CKG Billings - BILLINGS SERIES MOVED TO CANADA FOR RACES ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY;OLDFORD ON A ROLL

Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford is hot. In his last six starts the talented amateur driver has had three wins and a second.

His first win over the last four days was at Lexington’s Red Mile on Thursday (Sept. 26) when he won the Billings Trot there with his own Magglio in 1:56.1.  despite making a break at the start. Like the  eight other Billings members,  he was looking forward to race north of the border on the weekend.

“It’s great that we are getting a compete in Ontario  again,” said Oldford, the Billings Series vice president. “And speaking for the entire Billings membership we’re very appreciative of the opportunity. ”

Since he was traveling to Canada for Billings competitions on Sunday and Monday Oldford didn’t waste any space in his horse van and  brought with him some of his other trotters, two of which he raced on Saturday at Hiawatha Horse Park.  There he won an overnight trot with his own Miss Texas in 1:59.2 and finished second in another overnight trot with Dojea Delight.

The battling Billings boys ventured to Canada to compete in two races at Grand River Raceway on Sunday and at  Mohawk Racetrack on Monday for two more contests.

At Grand River Raceway Oldford used the front-end route with his 4-year-old  trotter Garbarino to win his split  but they had to hold off a fast closing Monroe Eden and driver Vladimir “Butch” Melnichenko  to score by just a head in a 2:01.4 clocking . Farther back in third place was Tony “the Capo” Verruso with King Tut.

That victory was the 15^th winning drive for Oldford this year and the 79^th of his amateur career which didn’t start in earnest until 2006. It was the third season triumph for Garbarino who paid $4.60 for win.

The other Billings split at Grand River Raceway was a pace. In that one “Dynamite Dave” Drew  and Cold Shadow used a  second over trip  behind Howie “the Horse” Gelfand’s  Lyons Trick and luckily for Drew  Gelfand’s cover carried him to the three quarters  at which point he moved out  to challenge.

Lyon’s Trick and  Cold Shadow  raced side by side  around the turn and  when they straightened for home  Drew’s charge opened daylight  and then  held off  a pocket-sitting River Walk, driven by “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello. Third place went to “Butch” Melnichenko with Undersky El Passo.

Lyon’s Trick, owned by Wilbert Weatherall, paid $12.70 for win. Although Drew has only driven seven times this year this marked his third victory of the season and  the 29^th of his amateur career.

Lex1 - Sophomore Trotters on Spotlight in Matinee Premier

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

The premier matinee card for the 2013 Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile held competitions for the $173,200 Bluegrass three-year-old filly trot and the $261,700 three-year-old colt trot on Sunday. Also contested were the eliminations for the Allerage Pace and the Allerage Trot.

Ma Chere Hall kicked off the afternoon’s highlighted events, defeating Shared Past in 1:52.3 in the first division of the Bluegrass.

Shared Past got the lead, while Ma Chere Hall was patiently making her way to the front in second and Royal Assets was in third. Ma Chere Hall was parked and matched strides with Shared Past at the quarter pole in :27.1. Ma Chere Hall cleared the lead entering the backstretch, leaving Shared Past in the pocket. Ma Chere Hall was left uncontested to the half-mile, but Shared Past was anxiously trotting on her back in a :55.1 (:28) half.

Vintage Oaks was the first to pull to the outside into the far turn, with Time To Kill tracking that move. Shared Past couldn’t wait any longer in the pocket, as Ma Chere Hall was sneaking in a breather to three-quarters. Shared Past was now breathing down the neck of Ma Chere Hall, going past three-quarters in 1:25.1 (:30).

With that breather, Ma Chere Hall was game in holding off Shared Past through the stretch. Royal Assets was trotting in third and Southwind Cocoa was closing into fourth. Shared Past was drifting in her bid after Ma Chere Hall, which proved unsuccessful and leaving her settle with a runner-up placing. Royal Assets was third and Southwind Cocoa was fourth in the 1:52.3 (:27.2) mile.

Ma Chere Hall ($4.40) is a three-year-old filly by Deweycheatumnhowe, out of the mare Margarita Hall by Conway Hall. She is owned by Walnut Hall Ltd., Aldebaran Park and Joe Sbrocco, trained by Jonas Czernyson and Corey Callahan was in to drive.

“It was kind of robbery to get a :30-second third-quarter there, but the only horse I thought I had to beat was the one on my back,” driver Corey Callahan said. “I took advantage of it if I could. She gives you what she’s got; all you really have to do is flag the whip at her. She was good here for the Kentucky Sires Stakes, so I felt really good with her getting over this surface. I thought Shared Past was the one to beat in there and she gave us a good run.”

Asked about her gait-issues earlier this year, Corey Callahan said that, “she just gets a little bit excited. She had the ten-hole, we were all the way on the outside there and it was a big crowd, so she kind of lost her mind. It was a bad time to do it, but these things happen. She’s bounced right back and gone some good miles, so I’ve been very pleased with her.”

World champion Frau Blucher suffered defeat in the second division of the Bluegrass, losing to a fast-closing Handover Belle in a 1:52.2 mile.

Frau Blucher got the lead, with Mistery Woman wide around the turn and Fashion Athena getting away in the pocket. Tonato Of Love was racing in fourth passed the quarter, reached in :27.3. Mistery Woman cleared the lead shortly before three-eighths, putting Frau Blucher in a pocket position. 

Fashion Athena was racing in third and Tonato Of Love remained in fourth through a :55.4 (:28.1) half-mile.

Handover Belle was the first to tip to the outside, with To Dream On tracking her. Fashion Athena was flushed first over entering the far turn, to shortly pick up cover from Frau Blucher midway around the turn. Frau Blucher took a narrow lead at three-quarters, timed in 1:24.3 (:28.4).

Frau Blucher put away Mistery Woman into the stretch. Handover Belle fanned three wide and To Dream On tracked her four wide. Handover Belle swooped by to take command. To Dream On was her main foe down the far outside, while Frau Blucher was beginning to throw in the towel. Handover Belle managed to hold off To Dream On, with Mistery Woman finishing third and Frau Blucher faltering to fourth in a 1:52.2 (:27.4) mile.

Handover Belle ($21.60) is a three-year-old filly by Andover Hall, out of the mare Harbour Belle by Lindy Lane. She is owned by John Carver and Howard Taylor, trained by Tony Alagna and Tim Tetrick was in the bike.

“She's always been a filly that's really good tracking horses and always showed a big late kick early at the Meadowlands,” trainer Tony Alagna. “Last year we were very high on her, she finished up the year well and looked like she was going to give To Dream On a run for her money one day here at Lexington and she stepped on a flip flop and made a break. She's always shown the ability and she got an opportunity to get a nice mark today.”

Creatine took his field gate-to-wire in the first of a trio of glamour boy-divisions for the Bluegrass Stakes, winning in 1:52.3.

Creatine got the lead, with Deadliest Catch getting away in second and Punxsutawney in third. Creatine trotted by the quarter in :28.2. He was left uncontested and strolled his way to the half in :56.2 (:28). Punxsutawney took his shot from third entering the far turn, progressing first over into second. Deadliest Catch was stuck in the pocket passing three-quarters in 1:25 (:28.3).

Creatine trotted a fairly easy mile into the stretch. Deadliest Catch didn’t get daylight until late, trotting his way up the pylons, while Punxsutawney was grinding first over after the lead. Creatine stayed game up to the wire, winning in 1:52.3 (:27.3). Punxsutawney finished second, Deadliest Catch was third and Caveat Emptor closed for fourth.

Creatine ($3.00) is a three-year-old colt by Andover Hall, out of the mare Berry Nice Muscles by Muscles Yankee. He is owned by Diamond Creek Racing, trained by Bob Stewart and Mike Lachance was in the bike.

“I didn't really want to race him in front today, but the race just set up for that,” driver Mike Lachance said. I tried to cut even fractions and he dug in at the end. I didn't ask him for anything on the last turn. I just waited until the top of the stretch and he was good enough that he held on.”

Your So Vain glided around horses in the final stages of the second division and emerged victorious in a 1:53.3 score.

Bluto got the lead, with Lindy’s Tru Grit getting away in second and Vibe Blue Chip was in third. 

Bluto led passed the quarter at :29.2. Vibe Blue Chip pulled first over from third entering the backstretch and failed to clear the lead, but he managed to pull back into the third slot heading to the half. Bluto was left alone on the lead at the half in :57.1 (:27.4).

Into the far turn, Wheeling N Dealin was leading the two wide flow from sixth, providing Your So Vain with dull cover heading to three-quarters. Bluto still held command, but Lindy’s Tru Grit began to edge to the outside. Bluto led by three-quarters in 1:25.3 (:28.2).

Lindy’s Tru Grit trotted by Bluto under a hand drive at the top of the stretch. Your So Vain was rapidly closing in down the center of the track, with Wheeling N Dealin trying to participate in that rally. Your So Vain took command from Lindy’s Tru Grit into the sixteenth-pole and he went on to victory, in a 1:53.3 (:28) mile. Lindy’s Tru Grit was second, Vibe Blue Chip was third and Wheeling N Dealin finished fourth.

Your So Vain ($2.20) is a three-year-old colt by Donato Hanover, out of the mare Tennis Lover by Muscles Yankee. He is owned by P G Van Camp Stables, trained by Bradley Maxwell and Tim Tetrick was the pilot.

“He just wants to put his nose out and he proved it today," driver Tim Tetrick said. “I drove him a couple of times last year and he's just a nice, nice horse; he's nothing flashy but he really likes to get to the house.”

“Today he proved that he can make up 6, 7 lengths in the lane which is pretty awesome. I mean he had to make up eight, nine lengths. He was a long way back there. At the quarter pole I was really cussing myself for getting back as far as I did with the slow fractions.

He shows he loves to race home and he loves to pass horses,” Tim Tetrick also said.

Spider Blue Chip, trotting a track-record effort of 1:51.3, won the final division of the sophomore colt Bluegrass action.

All Laid Out got the lead, with Pine Credit getting away in second and Master Of Law was first over in third, trying to clear the lead. Master Of Law got rough gaited before the quarter and went off stride, leaving second over Spider Blue Chip to fight his own battle. All Laid Out led by the first quarter in :28..

Spider Blue Chip took his time clearing the lead down the backstretch, gradually getting each muscle ahead of All Laid Out heading to the half. Pine Credit was racing in third and Dewey Luvs Britt was trotting fourth, as Spider Blue Chip cleared the lead through a :55.1 (:27.1) half-mile.

Pine Credit took his shot after the leader into the far turn, while Fico was attempting to catch his cover second over. Spider Blue Chip remained in control at three-quarters in 1:24.2 (:29.1).

Spider Blue Chip turned another gear into the stretch. All Laid Out was desperately looking for racing room, while Pine Credit was in an all-out drive in the center of the track. All Laid Out took the outside in a final hope of top honors, but Spider Blue Chip arrived with his a-game, winning the final Bluegrass division in 1:51.3 (:27.1). Pine Credit finished second, All Laid Out was third and Lauderdale was fourth.

Spider Blue Chip ($6.40) is a three-year-old gelding by Andover Hall, out of the mare Southwind Caitlin by Muscles Yankee. He is owned by David Mc Duffee and Melvin Hartman, trained by Chuck Sylvester and Ron Pierce was the pilot to the track-record mile of 1:51.3.

“He broke at Delaware, I put a bridle on him that made him a little bit too hot and he couldn’t make it on the turns,” trainer Chuck Sylvester said. “That was the first time this year with an open bridal, so I expected he might do that [look around]. He’s made a lot of money and he battles with the best of them all year. He’s a very nice horse.”

The competition deepened in the Allerage Trot elimination, as Arch Madness pulled off the 18-1 upset over Quick Deal in 1:50.2, matching the world record.

Quick Deal left the gate fastest and got the front, but Sevruga was up to contest him for the lead as they marched to the quarter. Arch Madness was trotting third and Lindys Jersey Boy was near the pace in fourth, as Sevruga trotted to the quarter in :28. He was left unchallenged at the half-mile, yet still sped his way to stop that split in :54.3 (:26.3).

Appomattox tipped first over from fifth in the march around the far turn. Market Share tracked him second over, while Arch Madness was soon going to be the new leader of the two wide flow. He was flushed first over heading to three-quarters, but Appomattox didn’t catch him as cover. Sevruga was still in front at three-quarters in 1:23 (:28.2).

Arch Madness took command from Sevruga midway through the stretch. Quick Deal edged off the pylons from third and began pursuing the leader, while Market Share was closing down the center of the track. Quick Deal nearly got to Arch Madness, but the nine-year-old veteran fought on until the wire, winning the Allerage Trot elimination in 1:50.2 (:27.2). Quick Deal was second, Market Share was third and Sevruga finished fourth.

Arch Madness ($38.00) is a nine-year-old gelding by Balanced Image, out of the mare Armbro Archer by S J’s Photo. He is owned by Marc Goldberg and Willow Pond LLC and was trained and steered by Trond Smedshammer.

“He's an amazing horse,” trainer Trond Smedshammer said. “To me he's acted like he's been himself, he didn't act like he lost a step all year, but it's been an awfully tough group of horses. A lot of times he ended up in the two-hole, and I talked to the owners about it. If you look back at the horse's career, he never raced any good with a trip. He's either good if he comes first up or is on the front end. This was probably his last chance against these kind of horses, so I decided to give him a shot first over and he delivered.”

Also advancing to the final are Mister Herbie, Appomattox and Lindys Jersey Boy. Wishing Stone, Southwind Pepino and Guccio all received byes into the final.

A Rocknroll Dance continued to display his superiority, with his main rival Pet Rock absent, as he swept to the top and sprinted around the rest of the Lexington oval to win the Allerage Pace elimination in 1:48.4.

Bolt The Duer got the lead, while Sweet Lou was first over in an attempt to tuck into a pocket. Golden Receiver was racing third to the quarter, timed in :27.1. Sweet Lou claimed command entering the backstretch, but A Rocknroll Dance began chasing him down from second over. A Rocknroll Dance was the new leader just before the half, with Sweet Lou in the pocket and Escape The News journeying first over. A Rocknroll Dance took them by the half in :53.4 (:26.3).

Escape The News came closer to A Rocknroll Dance into the far turn. Foreclosure N was racing second over, poised to rally wide. Bolt The Duer was shuffled to fifth in need of racing room as A Rocknroll Dance held off the challenge from Escape The News, setting the third fraction in 1:22.1 (:29.3).

A Rocknroll Dance began his sprint at the head of the stretch. Sweet Lou angled to the outside, giving Bolt The Duer a chance to shake loose. Down the center of the track came Our Lucky Chip, flying hard after the leader. A Rocknroll Dance was game heading down to the wire and held off Bolt The Duer for the victory, pacing in 1:48.4. Our Lucky Chip finished third and Sweet Lou was fourth.

A Rocknroll Dance ($3.40) is a four-year-old horse by Rocknroll Hanover, out of the mare Wichita Hanover by Cam’s Card Shark. He is owned by A Rocknroll Dance Stable, trained by Jim Mulinix and Tim Tetrick was in the bike.

With Pet Rock receiving a bye into the final, Golden Receiver, Clear Vision, Up The Credit, Escape The News and Aracache Hanover will all progress to the final.

Live racing at The Red Mile will resume on Thursday, with a post time of 1 PM. Thursday kicks off the International Stallion Series, with the two-year-old filly trotters competing first. 

YR - YONKERS HOSTS $1.8 MILLION NY NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, September 28, 2013–Yonkers Raceway Saturday night hosted the richest night of racing in the state, the 24th edition of the New York Night of Champions. The $1.8 million event offered eight, $225,000 sire stakes finals for 2-and 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits.

So as to offend anyone, here's the chronologically-compiled skinny...

Crawford Farms 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Trot—Flyhawk El Durado (Mark MacDonald, $10.60)

took it the house from post position No. 4 (29.2; 1:00.2; 1:29.3; 1:58) for a fifth consecutive (NYSS) win. His dead-heat dance partner of a week ago here, Credit Fashion (Brian Sears), chased this night from the pocket, but missed a neck as the 2-5 choice. Cash Me Out (Mickey McGivern) rallied from third from the eight-hole.

For second choice "El Durado," a s son of Conway Hall owned by Martin Scharf and trained by Mark Ford, he is now 6-for-9 this season. The exacta paid $14.60, with the triple returning $108.50.

"You never worry about him trotting out of there, and that's a big help,"  MacDonald said. "He felt good in the lane."

Allerage Farm 2-Year-Old Filly Trot—Late-season scourge Market Rally (John Cummings Jr., $10.40), from post No. 5, did her damage from third over. She picked up division leader Maud Blue Chip (Sears) by a neck in 1:59.1. "Maud," the 7-10 favorite, went  first up-and-over Flyhawk Falina (Dan Daley) before the three-quarters (:29, :59, 1:29.2), but could not stave off the winner. Exotic  Form (Jason Bartlett), stuck in when he entrymate quit on the lead, rallied for third.

For third choice Market Rally, a Cash Hall miss ($7,500 @ Morrisville), co-owned by (trainer) Megan Wilson and Johnny Yoder, it was her fourth win in 10 '13 tries (3-for-3 here). The exacta paid $23.20, with the triple returning $47.40.

"I just waited for the dust to settle and let her do her thing,"  Cummings said.

"We thought she was a  just a good filly from a good family," Wilson said, adding the Breeders Crown may be next on the dance card.

           

Winbak Farm 2-Year-Old Filly Pace—Sweetnsinful (Jimmy Whittemore) tried taking no prisoners (:27.1, 56.2,  1:26), including stuffing a fumbly-gaited Ali Blue (Jim Morrill Jr.) into a three-hole. The two-hole was locked up by Bettor Business (Dan Dube), and wound up serving her well.

From post No. 2, Bettor Business ducked inside, getting to the winner and prevailed by three-quarters of a length in a maiden-breaking 1:54.2. Ali Blue, as the 4-5 choice, was third.

For fourth choice Bettor Business, a daughter of Bettor's Delight ($42,000 @ Harrisburg) co-owned (as Triple D Stables) by trainer Scott DiDomenico and JFE Enterprises, she returned $27.40 (partnered with Scandalicious) for that initial win in nine seasonal tries. The exacta paid $138.50, with the triple returning $124.

Stirling Brook Farms 3-Year-Old Filly Trot—The aptly-named--and odds-on--Bouncing Bax (Bartlett, $2.70), who began the season losing her first nine races, romped to a fifth consecutive win (:28.4, :59, 1:27.2, 1:56.2), From post No. 4, she took over from Barn Babe (Cummings Jr.), then "ran away" and hid.

The margin was fourth lengths in a life-best effort. Second went to Royal Malinda (Daley), with Alphadoodle (MacDonald) third.

For Bouncing Bax, a Credit Winner lass ($30,000 @ Harrisburg) trained by Jim Raymer for Harbor Racing Stable, the resume is five wins in 14 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $16.40, with the triple returning $47.

           

Morrisville College Equine Institute 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Trot—Crazy About Pat (Eric Goodell, $8.50) could not have asked for a better set-up. From post No. 4, he was perched in the pocket as E L Rocket (George Brennan) dealt with a first-up, 7-5 choice Tirade Hanover (Morrill Jr.) through fractions of :27.4, :57.2 and 1:26.3.

"Pat" edged off the cones, he edged past Tirade Hanover, winning  by a half-length in 1:55, with E L Rocket third.

For fourth choice Crazy About Pat, a homebred son of Crazed owned by (co-breeder) Patricia Stable and trained by Noel Daley, he's now 8-for-18 this season. The exacta paid $20.20, with the triple returning $67.

"I raced him earlier in the season, and I was very fortunate to get the drive back,"  Goodell said. "I had the choice to go in and out, and things worked very well. He's a talented colt."

Genesee Valley Farm 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pace—What can we say about He's Watching?

Try this. An eighth win as many starts, a 1:52.2 track record for his weight class--also matching a world record--after a 6¼ -length beat-down. Leaving from the pole with Morrill Jr. in tow, He's Watching worked around barn buddy Major Trick (Bartlett), then set sails through stations of :28.1, :56.1 and 1:24.4 (equal halves of :56.1 for the 1-9 favorite, after some fast math).

Big Boy Dreams (Sears) was a first-up second, with Major Trick third.

For He's Watching ($2.20), a son of American Ideal ($3,000 @ Harrisburg) co-owned by (trainer) Dave Menary, Brad Gray and Michael Guerrero, he's now earned $291,722. The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $6.80.

"I don't where the bottom is,"  Morrill said. "He's a small colt, but he doesn't race like one. I was just letting him cruise."

"This is the icing for him," Menary said. "He's been life-changing for me. He's probably done for the season, so while the others are down at Lexington, the Breeders Crown and the Matron, we can get a head start toward next season."

Cameo Hills Farm 3-Year-Old Filly Pace—Track record-holder for this division, Social Scene (Brennan, $10.20) did her damage as per usual...from off the pace. After Winbak Heavenly (Jim Marohn Jr.) and defending champ Summertime Lea (Morrill Jr.) slugged it out early (:27.1, :55.4), Social Scene--from post No. 6--went up and after the leader.

She zipped by 4-5 fave "Lea"--who was bothered by a first-turn breaker--opening five lengths by the 1:23.1 three-quarters. The margin was a half-dozen at the wire in 1:53, with longshots Cheyenne Miriam (Andy Miller), Springforth (Larry Stalbaum) and Ballineen (Sears) upping the exotics.

For second choice Social Scene, an American Ideal ma'am ($37,000 @ Lexington) co-owned by West Wins Stable and Steve Calhoun and trained by Casie Coleman, she's won half of her 14 '13 tries. The exacta paid $214.50, the triple returned $2,198 and the superfecta paid $76,990 (base $2 payout, 10-cent ticket paid $3,849.50). Summertime Lea faded to seventh.

"When she's right, there's no filly that can hold her out," Brennan said. "She'd has some breathing issues, but she was sharp tonight."

Blue Chip Farms 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pace—A third consecutive "lonely horse" to end the sires, as 3-10 choice Fool Me Once (Sears,  $2.70) gave nothing else a shot. From post No. 5, it was effortless (:27.2, :56.2, 1:24.3, 1:51.3).

The separation was 8½ lengths at the end, with Bettor Than You (Goodell) second at 42-1, ahead of 30-1 Framed Art (MacDonald).

For Fool Me Once, a son of Art Major ($70,000 @ Harrisburg) co-owned by (trainer) Mark Austin and Daniel Smith, it was his 10th win in 14 seasonal starts (14-for-24 lifetime, earnings over $612,000).  The exacta paid $42.40, with the triple returning $313.50.

"He's a cut above the sire stakes horses," Sears said. "He was comfortable and I get let him go on with it."

The Raceway's five-night-per-week live schedule continues, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.

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Sophomores Debut in Final Evening of Bluegrass Contests

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

The Saturday night card at The Red Mile featured sophomore pacers scrambling off in the Bluegrass Stakes, with $192,000 being offered in the two colt divisions and a solo $122,000 dash for the fillies. Freshmen glamour boys were also on highlight, with four divisions of the Bluegrass being contested, totaling to $310,000 up for grabs. 

The evening card was kicked off with the first of a quartet of freshmen Bluegrass divisions, where Western Vintage flew into the stretch and by all rivals to triumph in 1:49.4. 

Doo Wop Hanover got the lead, with A Plus Hanover getting away in second and Some Major Beach into third. Doo Wop Hanover was unpressured past the quarter, timed in :27. Some Major Beach pulled to the outside from third heading towards the three-eighths pole and was about to clear the lead passing the half in :54 (:27). 

Doo Wop Hanover fought back at the pylons, parking Some Major Beach on their march around the far turn. From sixth, Western Vintage took to the outside and rapidly made his way towards the front. That’s My Opinion tracked his rush, as Western Vintage was within 2 lengths of the lead at three-quarters in 1:22.1 (:28.1). 

Within the blink of an eye, Western Vintage rolled to the front. Doo Wop Hanover was left in his wake, while Some Major Beach was proving valiant in a first over journey, holding onto third and On Golden Ponder angled off the pylons and began a bid. Western Vintage coasted his way to the wire and scored in the first division of the freshmen Bluegrass in 1:49.4 (:27.3). On Golden Ponder closed to finish second, Some Major Beach was third and Somewhere Fancy finished fourth. 

Western Vintage ($3.20) is a two-year-old colt by Western Ideal, out of the mare Major Harmony by Art Major. He is owned by Perry Soderberg, trained by Nancy Johansson and Yannick Gingras was the driver.

“We had to change things up a little bit, he went pretty hard up at Mohawk and he grabbed on a little bit, so we tried to settle him down. This is a good track to race him from behind and that’s the tactics we decided on,” owner Perry Soderberg said.

When asked about purchasing Western Vintage for $7,000, Perry Soderberg said that, “Western Ideal is a stud in New Jersey and the New Jersey Sires Stakes program hasn’t been the strongest, so that’s probably the main reason. He did have a scar on an ankle behind that may have gotten some people off of him, but those are the only two things I can think of. He has a good pedigree and is a nice looking horse.”

Asked about returning for next week’s International Stallion Series, Perry said that, “We have to talk about it, but I don’t think so. We got the Breeders Crown coming up and that’s very important.”

Division two of the freshmen stakes was taken by Limelight Beach, sneaking up the pylons to pass a drifting So Surreal to win in 1:49.4.

Limelight Beach got the lead, with Sir Sam’s Z Tam getting away in second and Beat The Drum in third. Limelight Beach led by the quarter in :27.1. Down the backstretch, Somestarsomewhere pulled first over from sixth and began progressing in hopes of cover. That came in So Surreal, who led the two wide flow in a charge after Limelight Beach in a half-mile of :55.4 (:28.3).

So Surreal rushed up to the leader and cleared command into the far turn. Limelight Beach was left in the pocket and Somestarsomewhere was to fight his own battle first over. Ari Allstar was tracking him second over, while Sir Sam’s Z Tam was locked at the pylons. So Surreal led by three-quarters in 1:23.2 (:27.3).

So Surreal began to drift on his way for home. Limelight Beach was left with open road at the pylons and he swept by to take command. Somestarsomewhere was keeping up in third and Ari Allstar was trying to surpass his cover in the final strides, but Limelight Beach had enough to win in 1:49.4 (:26.2). So Surreal held on for second, Somestarsomewhere was third and Ari Allstar finished fourth.

Limelight Beach ($20.00) is a two-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere, out of the mare Benear by Badlands Hanover. He is owned by James Stambaugh, Milton Leeman and Charles Wingfield, trained by Brian Brown and David Miller was in the bike.

“The track is very fast tonight. I mean, they are getting over it pretty easily and putting up some big numbers, but the horse raced well,” driver Dave Miller said. “When I first started driving him this year, I thought a lot of him and I thought he could go with any of them. He kind of went flat there [Pennsylvania Sires Stakes Final] for awhile and there was no reason, he was sound and healthy, but he surely bounced back tonight.”

An off the pace journey proved right for Smack Talk in the third division, pacing past colts with ease to take his Bluegrass in 1:50.4.

A quartet of freshmen launched off the gate, but were led by Stevensville into the first turn. Gold Rocks floated up alongside him and cleared the lead before the quarter, while Somesizesomestyle was caught on the outside passed the first station, timed in :27. Passing three-eighths, Smack Talk tipped to the outside from sixth and began marching his way towards the lead. Stevensville was flushed out by Smack Talk passing the half, which Somesizesomestyle posted in :54.3 (:27.3).

Into the far turn, Stevensville was gradually making progress towards command. Gold Rocks was stuck in the pocket and Sometimes Said was third over, prepared to follow Smack Talk three wide. Somesizesomestyle was still on top at three-quarters in 1:23.2 (:28.4). Smack Talk swung three wide into the lane and took command with ease. Sometimes Said flew off cover as well and was applying pressure to the new leader. He was drawing closer to Smack Talk entering the sixteenth pole, but the wire came in favor of Smack Talk, holding off the favorite Sometimes Said in a 1:50.4 (:27.2) mile. He’s Got It was third and Wicked Business closed for fourth.

Smack Talk ($10.80) is a two-year-old colt by Cam’s Card Shark, out of the mare Chippie Gabby by Artiscape. He is owned by Daniel Haist and conditioner John Williamson, while Ron Pierce was the pilot to Smack Talk’s maiden-breaking victory.

“Certainly was [great to break our maiden], great track to break it on too,” trainer John Williamson said. “The plan wasn’t to keep him a maiden, but with him, this track fits him to a tee. He’s a big colt.”

Closing out the freshmen action was Odds On Rhodonite, stalking a second over trip and sweeping 

by horses into the stretch to win in 1:50.2.

Carracci Hanover was sent for the lead, with Somewhere In L A protecting the cones in second and Ideal Fashion getting away in third. Ideal Magic was forced to go to the front with nowhere to tuck in, so he applied pressure to Carracci Hanover through a :28 first quarter. Ideal Magic cleared the lead entering the backstretch and was uncontested as he sprinted to the half-mile pole in :54.4 (:26.4).

Ideal Fashion pulled to the outside from fourth and was quickly making his way to Ideal Magic’s wheel into the far turn. Odds On Rhodonite tracked him second over, while Somewhere In L A was waiting for room to shake loose. He eventually tipped third over and had nowhere to go at three-quarters in 1:22.3 (:27.4).

Ideal Fashion was grinding his way to a narrow lead at the head of the stretch. Ideal Magic had no more to offer at the inside, while Odds On Rhodonite made a big rally past his cover three wide. Journeyman was closing down the center of the track from last and Carracci Hanover had room to pace at the pylons. Down to the sixteenth pole, Odds On Rhodonite had an unobtainable lead and went on to win in 1:50.2 (:27.4). Journeyman was second, Carracci Hanover was third and Pierce closed for fourth.

Odds On Rhodonite ($17.80) is a two-year-old colt by Western Ideal, out of the mare Odds On Helen by Real Artist. He is owned by Mark Winship and Amy Giberson, trained by Nick Giberson and Corey Callahan was the driver.

“The only thing they [the trainer] told me going in was that he hadn’t been stretched out as of yet,” driver Corey Callahan said. “He said put him into the race, race him like he’s supposed to be in here and that’s what we did and he proved he was supposed to be in there. I got a really good trip out of it [the fast fractions], he did the work late and held on for the win.”

Pacer of the Year and glamour boy-division leader Captaintreacherous dazzled spectators at the same track his sire Somebeachsomewhere did, sweeping to the top through a :52.4 half-mile and completing the final half of the mile to claim victory in 1:47.1.

Beach Memories was sent hard off of the gate, while Captaintreacherous floated into second and Emeritus Maximus was racing in third. Apprentice Hanover was fourth as Beach Memories led by the quarter in :26.4. At three-eighths, Captaintreacherous pulled to the outside and cleared the lead just before the half-mile station, clicked in a remarkable :52.4 (:26).

Apprentice Hanover made his shot to enter contention into the far turn, moving first over after Captaintreacherous. Beach Memories was riding the pocket and Emeritus Maximus was fourth at three-quarters in 1:20.2 (:27.3).

Jaws began to drop at the presented fractions from Captaintreacherous. He was getting separation from Beach Memories in second and Emeritus Maximus had taken over third. Beach Memories made one last attempt, lunging after Captaintreacherous into the sixteenth pole, but his will-to-win prevailed in a 1:47.1 score, a lifetime mark for Captaintreacherous.

Captaintreacherous ($2.10) is a three-year-old colt by Somebeachsomewhere, out of the mare Worldly Treasure by Artsplace. He is owned by Captaintreacherous Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and Tim Tetrick was in the bike.

“I just wanted to be in control and I settled in there [in the pocket],” driver Tim Tetrick said. “Dave was putting up pretty good fractions, I could have probably followed him, but I knew I’d have to pull going into the last turn. I would let him get there and do what he wants on the front and let him set the pace in the last turn. It was a fun ride.”

“They don’t come along very often [special horses], he’s something special to watch. I know I get chills when I sit behind him, so I bet he’s as fun to watch, too. He usually lets them get to him before he fights. Tonight was the first time I called on him at the top of the lane and he took right off, he really didn’t wait on them today,” Tetrick also said.

“He had a really good week and was good in Indiana last week and was coming into this race in shape,” trainer Tony Alagna said.

Questioned about the Meadowlands’ Free For All series, Tony said, “That’s a possibility if everything goes well. What a great way it would be to end the year, racing against aged horses and give him a chance to trip out and see where he stacks up against those, especially going into his four-year-old year.”

