DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 Five months in, Todd McCarthy has quickly moved to the top of the driver standings NEW PLAYERS

Meadowlands YTD Driver Standings DOUBLE YOUR JAYWALKING Driver Starts Wins Win% FIRST DEPOSIT By Jay Bergman Todd McCarthy 41 10 24% UP TO $250 @BergmanJay Dexter Dunn 41 8 20% David Miller 39 8 21% JOIN NOW The 2021 season is but two Yannick Gingras 15 3 20% weeks old but already it appears that one driver Scott Zeron 26 3 12% is making a name for himself. Todd McCarthy entered the year as the youngest and least accomplished of the three driving sons of John Inside this issue McCarthy, a legendary trainer in Australia. go, succeeding nightly comes with a higher Todd, a 27-year-old that moved to the States in degree of difficulty. mid-2020, has been the star of the show at The While brother Andy arriving first helped, Derick Giwner: Older millionaires stand Meadowlands since the calendar turned the Todd found it a bit imposing to make the tran- the test of time, Page 5 page, moving to the top of the driving colony sition from Australian racing to the American that includes his older brother Andrew. style when he first arrived on these shores. Bob Marks: Time to make room for the “Andy’s success paved the way for me “I think I struggled some in the first month new boys of 2021, Page 9 coming here,” said Todd of his decision to to get my footing,” said McCarthy. “Every- leave Australia and come to . body is leaning back in the sulky. It’s not like Giwner: Drama builds ahead of For McCarthy, whose older brother Luke that in Australia.” Indeed, it took some time Saturday’s Dan Patch Awards, Page 11 paved the way in Australia as a top pilot, before Todd could see how driver’s posture in Brabrook has high hopes for weekend lessons from his family appear to keep him the sulky could change the dynamic of each grounded. McCarthy began driving at 16 after race. Meadowlands handful, Page 13 years working along with his brothers at his Having the support of others is critical to On The Backstretch: Profile of writer/ mom and dad’s farm in Sydney. Most critical making an impact in this sport and McCarthy to the lessons learned from his elders, Todd is quick to acknowledge the folks that got him broadcaster Frank Drucker, Page 14 appears to have inherited the competitive- over here and gave him the opportunity. Chapter Seven, Peaceful Way & Father ness as well. “We’re all very competitive on “I need to give a shout out to Noel Daley for sure,” said McCarthy. It was Daley who not Patrick reach HOF, Page 16 the racetrack,” McCarthy said. “Off the race track we go back to being brothers.” only inspired McCarthy to make the trip but Best Bets & Analysis, Page 17 Over the years, harness racing has seen a gave him the chance to drive a budding star long list of brother acts in the driving colo- in last year’s standout juvenile trotting filly Industry News, Page 18 nies, but it’s clear from the events of the Anoka Hanover. “Noel helped with the paper- last few weeks that Andy and Todd McCar- work for the visas,” said McCarthy. Comments? Questions? thy, still young in their own careers, may in It was Andy McCarthy that guided Anoka Email the Editor [email protected] fact prove to be the most successful brother Hanover through the Pennsylvania Sire act the sport has ever seen. Granted Hall Stakes program and to a third-place finish To ensure proper delivery of Famer Herve Filion and his successful in the championship final on September of the newsletter via brother Henri enjoyed long and prosper- 5. Yet McCarthy would step aside and let ous careers during a different era. For Todd his brother take over the reins afterwards. email, add [email protected]. and Andy, who only catch-drive and have to BHSCo.-Wintercom Entries_Layout to your contact 1 1/4/2021 list 11:46race AM againstPage 1 top catch-drivers wherever they CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ACCEPTING ENTRIES ENTER ONLINE NOW www.bloodedhorse.com Entries will close around mid-January 2021.

JERRY HAWS P.O. Box 187 Wilmore, Kentucky 40390 Phone: (859) 858-4415 Fax: (859) 858-8498 FEBRUARY 9 & 10, 2021 “There’s No Substitute for Experience” © 2021 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 BY YANKEE CRUISER OUT OF SWEET FUTURE 2021 FEE: $12,500 Lisa Photo Godspell Hall was one of 10 winners Todd McCarthy has steered during the opening three cards at The Meadowlands in 2021.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 as a force on weekends it has become obvious that he has a live pair of hands behind any horse that he drives. While the style of racing here is different in some ways to his native land, McCarthy doesn’t see that Anoka Hanover would go on to win her final seven starts of the season much of a difference in the caliber of horses here as compared Down for trainer Daley, closing out the campaign with a powerful victory in Under. “There’s a lot of quality in Australia,” McCarthy said. “I think the Goldsmith Maid at The Meadowlands. The Donato Hanover-sired the horses are very comparable.” filly earned $587K on the year and put Todd McCarthy’s name in the What has become more than obvious to those who bet the sport on spotlight for the first time in the United States. a regular basis is the overall influence of not just the trainers and Todd’s brother Andy has established himself in many of the drivers from the Southern Hemisphere but the incredible number of premier summertime classics and won the Hambletonian last year horses that have been imported and risen to fame in North Amer- as well as the first Mohawk Million, but throughout his over 10 ica. From the recently retired Shartin N, who arrived and vaulted years as a regular in North America, he spent winters vacationing to Horse of the Year status, to the current budding star Let It Ride with family and resisted racing in the cold in the Northeast. For his N, it appears that all have elevated the quality of racing in North part, Todd, at this point, expects to race as often as is necessary this America. winter. Like Dexter Dunn that came before him, McCarthy’s success on the “The weather hasn’t been that cold as yet,” said McCarthy. “I’m racetrack has led to more trainers putting him down to drive, expand- going to focus on racing on weekends at The Meadowlands for now. ing his base and giving him ample opportunity. He was present at I’ve got a few in at Yonkers this week.” Yonkers this past Monday (1/11) and though saddled with post eight For the most part the youngest of the McCarthy clan appears to be in two of his three drives, managed to finish the night with a victory enjoying his time in New Jersey and is very open to where the journey and second-place finish. McCarthy has exhibited a great sense of pace takes him. and without question has the hands required to get maximum speed Does he miss Australia? out of horses, some that didn’t seem to have much. “It’s a beautiful country,” McCarthy said. “This (U.S.) is a bigger For the time being, Todd is ahead of his brother Andy on the score- country and there’s a lot of opportunity here.” board, but you can bet that rivalry will heat up over the course of For bettors that have witnessed the emergence of Todd McCarthy what should be a very competitive season.

Start planning for the 2021Ohio Sires Stakes season!

March 15, 2021 is the deadline to nominate Ohio-bred 2 & 3-year-olds to Ohio’s richest program for state-bred trotters & pacers!

Conditions, schedule & nomination forms for the 2021 Ohio Sires Stakes are now available at www.racingohio.net

Kim Rinker, OSDF Administrator 614-779-0269 [email protected]

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness First-Crop 3YOs in 2021 include: FLAWLESS COUNTRY (pictured) PASS Champion (1:53.0, $430,423)

DELAYED HANOVER Winner of Bluegrass Series (1:53.4, $136,418) Six yearlings sold for $100,000 or more last year TYPE A Winner of Matron Stakes (1:55.0, $164,779)

THE BEST SON OF AT STUD

BY MUSCLE HILL OUT OF FLAWLESS LINDY | 2021 PRIVATE FEE Older millionaires continue to stand the test of time

EDITOR’S EYE By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy

We all see what we want to see. Some will look at a Standardbred and see speed, others beauty or grace and perhaps others just see an animal. While I admire the speed and beauty, nothing stands out more for me than the resiliency of the breed. In most cases, 25 to 30 times a year each Standardbred can be seen on the track giving their all. Outside of the stars of the sport or well- bred mares, many will continue on their racing journey well into the double-digit age territory and succeed. There are currently an amazing 21 horses 10 years of age or older who have eclipsed the million-dollar plateau in their careers, and as of late 2020, were still fighting the good fight on the track. Like any person or animal who gets up there in age, very few are performing at a peak level week-in and week-out, but many can still rise to the Derick Giwner Obrigado won the 2016 TVG Trot Final at The Meadowlands. occasion from time to time and remind us of the sheer fortitude and strength of the Standardbred. Topping the list in we always gave him the time he needed to come back.” earnings and the only A Maine Sire Stakes champion at ages 2 and 3 while compiling horse with a legitimate 21 wins in 23 starts, Obrigado stepped up his game to tackle Open chance at reaching the foes and eventually reached the Grand Circuit. His stakes wins $3 million plateau is include the Crawford Trot (2015 & 2016), Maxie Lee, Charlie Hill, Mach It So. The two- Cleveland Classic, Cashman, Dayton Trotting Derby and TVG time former William Trot Final. Haughton Memorial Perfect in two starts in 2021, both Preferred Handicap wins at Free- (2015 & 2017) winner hold, Obrigado owns a 119-54-19-13 record and $1,901,294 earned. His also won the Quillen career mark is 1:50 3/5 and he won the Dan Patch Award as the top (2015) and TVG Pace older trotter in the sport in 2016. Final (2017) during his CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 career, the majority of it under the owner- ship banner of Bamond Racing. “He was good to us from day one,” said owner/trainer Jeffrey Bamond Jr. “He had a

Ken Weingartner/USTA really good 3-year-old Traner Jeffrey Bamond Jr. had plenty year and was good ever 2021 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association of success with Mach It So during his since. He was a pretty career. bad actor and quirky Stallion Auction To Benefit P.A.C.E.R. horse at 3, 4 and 5 but he BIDDING ENDS SATURDAY settled down and gave his all every time on the track.” Mach It So’s string of seven consecutive years of at least $100,000 in PACERS earnings came to an end in 2020 as he only pulled in $27,460, but the Bit Of A Legend N Lather Up Rockin Amadeus now 11-year-old started 2020 off on the right track with a solid second Bring On The Beach Lost In Time Rodeo Romeo in an upper-level condition race at Freehold. He followed that up with a pocket-pulling win at Yonkers Raceway on January 12 and now sits Catch The Fire Mr. Apples Well Said just $70,978 shy of the magic triple-millionaire level. Dancin Yankee Pet Rock Western Terror A son of Mach Three from Beach Dancer, Mach It So owns a career Fear The Dragon Racing Hill record of 196-60-29-22 and a career-best clocking of 1:48.

Checking in second on the earnings leaderboard is the Maine wonder Obrigado. Far and away the best son or daughter from Boy TROTTERS Band, out of the mare Malimony, the 11-year-old epitomizes the resil- Coraggioso Long Tom Victory Sam iency of the Standardbred. De La Crème Muscle Diamond Volstead After starting just 16 times due to injury from 2017 to 2019 and even announcing his retirement at the end of 2018, co-owner and trainer Enterprise Nothing But Class What The Hill Paul Kelley, who purchased Obrigado at the Harrisburg Mixed Sale at Lionhunter Uncle Peter the end of his 3-year-old year, had the gelding back in gear for 2020. He was able to win seven times in 22 starts and earn a respectable $85,570. “He’s amazing that way,” said Kelley about Obrigado’s ability to For information and complete rules, visit: keep battling on the track. “He’s so keen and sharp all the time. He wants to compete. www.hoofbid.com/ohha “He’s had some nagging injuries, but in hindsight, nothing signifi- cant that any other horse couldn’t have overcome. The difference is P.A.C.E.R.—Political Action Committee for Equine Racing

DRF Harness Digest | 5 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness LAZARUS On the headline, change to “BREED TO THE PACING KING OF NEW JERSEY” On the sub headline, change to, “You will dominate the rich New Jersey Sire Stakes program when you breed to this $3,070,095-winning son of Bettor’s Delight”

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LAZARUS N 1:48.4, BT1:46.3 ($3,070,095) | Bettor’s Delight – Bethany

You will dominate the rich New Jersey Sire Stakes program when you breed to this $3,070,095-winning son of Bettor’s Delight

· Two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year · Three-time New Zealand Pacer of the Year · Multiple stakes winner in U.S.

Standing at Deo Volente Farms - 2021 Stud Fee: $10,000

www.deovolentefarms.com | 908-782-4848, Fax 908-782-4870 487 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 (1:50 2/5), Sapphire City went winless in 2020 but has won 66 of 331 career starts. “I don’t have big plans for him,” said Kelley about his expectations Not to leave any of these top performers without recognition, for 2021. “We are not chasing Grand Circuit foes anymore. As long as completing the list of 21 are: he is good to go, he’ll race. If he has a couple of bad ones and it is time Dapper Dude (12) 57 career wins, 1:49 lifetime mark, $1.39 million to go, we’ll quit. Every day with him is a gift.” The Real One (11) 57 wins, 1:50 (former track record at Yonkers), There are so many millionaire stakes winners still earning their $1.32 million keep on the track daily. Three classy pacers round out the top five in Versado (14) 65 wins, 1:48 4/5, $1.30 million earnings – Sunfire Blue Chip, Doctor Butch and Take It Back Terry. Lucan Hanover (11) 52 wins, 1:48, $1.29 million, New Jersey Classic Sunfire Blue Chip, a winner son of American Ideal, Cash Me Out (10) 57 wins, 1:53 1/5, $1.20 million earned a solid $57,753 in Wind Of The North (11) 62 wins, 1:51, $1.17 million, Noble Memorial 2020, improving his life- winner time total to $1,626,773. Southwind Amazon (11) 99 wins, 1:48 3/5, $1.12 million Under the care of trainer Zooming (13) 65 wins, 1:51, $1.11 million , the Scott Rocks (11) 63 wins, 1:48, $1.07 million now 11-year-old won Southern Allie (14) 79 wins, 1:49 4/5, $1.07 million the Adios, Tattersalls Townslight Hanover (13) 38 wins, 1:48 4/5, $1.03 million, NY Sire and Quillen during his Stakes Final winner career. He owns a 1:48 Caviart Luca (10) 40 wins, 1:50 4/5, $1.02 million 3/5 lifetime mark and a Sell A Bit N (11) 35 wins, 1:51 2/5, $1.01 million (including foreign) 150-40-27-15 record. Honorable mention goes out goes out to a handful of horses who Doctor Butch has are just shy of the million-dollar threshold. McErlean inched ever so compiled a 247-49-44-39 close after a win at Yonkers Raceway on January 12 and needs just record (1:48 1/5) since $974 to join the club. Watkins sits just over $3K short. Nickle Bag is a starting his career as a bit more than $7K shy but races in Canada and is at 1.2 million Cana- 2-year-old in 2012. A New dian. Finally, Night Pro ($991,834) and Mykindachip ($982,902) are Mark Hall/USTA York Sire Stakes cham- both well within striking range. Sunfire Blue Chip won the 2013 Adios pion as a rookie pacer, Pace for trainer Jimmy Takter. the product of Art Major and Classical Yankee also won the Art Rooney in 2013 before becoming a force as an Open Handicap performer for many years under the care of trainer Linda Toscano. The veteran of the top 5 is 12-year-old Take It Back Terry. Already a winner in 2021 at Northfield Park, Take It Back Terry has been an ATM machine for co-owner and trainer Ron Burke since the start, reeling off seven straight $100K-plus seasons from 2012 to 2018. The son of Western Terror was a frequent winner in the Levy series (now Borgata), finishing second in the 2015 final, the same year he won the Gold Cup & Saucer. While never the fastest (1:50 lifetime mark), Take It Back Terry was able to win 64 times in 262 trips to the track and hit the board 151 times. Obrigado is not the only Dan Patch Award-winning trotter on the list of 21. In 2015, on the strength of 16 wins in 21 starts, JL Cruze was named Older Trotter of the Year. The son of Crazed owns stakes wins in the Graduate, Hambletonian Maturity and Spirit of Massachusetts. He is also one of only 12 trotters to break the 1:50 barrier (1:49 4/5 in Sean Hamrock 2015). JL Cruze capped off his fifth $100K season in 2020 with six wins McErlean’s win at Yonkers raceway on January 12 put him just but finished sixth after setting very fast fractions in his yearly debut $974 away from millionaire status. at Dover Downs on January 12. The 10-year-old has career totals of 124-41-15-26 and $1,544,267 earned. Knocking on the door of the $1.5 million-earned club are a pair When expanding the list of millionaires to include all age groups, of 13-year-old pacers Great Vintage and Sapphire City. The former more than 60 were racing at the end of 2020 and the majority have or picked up one stakes victory in his career (Taylor Invitational) and are expected to return to the races in 2021. started 2021 off with a win at Freehold and a third at Yonkers. He Simply said, the definition of a Standardbred should be a rugged is less than $7K from becoming a millionaire-and-a-half. Sapphire horse who perseveres over the course of time. They rarely break City has yet to start this year and sits $15,397 shy of the $1.5 million down, they show up every week and they last the test of time. What mark. A one-time all-age track record holder at Yonkers Raceway more could you ask for in a horse?

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DRF Harness Digest | 7 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Standardbred Aftercare

Standardbred Aftercare is more than just a ‘buzz-word’ ... it is a significant issue which requires the participation of ALL industry stakeholders and participants.

Our equine athletes deserve a safe and secure future when their racing days are over.

They give us their all... Stallion Breedings Let’s give them some dignity! Selling January 18th at the Winter Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands: AMERICAN IDEAL CRAZY WOW DEVIOUS MAN RACING HILL ROLL WITH JOE SWANDRE THE GIANT

Proceeds from this sale will be donated directly to Aftercare Organizations by Crawford Farms

CLASSIC CONWAY 3,1:56.1 ($135,240) NYSS winner, retired in 2013. crawfordfarms.com

Stallion Talk: Time to make room for the new boys of 2021

on the mark By Bob Marks @BobMarks3

It’s a New Year and while theoretically it’s pretty much business as usual in the breeding world - despite the crippling effect of the pandemic - that means “make way for the new boys” as the first-crop stallions will either be making their debuts with foals on the race- tracks or begin a new career in the stud barn as first-time breeders. This year there’s no shortage of both. Last year’s first-crop stallions included Always B Miki, Betting Line, Racing Hill, JK Endofanera, Bar Hopping and Southwind Frank. Of those Always B Miki was a major success, as his son Perfect Sting is virtually odds-on to be anointed the top 2-year-old pacing colt of the season. The others had their moments, noticeably JK Endo- fanera, the Art Major son who improved the outcross outlet so needed by Indiana’s Hoosier Sires Stakes given the preponderance of incum- Derick Giwner bent Western Hanover-line stallions proliferating in the State. Bettor’s Wish will stand his first full season at Diamond Creek Farm in 2021. Both Bar Hopping and Southwind Frank, seeking to extend the Muscle Hill stallion line, also did well. While neither will be credited with a divisional champion ala Always B Miki, both Bar Hopping and Southwind Frank had their share of stakes performers and and visual refusal to lose despite being headed in mid-stretch. The both achieved top 10 rankings in terms of 2-year-old trotting money son of Bettor’s Delight wound up winning 19 of 22 starts and $2,020,195 winners. Bar Hopping ranked sixth and Southwind Frank eighth in during two almost all-conquering seasons. He’s going to Hanover Shoe that all-important category. Farms and being from the Art Major daughter Precocious Beauty, This year’s first-crop brigade with sons and daughters to reach the figures to feast on the abundance of Western Ideal and Somebeach- races include Walner, What The Hill, Downbytheseaside, Huntsville somewhere matrons in residence there. and Fear The Dragon. Of those, much is expected from Walner (Chap- Papi Rob Hanover, by from the Rocknroll ter Seven-Random Destiny), who looked like a potential all-time great Hanover daughter Panera Hanover, proved Tall Dark Stranger’s during his brief career on the racetrack, which saw him win nine of fiercest rival, although his career was cut short following an injury his 10 outings, earning accolades like Dan Patch 2-year-old champion sustained at The Meadows when he set a world record of 1:47 1/5 of 2016. despite being visually under wraps through the stretch. Walner is generally considered the number-one son of the currently Papi Rob Hanover will vie with Captaintreacherous for ultimate brilliant stallion Chapter Seven, although some might cite the Somebeachsomewhere-siring-son honors at Hanover and should be recently retired Gimpanzee as a serious contender for that honor well supported. (more about Gimpanzee later). The Walner’s sold very well, averaging Bettor’s Wish (Bettor’s Delight-Lifetime Star) will challenge Tall $82,194 cumulatively, highlighted by the $725,000 filly Kadena from Dark Stranger for Bettor’s Delight-siring-son honors from his base at the brilliant Mission Brief. Diamond Creek of Pennsylvania. The likely 2020 Aged Male Pacer of What The Hill, by Muscle Hill-K T Cha Cha, started off a bit more the Year has a head start on his younger Bettor’s Delight rival, having modestly, averaging $24,145. As the ranking Muscle Hill son in Ohio, served mares earlier in New Jersey prior to resuming racing. What The Hill, 3-year-old Dan Patch trotting champion of 2017, is Gimpanzee (Chapter Seven-Steamy Windows), this year’s assump- expected to challenge Uncle Peter for supremacy in the rich Buckeye tive aged male trotting champion, will serve a book of 80 mares in Sires Stakes program. Kentucky in 2021 as he vies with Walner to see which Chapter Seven Downbytheseaside and Huntsville are both sons of Somebeach- son will ultimately extend his currently flourishing line. Undefeated somewhere and as such, much is expected from both. Downby- at age 2, Gimpanzee wound up winning his three Breeders Crowns in theseaside (Sprig Hanover), Pacer of the Year in 2017, with eight a three-year career that saw him trot in 1:50 at age 4 and accumulate six-figure priced sons and daughters, looms an immediate threat $2,701,075 in lifetime earnings. to Ohio’s current pacing sire leader Pet Rock, though his ultimate Propulsion (Muscle Hill-Danae) returns to his New Jersey place of competitor in that region may be his own racing stablemate Fear siring following a distinguished career on the other side of the pond The Dragon. which saw him competitive in many of the leading stake events in Fear The Dragon (Armbro Cinnamon), perhaps the foremost intact France, Sweden, etc. He’s by a Hambletonian winner in Muscle Hill son of the recently expired Dragon Again, could well prove his sire’s from the Hambletonian Oaks-winning Danae, and his full brother line extender as he provided a trio of six-figure yearlings to last year’s Damian is remembered as the “other” million-dollar trotting year- auctions. ling of 2019. According to trainer Marcus Melander, we’ll see more The New York-based Huntsville (Wild West Show), still another son of Damian this year. Propulsion replaces Trixton as the eminent of Somebeachsomewhere, averaged $45,883 with eight of those year- Muscle Hill stallion at Deo Volente of New Jersey after the latter was lings exceeding the $100,000 level. He was the Dan Patch 2-year-old dispatched to Canada for the 2021 breeding season, pacing champion in 2016. Cattlewash (Somebeachsomewhere-Road Bet) took a mark of 1:46 Headlining the newly retired brigade are Tall Dark Stranger, Papi 4/5 at 3 last year while earning $824,777. He’s slated to reside at the Rob Hanover, Bettor’s Wish, Gimpanzee, Propulsion and Cattle- Burke Barn at Gaitway Farm and will be shipped over to Walnridge wash. Each will have their share of supporters, although the latter on breeding days. It’ll be interesting to see how Cattlewash responds will breed a limited book at Walnridge Farm of New Jersey, as plans to the double duty. Last year, Bettor’s Wish showed no ill-effect from for that 4-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere include a return to his early encounters, while I seem to remember Father Patrick not racing in 2021. exactly setting the world on fire as a 4-year-old following his early Tall Dark Stranger, the likely Pacer of the Year and Horse of the Year season breeding trysts. for 2020, has been compared to Cam Fella for his grit, determination Lots of new boys here and plenty to look forward to in the future.

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness A CUT ABOVE... in the sales ring

OUR 2020 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average (more than 10 horses) at Ohio Jug Select Sale #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average (more than 20 horses) at Lexington #1 CONSIGNOR by Mixed Sale Average at Lexington #1 CONSIGNOR by Yearling Average at Timonium #1 CONSIGNOR by Mixed Sale Average at Timonium

Now accepting entries for 2021 Ohio Jug, Lexington, and Harrisburg Sales. Contact us for foal/yearling inspections, bloodstock appraisals, and private sale representation.

As we expand our sales division, Diamond Creek Phone: 717-638-7100 looks forward to earning [email protected] your business. www.DiamondCreekFarm.com Drama builds ahead of Saturday’s Dan Patch Awards show

EDITOR’S EYE By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy

For many years, as a sometimes Director and regular member of the United States Harness Writers, I have tried to get all of the Dan Patch Awards announced on one night. Finally, through no action of my own and unfortunately due to a pandemic, we get the drama of everyone finding out the equine and human winners at one time via a virtual broadcast done at The Meadowlands from 5 PM to 6 PM on Saturday (January 16). While 2021 is an anomaly and hopefully we won’t be hosting virtual award shows going forward, the idea of having a night full of drama when everyone can find out who won is very intriguing. Perhaps it will never be the Oscars, but I love the idea of sitting in the audience and wondering. I’d like the idea even if they didn’t announce the Hervey awards ahead of time and I was the person sitting in the crowd wondering if I could pull off the upset and win an award for writing. Though I admit I might not like it as much if I won and had to give a year’s one-hour broadcast is probably going to be more exciting.” speech unprepared . . . lol. On the flip side, owner Mark Weaver is very content with the status Admittedly, there more arguments against a live reveal of the quo. “I think most of the time you usually know who the winners are winners when it is done as usual in Florida or another physical loca- before it is announced,” said Weaver, who added that he came down tion. First off is the fact that many people travel to the location of the with 40 people in 2020. “Other than the drama, I really don’t see a awards and there is nothing worse than spending $1,000 on travel to reason to change.” find out that you are a loser (or at least not THE WINNER). One nice benefit of this year’s virtual awards show is the timing. It is debatable whether a format change would increase attendance. The 5-6 PM time slot on Saturday will allow people in Europe to watch Will more people attend if there are more potential winners? Will before the clock strikes midnight in that part of the world. Of course some people decide not to spend the money for travel because they it means an early wakeup call for some people Down Under, but it is don’t know if they will win? hard to make everyone happy. USHWA is able to put on the Dan Patch Awards each year in part The likelihood that USHWA switches to announcing all of the because of the generosity of sponsors. Many of the winners are winners on the night of the awards banquet is slim. There are gracious enough to fund the different aspects of the event and if the simply too many people on opposite sides of that issue. At least for winners are unknown, these funds could be harder to get. this year we will get the one-night “feel” as the broadcast team, most A frequent argument against pre-announcing the winners certainly helped by many others, present what is sure to be a first-rate (currently all winners are declared except Horse, Trotter and Pacer livestream. of the Year) is the added publicity value for the sport and organiza- While many of the Dan Patch races this year seem to be one-sided, tion of having two “moments” in the spotlight. Sometime between there are a few which will certainly be nail-biters and I’m excited to mid-December and early January the winners are announced and in watch. addition to a number of press releases which can be picked up by all Will it be Atlanta or Manchego in the Older Trotting Mares divi- sources, USHWA gets a second “hit” on the night of the awards when sion? Do voters go for Venerate or On The Streak for best 2-year-old the “big three” are revealed. male trotter? Anoka Hanover or Lady Chaos for best rookie filly trot- There used to be a contingent which argued that since the award ter? Does Test Of Faith’s speed beat Fire Start Hanover’s Breeders show ended at about 10 PM ET it was past the deadlines of many news- Crown win? papers, but with that medium on the decline and digital media King, On the human side, Will it be Caviart Farms, Crawford Farms that really doesn’t hold water anymore. or Pinske Stables for Owner of the Year? All three had spectacular Curious what others thought, I reached out to a couple of prominent horses which performed at a high level. That vote could go any way. harness racing figures. Interestingly, the results were split. The Dan Patch Awards Show can be watched live on USHWA’s Trainer Nancy Takter was very much in favor of announcing all of Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/USHarnessWriters), as the winners on one night. “I’ve always said that the winners should be well as through the Meadowlands simulcast signal, on the track’s announced in Florida . . . more people would go,” said Takter, whose top website (www.playmeadowlands.com), and through the RTN broad- reasoning was that it is a boring night when you know who won. “This cast network.

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Dan Patch Awards Saturday, January 16, 2021 Streaming Live from 5 to 6 pm, ET & Presented by United States Harness Writers Association & Roberts Communications Network United States Trotting Association

Watch the Dan Patch Awards Dan Patch Awards Show Live on USHWA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/USHarnessWriters)

Meadowlands simulcast signal & website (www.playmeadowlands.com) 2021 RTN Channel 9740 Night of Champions

Kimberly Rinker President

Barry Lefkowitz Vice President & Treasurer

Jerry Connors Secretary

Shawn Wiles www.usharnesswriters.com Chairman of the Board Brabrook has high hopes for his handful of Big M weekenders

