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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

EMPIRE CITY, YONKERS RACEWAY, SOA OF NEW YORK IN “FOR THE CURE”

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, September 30, 2014—When Yonkers Raceway presents its sixth annual Fall Harvest Festival Saturday, Oct. 11, all the entertaining elements are coming back…

…live music, pony rides, New York State craft beers, exciting harness racing (including the Legislators’ Challenge), face painting, a pumpkin patch and so much more in a fun, family atmosphere 

This time around, however, one of the colors of fall is pink, as Empire City, Yonkers Raceway and the Standardbred Owners Association are doing to their part in the fight against breast cancer.

A donation of $10 shall be made (with a maximum gift of $15,000) to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every Fall Harvest Festival guest who wears something pink while they’re enjoying the festivities. Representatives from the Komen organization are also going to be on hand to answer questions and provide informational materials.

As an extra incentive, the first 1,500 Empire Club members who visit a promotions booth that day receive a free, $2 exacta box ticket on one of that evening’s live races.

“While the Fall Harvest Festival is one of our fun events, we wanted to use to help a worthy cause,” Raceway COO Bob Galterio. “We encourage everyone to come out and have a great time.”

“Our organization is pleased to participate,” SOA of New York president Joe Faraldo said. “The owners, drivers and trainers have always been very generous with their support.”


The Fall Harvest Festival takes place trackside from 4 PM-8 PM, with the first Legislators’ Challenge races set for 5:30 PM. Post time for the live racing card is the usual 7:10 PM.   

JK She'salady Leads International Stallion Fillies at The Red Mile on Friday

Lexington, KY - Grand Circuit racing resumes on Friday at The Red Mile with no fewer than eight two-year-old stakes on the eleven race card. The $382,600 International Stallion Stakes (INSS) for colt trotters drew five divisions while the $253,000 filly pace split three ways.

The pacing fillies open the Friday matinee card in races one, three and five with the middle division looking the toughest on paper. That split features the Red Mile debut of undefeated World Champ JK She’salady for owner/breeders the 3 Brothers Stable of New York.

The Art Major filly from Presidential Lady has been just vicious thus far in her seven race career putting a few withering moves on the competition at Mohawk including the record-equaling 1:50.1 mile in the $441,600 She’s A Great Lady final. Her most recent was an easy score in a division of the Kentuckiana stakes at Hoosier Park.

Trained in the Nancy Johansson barn and driven by Yannick Gingras, JK She’salady will find a pretty talented field waiting for her on Friday.

Chief among the competition is the speedy Bettor Be Steppin, who won the other Kentuckiana split and further impressed last week here in Lexington with a forwardly placed 1:52 win, closing it out with a 26.3 final quarter under no pressure. She races for the Val D’Or Farms, Rojan Stables and Ted Gewertz and is trained by Joe Holloway, who has long had a “way with the ladies”.

The accomplished Bedroomconfessions also caught this division as did Hilary’s Style and Heavenly Bride, both coming off excellent races in week one of the meet.

Two of the Bluegrass division winners from last week will meet in a division of the INSS carded as the day’s tenth race. The Bank and Southwind Stryker square off for the top prize in the $76,100 contest. Both colts trotted in 1:53.4 in their respective Bluegrass start and both used a stalking trip to get the job done.

The Bank has a slight post advantage beginning from post two for trainer/driver Jimmy Takter. He rolled up second over, closing in 28 flat to win by a half-length. Bred by part owner Goran Falk he races for Falk and Christina Takter and has made just shy of $65,000 thus far.

Southwind Stryker (Muscle Hill x Soxeelady) was a winner for the very first time in the Bluegrass mile but is just shy of the $100,000 mark in earnings for the partnership of Millard, Van Camp, Taylor and trainer Brad Maxwell who gave $40,000 for him at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale last fall. Driver Tim Tetrick gave him a good trip then said good things about the colt last week and has the return engagement this Friday.

It is by no means a two horse races as Haughton winner Centurion ATM and the highest priced yearling of 2013 Whom Shall I Fear (Father Patrick’s little brother) are also a part of the talented field.


Friday post time is 1:00pm. 

RUS Season Finale on Opening Night of Western Fair District


Commander Crowe Coming to The Breeders Crown

The connections of Swedish star Commander Crowe have officially accepted an invitation to the $500,000 Breeders Crown Trot for the third time and the chestnut champion will make his first star on U.S. soil this fall.

Commander Crowe raced in the Breeders Crown Trot in 2011-2012 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, finishing third to San Pail and third to Chapter Seven in his respective events.

Since moving to the stable of French trainer Fabrice Souloy in 2010, Commander Crowe, now 11, is still going strong. He earned a Breeders Crown invitation by winning the Aby Stora Pris, a Grade 1 event in Gothenburg, Sweden, in August. Owned by Snogarps Gard AB (Barbro Wihlborg, Ulf Wihlborg & Joakim Wihlborg) the gelded son of Juliano Star-Somack-Mack Lobell has won 60 races in 103 starts, for earnings of $4.7 million.
“We are delighted to accept your kind invitation for our horse Commander Crowe in order to participate in this years Breeders Crown for older trotters,” said Joakim Wihlborg via emial.
”We are fully aware of the conditions and we are looking forward to be a part of the big event.”
The last invited foreign horse to win the Breeders Crown Trot was Italian sensation Varenne, who captured the trophy with a then-world-record 1:51.1 at the Meadowlands.

Trainer Fabrice Souloy reports that Commander Crowe will arrive in the U.S. in mid-October.

The $500,000 Breeders Crown Trot is one of 12 championship events worth a total of $5.4 million to be raced at The Meadowlands over the weekend of Friday, Nov.21 and Saturday, Nov. 22.

