MARCUS MILLER WINS TWO SIRE STAKES ON SATURDAY

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Media

There were three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt pacers on Saturday night at Vernon Downs and driver Marcus Miller won two of them. All three divisions had purses of $37,266.

The first division went as the sixth race on Saturday and Azorean Art (Art Major-Dancin Barefoot) rallied from last place on the far turn to pass the entire field and win in 1:52.3. The early pace was fast in this division with a 25.3 quarter and a half in 54.3 for American Crossroad (Marcus Miller). Azorean Art was driven to victory by Mark Macdonald, one of four wins for him on the Saturday program. The trainer is Jimmy Takter and the colt is owned by Cristina Takter, Brixton Medical, and Hatfield Stables.

The first division also included a disqualification of third-place finisher Oneisalonelynumber, who went on a break on the first turn and caused significant interference in the field. He was placed last after the DQ. The complete order of finish for the first division was: Azorean Art, Sicily, The Spy, We Think Alike, American Crossroad, K-Rock, and Oneisalonelynumber. Southwind Masimo was a scratch (sick).

The Marcus Miller Show began with the next division of the Sire Stakes, carded as the seventh race. He drove Betting Exchange (Bettor's Delight-Cheeky Hanover) to a victory at 21-1, paying $44.80 to win and keying a $415.50 exacta. Betting Exchange was second for the majority of the mile, sitting behind the pacesetter, Americanprimetime (Jim Marohn Jr.). Miller made the winning move with Betting Exchange in deep stretch, angling out to move past Americanprimetime and get up for the victory in the final strides in a time of 1:51.1. Betting Exchange is trained by Tom Fanning and is owned by Howard Taylor, Susan Kajfasz, and Tom Fanning.

The complete order of finish for the second division was: Betting Exchange, Americanprimetime, Freedomformysoul, Cartoon Daddy, Yippity Hanover, and Nobettorplacetobe. Mikado Blue Chip was a scratch (sick).

The third and final division of the New York Sire Stakes was the ninth race on the program and Marcus Miller came through again, guiding Penji Hanover (Art Major-Platinum Hanover) to victory in 1:53.2. It was a well-timed drive by Miller, who sent Penji Hanover down the outside in the stretch to win just a heartbeat ahead of Bet You (Mark Macdonald), who conversely tried to come up the inside and had to wait the extra moment to get room and that proved costly. Penji Hanover is trained by Tony Alagna and the owned is W. Springtime Racing Stable.

The complete order of finish for the third division was Penji Hanover, Bet You, Berkley, K Ryan Bluechip, Ultimate G, Aimo Hanover, My Spirit Soars, and Play The Field.

Live racing will resume at Vernon Downs on Monday with a special Labor Day matinee program. First post time is 1:15pm. 5+55

NUBBLE LIGHT RALLIES FOR GREEN ACRES VICTORY

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – August 30, 2014 – Nubble Light took advantage of a second-over trip, swept four-wide in the stretch and drew off to a one-length victory in the $7,000 opening leg of New Jersey Sire Stakes – Green Acres for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Freehold Raceway.

The gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover, driven by Steve Smith and trained by Deleston Cote, covered the third-race mile in 1:56.3, putting away Earthshaker [Rocknroll Hanover].  It was two lengths back to third-place Sassy Hanover [Cam’s Card Shark], who cut the fractions.

Nubble Light picked up his fourth win with one second and three thirds from 15 starts in 2014, pushing his earnings to $20,729 for the year and $37,429 lifetime.  He is owned by Cote, Henry Faragalli III, Trevor Johnson and Jeffrey Ruben.

Dresden, August 30, 2014 -- Dresden Raceway will concluded summer racing season with a bang this weekend, featuring racing on Sunday afternoon as well as the traditional Labour Day program on Monday.

Sunday is Kids Day at the raceway. There will be rides, games, bouncy castles, face painting and much more for the kids. It is also $1 hot dog day.

A huge card has been planned for Monday afternoon, highlighted by the return of the Shelly Goudreau Memorial Pace in honour of the late local driving legend.

Monday's program will also feature a Racing Under Saddle (RUS) exhibition race and the return of the 'Wanna Ride' team which will be offering fans the chance to ride in a double seater jog cart between races.

There will also be plenty of prize and t-shirt giveaways on Sunday and Monday. Post time both days will be 1:00 p.m.

"It's a great way to end off what has been a terrific summer of racing here," said General Manager Greg Blanchard.  "The support of the fans and the local business community had been exceptional. I hope everyone can make it out for what will be a fun final weekend."

Going into the final two programs of the season, the wagering numbers at Dresden show an increase of 70% over 2013 totals.

FATHER PATRICK A WINNER AGAIN

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

It was a dazzling night of action at Vernon Downs with the highlight being the return of Father Patrick (Cantab Hall-Gala Dream) to his winning ways in the $340,000 Zweig Memorial Trot. Father Patrick (Yannick Gingras) assumed the lead almost immediately and led all the way home to win in an impressive time of 1:52.2. His entry-mate, Hambletonian runner-up Nuncio (John Campbell), tracked Father Patrick all the way but could never get the upper hand on him and had to settle for second. Flyhawk El Durado (Mark Macdonald), who had scored wins in four consecutive New York Sire Stakes races entering the Zweig, finished third after tracking the entry pretty much throughout the event.

The fractions for the Zweig Memorial were 25.4 for the quarter, 56 seconds for the half and 1:25.2 for three-quarters. Father Patrick is owned by Father Patrick Stable of East Windsor, New Jersey and the trainer is Jimmy Takter. The complete order of finish for the Zweig Memorial was: Father Patrick, Nuncio, Flyhawk El Durado, Resolve, Sumatra, Martiniwithmuscle, Expressive Action, Auspicious Hanover, and Skates N Plates.

Superstar trotter Sebastian K also came to Vernon Downs on Friday night to score in the $236,000 Crawford Farms Open Trot. While it was anticipated that Sebastian K (Korean-Gabriella K) might just blaze to the front and set a new track record time, it was a far more tactical performance from the Ake Svanstedt trainee. He did seize the lead immediately after the start, but then driver Svanstedt settled the horse in nicely to go through a quarter in 28.1, the half in 57.3, and three-quarters in 1:26.3. This relatively unhurried pace allowed Archangel (Yannick Gingras) and Market Share (Tim Tetrick) to make challenges to the leader, but Sebastian K had plenty left in the tank to win in a final time of 1:53, which did equal the Aged Horse track record time set by For You Almostfree in 2013. Archangel settled for second and Market Share was third.

Sebastian K is owned by Knutsson Trotting Inc. of Vero Beach, Florida. The complete order of finish for the Crawford Farms Open Trot was: Sebastian K, Archangel, Market Share, Bee A Magician, Flanagan Memory, Intimidate, Mister Herbie, Quick Deal, and Master Of Law. Spider Blue Chip was a scratch (sick).

The $150,000 filly division of the Zweig was also held on Friday night and was won by Shake It Cerry (Donato Hanover-Solveig), who rallied up the inside in the stretch to pass rivals Heaven's Door and Bikini So Teeny. Her victory came in a time of 1:53.4. Shake It Cerry is owned by Solveig's Racing Partners of East Windsor, New Jersey, trained by Jimmy Takter, and she was driven to victory by Ron Pierce.

The opening leg of the 2014 Tioga-Vernon Drivers' Championship took place on Friday night and there was a tie for the top spot between Yannick Gingras and Ron Pierce with 20 points. This tie means that the two drivers will split the $10,000 prize for leading after the first round of the Championship. Corey Callahan is third with 13 points and the defending champion Jim Marohn Jr. is fourth with 11 points. Points are awarded as follows: 10 points for a win, 7 points for second, 5 points for third, 3 points for fourth, and 1 point for fifth. The Drivers' Championship will continue at Tioga Downs on Labor Day Monday with Round Two.

Live racing at Vernon Downs will resume on Saturday night with an 11-race program that includes three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts. Post time is 6:45pm.

Dirty Girty upsets in Tioga distaff feature

by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Sustaining a first-over push to the fore before holding off the late-charging Pan Luis Obispo, Dirty Girty ($17.60) proved a 1:52 upset winner in Friday (August 29) evening's $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs.

The four-year-old Western Terror mare tracked pacesetters Inittowinafortune (Aaron Byron) and De Vins Girl (John Cummings, Jr.) through a :56 half mile before commencing her first-over bid on the backstretch.  After nudging 2-1 second choice Inittowinafortune along through a :27.2 third quarter, Dirty Girty turned up the pressure, taking the lead off the far turn and edging clear to a two-length margin in upper stretch.  She dug in late to stave off the hard-closing 4-5 favorite Pan Luis Obispo (Jim Meittinis), with the ground-saving Southwind Trini (Corey Braden) staying on for third.

Mike Merton handled the driving duties aboard Dirty Girty for owner-trainer James Clouser, Jr.

Racing returns to Tioga on Saturday (August 30) evening, with first post slated for 6:15 p.m. EDT.

CAMPANILE, OBRIGADO WIN FRIDAY 44G CO-FEATURES

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, August 29, 2014—Yonkers Raceway’s Friday night $44,000 co-featured Opens--a handicap for distaff pacers and a blind draw for all trotters who passed initiation--were won by rank outsider Campanile (Eric Carlson, $58.50) and Obrigado (Brent Holland, $11).

            An early bystander from post position No. 4, Campanile had much to watch. Last week’s victress, Robin Cruiser (Jordan Stratton) was in play, getting stung by pole assignee, the newly-sold Venus Delight (Jason Bartlett).

            No sooner did the just-above-even-money fave Robin Cruiser make the lead (:26.4 opening quarter-mile) than Monkey on My Wheel (Dan Dube) took her turn. Monkey on My Wheel found a :55.4 intermission and 1:24.2 three-quarters, with Montenegro (Greg Merton) offering a stern test first-up.

            Monkey on My Wheel opened to a length-and-a-quarter entering the lane, but was done soon after. Venus Delight closed deep in the passing lane, but it was Campanile—third-up--moving widest and fastest. Sixth in and out of the final turn, Campanile prevailed by a neck in 1:52.3. Robin Cruiser, Crazy on You (Holland) and Camille (George Brennan) rounded out the payees.      

For Campanile, a 5-year-old daughter of No Pan Intended trained by Allan Johnson for owner Michael Casalino Jr., it was her seventh win in 31 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $290.50, with the triple returning $789.

The week’s marquee trot saw upstate scourge Obrigado—which, as pointed out by track announcer/U-N interpreter John Hernan, translates to “thank you” in Portuguese—prevail from second-over.

After Tober (Bartlett) and Lorenzo Dream (Jeff Gregory) led the way (:27.2, :57.1), Tober regained and found a 1:26.1 three-quarters. He had a 2¼-length lead turning for home, having disposed of both a stopping “Lorenzo” and an uncovered DW’s NY Yank (Brennan).

However, Obrigado—gradually advancing from post No. 5—snapped the leader late, winning by a neck in 1:55.3. Third went to Bingo Queen (Eric Goodell), with tepid 19-10 choice Somebody AS (Dube) and “DW” settling for the minor awards.

For Obrigado, a 4-year-old Boy Band gelding co-owned by (trainer) Paul Kelley, William Weaver III, Linwood Higgins and Stable 45, he’s now 7-for-16 this season (28-for-39 lifetime). The exacta paid $44.20, with the triple returning $216.50.

Friday’s undercard saw the 7-year-old double millionaire Wishing Stone (Brennan, $3.70) beat up his rivals, setting a set track record for aged trotting horses (1:54.2). He (nearly a year ago to the day) and Archangel shared the old standard at a tick slower.

            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 daily.  

LOVE YOU BYE SURGES LATE TO SCORE

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

It took an exciting stretch drive for Love You Bye (McArdle-Cam's Genious) to pick up her third win in the last four starts at Vernon Downs in the $10,000 feature on Thursday night. Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) sat in mid-pack through the early stages of the race, as Seascape Hanover (Fern Paquet Jr.) set the early pace of 26.1 for the quarter and 54.4 for the half. It was at the half-mile mark that Ugly Betty (John Macdonald) rallied up on the outside to take the lead, which she held through the three-quarter mark in 1:22.3. Ugly Betty was in front into mid-stretch, at which point Seascape Hanover came back up the inside and Love You Bye commenced to close down the outside. Love You Bye managed to beat Seascape Hanover home to win in 1:52.1.

The complete order of finish was: Love You Bye, Seascape Hanover, Ugly Betty, Park N Orchard, Table Games, Elleofnxample, Artic Byrd, and R U Ideal. Let's Go Higher had been a Judge's scratch. Love You Bye is owned by D. Jimmy Whittemore of Norway, Maine and trained by Dennis Whittemore.

Live racing resumes on Friday night with an exciting 10-race program featuring $340,000 Zweig Memorial with Hambletonian runner-up Nuncio and betting favorite Father Patrick making up a very strong entry for trainer Jimmy Takter. Sebastian K will also be racing at Vernon on Friday night in the $236,000 Crawford Farms Open Trot and he will be facing 2013 Horse Of The Year, Bee A Magician, who takes on the boys. Post time for racing on Friday night at Vernon Downs in 6:45pm.

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MOUNTAIN TOP UPSETS SCHITTKER ENTRY IN GREEN ACRES OPENER

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ                                                                                                              

MANALAPAN, NJ – August 28, 2014 – Mountain Top drew off to a length and three-quarter victory, besting a trio of Ray Schnittker trainees in the $7,000 first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes – Green Acres for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings, the third race and opening day feature at Freehold Raceway on Thursday, August 28,2014.

Schnittker’s odds-on entry finished second [Broken Record], third [Switchblade Hall] and fourth [Cruzinwith muscles] in the field of seven.  There was no show wagering.

Mountain Top [$6.40, $2.20], trained and driven by Francisco Del Cid, benefited from a two-hole trip behind Broken Record, tipping out and going by in the stretch for the victory in 2:02.2. 

The son of Muscle Hill [all the other starters were by Muscles Yankee] posted his first win in his eighth career start.  Unraced at two, the trotter has now banked $21,220 for owner Mario Mazza of Newton, PA. 

The first foal of Diana Hall was a $45,000 Harrisburg Yearling Sale purchase.

Cane Pace, Drivers' Championship headline blockbuster Labor Day at Tioga

by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Eight top three-year-old pacers will contest the first jewel of pacing's Triple Crown, the 60th Cane Pace, and nine top drivers will contest the second half of the Vernon/Tioga Drivers' Championship on a blockbuster Labor Day (Monday, September 1) card at Tioga Downs.

He's Watching brings a four-race win streak into the $437,325 Cane Pace, carded as Monday's ninth race.  Since fading to third in the North America Cup, the son of American Ideal proved a powerful 1:46.4 winner in the Meadowlands Pace and an equally dominant 1:49.1 winner in the Empire Breeders Classic, taking the eliminations for each respective event as well.  Usual driver Tim Tetrick has once again been listed by trainer David Menary.  He's Watching is one of three $35,000 supplemental entries, along with Luck Be Withyou and Lyons Somewhere.

Among those looking to deny He's Watching the first jewel of pacing's Triple Crown are Milstein runner-up Luck Be Withyou and North America Cup winner JK Endofanera.

Luck Be Withyou, the Chris Oakes-trained son of Western Ideal, chased McWicked in the $400,000 Milstein at Northfield two weeks ago, finishing in a dead heat for second with McWicked, just three-quarters of a length behind eventual winner All Bets Off, who pounced up the open stretch.  Ron Pierce is listed to drive the nine-time winner.

JK Endofanera, the lone millionaire in the field, rebounded well from a sixth-place finish in the Meadowlnads, taking second in the Empire Breeders Classic before scoring a 1:50.1 Geers Stake win locally.  Ron Burke has listed Brian Sears to handle the driving duties.

Ten three-year-old pacing fillies entered the Shady Daisy, which will be raced as a single $124,325 dash in the afternoon's seventh race.  Fancy Desire, a $7,500 supplemental entry, leads the full field, having won the $300,000 James Lynch at Pocono in 1:49.3 among seven other career wins.  Mark MacDonald has been nominated by trainer Kevin Carr to drive the Real Desire filly.  Geers winner Katie Said (Marcus Miller), Pennsylvania standout Tyra (Tim Tetrick nominated), and stakes-placed Gallie Bythe Beach (John Campbell nominated) are also among the Shady Daisy entrants.

Eight distaff trotters will vie for their share of $40,000 in a Miss Versatility preliminary event, carded as the third race.  Divisional standout Maven returned to her winning ways in a Preferred event at Pocono last week, struggling in prior events since returning to the States after a sixth-place finish in the Elitloppet.  The Jonas Czernyson trainee will be reunited with regular driver Yannick Gingras, and will race as part of a three-mare entry with stablemates D'Orsay (Corey Callahan) and Ma Chere Hall (David Miller).  Classic Martine, who has found her way into the spotlight as of late with wins in the Armbro Flight and Ima Lula events, also draws into the star-studded event, with Tim Tetrick listed to drive the Chris Oakes-trained daughter of Classic Photo.

In addition to the high-profile stakes action, nine of the premier drivers in the sport complete the Vernon/Tioga Drivers' Championship, with the first round taking place on Friday (August 29) at Vernon Downs.  As in years past, the overall winner of the nine-race tournament takes home a $25,000 first prize--the equivalent of the commission for winning a $1,000,000 race.  All nine drivers additionally will donate their commissions to charity.

Tioga Downs honors last year's Driver's Championship winner Jim Marohn, Jr. with a bobblehead giveaway.  Fans can receive their bobblehead, as well as a Drivers' Championship t-shirt (while supplies last) at the promotions table on the tarmac prior to and during the races.  Post time for the 11-race card is 1:30 p.m. EDT.

SCHEDULE CHANGE IN SEPTEMBER AT MONTICELLO RACEWAY

NO RACING ON LABOR DAY; FRIDAY CARD ADDED ON SEPT. 5

Due to an early Labor Day holiday this year Monticello Raceway’s live racing schedule will change slightly in September.

Since Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1 the raceway will be dark that afternoon and to keep continuity with the four-day a week schedule a race card has been added on Friday, September 5.

After that, racing will be back to the usual Monday through Thursday format for the remainder of September.

All post times will continue to be at 12:50pm.

GREEN ACRES ACTION HIGHLIGHTS FREEHOLD’S OPENING DAY CARD

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ                                                                                                            

MANALAPAN, NJ – August 27, 2014 – Trainer Ray Schnittker will send out a trio of Muscles Yankee colts in the first round of New Jersey Sire Stakes – Green Acres Division action when Freehold Raceway re-opens for its 2014 Summer/Fall Meet on Thursday, August 28.

The 48-day meet [August 28 through December 13] will occupy Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays each week along with a special Labor Day card on Monday, September 1.  Post time is 12:30 p.m. 

Seven New Jersey-sired two-year-old trotting colts and geldings are scheduled to go postward in the $7,000 first leg of the Green Acres, the third of 10 races, with the Schnittker entry of Switchblade Hall, Cruizinwithmuscles and Broken Record installed as the 1-5 morning line favorite by the newly adopted TrackMaster automated morning line.

Broken Record, leaving fro post six with Steve Smith in the sulky, has two wins and three thirds from six starts and earnings of $41,763 for the ownership of Schnittker and Ted Gewertz.  He finished third in his last start, the Tompkins at Tioga Downs. 

Harry Landy will handle Switchblade Hall from post three while Pat Berry has the assignment behind Cruizinwithmuscles from post four. 

The other starters are Firestop [Muscles Yankee] from the rail with Eric Abbatiello driving at 12-1; Wolfpack Muscle [Muscles Yankee] with David Pinkney Jr. at 25-1 from post two; the Francisco Del Cid trained and driven Mountain Top [Muscle Hill], the 5-2 second choice from post five and Muscle Night [Muscles Yankee] with Jim Marshall III from post seven at 25-1.

A free t-shirt will be distributed with a paid Freehold live racing program [while supplies last] on Thursday, August 28. 

With six in the box, there will be no eliminations on Friday of this week and all the three-year-old filly trotters entered will advance to the $40,000 Helen Smith Trot on Friday, September 5, 2014.

The field includes Cee Bee Yes [Muscles Yankee], Celebrity Fantasy [Muscles Yankee], Mistressswithmuscle [Muscle Hill], She Likes Candy [Chocolatier], Yoga [Muscles Yankee] and You And I [Muscles Yankee]. 

The Julie Miller trained Cee Bee Yes has banked more than $273,000 for Jason and Douglas Allen of Vincentown, NJ, with six wins, five seconds and two thirds from 19 career starts.  This year, she has two wins and two seconds in eight starts.  She captured the $33,075 Lady Suffolk at Freehold on May 2 and was second in the $100,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes Final at the Meadowlands on May 31.  She qualified for the Hambletonian Oaks but broke at the start of the final and finished last. 