By Jay Bergman On Saturday night, I Got The Looks will have to overcome post nine in the first race of the evening, but his trainer believes he’s got a chance Trainer Steven Brabrook has quietly built an imposing stable. With to do just that. “He’s outside a standout (Some Chapter, post 7) but he’ll 21 in his care, Brabrook has been sending out well-conditioned horses show up,” said Brabrook. in the last few weeks at The Meadowlands and will have five in action I Got The Looks is a 4-year-old by E L Titan that was purchased over the Friday-Saturday programs at the East Rutherford mile oval, after his 2-year-old campaign out of trainer Ben Baillargeon’s stable all with realistic chances of victory. in Ontario. “We had planned to race him in the Ontario Sires program Operating from his stable at Silver Springs Ranch, just 10 miles from last year,” said Brabrook, “But with COVID it complicated everything, The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Brabrook has a long-term strat- so we decided to change our strategy and race in overnights.” egy and hopes his stock will do well this winter before his local track Not quite a Hambletonian-level talent last year, I Got The Looks did returns to racing in 2021. trot in 1:53 on Hambletonian Day racing in the $50,000 Muscle Hill, “It takes a while to get horses acclimated to the mile track,” said inspiring his connections to focus on the future. “I think he’s going to Brabrook about the transition that took place late in 2020. be a better aged horse,” said Brabrook. Mushana, a 7-year-old, is one of two entered on Friday night (race 8) Sweet N Fast N (post 6) is in at a winning level in race four on Saturday from the Brabrook collection and the gelding has been freshened up night. “I think the big track is better for her. She doesn’t have extreme and should be ready. “He should do well in this class,” Brabrook said. speed,” said Brabrook. “I was very happy with her performance last Mushana drew the rail and will be dropping into the non-winners of week. Sweet N Fast N finished third, beaten just a half-length against $4,500 category, though bettors may be concerned with his last start. this class a week ago. “Anthony (Napolitano) just didn’t get along with him. That’s all I can Joesstar Of Mia A reached Open company at Yonkers last year say,” Brabrook said. “Corey’s (Callahan) going to drive him this week before moving into Brabrook’s stable and the conditioner believes the and I think he’ll get along with him just fine.” imported son of Roll With Joe is more than capable of returning to that Mushana took a 1:54 mark last year for Brabrook, winning four level. “He got roughed up a bit in that last start at Philly,” said Brabrook, times in 20 starts. On Friday he’ll face a field with others dropping in commenting on the 25 4/5 opening quarter that Joesstar Of Mia A was class as well. Resita (post 5) and Marley’s Guy (post 4) have consider- parked past before securing the front. Last week at The Meadowlands able back class. he held his own nicely against a field of top-quality veteran performers. Somthngaboutmary N is now a 7-year-old and her trainer is hoping Joesstar Of Mia A drew post three in Saturday’s fifth race and may she’s finally turned the corner and is headed in the right direction. have to deal with the improving Chaser Hanover (post 2), a winner of The daughter of Bettor’s Delight first came to this country last year three straight races while moving up the class ladder. This field also and raced in the Jenn Bongiorno stable for a while before joining has another import with sub-1:50 speed in Tulhurstsanatanna A (post Brabrook’s stable. 8), a solid performer in the Midwest last year that chased an imposing “She got sick on us and it’s taken a long time to recover from that,” Western Joe in vain last week, but should be more responsive at Satur- said Brabrook. Still, last week’s solid second-place finish in this class day’s reduced level. gives Somthngaboutmary N (post 7) a strong chance in Friday’s 11th The Meadowlands will host 29 races over the weekend with a first- race, a non-winners of $4,500 for fillies and mares. race post-time of 6:00 PM.

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | January 14, 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.

broadcaster/writer Mike Lizzi Frank Drucker worked at Yonkers Raceway from 1996 to 2020. frank drucker What kind of car do you drive? Your broadcasting style was always a bit self-deprecating A Hyundai Tucson with an indeterminate number of miles and an and your writing style quirky. Is there a hidden stand-up indeterminate number of payments. comedian inside you? Favorite dinner meal? Snack? Ironically, Self-Deprecating and Quirky is the law firm I have on re- tainer. I’ve never taken myself that seriously, and the philosophy is/ It was rib steak, but now it is government cheese. I’m partial to con- was very simple. I write/wrote what I see/saw and I say/said what I tainers of cut fruit, wax or otherwise. see/saw. The obligation I felt is/was always to make it an interesting read or broadcast, hopefully through some semblance of wit. What is your favorite all-time track to visit? Also, after writing professional (sometimes even well-crafted) com- There isn’t one in particular, though my loyalties can be bought. edy for some time, what’s been learned is this . . . that if I can fool one more person into laughing with me than at me, the meds have been What is your favorite track to bet? sufficiently regulated. Parr Meadows, since I’ve had this thing for defunct, eastern Long Island quarter-horse outposts. You’ve worked with a number of on-air partners. Do you have a favorite? What is your favorite big event in racing? I’ve been fortunate to have sat next to handicappers/co-hosts who I’ve either attended or covered Breeders Crowns, the Jug, Hamble- had an opinion, including Peter Kleinhans, Matt Rose and Gary tonians, , World Trotting Derby, all Yonkers’ Machiz. However, the rapport I enjoyed with Peter Venaglia always stakes, etc., but the one event that I remember as much as any was played better, because not only did he have an opinion, but we’d go the March of Dimes Trot at dearly-departed Garden State Park. It off the rails and reservations numerous times, taking shots at one was the Fall of 1988 and the race lived up to what it was supposed another religiously during every broadcast for years. It made the to be. Sugarcane Hanover picking off Ourasi and Mack Lobell late; show unique and, I would surmise, enjoyable. Both of us have very tremendous. I was able to take Dad, too, which made it better. thick skins and I’m just glad there’s no audio floating around of some of the off-air, un-PC back-and-forth. He’s not a well man (joking), but You were a victim of COVID-19 layoffs at Yonkers Raceway. Are I nonetheless consider him a good friend. you surprised the track didn’t bring you back? Are you bitter? Did you know in a Google search that you are the seventh I’m never surprised, knowing that one handicaps based upon past Frank Drucker? performance. Once the furlough began, it took about nine weeks for an MGM someone to pick up the phone to see if I wasn’t decomposing Do the first six also have lengthy criminal records? . . . yet. I’ve never officially been notified that I was not returning. I sort of figured that one out. After 24 to 25 years of being the margin- How long were you working at Yonkers either as publicity ally-photogenic and reasonably-competent face of the place (with director or in other jobs? tenure supposedly grandfathered in after the MGM sale), I did not receive a nickel in severance. So much for those lovely parting gifts. Back in 1989, I was at the New York Post, dividing my time between copy editing and covering the races. It was the debut season of Yon- Part of your job at Yonkers was being a public handicapper. kers’ Fall and Summer Racing series, a live hour around the stakes How good of a handicapper are you? schedule that aired throughout the country via regional cable out- lets. Gary Sussman, the track’s publicity director at the time, hosted Decent, but what horseplayer thinks otherwise? I’ve never been one the show and invited me to be the handicapper. The Summer Racing to pick short-priced horses, then salute myself when they win. The shows went through 1996, I believe, and I advanced from handicap- public doesn’t need me to find 3-5 shots and I won’t bet them. The per to trackside interviewer to co-host. Gary went to work for the object, as I see it, is to beat the board, and if I can do so a few times then-New Jersey Nets and I became publicity director. Gary and per program, that ought to compensate for the cavalcade of losers, theoretically. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

DRF Harness Digest | 14 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness away. There was torrential rain. It was as if the Good Lord was throw- ing things down from above and Noah was on the apron collecting two of everything. Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play hooked up in a helluva race, the former winning in 1:52 1/5 over a track that had to be an hour-and-a-half off. I was quite popular with the Maritime media leading to the race, and for some unknown reason, there are distin- guished Nova Scotians who tolerate me to this very day.

Here’s a name that won’t mean anything to anyone except me. Cul- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 ver Pence was a bottom-of-the-classified-ranks New York-area pacer from when I misspent my youth . . . perhaps the first winner ever for Matt Loughlin, who worked trackside after me and has been the New me, so I’ve always retained a soft spot for him. Jersey Devils’ radio voice for years, are also not well men but good friends. The same goes for directors Al Bernstein and Mitch Levites. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness racing? What do you miss most about working at Yonkers? Post position is important on a half-mile track. The pay envelope. The people, not so much. What was your favorite moment in harness racing? What have you been doing over the last six months? Are you The sheer exhilaration that only comes after going through 44 for- retired or seeking employment? ests worth of losing tickets and finding a scratch. I hate this living off the state, hate it. It’s a new and unwelcome experi- What’s the strangest thing to happen to you in harness racing? ence. I’ve never thought of retiring, at least not until the checks roll in from the online Ugandan lottery . . . that’s legit, right? I need to get Try this . . . I remember an upstate horseman coming down and win- my ass out of bed with a purpose, so I’ve been trying to see what’s out ning some small event or other. We had this trophy, a prop, for the there, in addition to having a carefully-screened network of deviants, winner’s circle picture. This was about a $6 flea-market special. Well, miscreants, guttersnipes and scofflaws looking on my behalf. this gentleman had the trophy confused with a Faberge egg, thought it was the greatest thing he’d ever seen and would not give it back. He Is racing still on your mind? hightailed it back to the paddock and I had to chase him down. I’ve not so much as even looked at a Yonkers overnight sheet, though I was also recognized in the DuQuoin, Illinois men’s room. Does that I’ve wagered elsewhere through ADW’s or at the Meadowlands when count? folks I loiter with have taken the trip. I’ve done some stories for Hoof Beats, primarily because I’m a big fan of the editrix, Kim French. If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be? What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? Just one, huh? How about a horse not living in the same class for his Football, basketball and hockey, but not as closely as in the past for a or her lifetime? There’s nothing more nauseating (for the non-owner) number of reasons. I don’t find baseball to be nearly the same sport than having a 1-for-41 sort with $70,000 on the card subletting the I grew up watching, so they’ve lost me. As Peter Vecsey’s long-time non-winners of two’s. When the object of the driver and the objective Hoop du Jour column castigator, I suppose I find more humor in the of the gambler is not the same, that ain’t right. That’s not my only pet NBA. He’s another man who’s not well, yet someone I consider a dear peeve. The other ones are in my scintillating manifesto, which shall friend. Do you sense a pattern here? I have no favorite teams, however. be completed once I finish cutting letters out of magazines. What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? How do you view the future of harness racing? Trying for mental stimulation, I indiscriminately rip tags off mat- When one form of gambling is subsidized by another form of gam- tresses. bling and casino companies are involved, I’m pretty sure it’s not exactly dealing from strength. What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Time for the stretch drive: Perhaps incomplete, but perhaps not. Best Horse You Ever Saw?: Again, the names such as Niatross and How did you get started in the sport? Somebeachsomewhere for pacers, Mack Lobell and Peace Corps as trotters. Mom and Dad did not exactly practice solid parenting when they decided taking me with them to the track (they’d go a few times a Best Driver Ever?: Michel Lachance, for his success against some month) would save the cost of a babysitter. I was eventually reading very tough Yonkers/Roosevelt foes. the program at a prepubescent age and my father made me earn my adolescent keep by running his action at the windows. Best Trainer Ever?: Jim Jupiter (Editor’s Note: No, he’s not a har- ness trainer - Click here) You got to call some races in the last year. What was that Favorite TV Show?: I’m dating myself (which is legal in 46 states, by like? the way), but I’m partial to older comedies, The Odd Couple, Married... with Children and The Honeymooners. I’ve watched each episode a It wasn’t a gig that I ever had a desire to do, but after a tragic acci- million times and I continue to find ‘em funny. That’s the litmus test. dent - shall not rehash it here - I was thrust, by me, into the job. I just tried being a quick study and the reviews were generally positive. If Trotters or Pacers?: See last winner. the memory serves, I did it for three nights, Peter Kleinhans, Howie Oil and Larry Lederman all took turns while others generously volunteered. I was especially indebted to Larry, known faker/hypo- chondriac, for helping out. Follow Do you have a favorite horse from your time in the sport? I can’t go past Niatross and Somebeachsomewhere to start a list. I watched the former as a fan and he was terrific. The latter invaded Yonkers for the 2008 Messenger, a few months after my mom passed

DRF Harness Digest | 15 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Chapter Seven, Father Patrick, Peaceful Way to go into Hall of Fame

