, they become special. This goes back many years, but if I go home at night and finish third, I know that one of the horses is enhanced. Some nights I go home and What do you think of your chances with Manticore in the finish fourth or fifth and feel like every horse was enhanced. When Meadowlands Pace? I pick up the program, I don’t look so much to see what horses I’m in against, I look to see what trainers I’m in against. I hate that. I hate I think my gut reaction is that there are three horses that are better and being sour on the game. Unfortunately the cheaters are always ahead faster than him right off the top. The Takter horse (Tall Dark Stranger) of the testers. We don’t have the money, the will or the way to stop the seems to be a little better than Papi Rob Hanover only because he has cheaters. Some have tried. I give Jeff Gural credit for stepping out and had some bad luck. Papi Rob Hanover was sensational when he had the spending his money to use different labs and things like that. 10-hole two starts back. I didn’t think he was as sharp last Saturday. He may have bounced a little bit. When you get stretch out 8-to-10 lengths How do you view the future of harness racing? more than the previous week, you might have a tendency to back up a week. Allywag Hanover, the way he has been this year, along with the I’m concerned. If I was 25 or 35, I’d be using my education to do something other two, have to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Tony’s (Alagna) else. I don’t regret a day doing what I’m doing. I love it every day and horses, Chief Mate, Captain Barbossa and Captain Kirk, all of them are learn something every day. I’m concerned about the game. I think a lot of to be reckoned with. I don’t know if Tony’s horses are going to bounce people are trying. The strategic money that Hanover Shoe Farms put up, or not. The horse a lot of people forgot about who raced last week, Mike it’s a good start and they are well-intended. It’s really not going to get any- Wilder’s horse Catch The Fire, he’s an excellent horse. I know lots of thing done. There are too many scoundrels out there, there are too many people were disappointed in Major Betts. They bet on him because of eyeballs that need to be watched, and there are too many things that need post position in the elimination. He’s a better horse than he showed to be done. I wish I knew the one single answer to solve it. on Saturday night. He might’ve needed a start over the track to get stretched out. Where does Manticore fit? I like the post we have. I think Time for the stretch drive: it offers a lot of options. I think Jordan (Stratton) deserves the right to be in a race of that nature. He’s not intimidated by the moment. He’s Best Horse You Ever Saw: Muscle Hill. Pacers are a dime-a-dozen. very smart and knows how to read a program. I know my horse will try There’s a great one every year. his guts out. For him to win the race a lot of things will have to happen right, a couple of horses will have to come up bad and a couple of horses Best Driver Ever: It’s a generational thing. To me you have to break will have to have bad trips. We’d have to everything go our way, kind of it down into eras. If I had to pick one driver to drive my horse for one like Best In Show or going back a few years, Holborn Hnaover, who was race, and I didn’t care if it was a front-runner or whatever, I would fourth on the rail turning for home. take Brian Sears. Lasix – Yes or No?: I’m a big believer in it. It helps to protect the How many horses do you have in your barn? horse. I don’t think trainers abuse Lasix and I don’t think it is a 15. It is a good number for me with the help I have. I wish I had the masking agent, even though there are some guys that put horses on right ones, but I have all nice horses who like to do their jobs. Lasix as soon as they get them regardless of whether they need it. I would prefer if we could use some adjunct medication, like Amicar If you could choose any horse in history to train, which horse for example. You can use it as Dover and some other tracks. would it be and why? Favorite TV Show?: Billions. If I was going to choose a trotter it would be Muscle Hill. I think he Trotters or Pacers?: Pacers.
DRF Harness Weekend | 16 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness INDUSTRY NEWS
Whose Blues sets track record at Philly
The Cantab Hall filly Whose Blues sat a pocket trip behind the favored Sherry Lyns Lady, then caught her rival up the inside to win Thursday, july 16 her $63,462 section of the first prelim of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies Wednesday afternoon at Harrah’s Phila- RACE 1 delphia in a divisional track record time of 1:52 3/5. READ MORE (8) NO TIME TO PLAY came to play in his Grass- roots debut and he trotted May Baby now 3-for-3; Hambo Oaks next away to an easy maiden win. This barn and driver May Baby continued her winning ways at Harrah’s Hoosier Park continue to run hot and he Racing & Casino after capturing the co-featured event of the evening, should be tough to beat. a split of the $32,000 Indiana Sires Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies, -Garnet Barnsdale on Wednesday, July 15. Stopping the timer in 1:53 4/5, May Baby coasted to her third straight stakes win and remains undefeated this Friday, july 17 season for driver, trainer James Yoder. READ MORE RACE 1 (5) CHIPLOSIVE lost two Sorella improving like a fine wine starts at Philly to a reason- ably talented 3-year-old filly One night a couple years ago while enjoying dinner with a friend, and was in way too tough horse owner Elmer Fannin had a thought. If the yet-to-be-raced three starts back over this homebred filly trotter he had in his stable was as good as the wine surface. Four-year-old they were enjoying, she would be something special. should fit nicely in this field “So, I decided I was going to name her Sorella for the bottle of wine,” and I’m expecting a big mile. Fannin said. “That’s how it happened. It was just an enjoyable dinner, -Derick Giwner enjoying some good wine, and now I’ve got a good horse.” READ MORE RACE 13 5 - MOON BRIDGE won the OSS Super Final as a rookie, Black-type entries for Blooded Horse Sale remain open and his only three occasions missing the top three last year Black Type yearlings will continue to be taken for the 64th Annual were in Grand Circuit events. Blooded Horse Summer Sale through Friday, July 17. Significant class relief awaits The deadline was extended to accommodate yearlings that missed the him on arrival. deadline for other early closing sales. The yearlings will sell on Tuesday, -James Witherite August 25 with mixed horses rounding out that day and continuing into Wednesday. Make entries and order a catalogue at bloodedhorse.com. -release (Blooded Horse Sale) CT Stables to support Pacing For The Cure and Cell Phones For Soldiers
Pacing For The Cure is pleased to share this exciting announce- ment. Beginning July 18, CT Stables will be donating four percent of winning purse money from the 3-year-old pacing colt Catch The Fire’s Grand Circuit races in 2020 to two charities, Pacing For The Cure and Cell Phones For Soldiers. This donation will be split equally between both charities and will apply to any top three finishes earned by the 3-year-old colt; plus an added bonus if the colt wins any Grand Circuit races. full card analysis / past performances Pacing For The Cure is excited to join together with Cell Phones For Soldiers through the 3-year-old campaign of Catch The Fire. CT Harrah’s Philly (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Stables is a strong supporter of Cell Phones For Soldiers and the colt’s driver, Mike Wilder, is a strong supporter of Pacing For the Cure, thus Mohawk Park (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (SAT) Analysis a unique connection for both charities. CT Stables owner Charles Taylor commented, “I hope to see other Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis stables, owners, trainers, drivers and breeders get involved in supporting these two great charities.” We welcome horsemen, racetracks, breeding farms, and Standard- DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs bred horse sales across the country to consider placing cell phone recycling bins throughout their work places. -release (Pacing For The Cure) Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness
DRF Harness Weekend | 17 | July 16, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness