East Rutherford, NJ – Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday,
May 2 is clearly at the top of the horse racing calendar, one of the busiest
and most entertaining events of the entire year at all racetracks. The
Meadowlands will use the occasion to kick off the 2015 Championship Meet promising
a full slate of racing
and activities to keep the fans entertained well into the night.
A new wrinkle this year is the early start with the first
live race scheduled at 5:30pm to accommodate the appetite of what is expected
to be a capacity crowd as they anticipate the Derby. Live racing will break for
the running of the Derby which is listed to be approximately 6:24pm, then
resume around 7:00.
A brand new wager will be unveiled to celebrate the early start.
Christened 4 in 40 minutes, the bet is a Pick 4 that incorporates two live
Meadowlands races with two from Tioga Downs featuring a race every ten minutes.
On the racetrack the $47,124 Albatross, a division of the John F.
Simpson Memorial stakes for three-year-old colt pacers, continues the Grand
Circuit push into the month of May. The race marks the return of unbeaten
Winter Series sensation Wiggle It Jiggleit who has had a bit of a freshening in
anticipation of his ascension into the top ranks for his division.
Wiggle It Jiggleit seared through his winter assignments, taking a
leg of the Sonsam series in 1:49.4 before demoralizing a solid group of
sophomores in his Buddy Gilmour sweep. Owner George Teague, Jr and trainer
Clyde Francis have conspired to map out a summer schedule that includes stops
at all the major races for pacing colts and chose the Simpson to launch their
prize pupil's return after a month break and a 1:53 qualifier in
preparation. Montrell Teague has his regular role as driver which he has held
in every one of Wiggle It Jiggleit’s previous races.
Also on the card is the $54,200 Whata Baron final, named for one
of the early equine heroes of The Meadowlands. Rediscovery appears to be the
one to beat in the final after setting a career best 1:49.2 record in leg one
and overcoming a second tier start to win the second leg. From the powerful
stable of Ron Burke, Rediscovery is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and
Phil Collura. Meadowlands leading driver Yannick Gingras has the drive.
As the evening continues, Victory and E-Rock Entertainment will be
hosting the fight of the century where Floyd Mayweather will take on Manny
Pacquiao, undercard begins at 9 p.m. Cover charge $25 for men, $20 for ladies.
Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations call 862.668.2473 or
e-mail info@victorymeadowlands.com.
The gates open Saturday morning at 9:30, admission is free and
there are a plethora of racing, dining and entertainment available, sure to
satisfy all desires of the racing patron.