Labor Day is also Back to the Track, a cooperative effort by the United States Trotting Association, its member racetracks, and horsemen from coast-to-coast that combines exciting harness racing and fan-friendly promotions.

Freehold’s Labor Day festivities include a free Back to the Track cap with paid Freehold live program [while supplies last], 50-cent hot dogs, 50-cent sodas, drawings for a season’s parking pass and Back to the Track t-shirts.  Additionally, there will be a drivers’ autograph session.

Big Friday Night at Vernon Downs

The very finest trotters in the land will converge on Vernon Downs the evening of Friday, August 29 for Grand Circuit racing. The Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial drew full fields for both colt and filly divisions and the Crawford Farms Free For All looks to be the race of the season thus far for the veteran trotting set.

The Crawford Farms offers a powerful field of ten to compete for a purse of $236,000. Current Top Ten Poll leader and multiple world record setting trotter Sebastian K will bring his impressive arsenal to Central New York for owners Knutsson Trotting and trainer / driver Ake Svanstedt. He will find plenty of competition here including 2013 Horse of the Year Bee A Magician, last year’s winner of this race and the only horse to vanquish Sebastian K in North American thus far Intimidate and the always formidable Market Share to name but a few.

The $340,000 Zweig Memorial main event has landed both Father Patrick and Nuncio from the Jimmy Takter stable. Father Patrick will seek to reestablish his position at the top of the sophomore crop and Nuncio will be coming in on short rest, being entered in a PASS event on Tuesday afternoon. There is also a $60,000 Zweig colt consolation on the Friday card.

Takter will also bring the likely favorite for the $150,000 Zweig companion filly race in Shake It Cerry. Last year’s divisional champion has won seven of nine this season and is over $1.1 million lifetime for owner Solveig’s Racing Partners. Local debutante Avalicious, PASS invader Broadway Socks and NJSS champ Heaven’s Door will provide ample resistance to the top choice.

The first leg of the 8^th annual Tioga & Vernon Downs Drivers’ Championship will be on the Friday program as well with four overnight races dedicated to that competition. The Vernon Racing Under Saddle series draws to a close with a $5,700 final and local driving legend, the late Jack Bailey, will be memorialized with the feature preferred trot.

The hotly anticipated Jimmy Marohn, Jr bobble-head giveaway and free T shirts will only add to the festivities on this important occasion. Post time for the Friday evening extravaganza will be 6:45pm. Visit the Vernon Downs website for complete entry information and further details on racing and promotions.

YONKERS HOSTS 197G NYSS PAT QUAGLIETTA TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Monday, August 25, 2014 – Yonkers Raceway Monday night hosted the $197,500 New York Sire Stakes Pat Quaglietta Trot for 2-year-old fillies.

Four divisions comprised the event.

Division leader Barn Doll (Jeff Gregory, $3.10) did nothing to diminish her standing, winning the $49,150 third division in 1:58.4…by far the night’s fastest.  Racing second-up from post position No. 4, she went up and over a last-turn bolting Nunkeri (Mark MacDonald), beating that one by three-quarters of a length. Frou Frou (Jim Morrill Jr.) was a best-of-the-rest third. The effort was just two ticks off the track record (Some Girls, 2010) for this division.

“She’s just a professional and she enjoys what she does,” Gregory said. “Mark’s filly looked like she wanted to go home early, but nothing seems to bother (Barn Doll).

For Barn Doll, a daughter of Conway Hall co-owned  by (trainer) Steve & Nancy Pratt and Purple Haze Stables, it was her sixth win in eight seasonal starts. The exacta paid $6.30, with the triple (three wagering favorites in order) returning $12.20.

Driver George Brennan doubled his pleasure in the first two ($49,150 each) sire stakes events, with odds-on Pig Hunt ($2.50)  in 2:01, and second choice Counsellor AS ($5.80)  in 2:00.3

The former, a Conway Hall miss, controlled from the pole, defeated pocket-sitting Zanna Blue (Gates Brunet) by three-quarters of a length. Summer Scent (Dan Daley) was third.

For Pig Hunt, co-owned by (trainer) Jennifer and Janice Connor, she’s now 4-for-7 this season. The exacta (two wagering faves in order) paid $8.20, with  the triple returning $28.40.

“The best thing about her? She trots,” Brennan said. “I was able to back it down enough (1:31.3 three-quarters) to make sure she had something late.” Both Barn Doll and Pig Hunt are 2-for-2 locally in NYSS competition.

Counsellor AS, second-up from post No. 4, went right by even-money Miss B’ville J (Morrill Jr.), drawing out to win by a couple of lengths. Make it Blue Chip (Ray Schnittker) was third.

For  “Counsellor,” a Conway Hall homebred miss owned Acl Stuteri Ab and trained by Annette Lorentzon, it was her third win in eight ’14 tries. The exacta paid $14.40, with the triple returning $30.40.

“She’s learning,” Brennan said.  “I think she’d have won the last time, but I drove her off her feet.”     

The evening’s final ($50,050) sire stakes event went to down-the-road favorite Concentration (Sears, $4.30)—from post No. 4--in 1:59.3. The margin was a  length-and-three-quarters over, Duolectra (Brennan), who skimmed to cones to grab second at 28-1. Shaqline (Jimmy Takter) was third.

For Concentration, a daughter of Conway Hall owned by Raymond Campbell and trained by George Ducharme, she’s 3-for-7 in her first season.  The exacta paid $88.50, with the triple returning $332.50.   

 A special Monday shoutout to the veteran Wholly Louy, whose win in the $21,000, 10^th-race pace made him harness racing’s newest millionaire (66-for-220, $1,000,063).

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 daily.  

BURKE STABLES’, ALL BETS OFF, FEATURED IN THE $117,000 MIGHTY M’S NYSS FOR SOPHOMORE PACERS

One of the best sophomore pacers in the country, All Bets Off, from the powerful Ron Burke Stable, will be the featured attraction when Monticello Raceway presents the last preliminary leg of the rich New York Sire Stakes program on Tuesday afternoon, August 26.

All Bets Off, owner of a 1:48.2 record, is currently fourth on the list of money winning 3 year old colt pacers this year with over $511,000 in earnings. The son of Bettor’s Delight-Armbro Penelope has seven wins, two seconds and one third in 10 starts this year and he comes into his $38,500 split off  three consecutive victories the last in 1:50.3  in the  Carl Millstein Final at Northfield Park on August 15.

Owned by Burke Racing, Frank Baldachino, The Panhellenic Stable and Rosemary Shelswell, Burke has once again assigned the driving duties to Matt Kakaley when All Bets Off  starts from post five in the first race on the card. 

In all, Burke will send out six sophomore pacers that afternoon, four in the three NYSS splits while two others will race in the Excelsior Stakes. That means the Burke Stable will have an entry in one of the NYSS events and it so happens that it will be in the event that All Bets Off is in.

Joining him on the mutuel ticket will be stablemate Forty Five Red, to be driven by Mark MacDonald, another nice colt but not the caliber of All Bets Off. It appears that Burke is probably starting All Bets Off in the sire stakes to make sure he has a enough points to qualify for the $225,000 Final at Yonkers Raceway on September 13.

In the second NYSS division, race four, the Jimmy Takter-trained Capital Account gets the odds maker’s nod as the early favorite from the pole position. A winner of almost $105,000 this year the American Ideal-Copywriter colt, owned by Brittany Farms owns a record of 1:51 taken earlier this year at the Meadowlands.

Brett Miller will be in the pilot’s seat when Capital Account leaves from post position one.

Another Brittany Farms pacer, Winds Of Change, whom they co-own with Val D’Or Farms, is rated the favorite in the third NYSS split, race eight on the card. Trained by Linda Toscano the son of American Ideal-Art’s Temptress, has won two of his last three starts at Tioga Downs the fastest in 1:50.2.

Winds Of Change will leave from the four hole with Brett Miler at the controls.

The undercard features four Excelsior Series paces which will go  as races two, five, six and seven on the 11- race card. Arguably, the best of the starters in those events is Lauren and Bob Tucker’s Believeinthespirit, an Art Major gelding out of Spirit Of the West, who is a five-time winner thus far this year with over $41,000 in earnings.

Trainer Ed Lohmeyer, has assigned Jimmy Morrill, Jr. to do the driving when the pacer leaves from post five in the second race on the card.

First post is slated for 12:50pm

RCI Affirms 48-hour Restriction on Multiple NSAID Use

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Model Rules clearly prohibit the administration of multiple Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). 

Veterinarians who find it medically necessary to treat a horse with more than one approved NSAID should ensure that no more than one approved NSAID is present above the secondary regulatory threshold.  The secondary thresholds scientifically correlate with a 48-hour withdrawal time. 

The RCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule governs the use of a single approved NSAID and the recommended withdrawal times are provided as guidance to facilitate compliance with the regulatory threshold. No NSAIDs may be present above the primary thresholds, which correspond to withdrawal time guidance between 24 hours and 14 days.

FRANKIE’S DRAGON WINS SATURDAY 44G OPEN HANDICAP PACE

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, August 23, 2014— Even-money favorite Frankie's Dragon (Brian Sears, $4) went from first-up to first home Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $44,000 Open Handicap Pace. 

Assigned inside his seven rivals, Frankie's Dragon had plenty to peruse early as Dream Out Loud N (Eric Goodell), Rock on Moe (Larry Stalbaum) and Sapphire City (Dan Dube) all has designs on the lead.

Dream Out Loud N won that early battle, paying :26.4 opening quarter-mile price for the privilege. Sapphire City, three-holed from post position No. 8, took a shot with a second move, but Dream Out Loud N was not in a giving mood and sent Sapphire City back from whence he came.  

After a 55-second intermission, Frankie's Dragon was out from fourth, methodically moving at the leader toward a 1:23 three-quarters. Russley Rascal N (George Brennan) tried it from second-over as Dream Out Loud N and Frankie's Dragon was nostril to nostril into the lane.

Frankie's Dragon did eventually wear down his foe, winning by a half-length in 1:51.1. Big N Bad (Jordan Stratton) closed stoutly for third, with Russley Rascal N and Rock on Moe settling for the minor moolah.      

For "Frankie," a 5-year-old son of Dragon Again trained by Tony O'Sullivan for owner Joe Martinelli Sr., it was his fifth win in 25 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $21, with the triple returning $146.

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 daily. 

LEMS LEADS THE WAY

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

Driver Chris Lems, who will be representing Vernon Downs in the Drivers' Championship Race For The Cup on Friday, August 29 at Vernon, was the driving star of the Saturday night program with four victories. Lems' first two winners were favorites in the wagering, Tarport Andy in the opener and King Of Kings in the third. He then scored back-to-back winners later in the evening with a front-running score from Credit To Elgin in the ninth and a strong closing drive in the tenth with High Mileage.

The $6,500 feature race on Saturday night was won by Oh My Joepa (Rocknroll Hanover-Nittany Lion), who has now won two of the last three starts at Vernon Downs. Oh My Joepa (Claude Huckabone III) sat toward the tail end of the field through the first quarter of a mile before making a strong first-over move to the front. From there, he led the rest of the way, building up a four-length lead as the horses made the top of the stretch. Western Tsunami (Roman Lopez) closed strongly in the stretch to get second and Market Force (Jimmy Whittemore) also finished well to end up third. You Bet Your Glass (Frank Davis) had gone off-stride at the start and still managed to finish fourth. A Fool For Mark crossed the finish line fifth, but was disqualified for interference with multiple horses at the three-quarter mile mark and placed last. The fractions were 26.4 for the quarter, 55.4 for the half, 1:22.4 for three-quarters, and a final time of 1:51.

The complete order of finish was: Oh My Joepa, Western Tsunami, Market Force, You Bet Your Glass, Fearless Chip, Martial Bliss, and A Fool For Mark.

Live racing resumes at Vernon Downs on Thursday night with a 10-race program. Post time is 6:45pm.

Traverse Seelster tops in Tioga trotting feature

by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Pouncing from the pocket on the approach to the far turn, Keith Pippi's Traverse Seelster ($3.30) recorded the fastest mile ever at Tioga Downs for an older trotting gelding, taking Saturday (August 23) evening's $15,000 Open Trot in 1:52.4.

Brandon Simpson settled into the pocket with the six-year-old Angus Hall gelding, drafting behind Lutetium (John Cummings, Jr.) through a :56.2 half before making his two-wide push with five-sixteenths to go.  Traverse Seelster responded at once, kicking clear to a three-length lead on the far turn.  Through the stretch, he was chased home by Twin B Spike Man (Mike Simons), but last week's Open winner could only muster a second-place finish, closing to within a length and a half.  Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) rallied from last in the field of five to take third.  Oh No Three O (Corey Braden) was a non-threatening fourth, and early pacesetter Lutetium faded to last after giving way.

Amber Buter trains Traverse Seelster, whose 1:52.4 mile bested Tac's Delight prior record for older trotting geldings by a fifth of a second.  The overall track record for trotters stands at 1:52.3, most recently achieved by Obrigado.

Sunday (August 24) afternoon's 13-race card kicks off at 1:30 p.m. EDT, with freshman trotters taking center stage in a quartet of Kindergarten Classic preliminaries.

MORRILL MAGNIFICENT ON FRIDAY AT VERNON

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. was the star of the evening on Friday night at Vernon Downs. He won with six of his nine drives on the 12-race program. One of those wins was with Gural Hanover (Crazed-Givemearing) in the $59,100 New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. The win was the seventh consecutive Sire Stakes win for Gural Hanover. Gural Hanover actually sat second behind Wild And Crazy Guy (John Macdonald) through the opening quarter of 27.4 seconds. As the field moved into the backstretch, however, Gural Hanover powered to the lead and never looked back. He dominated the remainder of the race and eventually moved away with authority in the stretch to win by four lengths. The rest of the fractional times were 56.4 for the half, 1:25.3 for three-quarters, and a final time of 1:53.3. Wild And Crazy Guy tracked Gural Hanover after being passed, but could never again mount a serious threat. The complete order of finish for the second division of the New York Sire Stakes was: Gural Hanover, Wild And Crazy Guy, Zoey De Vie, Karets, and Hallanet.

Gural Hanover is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC of Pennsylvania and Little E LLC and Panhellenic Stable Corporation of New York. The trainer is Ron Burke.

The first division of the $59,100 New York Sire Stakes for the sophomore trotters actually produced a better final time of 1:52.4. The winner was Flyhawk El Durado (Conway Hall-El Paso Gal), driven by Mark Macdonald. The race was similarly run to the second division, as Royal Max (John Macdonald) led through the opening quarter of 26.4 before Flyhawk El Durado moved past and led the rest of the way. The half was 56.1 seconds and three-quarters went by in 1:24.3. The complete order of finish for this division of the New York Sire Stakes was Flyhawk El Durado, Royal Max, Expressive Action, Daley Lovin, Mister Anson, and Lukas Hall.

Flyhawk El Durado is owned by Martin Scharf of Lawrence, New York and trained by Mark Ford.

The dominant man of the evening, though, was Morrill. He started the evening off right, winning with his first two drives, Winbak Glory in the second and Morning Joe in the third. He didn't return to the Winner's Circle until the seventh race with Genius At Work in the first division of the New York Excelsior "A" Series. The score with Gural Hanover in the ninth followed. That was part of a natural hat trick of wins for Morrill to wrap up his night. He won with Engagedatlexington in the tenth and Flaming Yankee in the eleventh. Morrill also finished second twice on the night, with Omnipotent in the fifth and Crazzycrazzy in the eighth.

Live racing will resume at Vernon Downs on Saturday night with a 12-race program. First post time is 6:45pm.

BEE A MAGICIAN, ROBIN CRUISER WIN FRIDAY 44G CO-FEATURES

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, August 22, 2014—Yonkers Raceway’s Friday night $44,000 co-featured Opens--a handicap for distaff pacers and a blind draw all socially-acceptable trotters--were won by odds-on numbers Robin Cruiser (Jordan Stratton, $3.70) and Bee A Magician (Brian Sears, $3.10).

            From penultimate post position No. 6, Robin Cruiser was in the game early, yielding to outside assignee Summertime Lea (George Brennan). just after a 27-second opening quarter-mile. Social Scene (Sears) was away third.

            After a 55-second half and before a 1:23.3 three-quarters,  “Lea” was getting only mile pressure from a first-up Krispy Apple (Jason Bartlett). The lead was length-and-a-quarter into the lane. However, she tired mid-stretch, passed on the inside by Robin Cruiser and on the outside by a fast-closing Crazy on You (Brent Holland). The former beat the latter by a neck in 1:52.3, with Summertime Lea, the filly Fanticipation (Larry Stalbaum) and Krispy Apple rounding out the payees.     

           

For Robin Cruiser, a 5-year-old homebred daughter of Yankee Cruiser owned by Pinske Stables and trained by Julie Miller, it was her sixth win in 21 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $74.50, with the triple returning $345.50.

…and then there was the week’s featured trot, where the name above the marquee was one Bee A Magician.

The reigning Harness Horse of the Year, in her first Westchester work night—and just third career half-mile excursion—took to the four turns like a veteran.

Winning the draw, she allowed the 2013 Yonkers Trot champ Dewycolorintheline (Stratton) to throw the first salvo. Bee A Magician then secured the lead after a :28.1 first station.  From there, a waltz--around :59.3 middle half (:58.4 intermission, 1:27.4) gave the lass three lengths in and out of  the final turn. Millionaire four times over Arch Madness (Trond Smedshammer) was the first to move, trotting in place from fourth before Somebody As (Dan Dube) tried his luck advancing modestly from third.

A :27.1 chaser closed the sale by 3¾ lengths in 1:55…a new track record for her division. Somebody As won the scrum for second, with “Dewy,” Tober (Bartlett) and Arch Madness rounding out the payees

For Bee A Magician, a 4-year-old daughter of Kadabra trained by Nifty Norman for co-owners David McDuffee, Mel Hartman and Herb Liverman, she’s now 2-for-8 this season (career 29-for-38 with earnings a shade under $2.5 million)

“She handled the track perfectly, and I’m hoping she returns,” Sears said of the first HOY to race here after winning the award since Gallo Blue Chip (won HOY in 2000, raced here twice in ‘03).

            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 daily.  

Inittowinafortune leads a five-win night for Byron

by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Driver Aaron Byron had the hot hand at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 22) evening, taking five of the evening's ten races.  Among his triumphs was a 1:52.1 win in the $15,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace with Inittowinafortune ($6.20).

After establishing the lead with the four-year-old Cams Fortune mare, Byron yielded to the pocket, allowing Southwind Trini (Jim Meittinis) to set steady fractions of :27.3, :56 and 1:24.  With the first-over De Vins Girl (John Cummings, Jr.) fading on the approach to the far turn, and even-money favorite Pan Luis Obispo (Vinny Ginsburg) commencing a three-wide bid off stalled cover, Byron was able to wedge out of the pocket with Inittowinafortune.  The Michael Russo trainee struck the front in the final sixteenth, driven clear to a 1-1/2 length win over Southwind Trini.  Pan Luis Obispo stayed on for third.

Byron also teamed up with Odds On Aventure (1:54), Belle Boyd (1:53.3), Shutthefrontdoor (1:54.1), and Rompaway Brandon (1:57.1) to complete his quintet of wins on the evening.

Live racing returns to Tioga with a 12-race card on Saturday (August 23).  Post time is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. EDT.

“MARVELOUS MARVIN” RABER SCORES A BILLINGS VICTORY AT THE DARKE COUNTY FAIR

“Marvelous Marvin” Raber scored his second consecutive victory  in the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Midwest Region Series #2  when he reined Soulful Delight to a 2:02 triumph at the Darke County Fair in Greenville, Ohio on Friday afternoon, August 22.

After being carried to the quarter in :29.3 before taking command Raber’s trotter then raced strongly on the front-end and held off a late charge from  What Do You Want and driver Larry “Ace” Steenbergen to hold on for a neck victory. Third place went to Really Really Sweet, driven by “Trader Bud” Hatfield.

On Monday afternoon, August 18 both Raber and Soulful Delight were victorious in a time of 2:09.3  at the Muskingum County Fair in Zanesville, Ohio. And at both aforementioned venues Raber had a driving double on each card.

However, if one goes back to August 8 they’ll find that the Marvelous one copped the $10,000 Midwest Region Series #1 Final at the Meadows  when he scored a 1:57.1 triumph with Catching Katie after being the points champ in that earlier Midwest Region series

Raber is enjoying his best season  in the sulky  and he is the current  points leader in the Midwest Series #2.  He’s coasting along with a .392UDR on the strength of nine wins, six seconds and three thirds in 34 starts.

MORRILL SCORES NYSS VICTORIES WITH MARKET RALLY AND AVALICIOUS

The intermittent rain showers on Thursday afternoon, August 21 didn’t deter Market Rally and Avalicious from their main objectives as each won their respective $60,200 divisions of 3-year-old trotting fillies in New York Sire Stakes at Monticello Raceway.  Both fillies, from the powerful Ron Burke stable, were driven to victory by Jimmy Morrill, Jr..

The two trotting events were the last of the NYSS preliminary legs prior to the top point earners in the summer-long series convening at Yonkers Raceway on September 13 to compete in their $225,000 Division Final.

With her victory in a time of 1:57.3 Market Rally finished with 325 points which will undoubtedly make her the favorite in her rich NYSS finale. Avalicious, on the other hand, was victorious in 1:57.4 and  finished with 175 points as second best.

There’s no argument that Market Rally has been the best NYSS sophomore trotting filly this year and her 9-length victory over Gammy’s Girl (Mark MacDonald) and Cutup Hanover (Jeff Gregory) only emphasized it.

With her triumph on Thursday the daughter of Cash Hall-Supreme Dish has run her seasonal bankroll to over $262,000 on the strength of  six wins and one second in nine starts.

Sent off the1-9 favorite from the pole position Morrill hustled Market Rally to the lead as Gates Brunet and Driving Miss Crazy left strong from the six hole. The two fillies were wide open on the first turn but unfortunately for Driving Miss Crazy’s connections she went off-stride and Market Rally was alone on the front-end when she tripped the first quarter timer in  :28.2

Two lengths in front as she passed the half in :57 Morrill was looking to give his filly a breather. When she passed the third stanza in 1:27 Market Rally had a five length lead which she opened to nine at the wire.

“We were getting out of there pretty quickly and I got my filly wound up, and because of that we got to  the half faster than I wanted to, “Morrill related. But from there she was on cruise-control  the rest of the way.”

Owned by the Burke Stable, Weaver-Buscemi, Our Cents Stable and the Panhellenic Stable, Market rally paid  $2.30 for win.

In the other NYSS split Morrill eased Avalicious away from the gate slowly and at the first quarter they were in sixth position, some nine lengths off the leader.

Morrill bided his time in the early going  and at the half he moved the filly out behind cover and it up the backside and into the final turn before he gave Avalicious her head. And  when he did  the daughter of RC Royalty-Say Your Prayers rallied to a three length victory, her fifth of the year.

Asked why Avalious was four, or so, lengths off the gate at the start of the race Morrill explained; “I wanted to ease her away so she’d stay trotting. She gets  a little anxious behind the gate but once she gets away (on the trot) she’s usually steady the rest of the mile.”

Avalicious, owned by  M.C. Crawford, A.C. Crawford and P.D. Crawford, was sent off as the 3-10 betting favorite and returned a $2.60 win mutuel.

Three Excelsior Series trots bolstered the undercard with the locally owned Dreamsteeler the most impressive.

(Local) owner Andy Herzog was on hand to watch  his Cash Hall-Dream Street filly maul her competition with Jimmy Morrill, Jr. at the lines.  It was Dreamsteeler’s seventh win in eight seasonal starts after  going 10 for 10 last year.

Sent off five cents on a dollar, Dreamsteeler was victorious in a time of 2:01 and paid $2.10 for win.

After the photo was taken in the winners circle Herzog was asked why Dreamsteeler doesn’t race in the sire stakes. “I bought her in mid-June and she wasn’t eligible to them (the NYSS), only to the Excelsior Series. But she’s already won my money back and I got a pretty nice filly trotter to boot.”

Other Excelsior winners were Ski To The Max (Gates Brunet) in 2:02.1  and Slice Slice Baby (Charlei Norris) in 2:00.2.

SEASCAPE HANOVER WINS IN PHOTO FINISH

SEASCAPE HANOVER WINS IN PHOTO FINISH

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

The $10,000 Open Pace feature at Vernon Downs on Thursday night came down to a photo finish that was won by Seascape Hanover (Camluck-Skateboard) in a final time of 1:51.3. The hard-luck runner-up was Ugly Betty (John Macdonald), who had led from the outset of the race. The fractions were fairly quick with a quarter of 26.1 seconds, the half covered in 55.2 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Ugly Betty showed no signs of fatigue in the stretch though after setting that snappy pace.

Seascape Hanover (Aaron Byron) had a perfect trip in the pocket behind the leader and tipped outside on the far turn. She managed to wear down Ugly Betty through the stretch and just got her nose on the wire in time for the victory. Upfront Secret (Chris Lems) was first-over on the backstretch, but her rally stalled as the field reached the far turn. This forced Asset Management (Fern Paquet Jr.), who was second-over, three-wide. Asset Management still was able to close well enough to finish third. The complete order of finish was: Seascape Hanover, Ugly Betty, Asset Management, Table Games, Artic Byrd, Love You Bye, and Upfront Secret.

Seascape Hanover is owned by Tessa Roland of Grinnell, Iowa and Mark Jakubik of West Seneca, New York. The trainer is Mario Dessureault. The win on Thursday night was the fourth win in the last five starts at Vernon Downs for Seascape Hanover.

Live racing at Vernon Downs will resume on Friday night with a 12-race program that includes two New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. The purse for each division will be $59,100. The program also includes two New York Excelsior "A" Series races and three New York Excelsior "B" Series races. Post time is 6:45pm.

Kindergarten Classic prelims headline Sunday at Tioga; Cane straight to final

by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

With eight entrants for the Cane Pace heading straight to the $437,325 final on Labor Day (Monday, September 1), a quartet of Kindergarten Classic events headline this Sunday (August 24) afternoon's card at Tioga Downs.

Freshman trotting fillies contest races 8 and 10 on the 13-race card, with the latter division attracting Tompkins winner Allerage Star (post 2) and Merrie Annabelle winner Mission Brief (post 6).  Four-time winner Mission Brief has amassed quite a résumé already, taking the New Jersey Sire Stakes and Merrie Annabelle finals both in dominant front-end fashion, taking a mark of 1:52.2 with Yannick Gingras in the bike.  Gingras is once again listed to drive the daughter of Muscle Hill for trainer Ron Burke.  Allerage Star, the other multiple stakes winner in the field, drew off to a four-length win in her Tompkins division last week, taking a mark of 1:55.4 in rein to Corey Callahan.  Her other victory came in a Kindergarten division at the Meadowlands, holding off Dynamite Dame for a 1:57.2 win.  Scott Zeron has been nominated to handle the driving duties by trainer Jessica Okusko.

The first division for fillies, carded as race 8, features George Ducharme trainee Bee the Queen (Donato Hanover), who was a chasing fourth in her prior Kindergarten effort at the Meadowlands, turning in a 1:55.4 effort.  With two of her seven rivals making their career debuts, she looks to be the filly to beat.

Two-year-old trotting colts and geldings contest races 4 and 6 , with the stakes-placed Wheels Ah Smokin a top contender in the first division.  The Chuck Sylvester-trained son of Muscles Yankee most recently finished third in his Tompkins division at Tioga, and was fourth to Habitat in a prior Kindergarten Classic division at the Meadowlands.  Ron Pierce has been nominated to drive Wheels Ah Smokin, who starts from post 5.  The field also drew Jimmy Takter trainee Falk On Hill S (post 4), who looks to rebound from a break in his Kindergarten split at the Meadowlands earlier in the month.

Takter sends Kindergarten winner French Laundry in the second Kindergarten division, kicking clear to an impressive 1:55.3 Meadowlands win earlier in the month.  Usual driver Yannick Gingras is nominated to drive the two-time winner, and they start from post 4.  Among French Laundry's six rivals is Party On the River (post 7), a Kadabra colt who took his 1:58.3 mark in an Ontario Sire Stakes event.  Mark MacDonald is listed to drive for trainer Patti Harmon.

Due to the Cane Pace drawing only eight entries, they will head directly to the $437,325 final on Labor Day (Monday, September 1).  Meadowlands Pace and Empire Breeders Classic winner He's Watching leads the octet, along with North America Cup and Geers winner JK Endofanera.  The pair will be joined by Beat The Drum, Bushwacker, Doo Wop Hanover, Luck Be Withyou, Lyonssomewhere and Stevensville‎.

Sunday afternoon's card at Tioga is slated for a 1:30 p.m. EDT post time.

FREEHOLD RETURNS TO CONDITION RACING & INTRODUCES AUTOMATED MORNING LINE

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – August 21, 2014 – When Freehold Raceway re-opens for its 2014 Summer/Fall Meet on Thursday, August 28, there will be a return to condition racing and the introduction of automated morning lines.

“In a mutual agreement with the SBOA [Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey], we are returning to conditioned races when we re-open August 28,” said Freehold’s General Manager Howard Bruno.  “We had some success with the ABC classified system, however, the seasonal fluctuations in horse supply made it difficult to maximize its potential.”

The 48-day meet [August 28 through December 13] will occupy Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays each week along with a special Labor Day card on Monday, September 1.  Post time is 12:30 p.m. 

Overnight purses will average $40,000 daily, according to Bruno.

Automated morning lines, generated by TrackMaster, will debut this meet. 

“Several other tracks have begun using the system and the feedback has been positive,” said Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Karen Fagliarone.  “We feel the automation will lead to increased accuracy and be more timely than our current system.”

Opening weekend includes stakes action, an opening day t-shirt giveaway, and, on Labor Day, discounted food items, autograph session and a cap giveaway.

The free t-shirt will be distributed with a paid Freehold live racing program [while supplies last] on Thursday, August 28.  The opening day feature is the first round of New Jersey Sire Stakes Green Acres for two-year-old trotting colts.

Friday, August 29 spotlights eliminations, if needed, for the Helen Smith Trot for three-year-old fillies which has a $55,000 estimated final on September 5. 

Saturday, August 30 will showcase three-year-old pacing colts in Green Acres action.

Two-year-old pacers, both colts and fillies, face off in opening round Green Acres on Labor Day, September 1.

Labor Day is also Back to the Track, a cooperative effort by the United States Trotting Association, its member racetracks, and horsemen from coast-to-coast that combines exciting harness racing and fan-friendly promotions.

Freehold’s Labor Day festivities include a free Back to the Track cap with paid Freehold live program [while supplies last], 50-cent hot dogs, 50-cent sodas, drawings for a season’s parking pass and Back to the Track t-shirts.  Additionally, there will be a drivers’ autograph session.

Saturday, September 20 marks the Third Annual Open Space Pace, which starts with a morning parade of horses on Main Street in Freehold Borough, ending at Freehold Raceway where additional events will be staged, including celebrity amateur races, demonstrations, educational exhibits, great food, live harness racing, family fun activities, petting zoo, a concert and fireworks.

In addition to the Green Acres stakes for New Jersey-sired two and three-year-olds, the fall schedule includes the Lou Babic Paces [September 27] and the SBOANJ-sponsored Marion Dancer Trot [September 4], Helen Smith Trot [September 5], Charles Smith Trot [September 12], Harold Dancer Trot [September 25] and New Jersey Futurities [September 6, October 10, October 16 and October 25].

Qualifiers are on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with declarations due the prior day at 10 a.m.  Fourteen baby races and qualifiers are carded for Thursday, August 21.

The opening week draw schedule:

• Thursday, August 28 – Draw on Monday, August 25 [Declare in by 9 a.m.]
• Friday, August 29 – Draw on Tuesday, August 26 [Declare in by 9 a.m.]
• Saturday, August 30 – Draw on Wednesday, August 27 [Declare in by 9 a.m.]
• Monday, September 1 [Labor Day] – Draw on Thursday, August 28 [Declare in by 9 a.m.]

The remainder of meet will follow Freehold’s traditional draw schedule of Saturday for Thursday, Tuesday for Friday and Wednesday for Saturday.

--Quotes and Notes Courtesy of Freehold Raceway

ROSE RUN NASH WINS FOR THE 16TH TIME; LEADS NORTH AMERICA IN TROTTING VICTORIES

Last year around this time trainer Danny Gill plunked down $4000 and saved a trotter by the name of Rose Run Nash from a life of pulling an Amish buggy. Yesterday,( August 20) at Monticello Raceway  Rose Run Nash defeated a field of $15,000 claimers in a time of 1:57.3 and scored his 16^th victory of the season which makes him the  trotter with the most wins in North America in 2014.

As he usually does after one of his horses win a race, Gill- and his wife Brenna- come from the paddock to the winner’s circle via a golf cart to take picture with his victorious pupil.

Even before he got there (to the winners circle) he was waving and shouting, “That was his 16^th win and now we are four in front” referring to having four more wins than the three runners-up.

He and Brenna ran to congratulate driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. and posed for the photograph. After he calmed down Gill was asked about Rose Run Nash, a 5-year-old altered son of Trainforthefuture.

“I was racing a horse at Pocono (Downs) one night last year and someone there told me about a trotter that has some class but was heading to the Amish country,” Gill related. “So I went to the farm where the horse was awaiting a trip to the Lancaster-area and I liked what I saw so we gave the 4-large they were asking for him. I’d like to buy 10 more just like him”

Rose Run Nash breezed to a new lifetime mark of 1:57.3 when driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. set sails from the pole position and the pair raced unchallenged the entire mile trotting through fractions of :28.2, :58.1, and 1:28 with his tail out straight and flying in the wind before finishing some three lengths ahead of Pacific Margaux and driver Johnny Plutino.

“Being on the front-end made it easy for me because he’s a big horse and with his tail in my face all the way  I could hardly see where I was going half the time,” Marohn said smiling with his inimitable tongue in cheek expression..

“Not really, Danny’s got him (Rose Run Nash) in top form and he’s real sharp right now” and then he walked back  his previous statement when he added, “I had no problem seeing where I was going.”

It was Rose Run Nash’s  second consecutive victory and fourth in his last five starts..

Now the property of Gill’s main patron, Edward Hall, Rose Run Nash paid $3.50 for win.