On Tuesday afternoon (1/12), the Living Horse Hall of Fame of the Year, Trotter of the Year, and Older Trotting Horse of the Year. nominating committee of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of As a stallion with five crops racing, Chapter Seven has sired winners Fame announced the results of recent balloting to determine the of $29.6 million, including 2018 Trotter of the Year, 2018 Dan Patch 3-year- 2021 inductees into the Harness Racing Living Horse Hall of Fame. old Trotting Filly of the Year, and 2019 Dan Patch and O’Brien Older Museum members voted for the three horses they felt best exem- Trotting Mare, world champion Atlanta 4,1:49 1/5 ($2,659,653), winner of plified greatness. Their choices are racehorses Chapter Seven and the 2018 Hambletonian and Kentucky Futurity, 2019 Graduate and 2020 Father Patrick, and racemare Peaceful Way. Maple Leaf Trot, and 2018 Dan Patch 2-year-old Trotting Colt of the Year, The other nominees were Andover Hall, Mission Brief, and Yankee world champion Gimpanzee 4,1:50 ($2,701,075), winner of the 2018 Breed- Glide. ers Crown, 2019 and , and 2020 Breeders Chapter Seven, Father Patrick, and Peaceful Way will be inducted on Crown, Hambletonian Maturity, and John Cashman Memorial. Hall of Fame Day (Sunday, July 4) along with the class of 2020: Always B Miki, Bee A Magician, Sweet Lou, Danae, and Precious Beauty. FATHER PATRICK The ceremonies honoring these extraordinary Standardbred horses will take place during the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of (Nominated as Racehorse) 3,1:50 2/5f ($2,558,133) Bay Horse, 2011 Fame’s annual dinner. For information on the Hall of Fame weekend (Cantab Hall–Gala Dream–Enjoy Lavec) and other festivities surrounding this important occasion, visit www. Foaled on March 12, 2011 in Versailles, Kentucky, two-time world harnessmuseum.com from April 2021 onward, or call or write the champion trotter Father Patrick had a lifetime race record of 33-23-6-0. Museum at 240 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924, phone: 845.294.6330. In 2013, 2-year-old Father Patrick won 10 of his 11 starts with one Standardbreds are eligible for nomination to harness racing’s high- second, earning $744,057. Victories included the Breeders Crown, est accolade if they comply with the following criteria: William Wellwood, and Peter Haughton Memorial. In his Breeders AS A RACEHORSE: Must be retired from racing for two years. Crown elimination, Father Patrick set the still-standing world record Must have been the winner of $2.5 million lifetime with two Dan Patch of 1:52 1/5 for 2-year-old trotting colts on a five-eighths-mile track. The Awards or been the winner of $3 million lifetime or been named Dan second-leading 2-year-old money-winning Standardbred of 2013, he Patch Horse of the Year. Horses over the age of 12 that are still racing was voted Dan Patch and O’Brien 2-year-old Trotting Colt of the Year. and meet the criteria are also eligible. Three-year-old Father Patrick finished on the board in 15 of 17 AS A RACEMARE: Must be retired from racing for two years. Must starts while earning $1,693,081, the most of any Standardbred in 2014. have been the winner of $1.5 million lifetime with two Dan Patch Major victories included the Breeders Crown in a stakes record 1:51 Awards or been the winner of $2.5 million lifetime or been named Dan 4/5, Canadian Trotting Classic, Beal Memorial in a still-standing Patch Harness Horse of the Year. Mares over the age of 12 that are still world record 1:50 2/5 for 3-year-old trotters on a five-eighths-mile racing and meet the criteria are also eligible. track, Zweig Memorial, Stanley Dancer Memorial, Pennsylvania AS A STALLION: Must rank among the 10 all-time leading money- Sires Stakes championship, and American-National. Father Patrick winning sires at his gait or have sired at least 100 $200,000 winners or was voted 2014 Dan Patch 3-year-old Trotting Colt of the Year. been the leading money-winning sire at his gait in three or more seasons. In 2015, 4-year-old Father Patrick had one victory in five starts - the Maxie Lee. CHAPTER SEVEN As a stallion with three crops racing, Father Patrick has sired winners of more than $12.4 million with two millionaires: 2019 Dan (Nominated as Racehorse) 4,1:50 1/5 ($1,954,966) Bay Horse, 2008 Patch Trotter of the Year and 3-year-old Trotting Colt of the Year Green- (Windsong’s Legacy–La Riviera Lindy–Dream Vacation) shoe 3,1:49 4/5 ($1,353,772), winner of the 2019 Kentucky Futurity and The 2012 Dan Patch Zweig Memorial; and 2019 and 2020 Breeders Crown and 2020 Kentucky Horse of the Year, Futurity winner, world champion Amigo Volo 3,1:50 2/5f ($1,550,044). Chapter Seven was foaled on April 2, 2008 PEACEFUL WAY in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. The world (Nominated as Racemare) 4,1:51 4/5 ($2,746,240) Bay Mare, 2001 champion trotter’s (Angus Hall–Royal Bait–Royal Prestige) lifetime race record Foaled on Feb. 27, 2001 in Arva, Ontario, world champion trotting was 28-20-4-1 with total mare Peaceful Way garnered a career race record of 52-33-3-2 and career earnings of earnings of $2,746,240. She retired as the third-leading North Ameri- $1,954,966. can money-winning trotting mare of all time, behind Moni Maker In 2010, 2-year- and Peace Corps. old Chapter Seven In her 2003 freshman season, Peaceful Way finished on the board finished on the board in nine out of 10 starts with eight wins and earnings of $733,726. Major in all of his eight victories included the Goldsmith Maid, Oakville, and Ontario Sires starts, winning seven Stakes Super Final. The season’s leading 2-year-old money-winning trot- and earning $211,549. Derick Giwner ter, Peaceful Way was voted O’Brien 2-year-old Trotting Filly of the Year. Victories included Chapter Seven was named Horse of the Three-year-old Peaceful Way won 11 of 15 starts with one second two legs and the final Year in 2012. and earnings of $601,762 - second among trotting fillies in 2004. Victo- of the New Jersey Sire ries included the Delvin Miller Memorial, Ontario SBOA Trotting Stakes, the Harold Stakes, and Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final. Peaceful Way was Dancer Memorial and the Matron Stakes (in a stakes record 1:55 2/5f). voted O’Brien 3-year-old Trotting Filly of the Year. Three-year-old Chapter Seven earned $720,392 while winning five As a 4-year-old in 2005, Peaceful Way earned $660,804, with nine of 10, including the elimination and final of the Breeders Crown, the wins in 10 starts. Major victories included the Breeders Crown, Stanley Dancer Memorial, Bluegrass, and Matron Stake elimination. Armbro Flight, American-National, and Classic Oaks. In a Classic As a 4-year-old in 2012, Chapter Seven won eight of 10 with two Oaks preliminary leg, she tied the world record of 1:51 4/5 for 4-year- seconds (Maple Leaf Trot, Credit Winner), while recording four old trotting mares on a mile track. Peaceful Way was voted 2005 Dan sub-1:51 miles. Chapter Seven opened his season with back-to-back Patch and O’Brien Older Trotting Mare of the Year. world-record miles, winning in 1:50 4/5 in both the Titan Cup Prep In 2006, 5-year-old Peaceful Way’s victories included the Maple and Titan Cup. He went on to victories in his second Breeders Crown, Leaf Trot, Armbro Flight, and Matchmaker. In addition to $709,763 in the Nat Ray (in a world record 1:50 1/5), Maxie Lee Memorial (setting earnings, she received her second consecutive Dan Patch and O’Brien a stakes record 1:52 1/5), the Allerage, and the American-National. Older Trotting Mare of the Year Award. Chapter Seven earned $1,023,025 and was voted 2012 Dan Patch Horse -release (Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame)

DRF Harness Digest | 16 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness It’s Time For Fun brings joy to Wilfongs

By Ken Weingartner

It’s Time For Fun has brought plenty of pleasure to the Wilfong family over the years and trainer Brett Wilfong hopes the 6-year-old female pacer will add to the enjoyment in 2021. Lynn Wilfong, Brett’s dad, bred and owns It’s Time For Fun, who At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping was an Indiana Sire Stakes champion at age 3. She has earned $312,395 information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring during her career, winning 17 of 71 races and cashing a paycheck 55 you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to times. watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or After a brief bout with simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. sickness, It’s Time For Fun Happy Handicapping! makes her seasonal debut in Friday’s $22,500 open for Thursday, january 14 fillies-and-mares at Miami Valley Raceway. Kyle RACE 7 Wilfong, Brett’s son, will be in the sulky, leaving from (3) ALEXA SKYE got on a post five in a field of nine. tear at the Meadowlands in It’s Time For Fun is 8-1 on December and carried it over the morning line. Miss You to Freehold, rallying from N is the 3-1 favorite. last to first in two editions of “I think if she stays their Open. healthy, she could have -Greg Reinhart her best year this year,” Brett Wilfong said. “She’s friday, january 15 Dean Gillette going to have to battle the It’s Time For Fun hopes to have fun open mares or the class RACE 13 on Friday at Miami Valley. below that all year, but if we can keep her healthy, (2) IM A GIGOLO N has she can have a good year. She tries hard that last quarter, and that’s posted two solid efforts since worth a lot. She has a real good closing kick. coming to America and “She’s pretty competitive in that top class. If you can go for $15,000 seems to be in the perfect to $25,000 every week, you can have a pretty good year.” spot to shine tonight. It’s Time For Fun closed last season with five consecutive on-the- -Derick Giwner board finishes, including one victory. Earlier in the campaign, she finished second in the Indiana Sire Stakes championship for older RACE 10 female pacers. In 2018, It’s Time For Fun won the Indiana Sire Stakes champion- (3) SILAS SEELSTER drops ship at odds of 11-1 with Kyle Wilfong at the lines at Hoosier Park. back to a winning level and we “That sure was a nice evening,” Brett said. “There are a lot of good saw a Devita trainee in a simi- memories.” lar scenario brush and crush It’s Time For Fun is a daughter of Skydancer Hanover out of Irwin’s the other night. Character. She was limited to six starts at age 2 because of a foot infec- -Matt Rose tion, but Brett liked the horse all along. “We thought she had a lot of potential,” Brett said. “She was a beauti- Saturday, january 16 ful animal. She could pace free-legged, didn’t really need the hobbles too much. She just had an effortless gait. Once she got over her foot RACE 1 infection, she had a lot more opportunity to show what she really was.” The Wilfongs owned It’s Time For Fun’s sire and dam. The family, (7) SOME CHAPTER went which has farms in Indiana and Illinois, has bred hundreds of horses a big trip last Friday to just over the years. miss despite racing with “It’s very family oriented,” Brett said about the Wilfongs’ involve- broken equipment, and I ment in harness racing. “Everyone is active, everyone enjoys the races, think he gets to meet up with enjoys the horses. My mom (Barbara) and dad enjoy watching the races a softer group tonight. and they raise the yearlings and take care of some of the broodmares. -Reinhart Dad needs to be occupied. When you’ve been a self-employed horseper- son your whole life it’s hard to sit down and not do anything.” Lynn Wilfong was inducted into the Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame last year. In addition to breeding and racing, he helped lobby for full card analysis / past performances pari-mutuel racing in Indiana and spent a dozen years as president of the Indiana Trotting & Pacing Association. In 1993, he received the very Yonkers (THU) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis first Breeders Award given by the Standardbred Owners and Breeders of Indiana, now known as the Indiana Standardbred Association. Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis “It’s a night we won’t forget,” Brett said. “My dad and uncle Ralph were part of the grassroots effort in Indiana to get pari-mutuel Yonkers (FRI) Analysis betting passed in the state legislature. My dad has a lot of ties other than owning a lot of horses over the years. I know my dad was very proud of it. It was pretty special for our whole family. DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs “We have a lot of good memories.” With It’s Time For Fun aiming to create more. -courtesy USTA Communications Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 17 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

