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.
