SOMEBODY AS, PHIL YOUR BOOTS WIN SATURDAY 32G CO-FEATURES

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, January 30, 2016—A pocketed Somebody AS (Jordan Stratton, $13.40) and a down-the-road Phil Your Boots (Tyler Buter, $5.40) earned the glory Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s co-featured $32,000 Open Handicaps.

The weekly featured trot saw Somebody AS—from assigned post position No. 3—watched invading Major Athens (George Brennan) led the way. The slight 2-1 choice threw down the anvil (:28.1, :57.2, 1:26), taking a length-and-a-half lead into the lane.

Red Hot Herbie (Brian Sears), who found an early three-hole, loomed at the leader in and out of the final turn, but flattened. Somebody AS though, was waiting for his shot. He ducked inside and bested a rallying Crazshana (Jason Bartlett) by a neck in 1:54.4, fastest local mile of the season.

Red Hot Herbie settled for third, with Major Athens Zooming (Buter) completed the cashers.

For third choice Somebody AS, a 7-year-old Striking Sahbra gelding trained by Anette Lorentzon for co-owners ACL Stuteri Ab and Kjell Johansson, it was his first win in two seasonal starts. The exacta paid $102.50, with the triple returning $703.

The week’s pacing feature had 17-10 choice “Phil” leave from post No. 5, steal away with a cheap (:28.0, 57.4) half. From there, the pursuers has no shot, with a :55.4 back portion (1:25.4; 1:53.3). The final margin was a  length-and-three-quarters over a good effort from Melmerby Beach (Bartlett), with Texas Terror N (Matt Kakaley), Atta Boy Dan (Brennan) and Hugh Hefner N (Stratton) settling for the remainder.

For Phil Your Boots, a 6-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding trained by Andrew Harris for owner Louis Frascella, he’s now 2-for-3 this season. The exacta (two wagering favorites) paid $12.60, the triple returning $129.50 and the superfecta paid $949.

The Raceway’s live season continues Monday night, with 

Back-to-back $3M nights at The Meadowlands; Real Nice, Zeron impress

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. -- Just like the night before, Saturday (January 30) night's harness racing program at The Meadowlands attracted over $3 million in total handle, and millionaire pacer Real Nice ($7.60) sustained a first-over push to capture the evening's featured $16,000 top-level conditioned pace.

All-sources handle for the 14-race card was $3,087,871, a healthy increase of $240,642 from the corresponding Saturday card in 2015, with both live and export handle showing gains over the previous year.

In the night's top pace, Real Nice settled into a comfortable midpack stalking spot, situated well off a :26.3 initial quarter from pacesetter Sweet Beach (Brett Miller).  On approach to race's midpoint, Scott Zeron angled the 11-year-old Real Artist gelding off the pegs to head the outer flow, but Real Nice didn't gear up in earnest until well after a :54.1 half.  On the far turn, Real Nice made up four lengths through a :27.3 third split, continuing on to duel with Sweet Beach off the far turn.  The now 54-time winner ultimately took charge in the final sixteenth, fully extended to just collar Sweet Beach and narrowly stave off the flying 66-1 longshot First Of Itskind (Jim Marohn, Jr.) for the slimmest of victories in 1:49.4.  Lukewarm 5-2 favorite Kingofthejungle (Andy Miller) only could muster a fourth-place finish after angling second-over a quarter from home and not accelerating until the final 70 yards.

Scott Blackler trains Real Nice--who recorded his third consecutive victory in tonight's feature--for Anthony Scussel and the Lightning 5 racing stable.  Blackler also found victory with Santanna Star ($2.60, 1:52.4) and Ethan Hanover ($23.80, 1:51), teaming up with Zeron on both occasions.  The 26-year-old Zeron led all drivers with six wins on the night, also aboard Wayward Son ($63.60, 1:52.3), Hope for Badlands ($7.20, 1:52), and Giant Slayer ($6.80, 1:52.1).

The sub-featured $13,000 third-level conditioned pace saw Starsky's Dream N ($6.20) work to the fore early after losing cover upon reaching the backstretch, rate a :57 middle half, and stave off a sustained first-over bid from Pansformative while accelerating to a half-length, 1:51.1 win.  Tim Tetrick drove the 11-time winner for owner Richard Poillucci and trainer Kelvin Harrison.

Heading to the upcoming Friday (February 5) program, not only will both 20¢ Jackpot High 5 wagers carry over ($14,981 to the seventh race; $73,603 to the finale), but the 50¢ Pick 5 will also see added money in the pool, with $18,653 carrying over after Saturday's punters were stymied by 16-1 and 30-1 winners in the sequence.  Post time will be 6:35 p.m. Eastern.

MEADOWLANDS HARNESS TRAINER CAUGHT USING DOPING AGENT IN RACEHORSE

Robert Bresnahan, Junior to be placed on track’s exclusion list immediately

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 30, 2016) – As a result of its out-of-competition testing program, the Meadowlands Racetrack announces the positive test of a horse trained by Robert Bresnahan, Junior. Tag Up and Go, a six-year-old trotter, returned a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance, epogen, more commonly known as EPO.

The blood samples were taken from two horses at Mr. Bresnahan’s barn at Gaitway Farm on December 8. The samples were sent to the world-renowned Hong Kong Racing Laboratory, among the world leaders in research on equine drug testing. The positive test result was returned to Meadowlands officials in late January, the delay caused by testing officials being away on vacation during the holiday season.

Mr. Bresnahan has subsequently been placed on the track’s exclusion list and will be unable to participate at the Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs. Bresnahan is entitled to ask for a split sample test; however, the Hong Kong Racing Laboratory has not reported any “false positives” in any official samples in its 46-year history.

“None of the horses currently being trained by Bresnahan will be able to participate at our properties for 60 days,” said Meadowlands Chairman Jeffrey Gural. “We will continue our efforts to create a level playing field and ensure that horses racing here at the Meadowlands are not racing with illegal medication or performance-enhancing substances. I believe our out-of-competition testing is helping to accomplish that goal.”

Mr. Perserverance Impressive In Buffalo Open Pace

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Mr. Perserverance was on quite a terror with four straight victories before being shut down for a little rest and relaxation on December 12. 

He came back for a qualifier on January 23 and zoomed to an easy 6-1/4 length win in 1:57.4. But would those impressive credentials hold up in Saturday's $10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway?

The answer was a resounding yes.

Mr. Perserverance ($4.60) went gate-to-wire once again and smoked the field of five in 1:56.4 over a good track, defeating Youwillwishyouhad by a non-threatening length.

The race looked liked it was going to shape up as a speed duel between China Dream and Mr. Perserverance. That didn't materialize as China Dream was a late scratch.

Appearing to be the lone speedster off the gate, driver Ron Beback Jr. and Mr. Perserverance took advantage of the situation and toured the Hamburg half-mile oval with little pressure. Posting splits of 28.3, 58.3 and 1:28.0, the pair had the other four entrants battling for the minor spoils in the battle in the stretch.

Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) finished in second place while Arrived Late (Shawn McDonough) took third.

Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., Mr. Perserverance (Real Artist-Miss Tenacity) is an 8-year-old gelding who now has won $262,849 lifetime.

It was a superb night for Clouser Jr. as he trained four winners on the night. Shawn Gray and Mike Carrubba each had two victories.

Jim McNeight, Gray and Ron Beback Jr. each posted doubles in the sulky.

Racing continues at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday evening with a 12-race program scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com 

LORENZ CAPTURES GRAND PRIZE IN MEADOWLANDS HOMESTYLE CHILI COOKOFF

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 30, 2016) –  Eighteen cooks entered Meadowlands Racetrack’s inaugural Homestyle Chili Cookoff all vying for the grand prize of $1,000 and a spot in the International Chili Society’s World Championship in Reno, Nevada. 

  

David Lorenz from Marlton, New Jersey took home the $1,000 prize with for his homestyle red meat filled chili.

“This is just awesome,” Lorenz stated after his win. “I’ll represent the Meadowlands proudly in the Championship.”

In addition to the chili competition, a separate side contest for homemade salsa with a $500 prize was also held.  Dave Ronge from Prince William, CT took the top spot and will also compete in the World Championships in Reno, Nevada.

All those at the track were able to sample and vote for their favorite chili and salsa throughout the evening.  Laura Stoessel from West Milford, NJ was voted the People’s Choice Chili Champion and James McCusker from Drexel Hill, PA took home the $250 People’s Choice Salsa prize. 

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout for this first time event,” said Meadowlands General Manager and CEO Jason M. Settlemoir. “We sampled some delicious salsa and chili and plan on making this an annual cookoff!”

For upcoming events and promotions, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

$3MM night at Big M; Can Do wires Open trotters

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. -- On a night where 10 of 14 favorites were handed defeat, punters combined to wager $3,035,296 on Friday (January 29) evening's harness racing program at The Meadowlands, with a near steady stream of minor upsets yielding generous dividends throughout.

The first such minor upset came in the evening's second event--the featured $25,000 Open Handicap Trot, as Can Do ($14.20) sprinted to the fore and never looked back.  Anthony Napolitano sent the 7-year-old Cantab Hall gelding right to the front, establishing a clear lead on the first turn while 6-5 favorite Opulent Yankee (Andy Miller) was hard used to secure the pocket from his outside post assignment.  Can Do rated a moderate :56.2 initial half before facing stern first-over pressure from Uva Hanover (Tim Tetrick) on the far turn.  The two dueled through a :28.2 third split, but Can Do maintained the upper hand, edging clear off the corner and eluding pocket rival Opulent Yankee by three lengths for a 1:53.2 victory, his second in three starts.  Uva Hanover flattened to finish third, while Detroit Rapper (Jim Marohn, Jr.) made a mild bid off cover to save fourth.

Jody Riedel owns and trains Can Do, now a 31-time winner.

The sub-featured fourth race, a $15,000 trotting event for horses which have not won six races or $100,000, saw Ron Burke trainee Its Huw You Know ($11.20) score in pillar-to-post fashion as well, rating sensible fractions before drawing off to a four-length win in 1:56.1.  Yannick Gingras drove the 4-year-old Holiday Road gelding for the Burke Racing Stable, Mark Weaver, and Mike Bruscemi.

While four of the first five races were won by horses on the lead or drafting in the pocket, the streaking Magenta Man ($9.20) bucked that trend--and altered his own tactics--in the $10,200 sixth race, capturing his third straight win in second-over fashion after prior pacesetting and pressing triumphs, just nosing out longtime leader T Js Mr Lavec in 1:54.3.  Andy Miller once again drove the 4-year-old Muscles Yankee gelding for trainer Julie Miller and the partnership of Little E, LLC and RBH Ventures, Inc.

Both 20¢ Jackpot High 5 wagers will carry over to Saturday (January 30) evening's card, as neither was captured by a single player.  Saturday's seventh race High 5 will offer $13,418 in added money should a single winner emerge, while the finale will boast a carryover of $69,103.  First post for Saturday's 14-race card is 6:35 p.m. Eastern time.

TESSA SEELSTER WINS FRIDAY 32G DISTAFF DERBY

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 29, 2016—Locally-debuting Tessa Seelster (George Brennan, $7.90) overcame one eight-hole and seven elders Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $32,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

It turned out to be an outside-assigned, two-speed number, as ”Tessa” and Inittowinafortune (Jordan Stratton) both left around a dormant Regil Elektra (Brian Sears). It was Tessa Seelster making the lead well before a :27.3 quarter-mile.

From there, she finished off her rounds ( :57, 1:24.4, 1:53.2…plus an elongated inquiry regarding a possible cutting-the-cones violation). Inittowinafortune took her shot in the lane, but missed a head, with slight 2-1 favorite Rockn’ Ruby N (Dan Dube), Regil Elektra and Dune in Red (Mark MacDonald) settling for the remainder.

For third choice Tessa Seelster, a 4-year-old daughter of Shadow Play co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke, Weaver Bruscemi and Jonathan Newman, she’s now 3-for-3 this season. The exacta paid $200, with the triple returning $1,392. The former Ontario standout was a six-figure purchase before this season by her new connections.

The Raceway’s live season continues Saturday night, with a dozen races and a first post of 7:10 PM.

Cold Certified Is Red Hot In Buffalo Open Trot

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Cold Certified ($4.30) proved to be too hot to handle in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open Trot Friday night (Jan. 29) with a convincing 1-1/4 length victory over Strong Hope in 1:59.1 over the fast track.

After competing at Yonkers and Woodbine Raceway since November, Cold Certified (Shawn McDonough) seemed to adapt well to his new home at the Hamburg half-mile oval.

Lutetium, as usual, darted straight to the lead from the eight post while Cold Certified was able to draft along in second place through fractions of 29.0, 59.1 and 1:29.4.

At the top of the stretch, Lutetium began to call it a night while Cold Certified was just getting into gear. Dropping into the lightning lane as soon as possible, Cold Certified roared to the top and posted a 29.1 last quarter to draw away smartly for the victory. Strong Hope (Jack Flanigen) rallied for second with Im The Cash Man (Drew Monti) taking the show spot.

Cold Certified (Kadabra-I Like Stephanie) is co-owned by Paul and Ronald Louis Viele and is trained by Alex Giuliani. It was the first victory in three starts this season for the 7-year-old gelding. Cold Certified has now earned $7,330 in 2016 and $438,337 in his career.

Driver Kevin Cummings continued on a torrid pace, getting four victories on the night. He now has seven wins in the past two race cards.

Trainers JD Perrin and Giuliani each had doubles.

Racing will continue on Saturday night at Buffalo Raceway with a 12-race card scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information including race replays, results, the latest news and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

Photo:

Cal Expo Sunday Barn Notes

Edwin Quevado finds calling with trotters, pacers

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Edwin Quevado, who is approaching his third year as a trainer here at Cal Expo, has one of the more interesting resumes on the track. Edwin actually started with the thoroughbreds and spent six years working for three of the top trainers in Southern California.

“I started out working with Carla Gaines and was with her for four years,” Quevado related. “I worked for Bobby Frankel for about six months, and then spent the rest of my time at the thoroughbreds with Neil Drysdale.”

The late Frankel and Drysdale are both in the Hall of Fame, while Gaines is one of the most respected conditioners in the state. “I had the chance to be around some very good horses during those years and learned a lot,” he said.

It was only by chance that Edwin ended up with the standardbreds. “I was on vacation and visiting a friend here in 2006 and fell in love the trotters and pacers,” he explained. “It was the first time I’d actually been around them, and I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Quevado did his apprenticeship with Gilbert Herrera and Matias Ruiz and has established himself as a solid trainer in his own right since taking out his license. “What I really love about the harness horses is that you can get much more involved with them than with the thoroughbreds. There is a lot of satisfaction when you win a race.”

Edwin had a hat trick last Saturday evening, getting his picture taken with Ray’s Rayzer, Whata Bizness and Janet Rose, all three of which he also owns.

From his 93 starters sent out at this meet, Quevado has returned to greet 14 in the charmed enclosure with 41 of them making the board.

Alan Kirschenbaum finale matches sophomore trotters

Kissed The Boys, perfect in two trips to the post including a victory in the first leg, looks to continue the momentum in Sunday night’s featured Alan Kirschenbaum Series final for 3-year-old trotters.

There will be 12 races Sunday with a first post time of 4:55 p.m. The main event will go as the third race and shares top billing with an Open III contest for the trotters and an Open III for the pacing set.

Kissed The Boys is a homebred daughter of Claudius Augustus out of the champion Website mare who races for the Desomer Stables with Vickie Desomer training and husband Steve handling the lines.

Sent off at 33-1 in her debut two weeks ago in the first leg of the Alan Kirschenbaum over a sloppy track, Kissed The Boys turned in a game performance to prevail by a half-length over Lodi Bank Robber.

Wheeled back in a conditioned event last week, the bay filly came up with another big effort to hang on for a nose decision over 1-10 favorite Kickitwithkohler with a 1:59 3/5 score over a track labeled “good” that night.

Taking her on from the rail out: My Little Susie with Chip Lackey; CW Raisenette, Steve Wiseman; Delta Breezeoflodi, to be handled by William Hernandez; Sixstringsandapick, Pierre Girard; and Lodi Bank Robber with Luke Plano.

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Next week will find the trotters and pacers in action on Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, with no live racing on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7.

"Take two" for weather-postponed Big M Saturday card

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. -- As winter storm Jonas caused last Saturday's races at The Meadowlands to be abandoned, Saturday (January 30) evening's harness racing program will be "take two" for a number of upper-level conditioned pacers, with Fox Racing and Darius Oshidar's Kingofthejungle looking to reclaim his crown after a trio of game but unsuccessful efforts in Open company.  Additionally, 10 of the evening's 14 races boast full fields of 10 starters, providing punters many opportunities to cash in mightily.

Kingofthejungle, a 13-time winner from the Mark Capone stable, was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite from post 9 in the evening's featured ninth event, a $16,000 conditioned pace.  After kicking cover to win a $25,000 Open event on December 19, the 5-year-old Well Said gelding chased valiantly in his last three efforts, but was outmatched by Bushwacker on all three occasions.  He retreats back to the conditioned ranks, and Andy Miller remains in the bike.  The team will square off against a pair of other Open defectors in Shooter's Dream (Yannick Gingras, post 5), and Sweet Beach (Brett Miller, post 6), who most recently rallied from last to take third at 77-1 in the January 16 Open.  Also of note in the evening's top pacing event is 11-year-old veteran Real Nice, whose recent back-to-back wins pushed his career tally to 53.  Scott Blackler trains the earner of over $1.3 million, and Scott Zeron remains aboard for the driving duties.

The ninth race also begins the late Pick 4, which boasts a $50,000 guaranteed pool.  An earlier Pick 5 (beginning in race 3) and Pick 4 (beginning in race 5) combine to offer a further $55,000 in guaranteed pools.

Just one race before the feature, a full field of 10 third-level conditioned pacers vie for a $13,000 purse, with half of the entrants finishing in the money at a similar level in their most recent race.  Vice Consul N (Gingras, post 5), Dune Dude (Corey Callahan, post 6), and Jacksrluckytoo (Joe Bongiorno, post 8) are an evenly matched top trio in the morning line, installed at 4-1, 7-2, and 5-1, respectively.  Vice Consul N makes his second Stateside start for the Ron Burke stable, having chased sternly off cover to take third in a similar event three weeks ago.  John Marulli, Jr. trainee Dune Dude bounces back off an extended first-over battle which saw him just miss Charger Blue Chip in that same race, and the Rob Harmon stable's Jacksrluckytoo ships in off a win--his third in four starts--at Yonkers, rallying from off the pace to take an event for non-winners of four pari-mutuel races.

On Saturday night, The Meadowlands also hosts the Homestyle Chili and Salsa Cook-Off, with $1,000 and a spot in the ICS World Championship Homestyle Chili Cook-Off in Reno, NV to the grand winner.

Post time for Saturday's card, featuring nearly $76,000 in Jackpot High-5 carryovers should Friday's not be captured by a single punter, is 6:35 p.m. Eastern time.

HANNAH MILLER & PAUL MINORE WIN NAADA TROTS AT MONTICELLO

 By john manzi for NAADA

Fresh off a season where her driving talents earned her 2015 National Amateur Driver of the Year honors Hannah Miller is back in the winner’s circle after she copped a division of the North American Amateur Drivers Association trots at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon, January 28. She shared the limelight that afternoon with Paul Minore who reined the winner in the other split. 

But it seems that “Hurricane Hannah” has picked up where she left off last year when she scored a front- end triumph with Jacks To Open in a time of 2:01.2. And for Minore, his 2:03 victory came behind his own trotter, Wygant Prince.

In her division Miller sent the veteran trotter to the lead and was pressured by AJ Destiny and driver Bob Hechkoff.  With the two leaders racing side by side toward the quarter pole Miller refused to grab into Jacks To Open so Hechkoff backed off and fell into the two-hole behind  her.

“He (Hechkoff) kept yelling to me to take a hold and let him go but I refused to grab into my horse because the last time I did that it cost me the race,” she said referring to the $25,000 Billings Series Final when she got jammed and Jacks To Open  jumped it off.” And besides,” she added, “he was real ‘steppy’ today anyway.

After AJ Destiny settled in behind Jacks To Open Miller led the field by the halfway point and she was able to give her trotter a breather up the backside.

As the field raced by the third stanza Woody and Joe Lee charged from behind to get along side Jacks To Open and the two races nearly side by side around the final turn. Although Woody was a threatening presence in the lane Jacks to Open had enough in the tank to rebuff the challenge and go on to a one length triumph.  AJ Destiny held on for third money.

Owned by Nick Surick and Hannah Miller Jacks To Open paid $4.00 for win.

Paul Minore, a former high school coach who’s most famous pupil was the great Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis, had no trouble in his contest with Wygant Prince.

After starting from the four-hole Minore was content to be on the outside until everyone settled in along the pylons, and when they did he hustled Wygant Prince to the lead and they cruised on to an easy 2-1/2 length triumph.

“I was waiting to get everyone settled before I sent my horse to the lead because he’s especially good on the front-end,” Minore said after the race. “He has been resting and out for a while and he came back real strong.”

Finishing second, some 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner, was Nautilus De Vie driven by Dave Yarock. Cassa’s Image took home the show dough for owner -driver Bobby Krivelin.

Sent off as the odds-on favorite Wygant Prince paid $3.80 for win.

The next leg will be contested at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday, Feb. 24.

With the event scheduled last Saturday at Freehold Raceway snowed-out today’s race became the second event in the 12-leg series which is slated to culminate in a $15,000 Final on April 7 at Yonkers Raceway.

Cal Expo Saturday Barn Notes

Hi-Five carryover with 25K guarantee set

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness  

A $7,839 Hi-Five carryover will add some intrigue to Saturday night’s 10^th race, courtesy of several double-digit performers filling out those spots in last Sunday evening’s nitecap.

The Hi-Five is a 20-cent wager that challenges players to pick the first five finishers across the line and Saturday night there will be a $25,000-guaranteed gross pool.

That task proved to be too difficult a task for the players on Sunday when As Hot As Hall and Luke Plano stormed home to a $27 upset over the 29-1 I’m Confident, with 10-1, 6-1 and 15-1 shots right behind them.

Looking at Saturday’s 10^th race, it’s a Open III contest for pacing fillies and mares with a field of nine set to face starter Ken Fowler. Racing secretary Robin Schadt has basically divided the field into two parts, with four of the distaffers drawing for the inside slots, while the other five drew for the outside post positions.

Steve Wiseman conditions two of the major players, as he will guide Part Time Lady from the No. 5 slot, while David Siegel has the assignment behind Surprisingly Sweet, who does her work from the No. 8 post.

A reminder that there are two wagers offered here each night with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5, which this season features a 25 percent minor pool payout; and the 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturdays and $25,000 guarantee on Sundays.

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Next week will find the trotters and pacers in action on Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, with no live racing on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7.

Lonnie Beck final, Open Pace have spotlight

Allmyx’sliveintexas, who has turned in three solid efforts at this meeting including a romping score in the first leg, gets top billing in Saturday night’s Lonnie Beck Series final for the 3-year-old pacers, while a contentious field is set for the co-featured Open I Pace.

There will be 13 races on tap with first post set for 6:15 p.m. The Lonnie Beck goes as the third event on the evening and the Open I Pace occupies the 12^th-race spot on the card.

A homebred son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s out of the Distinguishedbaron mare Annie Get Your Gun, Allmyx’sliveintexas races for Wayne and Rod Knittel with Bob Johnson the conditioner and Mooney Svendsen once again in the sulky.

The bay performer made his debut on January 10 and finished a promising second, then suited up for the first leg of the Lonnie Beck the following week and made 4-5 look like a gift with a five and a quarter length romp with a 1:57 1/5 tour of the oval.

Allmyx’sliveintexas suited up in a conditioned event at most recent asking and finished third behind the 1-5 Hi Ho Houdini, earning a 1:56 individual clocking. He looms strictly the one to beat off those first three outings.

Mattachusetts gives the Knittel/Johnson team another strong look at the outcome with Steve Wiseman at the controls. He put in a strong late move to earn his graduation papers last weekend and the son of Crisis Situation appears to be headed in the right direction.

Completing the field the Junior Wilkinson-trained One More Chance with Chip Lackey handling the lines and Midnight Adventure, who hails from the Gordie Graham shedrow and will have James Kennedy in the sulky.

BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE BIG CITY – MEADOWLANDS BUSINESS BOOMING

Races are arguably the most competitive in horse racing in 2016

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 28, 2016) – The winter meet at the Meadowlands has always offered handicappers some of the most attractive wagering opportunities of the season. A look at the numbers so far in 2016 show that this year has provided some of the most competitive races not only in harness racing, but also when compared to the major thoroughbred tracks.

Post-time wagering favorites have won just one-third of the races at the Meadowlands so far in 2016, winning 28 of 85 races contested. That 33-percent strike rate, a major factor that determines racing competitiveness, is actually lower than the winning favorite percentage at five of the premier thoroughbred tracks in the country – Santa Anita, Laurel Park and Fair Grounds (35%), Gulfstream Park (36%), and Aqueduct (38%).

“It is obvious we are getting some thoroughbred players to cross over right now,” said Meadowlands CEO/GM Jason M. Settlemoir. “33 percent winning favorites this year compares favorably with all the great thoroughbred tracks. We went head to head with NFL football, Winter Storm Jonas and a billion dollar Powerball drawing and still averaged $3,018,024 per night in total handle and $213,036 in per race handle in January.”

The nightly average handle of more than $3 million makes the Meadowlands the most popular nighttime wagering product of any breed. Additionally, the Meadowlands consistently offers the largest wagering pools and field sizes in harness racing. For example, the average exacta pool is $61,448 and trifecta pool is $45,040. These two factors are major drivers of handle amongst serious horseplayers.

“Our field sizes of 9.68 horses a race, our large exotic pools and our great finishes have demonstrated that competitive harness racing can still captivate the night time gambling audience,” said Settlemoir. “After football concludes in two weeks, we think a segment of players that watch football and play fantasy sports will start watching and playing The Meadowlands.”

Those interested players have easy access to the Meadowlands product thanks to a successful partnership with TVG, known as America’s Horse Racing Network. Racing at the Meadowlands is featured prominently on the television network that is available in more than 30 million homes nationwide and accepts wagers on the Meadowlands via its advance deposit wagering platform.

Free deluxe program pages for the late Pick Four every racing night with an average pool size of $65,034 are complimentary and available courtesy of Track Master at www.ustrotting.com and www.playmeadowlands.com.

Live racing takes place Friday and Saturday nights with 14-race programs beginning at 6:35 p.m.

For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

Friday Night at the Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ – Friday night in northern New Jersey brings with it the promise of better weather and the return of live racing to The Meadowlands. A fourteen race program starting at 6:35 p.m. is trot-centric with big fields and plenty of possibilities for the punter.

The weekly $25,000 Open Handicap Trot has had a different winner each week since live racing returned last fall with Opulent Yankee now in the queue to attempt that elusive return trip to The Meadowlands winner’s circle.

Opulent Yankee annexed the season’s fastest trotting mile of 1:52.1 for Andy Miller in a forwardly placed effort last Friday. Taking over after being parked to a 27 flat opening quarter, Miller kept his foot on the gas through a 55 second half and 1:23.3 three panels then accelerated away as they straightened up, putting some distance between himself and his pursuers before coasting in with a 28.3 close on the mile.

Despite being saddled with the outside post eight for this race Opulent Yankee is the 8/5 morning line choice in the feature. Julie Miller trains for the partnership of Little E, LLC (the nom de course for Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural) Artie Geiger, Jason Settlemoir and Dave Stolz.

No fewer than three former Open winners are lined up to the inside of the favorite with Uva Hanover, Can Do and Cash Me Out all having worn the crown for a week. Detroit Rapper may be in next line for the throne based on his solid close to be second in last week’s race.

“That’s My Driver” makes a return to the promotion rotation and Saturday features the “Meadowlands Homestyle Chili & Salsa Cook-Off” with Grand Prize set at * $1,000 plus a spot in the ICS's World Championship Homestyle Chili Cook-off in Reno, NV.

Dining and wagering options remain the same and on Friday nights you may enjoy spending the evening in the plush owner’s club on the grandstand level known as Trotters.

The Filly Princess Takes Crown In Buffalo Feature

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The Filly Princess ($5.10) was the queen of the night at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday (Jan. 27) by posting a 3/4-length victory in the featured $7,400 pace for filly and mares.

Dropping down in class and drawing the rail didn't hurt the cause either for The Filly Princess. The well-traveled 8-year-old mare has made stops at The Meadowlands, Yonkers, Pocono Downs, Saratoga Raceway and Batavia Downs the past three months but came up empty against tougher company. She finally found a perfect landing spot and ended up in the winner's circle at Buffalo Raceway.

Ding set the tempo in the race as driver Ron Beback Jr. was able to reach the lead easily from the seven post. Setting times of 30.3, 1:00.2 and 1:29.3, Ding did all she could in the stretch but couldn't hold back The Filly Princess (Ray Fisher Jr.) who used the passing lane to draw off by a widening 3/4 lengths in 1:58.2 over the good track. 

The winner put up a 28.3 final panel to secure the victory. Ding settled for second while Aurora Borealus (Kevin Cummings) finished in third.

Owned by Standardbred Ventures Inc. and trained by Andy Gardner, The Filly Princess (Bettor's Delight-Knock Yourself Out) now has a victory in three 2016 appearances, upping her bankroll to $4,446 this season and $174,533 lifetime.

Jack Flanigen finished the night with four driving victories while Kevin Cummings had three and Fisher Jr. and Jim McNeight had two apiece.

Gardner, Maria Rice and Kirk Desmond all had two training wins.

Buffalo Raceway will resume racing on Friday night with a 12-race card slated for 5 p.m.

For more information including the latest news, results, race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

YONKERS’ WEEKEND LED BY TRIO OF OPEN HANDICAPS

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

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, January 27, 2016—Yonkers Raceway’s weekend offers up thrice the $32,000 Open Handicaps for your dining and dancing pleasure.

Since we’re nothing if not chivalrous, the ladies are the opening act, with Friday night’s (first post 7:10 PM) distaff pacing derby going as the sixth race. Last week’s Preferred ‘Cap winner Regil Elektra (Brian Sears, post 6)  is already 2-for-3 this season, as are Bazooka Terror (Eric Carlson, post 2) and The Empiressister N (Jason Bartlett, post 3).

The unknown interloper is 4-year-old Tessa Seelster (George Brennan, post 8) sent outside her elders for a just her third career half-mile try (Flamboro, Grand River). She enters after pair of wins across the river.

Saturday night (first post 7:10 PM) finds the week’s marquee trot (sixth race) offers a rivalry between recent winners Dot Dot Dot Cash (Matt Kakaley, post 6), Red Hot Herbie (Sears, post 7) and Not Afraid (Dan Dube, post 8).

Some new blood arrives in the presence of barn-changing Crazshana (Bartlett, post 1) and Meadows-invading Major Athens (Brennan, post 5).

The weekly pacing feature (eighth race) has Aslan (Sears, post 8) banished behind the eight-ball after winning this race two weeks ago (last weekend’s rivalry meeting was snowed out). Down Under flavor is in the form of Texas Terror N (Kakaley, post 2) and Hugh Hefner N (Jordan Stratton, post 4).

The Raceway’s season continues Thursday evening (first 7:10 PM), the final Thursday until March.

MOTHER NATURE GONE, MEANING YONKERS BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL

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

YONKERS, NY, Monday, January 25, 2016—After the Northeast’s initial snowstorm of the season left a lovely 20½ inches in beautiful, downtown Yonkers over the weekend, Yonkers Raceway was back it Monday night.

Saturday’s first-of-the-season cancellation turned out to be a one-hit wonder, as track superintendent Ed Ryan and his posse worked tirelessly Sunday into Monday to get the field in game shape. Monday night’s dozen-race program—with guest announcer Peter Kleinhans doing for the honors for an under-the-weather John Hernan—went off without a hitch.

Favored Siloutte (Dan Dube, $4.20) enjoyed the track crew’s work enough to turn in a life-best 1:55.2 effort in the $15,000, third-race pace. 

The Raceway’s season continues Tuesday afternoon (first post 1 PM), then Thursday, Friday and Saturday (7:10 PM each evening)   

China Dream Has Dream Trip In Buffalo Raceway Feature

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was a dream trip for China Dream in the $10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night (Jan. 23) by coasting to a half-length upset victory in a brisk 1:55.4 over the fast track.

After battling momentarily with Wild Shot Hanover around the first turn, driver Jack Flanigen and China Dream settled into the lead and posted fractions of 28.0, 57.4 and 1:27.1 past the three-quarter marker. The pace-setting China Dream was awaiting a charge from the closers in the stretch, including the favored Diamond Cowboy, but nothing of consequence developed.

China Dream ($20.20) had a snappy last panel of 28.3 to help spring the surprise win. Listowel (Ron Beback Jr.) showed late pace to take second place while Wild Shot Hanover (Truman Gale) finished in third.

Owned by Jack and Maria Rice, China Dream (If I Can Dream-China Act) has a win and second place finish in a pair of 2016 starts, putting $7,500 in the bank. It also moved the 5-year-old gelding's lifetime earnings to $97,093. Maria Rice handles the training duties.

Shawn Gray, Ron Beback Jr., Shawn McDonough and Kevin Cummings all had a pair of wins in the sulky.

Trainer JD Perrin posted two victories on the program. 

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening with 12 races slated to begin at 5 p.m.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK AND WINNERS BAYONNE TO REMAIN CLOSED SUNDAY DUE TO WINTER STORM

                  Meadowlands and Winners Bayonne to reopen Monday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (January 23, 2016) – Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment and Winners Bayonne OTW will remain closed through Sunday, January 24 due to the inclement weather throughout the area. Both facilities are scheduled to reopen for simulcasting on Monday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.

For further updates, visit www.playmeadowlands.com or follow the Meadowlands on social media

Opulent Yankee triumphs in Big M Open Trot

Opulent Yankee triumphs in Big M Open Trot

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. -- Just as an impending snowstorm closing in on the New York City metropolitan area did not interrupt Friday (January 22) evening's 14-race program at The Meadowlands, eight rivals closed in--but failed to engulf--Opulent Yankee ($4.60, part of entry) in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap Trot, carded as race two.

Andy Miller floated forward with the 5-year-old Muscles Yankee gelding at race's outset, working clear of Massacaia (Brett Miller) well after a :27 initial quarter mile.  Once assuming command, Opulent Yankee kept at a sprightly tempo, reeling off intermediate splits of :55 and 1:23.3 while his stablemate Allerage Star (Scott Zeron) gradually gained into a joint second with a boxed Massacaia.  Off the far turn, Opulent Yankee kicked clear at will, extending his lead to three lengths in mid-stretch before taken in hand late for a 1:52.1 win, his first of 2016 and his ninth career triumph.  Detroit Rapper (Jim Marohn, Jr.) negotiated heavy traffic through the stretch, splitting foes in the final sixteenth to just take second, while 65-1 longshot A Little More Love (Joe Bongiorno) made a late push off stalled cover to take third.

Julie Miller trains Opulent Yankee for the partnership of Little E, Geiger, Settlemoir, and Stolz.

Later in the card, a pair of $15,000 sub-featured events were contested, one for top-level conditioned distaff pacers and the other for trotters which have not won six races.  The distaff pace saw Ron Burke trainee Tessa Seelster ($3.60) capture a second consecutive win, crossing and clearing from her outside post 8, rating an uncontested lead, and holding clear of a mildly chasing Not Before Eight (Anthony Napolitano) for a 1:51.2 victory.  Yannick Gingras drove the 4-year-old Shadow Play mare.

While another Burke trainee in Its Huw You Know (Gingras) set the pace in the sub-featured trotting event, he was collared in the final yards by Paris Princess N ($8.80), who enjoyed a pocket trip throughout before pouncing late to prevail in 1:54.3.  Forever As (Tim Tetrick) rallied from off the pace to take second, just half a length from the victorious 7-year-old Diedre Don mare.  Scott Zeron drove Paris Princess N for trainer Paul Blumenfeld.

The evening's card amassed $2,636,111 in total handle, up $96,749 from the corresponding Friday night card in 2015.

As Saturday's races have been abandoned and re-carded as drawn for next Saturday (January 30), racing will return to The Meadowlands next Friday (January 29).  Both Jackpot High 5 pools carry over to next week, with the seventh-race version of the 20-cent wager now boasting $11,602 in added money and the finale carrying $64,800 extra should one punter take down the entire pool.

Post time will be 6:35 p.m. Eastern time.  For more information on racing, dining, and entertainment at The Meadowlands, visit playmeadowlands.com.

REGIL ELEKTRA WINS FRIDAY 24G DISTAFF PACING FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 22, 2016—Regil Elektra (Jason Bartlett, $5.90) was encouraged early and in hand late Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $24,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.

Getting some gate reminders from post position No. 4, Regil Elektra made the lead before a :28.1 quarter-mile. From there, no sweat (:57.3, 1:26, 1:53.4), with that :27.4 kicker denying anyone else a shot.

Pole-assigned Jungle Genie N (Matt Kakaley) chased from the pocket while beaten a length-and-three-quarters, with Massive Attack N (George Brennan), tepid 9-5 choice Rockn’ Ruby N (Dan Dube) a trailing-throughout Jonsie Jones (Tyler Buter) completing the payees/finishers.  

For second choice Regil Elektra, a 6-year-old daughter of Mach Three owned by Fred Monteleone and trained by Keith Armer, it was her second win in three seasonal starts. The exacta paid $20.60, with triple wagering cancelled due to limited entrants.  

A reminder that in advance of the northeast’s snowstorm, live racing (and all simulcasting) has been scrapped for Saturday (Jan. 23).  Live racing is scheduled to resume Monday, Jan., 25, with a first post of 7:10 PM. As of this writing, with NYRA not having made a decision regarding Aqueduct’s Sunday (Jan. 24) program, Yonkers’ status for Sunday simulcasting is TBA.

Northern Bullet On Target In Buffalo Raceway Open Trot

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The front-running and heavily favored Lutetium was the one to chase down in Buffalo Raceway's $9,000 Open Trot on Friday night (Jan. 22) and Northern Bullet ($11.60) was more than up to the task.

Blazing some hot fractions of 28.4, 58.2 and 1:28.1 on a frosty night, it seemed like Lutetium was going to runaway and hide from the field of six.

But Northern Bullet, who was five lengths back in third with a quarter mile to trot, took dead aim on the pace-setter. He easily gunned down the leg-weary Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) in the stretch to notch the 1-1/4 length decision in 1:58.2. A final panel of 29.1 proved to be the winning shot for Northern Bullet.

Driver Ray Fisher Jr. knew Northern Bullet was in good shape after seeing the three-quarter split posted. "He's a sprinter down the stretch. I told (trainer) JD Perrin yesterday that I knew this horse was going to win tonight."

Lutetium settled for second place while Leave Your Mark (Shawn McDonough) took the show spot.

Owned by Tessa Roland and trained by Perrin, the 6-year-old gelded Northern Bullet (Muscle Mass-Flame Tamer) has now earned $5,580 in two starts this season and $145,758 lifetime. 

Kevin Cummings finished the evening with three driving victories while Todd Cummings, Drew Monti and Truman Gale each doubled.

Trainer Bob Gruber III led the conditioners with two wins.

Racing will resume on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with a 12-race card scheduled.

For more information including the latest news, results, race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

MEADOWLANDS CANCELS LIVE RACING ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 DUE TO WINTER STORM

Simulcasting to be closed as well

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 22, 2016) – Due to the expected winter storm, the Meadowlands Racetrack has canceled live racing and simulcasting for Saturday, January 23. Live racing will take place as scheduled tonight (Friday, January 22).

The World Harness Handicapping Championship qualifying contest that was scheduled for Saturday night has also been canceled. The next qualifying event will be February 27.

Simulcasting will also be closed at Winners Bayonne OTW on Saturday, January 23.

More updates regarding re-opening will be released at a later time. Customers and horsemen are encouraged to check the racetrack’s website and social media sites for more updates.

For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

YONKERS CANCELS SATURDAY LIVE RACING, ALL SIMULCASTING

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 22, 2016—The anticipation of the northeast’s first seasonal snowstorm has resulted in Yonkers Raceway’s first seasonal cancellation.

Live racing (and all simulcasting) has been scrapped for Saturday (Jan. 23).  It remains racing business as usual for today and tonight (Friday, Jan. 22).

Live racing is scheduled to resume Monday, Jan., 25, with a first post of 7:10 PM. As of this writing, with NYRA not having made a decision regarding its Sunday (Jan. 24) program, Yonkers’ Sunday simulcasting is TBA (or TBD, whichever you prefer).

Cal Expo Sunday Barn Notes

Winsome Kelly scores a very special victory

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

There was a lot more to Winsom Kelly’s victory in a conditioned trot last week than meets the eye.

The 10-year-old Egocentric gelding, who carries the banner of Nikki Hudson and KC Carvalho and is reined and trained by Luke Plano, was putting a happy ending to what could have been a tragedy last spring.

“We were taking him to Running Aces for the summer meet and he got what they call shipping fever,” Plano explained. “He had pneumonia with lots of fluid in his lungs and he had to be rushed to the University of Minnesota.

“He was there for several weeks and it was actually touch and go there for a while. I want to thank Mike Minnella, who really stepped up when we needed it.”

Winsome Kelly, who was claimed by Plano a year and a half ago for a bargain $4,000 before working his way up to the Open level, got back into training late last year and was making his fourth start on the comeback trail when he clicked in that last appearance.

“I was a little concerned when he first came back, because he’d always been very aggressive in his training and he was acting a little on the lethargic side,” Luke related.

“I raced him a little conservatively in his first couple of starts, then he showed me in his race two back that he was getting to his old self when he came a :27 and change final quarter. He put it all together last week, and it was a very satisfying win all the way around.”

Northern Stormont heads marquee in Open Trot

The Steve Wiseman-trained Northern Stormont, who has accounted for two of his last four appearances in impressive fashion, heads the cast for Sunday evening’s $6,000 Open Trot.

A field of six will face the starter with Northern Stormont leaving from the assigned outside post. Taking him on are the James Kennedy-trained pair of Commandergalleon and Banker’s For All; the Robin Clements-conditioned Frank Provolone and Winsom Kelly from the Luke Plano shedrow.

There will be 12 races Sunday night with first post of 4:55 p.m. and the headliner will occupy the eighth-race slot on the program.

Northern Stormont is a 5-year-old son of Earl Of Stormont who carries the banner of George McCrystal, Mark Kremen and Scott Ehrlich. He has captured 11 of his 62 lifetime starts and set his 1:54 4/5 mark last year at Hoosier Park.

The bay sidewheeler was an easy winner of a conditioned event on December 12, then had to settle for a third and a fifth-place in his next two starts with conditioner Wiseman at the controls while taking on the likes of hard-hitters El Azteca and Flameon.

He last suited up on January 3 in an Open III affair with Plano guiding and returned to his winning ways with a perfect stalk-and-pounce trip while adding Lasix. Northern Stormont should be tough in this spot no matter how things shake out early.

Winsom Kelly is fresh from a facile conditioned tally over a sloppy track and looks like a major threat right back for Plano. Nikki Hudson and KC Carvalho own the 10-year-old son of Egocentric, who was a 1:56 1/5 victor here last season for his career standard.

Upper-level paces, full fields head Big M Saturday card

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, N.J. -- A trio of upper-level conditioned paces headline Saturday (January 23) evening's harness racing program at The Meadowlands, with Fox Racing and Darius Oshidar's Kingofthejungle looking to reclaim his crown after a trio of game but unsuccessful efforts in Open company.  Additionally, 12 of the evening's 14 races boasting full fields of 10 starters.

Kingofthejungle, a 13-time winner from the Mark Capone stable, was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite from post 9 in the evening's featured ninth event, a $16,000 conditioned pace.  After kicking cover to win a $25,000 Open event on December 19, the 5-year-old Well Said gelding chased valiantly in his last three efforts, but was outmatched by Bushwacker on all three occasions.  He retreats back to the conditioned ranks, and Andy Miller remains in the bike.  The team will square off against a pair of other Open defectors in Shooter's Dream (Yannick Gingras, post 5), and Sweet Beach (Brett Miller, post 6), who most recently rallied from last to take third at 77-1 in last week's Open.  Also of note in the evening's top pacing event is 11-year-old veteran Real Nice, whose recent back-to-back wins pushed his career tally to 53.  Scott Blackler trains the earner of over $1.3 million, and Scott Zeron remains aboard for the driving duties.

The ninth race also begins the late Pick 4, which boasts a $50,000 guaranteed pool.  An earlier Pick 5 (beginning in race 3) and Pick 4 (beginning in race 5) combine to offer a further $55,000 in guaranteed pools.

Just one race before the feature, a full field of 10 third-level conditioned pacers vie for a $13,000 purse, with half of the entrants finishing in the money at a similar level in their most recent race.  Vice Consul N (Gingras, post 5), Dune Dude (Corey Callahan, post 6), and Jacksrluckytoo (Joe Bongiorno, post 8) are an evenly matched top trio in the morning line, installed at 4-1, 7-2, and 5-1, respectively.  Vice Consul N makes his second Stateside start for the Ron Burke stable, having chased sternly off cover to take third in a similar event a fortnight ago.  John Marulli, Jr. trainee Dune Dude bounces back off an extended first-over battle which saw him just miss Charger Blue Chip in that same race, and the Rob Harmon stable's Jacksrluckytoo ships in off a win--his third in four starts--at Yonkers, rallying from off the pace to take an event for non-winners of four pari-mutuel races.

Post time for Saturday's card, featuring nearly $70,000 in Jackpot High-5 carryovers should Friday's not be captured by a single punter, is 6:35 p.m. Eastern time.

MEADOWLANDS LIVE HANDLE OFF TO IMPRESSIVE START IN 2016

Wagering tops $3 million per night in 2016

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 21, 2016) – As live racing enters its fourth weekend of the new year, the Meadowlands Racetrack is pleased to announce impressive gains in live handle over the comparable weekends in 2015.

Average nightly handle through the first five programs of 2016 is $3,094,154 – a gain of more than 13 percent over the corresponding cards in 2015. While the Meadowlands has been carding 14-race programs this year compared to 13-race cards last season, the average handle per race is also up nearly four percent.

“We are obviously very pleased with the strong start to 2016 so far in terms of handle,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, Meadowlands CEO and General Manager. “Our team has worked very hard to maximize field size, create competitive and attractive betting races, and coordinate post times with other tracks. We are always trying to improve the wagering experience for our customers both on and off track. We have continued with our out-of-competition testing program and sending samples to Hong Kong’s world-renowned testing lab to ensure a level playing field.”

While short-priced winning favorites can create an unappealing wagering proposition, the Meadowlands has bucked that trend so far in 2016 with the wagering favorite winning at just 32 percent, below the national average. In addition, the average win price during last weekend was $15.81.

When it comes to multi-race wagers, the Meadowlands offers the industry’s largest guaranteed wagers. But more important for horseplayers is the average pool size. So far in 2016, the track’s early pick four has averaged $54,044 while the late pick four tops $66,000. The pick five’s average pool size is close to $40,000. All three wagers offer a 50-cent minimum wager with a takeout rate of just 15 percent.

Live racing takes place Friday and Saturday nights this weekend with 14-race programs beginning at 6:35 p.m.

Cal Expo Saturday Barn Notes

Team Desomer rings up at hat trick with Charlotte’s Web

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Steve and Vicki Desomer sent out three winners on last Sunday night’s card, with all three being trotters out of the champion Website mare Charlotte’s Web.

The 3-year-old Claudius Augustus filly Kissed The Boys kicked things off by springing a $68 upset in the first leg of the Alan Kirschenbaum Series in the second race on the program with Steve at the controls. 

It was the 7-year-old British Sterling mare Silverlode accounting for the next event as the 6-5 favorite under the 79-year-old Desomer’s direction, while Kissed The Boys’ 4-year-old full brother Cadet capped off the barn/driver/broodmare hat trick two races later while returning $9.60 to his backers.

“It was a fun night, to be sure,” Vickie related after posing for pictures. “Steve said that the Charlotte’s Webs go the same on an off track as they do on a fast track – strong but not very fast.”

Vickie related she had a little talk with her husband after he guided Cadet to his victory for his third trip to the charmed enclosure on the program. “I suggested this might be a good time to retire. You can guess his answer.”

Kissed The Boys was the only member of the cast making her debut in last week’s Kirschenbaum opener and was pretty game getting the job done over a sloppy track.

“We named her in honor of my mother, who passed away last year,” Vickie explained. “She used to like to recite that ditty about Georgie Porgie, who ‘Kissed the girls and made them cry’”.

The Desomers also have a 2-year-old full brother to Kissed The Boys and Cadet named Gold Run that could make some noise by the end of the this season. “He’s Minnesota stakes eligible and Steve likes him,” Vickie noted.

There is also a yearling colt by Claudius Augustus and she is back in foal to that sire.

Our favorite track historian Robin Clements gives us the backstory on Charlotte’s Web.

“Charlottes Web herself was the 2 yr old trotting filly champion. The week before her first 3-year-old stakes race she raced in a race on a very sloppy track. Before the sixteenth pole Charlotte made a break and spotted the field about 15 lengths before she got back on the trot.

“At about the three-eighths pole she made another break spotting the field about 20 lengths before she again got back on the trot, going into the final turn

“She was behind by about eight lengths when she started pacing and Steve had to knock her off stride to get her back trotting again. Again she is about 12 lengths off the leaders by the time she got trotting again and she not only caught the field, but won the race.

“I recall there was a bridge jumper who had bet $18,000 to show on her that night. I took care of Charlotte when she raced that night and I remember right after the race the other grooms and I were talking in awe of what she had just done.

“Charlotte went sore before the 3-year-old stakes races and was retired and sent to the breeding shed.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

Contentious field set for featured Open Pace

Bettor’s Promise, One And Only and Jazzmanian Devil, who all chased home the razor-sharp mare Stable Eyes at most recent asking, get away from that rival and head the cast for Saturday night’s $6,000 Open I Pace.

There will be 13 races contested under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:15 p.m. and the main event goes as the third event on the evening. The trotters and pacers will also be in action on Sunday evening.

Bettor’s Promise and One And Only are both owned by Richard Morita and David Yamada and take their lessons from Lino Pacheco. The former is a 5-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight who leaves from the outside post in the field of six and has Gerry Longo in the sulky.

Bettor’s Promise accounted for the Open I Pace on December 12 off a pocket journey for Tony Succarotte in a lifetime-best 1:53 clocking. He has two seconds and a fourth-place finish in the interim, including an exacta completion behind the aforementioned Stable Eyes when last seen two weeks ago.

One And Only is an 8-year-old who is also by Bettor’s Delight and he comes into this assignment on the verge of going over the $200,000 earnings mark with a 1:51 2/5 standard that was established two years ago. He scored back-to-back victories here to close out his 2015 campaign.

He missed by head to Jazzmanian Devil after a game, first-over trip on January 2, then carved out the pace and had to settle for third behind Stable Eyes and barnmate Bettor’s Promise in his last trip to the post.

Completing the field are Jazzmanian Devil from the Steve Wiseman barn; the Luke Plano-conditioned Cowboy Cold; Endeavors King from the Gene Vallandingham shedrow and I’m An Athlete from the rail for James Kennedy. 

Friday Night at the Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ – Friday kicks off another weekend of exciting racing at The Meadowlands with fourteen races beginning at 6:35 p.m.

With trotters dominating the Friday offering (nine trots to five pacing races) there are several interesting fields for those so inclined to reflect, dissect and project the possibilities in the pursuit of pari-mutuel rewards.

The featured $25,000 Open Handicap trot fields nine (seven pari-mutuel interests) including last week’s upset winner Can Do.

The seven year old gelded son of Cantab Hall is bred in the purple and had modest success in some minor mid-west stakes as youngster, but really blossomed at age four in Delaware overnight competition. Can Do joined the Jody Reidel stable last September when the noted horsewoman plucked him from a $30,000 claimer at Yonkers. Jody reaped immediate rewards when Can Do paid for himself in a month on the strength of three wins against the forty claimers.

When Jody brought him across the river during the Christmas break at Yonkers Can Do clicked with the mile track racing at The Meadowlands and when paired with driver Anthony Napolitano proved competitive against the best trotters on the grounds. Last week Napolitano used Can Do’s gate speed to secure early position then fanned out and went by the early leaders in the stretch to post the upset in a career best 1:53.1.

Can Do starts from post position eight this week and is listed at 4-1 on the morning line.

The standard guarantees are in place for Friday’s horizontal wagers, $30,000 in the Pick 5 beginning in race three, $25,000 in the Early Pick 4 (races 5-8) and $50,000 in the Late Pick 4 (races 9-12). The Hi-5 Jackpot is set for races 7 and 14 with that last race Jackpot now up to $62,725.

James Witherite is now providing insightful Race Reviews to complement your handicapping arsenal each racing night.

Promotion-wise the first handicapping contest of the new year is on Saturday night, January 23. It’s a $100 World Harness Handicapping Contest qualifier and you can find the details here.

You may enjoy these epicurean delights while watching and wagering on Meadowlands racing in the tiered trackside dining room known as Pink.

Again, the first race goes at 6:35 p.m.