For more information visit www.themeadowlands.com or www.hambletonian.org


Monday, September 29, 2014

International Stallion Stakes Trotting Fillies Open Week Two at The Red Mile

Grand Circuit racing resumes on Thursday afternoon at The Red Mile with the $323,200 International Stallion Stakes (INSS) for two-year-old filly trotters. Thirty three freshman lasses were declared, resulting in four divisions of the stake.

 The marquee player in the division thus far, co-world record holder Mission Brief has been entered and will leave from post three in the day’s fourth race. The Muscle Hill filly from Southwind Serena has been sensational if slightly erratic in her young career.

Her blazing speed has carried her to five wins by wide margins in fast times, including the Merrie Annabelle and NJSS finals in stakes record time and a Peaceful Way elimination in the record mile of 1:52.1 (equaled last Thursday by Jolene Jolene at The Red Mile). The only blemishes on her eight race slate are by her own hand, going off-stride in all three and losing all chance.

The Grand Circuit’s leading combination handles Mission Brief, with Ron Burke doing the conditioning for his own Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Our Horse Cents Stable and J&T Silva Stable while Yannick Gingras will try to keep her on her best behavior. The way the track has been playing thus far, with her talent that record may be further reduced on Thursday. 

The Burke stable will also send out contenders in two of the other divisions, with Kirsi Hanover a key player in race two and Gatka Hanover to be dealt with in race eight. 

In between, Alfred Ross’ emerging star debutante Bee The Queen will look to complete the Lexington Grand Circuit double by winning both weeks as she seeks her fifth consecutive win for trainer George Ducharme in race five. The Donato Hanover x Bee Line filly was a late comer, but she has surely found her best form here in Kentucky. Brian Sears has the drive. 

Competition for the “Queen” will be led by Livininthefastlane from the rail for driver Tim Tetrick. She’s also a Donato Hanover (Nicole’s Promise) owned by the potent partnership of Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld & Sam Goldband and trained by Julie Miller. Livininthefastlane comes in off a convincing win in the Kentuckiana Farms trot at Hoosier Park and has amassed more than $165,000 on the season. 

Ten races comprise the Thursday Red Mile card with a post time of 1:00pm, which shall continue through the meet’s end on Kentucky Futurity Day, October 5. You can find more pertinent info at The Red Mile website and if you missed any of last week’s action visit the youtube page for all video replays of the races. 


The start of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale is Tuesday at 7:00pm and continues through Saturday with the cream of the Standardbred yearling crop available for your inspection and purchase.

BOB HECHKOFF KICKS OF NAADA TROTTING SERIES WITH A WIN AT FREEHOLD RACEWAY

The annual NAADA Fall Trotting Series got underway at Freehold Raceway on Friday afternoon and when the dust had settled Bob Hechkoff and Get Packin trotted on to a wire to wire 2:00 victory.

Starting on the outside in sixth position, Hechkoff sent the betting favorite to the front and they made every pole a winning one en route to a one length victory over Wygant Prince and driver Bob  Davis third place went to Rev It Now driven by Hannah Miller.

“He’s an old veteran and just a pleasure to drive,” noted Hechkoff who is an executive recruiter by trade.. “He can leave, he’ll sit in a hole comfortably and with 60 victories in his career he has a desire to win.”

Hechkoff’s R.B.H Ventures Stable has owned the veteran 12 year old Muscles Yankee gelding since this past February and the old guy has been nothing but good for Hechkoff earning him nearly $40,000 this season, not to mention the seven winning rides Get Packin has afforded his owner this season.

However, over the veteran trotter’s career he has earned more than $545,000 for those who paid the bills on him.

Hechkoff and Get Packin can be found competing in many amateur events not the least being the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series. Although Hechkoff didn’t earnestly get involved in amateur racing until 2004 he has become a force to be reckoned with. He drove his first winner that year and since then he has recorded 54 victories usually driving about 35 races a year.

Open to drivers who are members of the North American Amateur Drivers Association—and anyone can easily become a member-- the NAADA Trotting Series differs from others in that the organization donates to deserving charities at the end of their series of races.

Next stop will be at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday, Oct. 2 where the competing amateurs will race for $6,000 purses in the two events that are expected that evening.


At series end the drivers who earned the most points in the preliminaries will get a chance to race in the $14,000  Final.

Cee Bee Yes Conquers Lifetime Pursuit in Bluegrass Upset

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— In the premier afternoon card of the annual Grand Circuit fortnight, sophomore filly trotters were in the spotlight, as they competed in two divisions of the $173,400 Bluegrass Stakes.

With Cooler Schooner setting fast fractions, Cee Bee Yes coasted in the pocket, passed her into the stretch and dueled with Hambletonian Oaks-winner Lifetime Pursuit, ultimately getting her neck in front to win in a world record of 1:50.2.

Cooler Schooner took control with ease, while Cee Bee Yes sat in second and Lifetime Pursuit in third. The top trio remained in that order as Cooler Schooner set splits of :27.4, :53.2 (:25.3), and 1:21.4 (:28.2).

Galloping at the top of the stretch, Cooler Schooner was passed by Lifetime Pursuit, with Cee Bee Yes circling by, too. In the final eighth, Lifetime Pursuit had a slight advantage on Cee Bee Yes, who trotted alongside, then by the world champion filly, to christen her has a champion in 1:50.2 (:28.3).

Owned by Jason and Doug Allen, trained by Julie Miller, and driven by Scott Zeron, the daughter of Muscles Yankee-Enbeecee-Enjoy Lavec paid $115.40 to win, with the $2 exacta, over 1/9 favorite Lifetime Pursuit, paying $217. This victory pushed Cee Bee Yes’s career earnings to $339,532.

“I didn’t expect her to be the fastest of all-time, but I knew the race would set up with fast fractions,” regular driver Andy Miller said, whose been sidelined due to a race injury sustained in April. “She’s a very tough filly. Scott [Zeron] did a great job getting her into the race. He was patient, then he got her home.”

“In this business, you always throw the audible, but we would talk to Ron Allen and see the plans,” trainer Julie Miller said in regards to Cee Bee Yes’s retirement at the end of the season. “I would think she’d be a great mother.”

Shake It Cerry, clearing the lead before the half, strode through the stretch to win in 1:51.2.
The other Takter-trainee in the field, Scream And Shout, took the lead, while My Inspiration got away in second and Shake It Cerry in third. After a :27.2 quarter, Shake It Cerry made her move.

Controlling the pace through a :55.1 (:27.4) half and 1:23.2 (:28.1) third quarter, Shake It Cerry kicked clear of Scream And Shout chasing in second, while Chivaree Hanover was rallying down the center of the course into second, and My Inspiration weaved her way into third. Shake It Cerry crossed the line in 1:51.2 (:28).

With career earnings of $1,405,205, the daughter of Donato Hanover-Solveig-Yankee Glide is owned by Solveig’s Racing Partners, trained by Jimmy Takter and driven by Ron Pierce. Paying $3.00, her 1:51.2 mile is a lifetime best.

“The filly [Shake It Cerry] took me around there [The Red Mile] on her own,” driver Ron Pierce said. 

“I just sat there, just a passenger.”

“She sure felt like it to me,” Pierce also said in regards to Shake It Cerry’s sharp form. “I was saying ‘Whoa girl, whoa, girl,’ and she was thinking I was saying ‘Go girl, go girl.’ I could have let her trot and easily broke the world record, but I didn’t see any sense of it; we have the Breeders Crown coming up, the [Filly] Futurity next week. There are still some major races for her.”

Live racing will resume on Thursday, October 2 with the $300,000 International Stallion Series for two-year-old filly trotters. The entry box will be open until 9:30amEDT on Monday, September 29. 

Post time for that card is scheduled for 1:00pmEDT.

Race replays of action from The Red Mile can be found on our YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness


Father Patrick Coasts in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Sophomore colt trotters prepped for the $500,000 Kentucky Futurity, slated for Sunday, October 5th, in two divisions of the $187,200 Bluegrass Stakes on Sunday, September 28th.
Divisional-leader Father Patrick floated off the gate, took control in the backstretch, and effortlessly trotted to a 1:50.4 victory over Lightning Force.

The field was led by Lightning Force, who set a :28.1 opening split. Entering the backstretch, Yannick Gingras edged Father Patrick off the pylons and quickly claimed the lead. He was uncontested through a :56 (:27.4) half and 1:23.3 (:27.3) third quarter.

Gingras piloted Father Patrick through the stretch with a hand drive, while Lightning Force chased in second and Martiniwithmuscle in third. Father Patrick crossed the finish line in 1:50.4 (:27.1).

Owned by Father Patrick Stable, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, the son of Cantab Hall-Gala Dream-Enjoy Lavec paid $2.10 to win. Father Patrick has $1,927,508 in career earnings.

“He’s one of a kind; I’ve never been around a horse even close to his kind,” trainer Jimmy Takter said.

“I’ve got to give that horse [Nuncio] a lot of credit,” Takter also said, commenting on Nuncio’s performance earlier in the card. “He’s been chasing this horse [Father Patrick] for two years, and he’s still keeping his spirits up. He’s a fantastic horse.”

Nuncio, getting away fourth in the early stages, patiently progressed towards the front and left his foes in the dust with a 1:50.4 victory in the other division of the Bluegrass.

Hillustrious and Datsyuk contested for the top, while Damfoolrmillionair got away third. Datsyuk cleared the lead after a :27.4 quarter. Hillustrious was anxious in the pocket as Dastyuk set a half in :54.4 (:27).

Entering the far turn, Hillustrious sprung out of the pocket and took control as Datsyuk backed out of the race. Nuncio had begun an overland journey and was up to challenge Hillustrious through a 1:23.3 (:28.4) third quarter.

Under minimal encouragement, Nuncio trotted by and away from Hillustrious, who battled for second between Mr Lindy and Damfoolrmillionair. Nuncio won by 6 ½ lengths over Hillustrious, Mr Lindy, and Damfoolrmillionair in 1:50.4 (:27.1).

A son of Andover Hall-Nicole Isabelle-Lindy Lane, he is owned by Stall Tz Inc., trained by Jimmy Takter and driven by John Campbell. His 1:50.4 mile is a lifetime best, and he has now bankrolled $1,271,470 in his career. He paid $2.40 to win.

“Before, if you started him [Nuncio] up at the gate, you couldn’t stop him,” driver John Campbell said. “His manners have gotten so much better; he relaxes in the hole. They were going hot on the front, so when I did move him, he trotted up there comfortably, and trotted home well within himself. 

I was pretty sure, coming off the turn for home, that he was going to win.”

Live racing will resume on Thursday, October 2nd with the $300,000 International Stallion Series for two-year-old filly trotters. The entry box will be open until 9:30amEDT on Monday, September 29th. Post time for that card is scheduled for 1:00pmEDT.

Race replays of action from The Red Mile can be found on our YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness.


Sunday, September 28, 2014

P H SUPERCAM WINS SATURDAY 44G OPEN HANDICAP PACE

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, September 27, 2014—P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett, $2.60) fooled no one Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $44,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Odds-on from post position No. 5, hw has the field at his feet at every (:27.2, :56.3, 1:24.4, 1:52) pylon. The final margin was two lengths over a chasing McErlean (Eric Goodell), with Fameous Western (Larry Stalbaum) a ground-saving third. Pancetta (Eric Abbatiello) and Take it Back Terry (George Brennan) closed for the minor awards.

For P H Supecam, a 7-year-old Million Dollar Cam gelding owned by Bamond Racing and trained by PJ Fraley, it was his eight win in 29 seasonal starts. The exacta (two wagering favorites) paid $7.80, with the triple returning $48.80.     


            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.  

COLBY JATE ALL THE WAY

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

Colby Jate (Jate Lobell-Cam Press Shania) scored the victory in the $10,000 featured pace on Saturday night at Vernon Downs. Colby Jate (Aaron Byron) did not have an easy time getting to the front as there was a 4-way fight for the early lead. Only No Monkeys Allowed (Fern Paquet Jr.) did not try to get to the front in the field of five. However, once Colby Jate got to the front, matters were pretty much resolved. He proceeded to lead all the way around the racetrack. The fractions were fairly fast, as well, as Colby Jate went the quarter in 25.4 seconds, the half in 54.2, and three-quarters in 1:22.3. JK Panache (Chris Lems) tracked the leader from the pocket, but was never able to get closer than a length away in the stretch. The final time for the mile was 1:50.4.

Colby Jate is owned by Friendship Stables LLC of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. The trainer is Mike Watson.

The complete order of finish was: Colby Jate, JK Panache, Avantage, No Monkeys Allowed, and Moonlight Ransom.

The CKG Billings Series for amateur drivers returned to Vernon Downs on Saturday night as well. It was a similar story to the feature as the winner went to the front right away and stayed there all the way. However, Armstead Kyra (Muscle Mass-Paus Awhile) was far from the favorite in the field, going off at 43-1 and paying $89 to win. Even with the favorite Choke Hold (Vladimir Melnichenko) finishing second, the exacta paid a whopping $882.

Armstead Kyra was driven to victory by Matt Zuccarello in a final time of 1:56.1. The fractions were 27.3 for the quarter, 58.1 for the half, and 1:26.3 for three-quarters. 

Armstead Kyra is owned by Brenda Messenger of Monticello, New York and Scott Woogen of Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania. The trainer is Gary Messenger.


Live racing will resume at Vernon Downs on Thursday night with an 11-race program. Post time is 6:45pm.

Artspeak Maintains Divisional Dominance in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— A duo of divisions for the $146,600 Bluegrass Stakes was contested for three-year-old filly pacers on Saturday, September 27 at The Red Mile.

After blazing fractions established by Ali Blue, Gallie Bythe Beach traveled third over and stormed by her rivals to win in 1:49.

Ali Blue sprinted to the front, while Allstar Rating paced into second and Act Now into third. Gallie Bythe Beach sat fourth through a :27 first quarter.

Under restraint, Ali Blue remained on the motor through a :53.2 (:26.2) half and was to be contested after a 1:21 (:27.3) third quarter.

Allstar Rating led the charge to the front, but lacked late pace. Act Now tipped to her outside and was soon the new leader. From third over, Gallie Bythe Beach began to rally down the center of the course and edged by Act Now for victory. Beach Gal closed for third and Ali Blue held onto fourth in 1:49 (:28).

With lifetime earnings at $468,193, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Galleria-Artsplace is owned by Fashion Farms, trained by Jim Campbell and driven by Tim Tetrick. Her 1:49 mile is a lifetime best.

“My mare had to earn it,” driver Tim Tetrick said. “Brian’s mare [Act Now] made the lead and had a length on me at the old tunnel, but my mare fought back and got up for the win.”

“I know how good she is [Act Now],” Tetrick also said in regards to his past drives on Act Now. “I know how bad she can pull up. I didn’t think I was going to catch her in the last strides, but my mare kicked in late and I got up to get her.”

Gettingreadytoroll, after getting away fifth, journeyed easily first over and powered by Beautiful Lady to win the other Bluegrass division in 1:49.2.

The outer trio, Sweetnsinful, Beautiful Lady, and It Was Fascination, barreled straight towards the front. Beautiful Lady secured to the top, but It Was Fascination brushed by through a :27.1 first quarter.

Beautiful Lady popped to the outside and reclaimed the lead heading to the half. Gettingreadytoroll was given her cue to close through a :55 (:27.4) half.

With Precocious Beauty tracking her, Gettingreadytoroll applied pressure to Beautiful Lady at three-quarters in 1:22.3 (:27.3). By the eighth-pole, Gettingreadytoroll powered by Beautiful Lady, while Precocious Beauty fanned off cover and rallied down the center. Regardless, Gettingreadytoroll was kept to her task and progressed to victory in 1:49.2 (:26.4). Precocious Beauty finished second, and It Was Fascination was third.

Owned by Christina Takter and John and Jim Fielding, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover-Captain Holly-Cambest traveled a lifetime-best mile. Paying $3.60 to win, she has earned $238,143 this season.
“She has tremendous ability, but once she clears, her mind wanders a little and you got to keep her to her task,” driver Yannick Gingras said. “She can go plenty, it’s just a matter of in her head.”
“I thought she was the best horse in the race,” Gingras also said. “The second best horse was on my back [Precocious Beauty]; I was a little worried about that, but I wanted to make sure I cleared as late as I could, so that way she keeps her mind on business.”

Live racing resumes on Sunday, September 28, with the $173,400 Bluegrass for three-year-old filly trotters and the $187,200 Bluegrass for three-year-old colt trotters. Post time is slated for 1:00pmEDT.

Race replays of action from The Red Mile can be found on our YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness.


Gallie Bythe Beach Flies to Victory in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— A duo of divisions for the $146,600 Bluegrass Stakes was contested for three-year-old filly pacers on Saturday, September 27 at The Red Mile.

After blazing fractions established by Ali Blue, Gallie Bythe Beach traveled third over and stormed by her rivals to win in 1:49.

Ali Blue sprinted to the front, while Allstar Rating paced into second and Act Now into third. Gallie Bythe Beach sat fourth through a :27 first quarter.

Under restraint, Ali Blue remained on the motor through a :53.2 (:26.2) half and was to be contested after a 1:21 (:27.3) third quarter.

Allstar Rating led the charge to the front, but lacked late pace. Act Now tipped to her outside and was soon the new leader. From third over, Gallie Bythe Beach began to rally down the center of the course and edged by Act Now for victory. Beach Gal closed for third and Ali Blue held onto fourth in 1:49 (:28).

With lifetime earnings at $468,193, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Galleria-Artsplace is owned by Fashion Farms, trained by Jim Campbell and driven by Tim Tetrick. Her 1:49 mile is a lifetime best.

“My mare had to earn it,” driver Tim Tetrick said. “Brian’s mare [Act Now] made the lead and had a length on me at the old tunnel, but my mare fought back and got up for the win.”

“I know how good she is [Act Now],” Tetrick also said in regards to his past drives on Act Now. “I know how bad she can pull up. I didn’t think I was going to catch her in the last strides, but my mare kicked in late and I got up to get her.”

Gettingreadytoroll, after getting away fifth, journeyed easily first over and powered by Beautiful Lady to win the other Bluegrass division in 1:49.2.

The outer trio, Sweetnsinful, Beautiful Lady, and It Was Fascination, barreled straight towards the front. Beautiful Lady secured to the top, but It Was Fascination brushed by through a :27.1 first quarter.

Beautiful Lady popped to the outside and reclaimed the lead heading to the half. Gettingreadytoroll was given her cue to close through a :55 (:27.4) half.

With Precocious Beauty tracking her, Gettingreadytoroll applied pressure to Beautiful Lady at three-quarters in 1:22.3 (:27.3). By the eighth-pole, Gettingreadytoroll powered by Beautiful Lady, while Precocious Beauty fanned off cover and rallied down the center. Regardless, Gettingreadytoroll was kept to her task and progressed to victory in 1:49.2 (:26.4). Precocious Beauty finished second, and It Was Fascination was third.

Owned by Christina Takter and John and Jim Fielding, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover-Captain Holly-Cambest traveled a lifetime-best mile. Paying $3.60 to win, she has earned $238,143 this season.
“She has tremendous ability, but once she clears, her mind wanders a little and you got to keep her to her task,” driver Yannick Gingras said. “She can go plenty, it’s just a matter of in her head.”
“I thought she was the best horse in the race,” Gingras also said. “The second best horse was on my back [Precocious Beauty]; I was a little worried about that, but I wanted to make sure I cleared as late as I could, so that way she keeps her mind on business.”

Live racing resumes on Sunday, September 28, with the $173,400 Bluegrass for three-year-old filly trotters and the $187,200 Bluegrass for three-year-old colt trotters. Post time is slated for 1:00pmEDT.

Race replays of action from The Red Mile can be found on our YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness.


Always B Miki Destroys Field in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— With the $500,000 Tattersalls Pace, a staple of The Red Mile’s Grand Circuit showcases, slated for next week, two divisions of sophomore colt pacers competed on the Saturday, September 27th card in the $185,200 Bluegrass.

Always B Miki parked for the first half of the mile, cleared the front into the far turn and sprinted home in :25.3 to win by 8 lengths in 1:47.4.

Melmerby Beach claimed the front from Somestarsomewhere around the first turn. Public-choice Always B Miki floated off the gate and was first over in fifth through a :26.3 first quarter.

Always B Miki soon hit the motor in the backstretch and got his nose in front of Melmerby Beach through a :54.4 (:28.1) half. Strolling past three-quarters in 1:22.1 (:27.2), Always B Miki was left unscathed by a late challenge from Melmerby Beach. Within a blink of an eye, Always B Miki was 6 lengths clear of Melmerby Beach, who would take second, and Capital Account, who would take third. Always B Miki stopped the clock in 1:47.4 (:25.3), the fastest mile of the night and a lifetime best.

Earning $567,716 in his career, the son of Always A Virgin-Artstopper-Artsplace is owned by Bluewood Stable, Val D’or Farms, and Roll The Dice Stable, trained by Joe Holloway, and driven by David Miller. He paid $2.40 to win.

“He gives me chills, too,” David Miller said in response to Always B Miki’s impressive mile. “He can motor along pretty good. He goes along pretty easily, and it’s pretty hard to judge his speed because he does it so easily, but I knew he was pacing pretty good down by the wire. He was going easy the whole way.”

“He’s a pretty nice horse,” trainer Joe Holloway said. “He gets over the ground very easily.”
Limelight Beach, fresh off his victory in the Little Brown Jug, traveled wire-to-wire in the other division of the Bluegrass in 1:49.1.

Heading straight to the pylons before the first turn, Limelight Beach secured the front. Big Boy Dreams tucked into the pocket, and Caviart Luca got away third. Limelight Beach paced by the opening panel in :27.4.

Unchallenged through a half in :56.1 (:28.2) and three-quarters in 1:23.1 (:27), Limelight Beach was ready to sprint home. He’s Watching applied pressure from first over while Somesizesomestyle drafted behind. Limelight Beach did drift off the pylons in his dash to the finish, but he held off He’s Watching and Big Boy Dreams in 1:49.1 (:26).

The son of Somebeachsomewhere-Benear-Badlands Hanover pushed his seasonal earnings to $515,038, with $725,230 credited to his overall career. Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, M1 Stable, and Wingfield Brothers, trained by Ron Burke and driven by Yannick Gingras, he paid $4.80 to win. His 1:49.1 mile is a lifetime mark.

“He was coming into his own heading into the Jug, and obviously came up big that day,” driver Yannick Gingras said. “It was a huge mile here tonight.”

“Into the first turn, there was no speed, so I was able to rate him to the half,” Gingras also said. “He’s Watching has a huge half in him, but I figured, in :56, my horse could come home in a big half, too.”

Live racing resumes on Sunday, September 28, with the $173,400 Bluegrass for three-year-old filly trotters and the $187,200 Bluegrass for three-year-old colt trotters. Post time is slated for 1:00pmEDT.
Race replays of action from The Red Mile can be found on our YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness


Saturday, September 27, 2014

DEALT A WINNER COASTS IN BABIC COLT; STRUT MY STUFF SCORES IN BABIC FILLY

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – September 27 2014 – Dealt A Winner and Strut My Stuff won the Lou Babic Pace Finals for New Jersey-sired two-year-olds on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Freehold Raceway.

Dealt A Winner, a son of Cam’s Card Shark, extended his winning streak to four and secured his fifth win in six career starts in the $100,000 Babic for colts, the ninth race. 

Sent off as the 1-9 favorite, the Ed Hart trainee drew away to an eight-length victory over Mitt Jagger [Rocknroll Hanover].  It was eight and a quarter lengths to Edward Teach [Rocknroll Hanover] in third.

Dealt A Winner [$2.10], driven by Jason Bartlett, added the Babic title to wins in the Reynolds and Geers.

He has now earned $119,879 for owner Jeffrey Snyder of New York City.

In the $59,000 filly division, contested as the seventh race, 5-1 Strut My Stuff [Western Ideal] passed 1-5 Smart Zone [Rocknroll Hanover] in the stretch for the one-length victory in 1:57.4.

It was two lengths to Hollyrocker [Rocknroll Hanover] in third.

Strut My Stuff, driven by Jack Baggitt Jr. and trained by Ross Croghan, posted her third straight win and paid $12.20 to win.  In nine starts, she has bankrolled $49,120 for the Let It Ride Stables of Boca Raton, FL and RBH Ventures Inc of New York City. 

Smart Zone, who held on for second, had her winning streak snapped at four.

In a non-wagering New Jersey Sire Stakes – Green Acres for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, Cheyenne Louie was a half-length winner over Card Shock in 1:55.3.  Both are sons of Cam’s Card Shark.

It was a length to Nubble Light [Rocknroll Hanover] in third.

The Harry Landy trained and driven Cheyenne Louie has won two straight and five of 17 this year for Glat Kosher Racing of Monroe, NJ.


OH YES, IT'S OH NO THREE O

by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

Oh No Three O (Ken Warkentin-Melinda Hall) was sent off as the even-money favorite by the betting public in the $10,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday night and he rewarded their support with a win in 1:54.

Oh No Three O (Fern Paquet Jr.) trailed the field through the early fractions of 27.1 for the quarter and 55.3 for the half, while A Penny Earned (Chris Lems) was setting the pace. Oh No Three O benefited from live cover from Evil Urges (Jimmy Whittemore), who moved first-over as the field went up the backstretch. Evil Urges, in fact, made the lead as the field passed three-quarters in 1:24. A Penny Earned tried to fight back, but Oh No Three O made a strong charge down the outside to outfinish the field of five and score the victory. Evil Urges was home second. A Penny Earned was actually passed at the end by Helios (Claude Huckabone III) for third.

The complete order of finish was: Oh No Three O, Evil Urges, Helios, A Penny Earned, and Wild And Crazy Guy.

Oh No Three O is owned by Charlene Long of Vestal, New York. Paul Long is the trainer.

Live racing at Vernon Downs will resume on Saturday night with a 13-race program. The second race is the $10,000 Open Preferred feature pace. Pennsylvania invader Colby Jate (Jate Lobell-Cam Press Shania) is the 6-5 favorite in the field of five. Aaron Byron is scheduled to drive. Post time on Saturday night is 6:45pm.


VENUS DELIGHT, TRAVERSE SEELSTER WIN FRIDAY 44G CO-FEATURES

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, September 26, 2014—Yonkers Raceway’s Friday night $44,000 co-featured Open Handicaps—one for distaff pacers and one for trotters of any affiliation--were won by a from-last Venus Delight (Jason Bartlett, $93.50) and a stubborn Traverse Seelster (Tyler Buter, $5.20).

Venus Delight, beginning outside of her foes, viewed from the rear as 3-2 choice Robin Cruiser (Jordan  Stratton) made the lead around Scandalous Hanover (Eric Carlson). After a :27.1 opening  quarter and  seemingly-soft :56.3 intermission, no one moved in front of Royal Cee Cee N (George Brennan), who did so from sixth.

That brought up both last week’s victress, Campanile (Buter), as well as Venus Delight, while Robin Cruiser found a 1:25.2 three-quarters.

“Robin” maintained a short lead into the lane, until the outer flow rolled her over. Royal Cee Cee N  went by first, then Campanile, then finally Venus Delight. That one whipped Campanile by a head in 1:53.2, with Royal Cee Cee N,  Scandalous Hanover and a tiring Robin Cruiser rounding out the payees.  

For seventh choice Venus Delight, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight trained by PJ Fraley for owner Bamond Racing, it was her fifth win in 21 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $595, with the triple returning $940.

The week’s marquee trot saw Traverse Seelster—one of several leavers, he from post position No. 5—settle early before stepping past pole assignee Bingo Queen (Eric Goodell). “Traverse,” as the 8-5 favorite, shooed just about everyone away through sub-stations of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.

The lone “nuisance” was a first-up Obrigado (Bartlett), who chased the leader for all he was worth before missing a length in 1:55.1.  Somebody AS (Dan Dube) was third, beaten 3 ½ lengths, with Rossini (Larry Stalbaum) and The Triple Lindy (Carlson) settling for the small change.
  
For Traverse Seelster, a 6-year-old Angus Hall gelding owned by Keith Pippi and trained by Amber Buter, he’s now 13-for-25 this season. The exacta (two wagering favorites) paid $14.80, the triple returned $111 and the superfecta paid $632.

Also Friday, Yonkers honored New York State racing inspector Matt Bibbo, who is retiring Saturday night.  

            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. 


The Bank and Habitat Fastest in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Freshmen colt trotters occupied the Friday night card at The Red Mile, with four divisions of the $396,000 Bluegrass Stakes contested on September 26. Habitat and The Bank put in the quickest miles of the four divisions contested.

William Wellwood champion Habitat once again reigned supreme, this time by ¾ lengths over Honor And Serve and Cruzado Dela Noche in 1:53.4.

The early tempo setter was Honor And Serve, leading Canappealformore and Habitat through a :28.2 first quarter. Yannick Gingras soon gave Habitat the cue to circle by his foes, clearing the field slightly after a :57.4 (:29.2) half.
Boots N Chains gradually progressed to Habitat’s wheel around the far turn. Habitat, through three-quarters in 1:26.3 (:28.4), began to draw away from his competitors. Cruzado Dela Noche, traveling second over, fanned off cover and began a bid down the center of the course, while Honor And Serve snuck out of the pocket. Yet, they were runner-up as Habitat held on in a lifetime-best of 1:53.4 (:27.1).

A son of Conway Hall-Habit’s Best-Muscles Yankee, he’s owned by Burke Racing Stable, Out Horse Cents Stables and Weaver Bruscemi, trained by Ron Burke and driven by Yannick Gingras.

“I think he was as sharp, but he was maybe too sharp,” Yannick Gingras said in regards to Habitat’s margin of victory. “He was a little keen tonight. Usually, he lets me do what I want with him. He's usually two fingers to drive, but he was a little wound up tonight, and I think that cost him a little bit of energy.

“Coming to the top of the stretch, I knew I had a big last quarter left in him, but Honor and Serve and that horse Dave was driving [Cruzado Dela Noche] are two quality horses as well. He was 1-5, but it was no 'gimme,' there was good horses in here.”

Pulling first over nearing the half, The Bank gradually grew closer to the front and eventually passed Piercewave Hanover in a 1:53.4 mile.

Sent for the top was One Direction, with Piercewave Hanover taking the pocket. Past the quarter in :28.3, Piercewave Hanover swept to the top. Yannick Gingras tried to ration his speed as he trotted the half-mile in :56.2 (:27.4).

Around the far turn, The Bank began to charge towards pacesetter. He remained 3 lengths off the lead through a 1:25.1 (:28.4) third quarter.

Shortening in stride, Piercewave Hanover’s lead slowly diminished. The Bank was rallying down the center of the track and went by Piercewave Hanover in the final strides to win by a ½ length in 1:53.4 (:28.3), a lifetime best.

Earning $64,810 this season, the son of Donato Hanover-Lantern Kronos-Viking Kronos is owned by Christina Takter and Goran Falk and is trained and driven by Jimmy Takter. Sent off the public choice, he paid $4.80 to win.

“I know my horse is extremely honest and I haven't used him at all,” Jimmy Takter said. “I kind of got a little bit messed up at the start; I didn't want to rush him out of the gate. He can leave very good, but I just felt like I wanted to race him from behind because he's not really sharp enough for cutting it.”

Southwind Stryker defeated Peter Haughton winner Centurion Atm in a 1:53.4 effort.

The lead was occupied by Walter White, who led Whataworkout, Mercury Fashion, Centurion Atm, and Southwind Stryker respectively past a :28.3 first quarter. He remained in control through a :57.3 (:29) half, but Centurion Atm was grinding towards him first over.

Southwind Stryker tracked Centurion Atm around the far turn as he battled with Walter White for control. After a 1:26 (:28.2) third quarter, Centurion Atm gained control.

Centurion Atm was trying to gain separation from Southwind Stryker, but instead began to brace for his challenge. The two were stride for stride in the final hundred yards and at the line, Southwind Stryker had a nose on Centurion Atm, with Wicker Hanover finishing fourth, but placed third due to a lapped-on break by third-place finisher, placed fourth, Whataworkout.

The son of Muscle Hill-Soxeelady-Conway Hall paid $10 as he triumphed over the 1/5 favorite. He’s owned by Brad Maxwell, Paul Van Camp, Herb Liverman, and, trained by Brad Maxwell, and was driven by Tim Tetrick. Breaking his maiden, Southwind Stryker established a lifetime best of 1:53.4, and has earned $99,641 lifetime.

“That horse that I was following [Centurion Atm] has some go,” driver Tim Tetrick said. “My horse has been racing, and his [Ake Svanstedt’s] horse had a big break and only one qualifier, but my horse had to earn it. If I had been third over, it would have been tough to catch him, but the trip worked out perfectly.”
Billy Flynn remained undefeated after a game stretch battle with 8/5 second-choice Muscle Diamond, traveling wire-to-wire in 1:55.4.

Taking the lead was Gabe The Bear Dean as the octet trotted into the first turn. Billy Flynn tracked him from second, with Suit And Tie traveling third. Pilot Brett Miller gave the cue for Billy Flynn to circle by the 30-1 shot, clearing control in a :29.2 first quarter.

Billy Flynn turned the march to the half into a stroll, reaching that station in :58.1 (:29.4). Suit And Tie broke from third, causing confusion with Progression and Muscle Diamond. Regardless, Muscle Diamond began his charge towards favored Billy Flynn entering the far turn. The two hooked up to duel at three-quarters in 1:28.3 (:30.2).

The battling Billy Flynn and Muscle Diamond edged 3 lengths clear of Progression trotting in third. As Muscle Diamond appeared to get a nose in front, Billy Flynn fought back at the inside and managed, not only to retake the lead, but extend his margin of victory to a length over Muscle Diamond in 1:55.4 (:27.1).

A $2.80 winner, Billy Flynn, a son of Cantab Hall-Zeta Jones-Enjoy Lavec, is owned by Bender Sweden Inc., trained by Staffan Lind and driven by Brett Miller. He has now earned $312,057 this season.

“He’s done everything right so far,” trainer Staffan Lind said. “I hope he can stay on track. It’s a long season with a lot of races, so whenever you can steal one is good.”

Uncle Lasse, a full-brother to Dan Patch champion Shake It Cerry, was victorious in 1:54.1 over Guess Whos Back.

Getting away in the pocket, Uncle Lasse soon pulled two wide and circled around early pacesetter Iron. After a 
quarter in :28.2, Uncle Lasse cleared the front. He was uncontested through a :57.3 (:29.1) half and strolled to three-quarters in 1:27 (:29.2).

Sugarmakesmecrazy began to pursuit Uncle Lasse, with Guess Whos Back following second over. Guess Whos Back managed to swing off his cover and take second, while Sugarmakesmecrazy chased in third. Uncle Lasse won by a length in 1:54.1 (:27.1), a lifetime best.

Owned by Solveig’s Racing Partners, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Ron Pierce, he paid $4.60 to win. He has earned $203,279 this season.

“He was super sharp, a little on edge,” Ron Pierce said. “He's good feeling colt, a little edgy, but his gait was flawless and he had plenty of trot.”

Racing resumes on Saturday, September 27 with the $331,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old colt pacers, $185,200 Bluegrass for three-year-old colt pacers, and the $146,600 Bluegrass for three-year-old filly pacers. Post time is scheduled for 7:00pmEDT.

Race replays can be found on The Red Mile’s YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness.


Ideal Nuggets Lights Tote Board in Bluegrass Score

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Freshmen filly pacers competed in three divisions of the $287,600 Bluegrass stakes on Friday, September 26 at The Red Mile.

With favorites dominating a majority of the evening, Ideal Nuggets defied the math and blew up the tote board at 173-1 in 1:50.4.

Bedroomconfessions left for the top, while Ideal Nuggets was sent into the pocket. After a quarter in :27.4, Bedroomconfessions secured the top. Leading through a :56.1 (:28.2) half, Bedroomconfessions was soon challenged by favored Shakai Hanover. The two battled past three quarters in 1:23.4 (:27.3).

Shakai Hanover abandoned the battle midway through the stretch. Given room, Ideal Nuggets slingshot from the pocket and by Bedroomconfessions to win in 1:50.4 (:27). Divine Caroline closed for second and 

Bedroomconfessions settled for third.

Paying $249.20 to win, the Western Ideal-Rough Sketch-Art Major filly is owned by Robert and Lauren Tucker, trained by Ed Lohmeyer and was driven by David Miller. Breaking her maiden, her 1:50.4 mile is a lifetime mark. She has earned $100,623 this year.

Bettor Be Steppin blazed around the oval to win in 1:52 as the 1/9 favorite.

Hillary’s Style got the lead, while Devil Child tucked into the pocket, and Bettor Be Steppin got away in third. 

Driver Corey Callahan gave the public choice the cue to brush to the lead into a :27.3 first quarter.

Securing the front midway through the backstretch, she continued to lead through a :55.3 (:28) half-mile. Rock Her World pulled first over, with Seeking Nirvana drafting behind. Bettor Be Steppin managed to get a breather in a 1:25.2 (:29.4) third quarter.

Bettor Be Steppin continued to lead through the stretch, while Hillary’s Style attempted to slide up the inside. Rock Her World and Seeking Nirvana gave chase as Bettor Be Steppin sprinted home to a 1:52 (:26.3) victory.

Owned by Val D’or Farms, Rojan Stables, and Ted Gewertz, and trained by Joe Holloway, the Bettor’s Delight-Two Steppin’ Sally-Western Hanover filly paid $2.20 to win. Bettor Be Steppin lowered her lifetime mark of 1:52.2, obtained a week ago at Hoosier Park. She has earned $209,487 this season.

“I had to use her [Bettor Be Steppin] a little bit to get to the lead,” driver Corey Callahan said. “Through the last turn, I was able to get a nice breather in, and, when I called on her, she stepped away. I think she had more if I needed it.”

Sassa Hanover commandeered the field shortly after the half and progressed to a 3-length victory over 4/5 favorite Heavenly Bride in 1:51.

She’s Heavenly took the front, with Crescent City taking second and Crucial Moment in third. Crescent City edged out of the pocket and swept by She’s Heavenly after a first quarter in :28.

Approaching the half, Sassa Hanover pulled first over and had a ¾-length lead through a :56 (:28) half-mile. She was strolling in control around the far turn, as She’s Heavenly was flushed by Heavenly Bride en route to three-quarters. Sassa Hanover led by the third panel in 1:24.3 (:28.3).

Sassa Hanover began to draw away from Crescent City chasing in second, as well as She’s Heavenly and Heavenly Bride trying to close into their deficit. Sassa Hanover was victorious in 1:51 (:26.2) over Heavenly Bride, Crescent City, and a closing Zip Code Envy. 

The daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven-Sayo Hanover-Allamerican Native is owned by Burke Racing Stables, The Panhellenic Stables, Weaver Bruscemi, and Larry Karr, trained by Ron Burke and driven by Yannick Gingras. She paid $4.20 to win. Her mile of 1:51 is a lifetime mark, and her win puts her at $212,091 in seasonal earnings.

“Ronnie told me to draw a line through that last start, as the track was bad,” Yannick Gingras said. “We were planning on racing her from the back, but, getting away fourth, if I come first up, I carry Brian [Sears and Heavenly Bride] into the race, so I decided to move to the front. I had the plugs still in, and I showed her the whip to keep her to task, but she had some pace left.”

Racing resumes on Saturday, September 27 with the $331,000 Bluegrass for two-year-old colt pacers, $185,200 Bluegrass for three-year-old colt pacers, and the $146,600 Bluegrass for three-year-old filly pacers. Post time is scheduled for 7:00pmEDT.

Race replays can be found on The Red Mile’s YouTube channel: Red Mile Harness.