The only horse to defeat Captaintreacherous this season, Sunshine Beach, defeated the second grouping of glamour boy pacers in a 1:48.2 wire-to-wire victory.

Sunshine Beach got the top, while Resistance Futile sat in second and Odds On Equuleus rode the rail to get into third. Wake Up Peter was racing fourth as Sunshine Beach passed the quarter in :27.4. No one tried to contest Sunshine Beach, has John Campbell had a firm hold on him through a :55 (:27.1) half-mile.

Wake Up Peter edged to the outside as Twilight Bonfire was looking for cover entering the far turn, but Wake Up Peter too was in hopes of flushing out bait. Odds On Equuleus took the trap and flushed first over, coming to within 2 lengths of the lead. Sunshine Beach held command at three-quarters, timed in 1:22.2 (:27.2).

Sunshine Beach began to open up on the field into the stretch. Resistance Futile was racing in second and was attempting to slingshot by Sunshine Beach. Wake Up Peter had taken third from Odds On Equueleus, but the battle was between Sunshine Beach and Resistance Futile, in which Sunshine Beach emerged with glory, winning in 1:48.2 (:26). Resistance Futile was second, Wake Up Peter was third and Odds On Equueleus was fourth.

Sunshine Beach ($4.80) is a three-year-old colt by Somebeachsomewhere, out of the mare Light Up by Artsplace. He is owned by Hudson Standardbred Inc., Conrad Leber and Diane Bertrand, trained by Mark Steacy and John Campbell guided him to the win.

“That’s about as reasonable as your going to get in this class [:55 half-mile],” driver John Campbell said. “He felt real strong and I didn’t have to start him up that hard to make the front. He raced really well, but had to hold off a good horse in Resistance Futile. He kept coming [Resistance Futile], but my horse dug in and went down until the wire. It was his first start in three weeks, so he’ll be stronger next week.”

When asked about his Sunshine Beach’s conflict with Captaintreacherous, Campbell said that, “I’m sure it’s going to materialize [their rivalry], either next week if they get into the same division or in the Breeders Crown, hopefully. You can’t take anything away from Captaintreacherous, he’s certainly one of our all-time greats. This horse has beat him once and it can happen again.”

The lone dash of the Bluegrass for sophomore filly pacers was taken in a dramatic 1:49 effort from Shebestingin, circling by horses three wide as blazing fractions were being set.

In her attempt to leave, Ms Caila J Fra got a little rough-gaited and went off stride as the field marched to the first turn. They were led by Aunt Caroline briefly, as Power Pack Hanover was floating her way to the top. Mistresstothestars was wide briefly, but took to the inside as Power Pack Hanover led the field through a quarter in :26.3.

Belle Boyd tracked Power Pack Hanover in her sweep to the front, but could not clear heading down the backstretch. The physical quarrel up front turned the half-mile into a sprint. Mistresstothestars entered the flow second over and Shebestingin went third over as Power Pack Hanover put away Belle Boyd through a :52.4 half (:26.1).

Mistresstothestars went three wide, as did Shebestingin behind, to get closer to the faltering leader, Power Pack Hanover. Mistresstothestars was first over heading to three quarters, while Shebestingin was three wide and ready to fly. Three-quarters was timed in 1:21.2 (:28.3).

Shebestingin took the lead into the stretch and kicked away by open lengths from Parlee Beach closing into second. Authorize was behind a wall of horses, weaving her way into third and Aunt Caroline, off the pocket ride, was in fourth as Shebestingin won impressively, scoring in 1:49 (:28.3). Parlee Beach was second, Authorize was third and Aunt Caroline finished fourth.

Shebestingin ($5.40) is a three-year-old filly by Bettor’s Delight, out of the mare Armbro Tussle by Abercrombie. She is owned by Val D’or Farms, Ted Gewertz and L & L Devisser, trained by Joe Holloway and David Miller was in the bike.

“It worked out great, David gave her a great trip,” trainer Joe Holloway said. “When Ms Caila J Fra made a break, it changed the complexion and John’s filly [Power Pack Hanover] was a little grabby and just kept going, but we were in a great spot. Once she had the lead at the head of the stretch, I felt confident. We trained her very tight, but it’s always tough to train one for race conditions and she was going to be out the whole mile, so she raced very good.”

Joe Holloway also confirmed that Shebestingin would return for the Glen Garnsey Memorial next week.

Live racing at The Red Mile continues tomorrow, with the first matinee card of the Grand Circuit meeting. Tomorrow’s 13-race card is headlined by the $261,700 Bluegrass three-year-old colt trot, with the three-year-old fillies co-featuring in two splits for $173,200 total. Also contesting tomorrow are the eliminations for both the Allerage Pace and the Allerage Trot. Post time for tomorrow’s card is slated for 1 PM. Please note that for the rest of the meeting, The Red Mile will host race cards with a 1 PM post time.