Crawford donates 11 breedings to benefit aftercare Melady’s Monet to headline Freehold’s Preferred Trot

Eleven seasonal breedings to some of the sport’s most attractive stal- The Friday (January 15) card at Freehold Raceway once again lions will be offered at auction on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the Tatter- includes the Preferred Handicap trot. A field of eight will line up, with salls Winter Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands, with 100% of the proceeds an east coast trotting veteran serving as the headliner. to benefit Standardbred aftercare organizations and facilities. Melady’s Monet, for trainer Hermann Heitmann, was assigned the Michelle and Albert Crawford of Crawford Farms LLC have donated outside post for his 12-year-old debut. Although he’s won at tracks all the nearly dozen breedings to help jumpstart the aftercare programs over the east coast, his greatest success has come at Yonkers Raceway. that are in constant need of revenue and supplies throughout the year. All six of his wins in 2020 came at Yonkers, including two victories in “There is always a shortage of essential feed and care at the many their Open Handicap trot. In his career, he’s won 67 races while earn- aftercare facilities around the country. We thought that it was impor- ing north of $1.7 million. Perhaps his greatest moment came in 2016 tant to show our continued support for the retired equine athletes and when he finished second in a $250,000 Invitational Trot at Yonkers. to help lead the charge in establishing a consistent revenue stream READ MORE that will help offset the ever-growing number of horses that are in transition,” noted Michelle Crawford. OHHA adds three stallions to findraising auction “These horses give us their all...we should all ensure that they can live out their remaining lives with dignity!” The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) has added Providing a safe and secure future for Standardbreds when their three stallions to the Stallion Auction to benefit P.A.C.E.R. (Political racing days are over is no easy task. The Crawford’s have recognized Action Committee for Equine Racing). Catch The Fire, Lather Up and this plight and have entered the following eleven stallion breedings in Well Said join the list of 22 stallions up for bid. The three additions the upcoming Winter Mixed Sale at the Meadowlands: stand at Sugar Valley Farm in Delaware, Ohio. American Ideal (NY) p,3,1:47 4/5 ($786,055). World Champion. Sire READ MORE of 63 in 1:50 and earners of over $111 million. Crazy Wow (KY) 3,1:51 1/5 ($2,532,143). World Champion. Oldest entries closing soon for blooded horse sale foals are now yearlings. Now standing in Kentucky. Devious Man (NY)(3) 3,1:52 2/5 ($1,338,677). Oldest foals are now 2. Entries for the Blooded Horse Winter Sale will close at 5:00 p.m. Monday Multiple stakes winner, second in Hambletonian. Jan. 18. The one-day sale takes place on Tues, Feb. 9 at the Champions Racing Hill (OH)(2) p,3,1:48 ($1,727,692). From his first crop of racing Center in Springfield, Ohio. Take a break and join horsemen from 27 age, sire of 10 in 1:55. Oldest foals are now 3. states and Canada as they converge at this 58th annual event to replen- Roll With Joe (NY)(3) p,3,1:48 2/5 ($1,805,102). Sire of 17 in 1:50 and ish their racehorses, look for young prospects, pick up broodmares, and earners of over $26 million. sort through yearlings. Visit www.bloodedhorse.com to enter or to order Swandre The Giant (IN) 3,1:51 3/5 ($655.368). 2-time Indiana Super a catalogue. Final champion. First season at Stud. The full sale catalog is now available for the Tattersalls Winter Kadabra retired from stallion duty Mixed Sale and can be downloaded now at www.tattersallsredmile. com or on the Equineline Sales Catalog app. On Thursday (1/14) Tara Hills Stud announced that Kadabra has -Chris Tully for Crawford Farms been retired from stallion duty. “It is with great sadness that we announce Kadabra’s retirement Virgil Morgan Jr. elected to Ohio Hall of Fame from stud duty,” said Tara Hills’ David Heffering. “Kadabra leaves a great legacy and influence on the Standardbred breed, not only Virgil Morgan Jr., arguably the greatest trainer in Ohio history, in Ontario, but industry wide. Over the course of a 17-year stallion has been elected as the 47th member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall career, Kadabra has cemented his place as one of the all-time great of Fame by a vote of the members of the Ohio Chapter of the United trotting stallions with progeny earnings of over $101 million. States Harness Writers Association. “Champion fillies and colts included Bee A Magician, Emoticon Morgan, 55, was the first conditioner to win 5,000 races and has now Hanover, Daylon Magician, Flanagan Memory, Caprice Hill, Forbidden won more than 6,700 races to go with $60 million in earnings. He has a Trade, Poof She’s Gone, Will Take Charge, and many more. It has been career Universal Trainer Rating of .350 and has won the training title a great honor for us to have cared for and managed Kadabra through- at Eldorado Scioto Downs for an astonishing 26 straight years. out his stallion career. Thank you for your support over the years.” READ MORE -edited release Tara Hils Stud Let It Ride stays perfect in United States Carryovers Saturday at Northfield

New Zealand import Let It Ride improved his record since coming MGM Northfield Park has announced a $20,000 guaranteed Pick 5 to the United States to six-for-six with a 1:52 1/5 victory from post total pool for Saturday’s (January 16) race card. Beginning in Race 6, position eight in the $30,000 Open Handicap Pace on Monday night at the $20,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $4,495. The evening’s Yonkers Raceway as the 2021 meet kicked off. eighth race starts the 50¢ (non-jackpot) Pick 6 offering a $7,082 carry- Let It Ride had regular pilot Dexter Dunn at the controls, and Dunn over. Saturday post-time is 4:20 PM. floated away from the outside draw, landing a seat in sixth. -edited release (Northfield) READ MORE Strong run of handle continues at The Meadowlands Sutton reaches 5,000 wins on Monday at Miami Valley It was going to be difficult to match the excitement and bettor enthu- Driver Josh Sutton reached the coveted 5,000 career victory plateau siasm of Saturday, Jan. 2 at The Meadowlands when a $46,731 carry- at Miami Valley Raceway on Monday (Jan. 11), guiding Wegottatruck- over and $150,000 guarantee led to a total 20-cent Pick-5 pool of $360,948. yea to the wire first in the very first race. Last Saturday (Jan. 9), there was no carryover off which the Pick-5 It wasn’t long before Sutton commenced his trek for 10,000 wins as pool could build, so track management and The Standardbred Owners he also captured the second race with Astroffical, prompting a daily Association of New Jersey got together to ‘seed’ the pool with $25,000 double that returned $20.60 to Sutton faithful. and give it a $100,000 promise. READ MORE READ MORE

DRF Harness Digest | 18 | January 14, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness