Distaffers clash in Alan Kirschenbaum Final

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

A solid group of pacing fillies and mares will do battle in Friday night’s $8,300 Alan Kirschenbaum Final, with last week’s Prep victress Cenalta Diamond and Blue Note heading the cast.

Cenalta Diamond is a 5-year-old daughter of Allamerican Merlin who carries the banner of Gordon, Helen and Myrna Empey with Gordon Empey the conditioner and Mooney Svendsen in his usual place in the sulky. Those same connections will also be represented by Cenalta Artistry in the main event and she will have the services of Rene Goulet.

Cenalta Diamond was dispatched at 7-1 in last weekend’s Kirschenbaum Prep, was able to work out a ground-saving tracking trip for Svendsen and ignited when room developed late in the drive to prevail by two lengths in a lifetime best 1:53 2/5 clocking.

Blue Note is going in razor-sharp form at the moment and came rolling late to get the place spot in that affair for owner/trainer Rick Cisco and pilot Luke Plano. The 13-year-old daughter of Little Steven accounted for two of her three previous outings while putting her versatility on display.

Shesamysterytome was the 9-5 favorite in the Prep and carved out all the fractions before tiring to fourth that evening. She is owned by Ashlee Sluggett and Trevor Williams, is reined-and-trained by Ryan Grundy and was a 1:54 2/5 victress here earlier the meeting.

Rounding out the field are Smash, who will have the services of William Hernandez; La Madawna De Rosa with Gerry Longo; Back Stock, to be guided by Steve Wiseman; and Getter Queen Flush with Nick Roland at the controls.

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There is a carryover of $5,281 in Friday’s 50-cent Pick 5, which covers the first five races and comes with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. There will be a $20,000-guaranteed gross pool.

Neumeister, Seibel

Remember Kirschenbaum

Friday’s Alan Kirschenbaum Pace is named for the longtime owner and breeder and past president of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association, who died in October of 2012 at the age of 51.

Kirschenbaum was a major factor in California as an owner, breeder and amateur driver for many years. With his stallions Little Steven and British Sterling standing at Cherry Tree Farm in Wilton, he helped support the industry in California.

In the past, he had even waived his stallion fees to help the California horsemen breed their mares to help the horse population survive in the Golden State. Alan was also a huge supporter of the California Sire Stakes and amateur races.

“Alan was one of my favorite people,” said David Neumeister. “Everybody liked him. His impact on harness racing in California is in evidence every night in the Cal Expo racing program, as offspring of his sires and dams, most of which he bred and raced himself, are still racing today.

“On the trot, sons and daughters of British Sterling are competitive performers. The same is true on the pace, as offspring of Little Steven, Alan's good stakes horse and sire, are often seen battling it out on the Sacramento track.

“In addition to being a prolific breeder and amateur driver, Alan was a huge political force in California harness racing. He ran the breeder's association for years. He also served on the CHHA board of directors for as long as I knew him.

”In fact, he was president of the horsemen's association until just a few weeks before his ever so untimely death. Of course, this is all in addition to his incredible success as a television writer and producer.  “He is sorely missed by the entire harness racing community.”

Cal Expo announcer Gary Seibel first met Alan Kirschenbaum in the early 80s at Pompano Park in Florida. “I was track announcer and publicity director and Alan was working for trainer George Berkner,” Seibel said.

“He’d come into the publicity office to use one of the desks that had a typewriter – yes a typewriter! – to work on his projects, which at the time I think included writing for Mad Magazine.

“I liked him from the start. He was a great guy with a great sense of humor, and we had a lot in common since we were both native New Yorkers who loved harness racing..

“From time to time, we would get into a long conversation about anything and everything, and he would say to me, ‘this (Hollywood) is my job, harness racing is my passion.’ That was so evident in what did in and for the sport, both nationally and in California.

“His contributions to the sport he loved are with us today in so many ways. I think of him every night when I open the Cal Expo program because his name appears in the program every racing night through the horses he has raced, bred and owned in the Golden State.”

Gary recalled a time when he lived in Los Angeles and Alan invited him to a taping of his CBS sitcom “Yes Dear”.

“My wife and I were sitting in the front row of the audience, and before the taping began, Alan came out and introduced himself to the crowd and told everyone what to expect during the live taping of the show.

“When he saw us, he paused, came over and gave us both a big hug. It really touched us both. After the taping, he brought us down to the stage, where we met the cast and production crew and got to hang out for a while. He was a great friend and a special person.”

Garrett Madison named Regional Racing Marketing Manager for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs

Jason Settlemoir (Regional VP, Racing and Simulcast) announced that Garrett Madison has been named Regional Racing Marketing Manager for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

Madison, a graduate of Owego Free Academy, started with the company as a Mutual Teller in 2011.  He eventually became the Regional Racing Operations Manager, a position he held for the last four years.

The Apalachin native will be responsible for all marketing of racing, including creating all of the advertising with different kinds of media.  He will also be responsible for all racing promotions done at both tracks, among many other duties.

Settlemoir said, “It has been a pleasure watching Garrett grow with the company in every position he has held.  We feel his hard work and dedication will help him thrive in his new position.” 

Jason Bluhm (Sr Regional Director of Racing Tioga Downs & Vernon Downs) also praised Madison.  “Garrett is a great worker, I’ve put a lot on his plate these past few years and he’s handled everything brilliantly. It’s a well-deserved promotion.” Said Bluhm.

Madison, who recently purchased a new home with his partner, Erinn Gahring, in Campville, NY, said “I grew up racing Motocross.  When I got the chance to work in the Harness Racing Industry, it seemed like a natural fit.”  “ I love the competitive nature and the hard work that goes into it.” 

Madison said that Jason Bluhm and Jason Settlemoir have taught him so much about the sport of harness racing.  “They (Bluhm and Settlemoir) are so passionate about the sport.”  “All that rubs off, it has helped to make me fall in love with harness racing.” “I can’t thank them enough.”

Madison added “I love going to work every day with all the great people at both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.  I look forward to the challenge of my new job and can’t wait to get started.”

Madison’s main office will remain at Tioga Downs but he will commute to both locations throughout the year.

Friday Night Specials in Pink

 In response to customer feedback, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will extend its Friday night themed buffets in Pink through March. 

“After the successful American BBQ Buffet night we decided to add some additional themes to our dining calendar,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO & GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.  “We understand that our guests want variety and a slightly lower price point on Friday nights and we believe the theme nights in Pink hit the mark.”

 The themed night buffets are $29.95, excluding tax & gratuity, and include appetizers, soup, main 

courses, side dishes and dessert.  The themed buffet schedule is as follows:

• This Friday, February 2: Italian Night – Enjoy a tour of Italy featuring assorted antipasti, fried calamari, home-made manicotti, pork chop Murphy and plenty of Italian desserts
• Friday, February 16: Asian Fusion – Our version of Asian fusion featuring wonton soup, steamed dumplings, General Tso’s chicken, pork fried rice and fortune cookies
• Friday, February 23: Endless Pasta and Soup – Create your own soup bowls with our home-made broths and fixings plus enjoy delicious pasta creations
• Friday, March 2: Mexican Fiesta – Enjoy our make your own taco bar, tortilla & hominy soup, freshly made pico de gallo and home-made tres leche cake
• Friday, March 16: St. Patrick’s Buffet – Delicious Irish specialties including Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and red potatoes

On non-themed nights, the Pink Friday buffet remains $34.95 and $39.95 on Saturdays. Live harness racing post time is 6:35pm.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (201) THE-BIGM.

MEADOWLANDS OWN-A-HORSE PROMOTION PAYS DIVIDENDS

Todd Strassberg, a January Own A Horse Contestant, walked away with $600 courtesy of Gimme Some Lovin

“I attended last Friday, got to visit the horse in the paddock with my friend, and Gimme Some Lovin won,” said Strassberg, of Fort Lee, NJ. I have been coming since the 70’s with my pal Bill, and I was unaware how badly my buddy wanted to see the backstretch until we visited the horse.  Everyone we dealt with was nice and we had a blast. I have to say that we both had fun and this is a great promotion!”

Each month, 10 lucky fans earned a chance to “own” a piece of one of five different horses competing at the Meadowlands. While the fans did not actually own the horse, they received up to 10 percent of the horse’s earnings, paid for by the Meadowlands, while also getting access to meet their horse in the race paddock, visit with the trainer and driver, and if lucky enough, get a picture in the winner’s circle.  Sign-ups for the March round of the contest are open by visiting the Own A Horse page on the Meadowlands website. Fans can register until February 24.

A new addition to the Own A Horse promotion comes courtesy of Trainer Rob Harmon and the Harmon Racing Stable.  Harmon’s Iron Dome is one of the horses in the February promotion and will be featured in a series of “A Day in the Life” vignettes.  These behind the scenes videos will be posted on the Meadowlands’ Facebook and Instagram pages and provide a unique look into the  race day for a horse.  In addition, Harmon will also provide some cool swag for the two lucky contestants to be randomly paired with Iron Dome. 

 For more information, visit http://playmeadowlands.com/index.aspx?id=13546

GINGRAS…A FOILED AGAIN APPRECIATION

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, January 30, 2018—“He helped take me to the next level as a driver.”

Such were the words of Yannick Gingras, who takes a seat behind Foiled Again as the sport’s richest-ever equine is invading Yonkers Raceway in search of his 100^th career victory.

Foiled Again returns to the Westchester wars Thursday night (Feb. 1^st), leaving from post position No. 5 in the $20,000, eighth-race pace. The 14-year-old Dragon Again gelding makes the 306^th purse start of his $7.5 million career.

“I can’t say enough about him,” Gingras said. “There were seven or eight seasons, starting when he as a 4-year-old, when he was among the best in the sport, which to me is amazing.

“He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but I’ve never driven one that had his desire…and the way he wins, it’s usually a rough trip. I don’t think he’s ever been second-over. He’d rather grind his way into it and battle.

Not to mention he’s smarter than the average bear.

“He never exerts himself until he has to,” Gingras said. “If you’d allow it, he’d go a second quarter in 35 seconds, but right around the five-eighths or three-quarters, when he hears or sees someone coming, he picks up the bit and the switch goes on.”

Foiled Again won his 99^th race here in his mid-January, final-season debut, but his first crack at Century City did not go well, as in a non-factor sixth. George Brennan was the driver for both efforts. 

“That’s another thing about him,” Gingras said. “Some horses, if they race poorly, it seem to affect them for a month. ‘Foiled’…nothing seems to bother him.

“It would be fitting to do it here (Yonkers). He’s won the (George Morton) Levy Series twice (2009-10) and he always gets around the track well, probably because he rides the left line just enough”.

“I can’t lie, I hope I’m the one who gets him to 100,” Gingras said. “I told (co-owner/trainer) Ronnie (Burke) to try and schedule him when I can drive him.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him Thursday. He’s just been such a big part of the my career.”

YONKERS’ MONDAY PICK 5 FEATURES $1,500 CARRYOVER, 10G GUARANTEE

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

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, January 28, 2017—A friendly reminder from Yonkers Raceway that Monday evening’s (Jan. 29^th) Pick 5 wager starts with a carryover of $1,558.62 and a $10,000 guaranteed pool.

The Pick 5 is a 50-cent base wager comprising races 6 through 10 (for these 10-race cards, ordinarily it’s races 7 through 11). It has no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners (as was the case Sunday afternoon), the entire pool (minus takeout) moves to the next racing program.

Monday’s program can be downloaded at http://www.empirecitycasino.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/mon_program.pdf.

NF HAPPENSTANCE WINS SUNDAY 50G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, January 28, 2018—A start-to-finish NF Happenstance (Jack Parker Jr., $14) just lasted Sunday afternoon (Jan. 28^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s ‘sloppy’ $50,000 Open Handicap Trot.

A field of 11 served as the first of six ‘French’ trots. There were any number of early misbehavers, including 2-1 choice Money Maven (Yannick Gingras), one of the second-tier starters.

There was no such happenstance for lone lass NF Happenstance. From post position No. 2, the Delaware invader led at every pylons (:29.2, :59.2, 1:28.4, 1:57.1). She opened 2¾ lengths entering the lane before winning by a neck in 2:28.

Eight-holer Melady’s Monet (Jason Bartlett) put forth a solid, two-move effort, charging late to barely miss. Third went to Moneycounts De Vie (Matt Kakaley), with Rubber Duck (Joe Bongiorno) and Lily’s Swan Pond (Brent Holland) settling for the remainder.  

