East Rutherford, NJ –
Live harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Friday (Nov. 13) as the New
Jersey track opens its annual Fall/Winter meet with top older mares
competing in TVG opens and freshmen filly trotters battling in a Fall
Final Four elimination.
Bee A Magician will be
favored in the $25,000 TVG Mare Open trot as she sharpens her claws for next
week’s $200,000 TVG Final. Winning that final would result in a million-dollar
season for “Queen Bee” and her connections. Brian Sears is listed to drive for
trainer Nifty Norman and owners Mel Hartman, Herb Liverman and Dave Mc Duffee.
Pacing mares are led by
series point leader Venus Delight who has already collected over a half million
dollars in purses this season on the strength of seven wins for the
interests of Bamond Racing, LLC. Yonkers’ leading reinsman Jason Bartlett is
due in to drive for trainer Jeff Bamond, Jr.
With eleven trotting
fillies declared for the Goldsmith Maid, a single elimination is necessary with
nine of the ten racing returning to join Kathy Parker (her connections accepted
a bye) in the $409,950 final next Friday. Jimmy Takter stable sends out the
morning line fave in Breeders Crown winner All The Time. Perennial Meadowlands
leading driver Yannick Gingras has the assignment on behalf of owners Marvin
Katz and Al Libfeld, who also bred the Muscle Hill filly.
The Three Diamonds for
pacing fillies drew just eight declarations, eliminating any need for
eliminations. All eight fillies will return for the $385,250 final. The eight
declared are Blue Moon Stride, Call Me Queen, I Said Please, JK Fannie, Penpal,
Shezarealdeal, Skinny Dipper and Yankee Moonshine.
The meet begins with an
eleven race card at a slightly earlier post time of 7:00 p.m. One
pari-mutuel note, the late Pick 4 begins with race eight. The fifty cent
minimum wager offers players a low 15% take-out with the pool guaranteed at
$50,000.
The first 3,500 fans
ages 18 and over attending opening night will receive a mystery voucher that
can be redeemed and could be worth up to $500. All vouchers will be worth at
least two dollars.
Reservations may be
made at Pink Restaurant, the upscale dining room on the track’s third floor
overlooking the racetrack. Executive Chef Dennis Sammarone, a well-known
veteran of the New York City dining scene, creates a rotating seasonal menu.
Tableside cocktail service compliments the delicious fare, which includes
dishes such as fresh seasonal salads, authentically prepared pastas, a variety of
entrees and delicious desserts. Call 201.THE.BIGM for reservations or visit www.opentable.com.
For complete racing and
promotional schedule plus updated dining menus, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