It was Parker’s first win here since August, 2002, and the first time he had driven the mare locally since Independence Night of 2014.  

For third choice NF Happenstance, an 8-year-old daughter of S  J’s Caviar owned by James Moore III and trained by Carol Jamieson-Parker, it was her fourth win in as many seasonal starts. The exacta paid $76, with triple returning $1,111.

Sunday’s ‘New York, New York Double’ offered a winning combination of 3-Factoring (Aqueduct’s 3^rd race) and 3-Gonna Fly (Yonkers’ 6^th race) paid $140.75 for every correct $1 wager. Total pool was $8,302.

Sunday matinees return Feb. 25^th (post time TBA) 

ENDEAVOR UPSETS IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Having beaten mid-range conditioned foes in his last start, Endeavor wasn’t given much of a chance by the betting public in Saturday night’s feature at the Meadowlands, when he went up against some tough customers in the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers and was sent off at odds of 12-1.

The betting public had this one all wrong.

After a tough-trip, fifth-place finish at the hands of the red-hot Western Joe a week ago, Bettor’s Edge was sent to the gate as the 3-2 public choice. The son of Bettor’s Delight was permitted to rate the middle half in :57, so it appeared the veteran with the $2 million bank account was on his way.

But Endeavor wasn’t having it.

The Pat Lachance trained and driven son of American Ideal sat a three-hole trip from the start, tipped off the rail at the head of the stretch and steamrolled right by the leader uncorking a final quarter of :25.4 to win by three-quarters-of-a-length in 1:50.2. Bettor’s Edge held second with Sweet Rock claiming the show dough.

Endeavor returned $27.60 to his backers for owner Helene Fillion of Mirabel, QC, CA.

A LITTLE MORE: Trainer Ross Croghan was on target with his “Down Under Wonders” on the program, scoring with New Zealand-breds Hug The Wind N ($4.60 to win, 1:50.2 for the mile) and Mr Euroman N ($3.40, 1:50). He missed going three-for-three when his Sprinter N failed as the 1-2 choice in the finale. … Anthony Napolitano and Andy Miller both recorded driving triples. … Big payoffs were there for the taking once again as the Pick 5 returned $12,188.15 while the 20-Cent Survivor Pick 10 came back $16,312.50. … The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, bloating the carryover to $84,140.06. … All-source wagering on the 13-race card reached $2,790,201, a new high for 2018. … Racing resumes at the Big M Friday at 6:35 p.m.

ORILLIA JOE WINS SATURDAY NIGHT 40G OPEN HANDICAP PACE

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, January 27, 2018—Orillia Joe (Brent Holland, $17.80) kept the form spree going Saturday night (Jan. 27^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Open Handicap Pace.

In play from outside post position No. 7, Orillia Joe had a first-turn impediment when Delaware invader Cajon Lightning (Jordan Stratton) made a filthy break. That forced Orillia Joe wide, making the lead before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile.

Pole-assigned Western Hill (Jason Bartlett) was able to secure the pocket, while 3-2 choice Gokudo Hanover (Matt Kakaley) found a seat third. It was a rated :57.1 intermission before ‘Gokudo’ was out first-up. That one wasn’t making the requisite strides in and out of a 1:25.3 three-quarters, as Orillia Joe owned a length lead into the lane.

The closers arrived, but too late. Orillia Joe whipped Take it Back Terry (George Brennan) by a neck in 1:54.2. Dream Out Loud N (Dan Dube), as the 40-1 rank outsider, angled off the cones for a crisp third, while Killer Martini (Eric Goodell) and Western Hill settled for the minors

For fourth choice Orillia Joe, an 8-year-old Western Ideal gelding by Joe P Racing and trained by Matias Ruiz, it was his third win in as many seasonal starts. The exacta paid $166.50, with the triple returning $1,895.

Sunday’s (Jan. 28^th) ‘French’ matinee goes with a first post of High Noon. The 10-race card features six ‘French’ trots (races 5 through 10) and the ‘New York, New York Double’ (Aqueduct’s 3^rd race, Yonkers’ 6^th race).

Osprey Vision Pulls Upset In Buffalo Raceway Open Trot

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Osprey Vision found plenty of contenders during the $9,500 Open Trot at a rainy Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (Jan. 27) but they ended up just being pretenders as he was able to post an $11.00 surprise over Fox Valley Veto in 2:02.4.

After suffering a tough half-length defeat to Lenny Mac in last week's Open Trot, Osprey Vision (Ray Fisher Jr.) was sent to the lead and produced a leisurely 1:03.2 time to the half in a race contested over a sloppy track.

In a battle down the backstretch to the three-quarter marker, Osprey Vision turned back the serious threat produced by Fox Valley Iliad (Larry Stalbaum). After rebuffing that attempt, Osprey Vision then had to contend with the late surge from Fox Valley Veto (Billy Davis Jr.) but managed to do so in scoring the neck victory. 

It was the first win of the season in two attempts for Osprey Vision (Ken Warkentin-Summerhill Hallie). Owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo, the 9-year-old gelding has now earned $174,537 in his career.

Lucky McTrucky made it 2-for-2 on the young season with a slim nose triumph over Heaven Rocks in 1:57.0 in the sub featured $8,800 Pace.

Battling for supremacy to the opening quarter pole with David The Saint, Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) grabbed command in a solid 29.0 and cruised onto the three quarter station uncontested. At the spot, Heaven Rocks (Shawn Gray) suddenly arrived on the scene by going three-wide but couldn't get past the stubborn Lucky McTrucky in the race to the finish line.

Owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin, Lucky McTrucky (McArdle-Truculent Lady) is a 9-year-old gelding that has $8,800 in the bank in 2018 and $407,712 lifetime.

John Cummings Jr. and Gray each notched triples on the night with Larry Stalbaum and Ray Fisher Jr. getting a doubles. Trainer James Clouser Jr. had three winners with Kimberly Asher, Kevin Cummings and David Russo sending a pair each for photo opportunities.

Racing will resume at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with a 13-race card scheduled.

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

Meadowlands Statement on Horses From The Meadows

East Rutherford, NJ - After consulting New Jersey State veterinarians regarding to the EHV quarantine situation at The Meadows, The Meadowlands Racetrack shall not accept entries on any horse that has raced at or been stabled on the grounds of The Meadows since January 10, 2018 until further notice.

Questions should be directed to The Meadowlands Racing Office at (201) 842-5130.

MOTU MOONBEAN N WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 40G DISTAFF DERBY

FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 26, 2018—Slight favorite Motu Moonbeam N (Matt Kakaley, $7.60) took over early and lasted late Friday night (Jan. 26^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace.

Away second from post position No. 2, Motu Moonbean N grabbed the lead from pole-assigned All About Madi (George Brennan) before a :27.4 opening quarter-mile. Sell a Bit N (Jordan Stratton) was also put in play, finding a seat third.

After a :57.4 intermission, Hidden Land (Eric Goodell) tried it first-up from fifth. That one offered just a mild bid in and out of a 1:26.3 three-quarters, with Mach it a Par (Jason Bartlett) in behind.

Motu Moonbeam N owned a length lead into the lane, with All About Madi taking a shot inside and Sell a Bit N needing room that wasn’t there. The leader did held, prevailing by a desperate nose in a season’s-best 1:54.4. All About Madi was second, with Sell a Bit N, Mach it a Par and Annabeth (Brent Holland) settling for the minors.  

For Motu Moonbeam N, a 6-year-old Down Under daughter of Bettor’s Delight owned by Friendship Stables and trained by Paul Blumenfeld, it was her second win three seasonal starts. The exacta paid $29, with the triple returning $128.

FOILED AGAIN RETURNS ALONG WITH YONKERS THURSDAYS

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 26, 2018—Foiled Again’s second crack at his first hundred happens in conjunction with Yonkers Raceway ‘s return to Thursday nights.

First post for the 10-race, first-of-the-month card is 6:50 PM. Foiled Again, whose 99 career wins go along with a sport’s-best $7.5 million in earnings, drew post position No. 5 in the $20,000, eighth-race pace.

Yannick Gingras is reunited with his long-time ‘date’ for co-owner (as Burke Racing)/trainer Ron Burke. The 14-year-old Dragon Again gelding won his seasonal debut, moving him to the precipice of the milestone. However, he threw in a clunker in his last outing, finishing a non-factor sixth.

Thursday night is the 306^th lifetime purse try for Foiled Again as he remains at the same (non-winners of $20,000 in last five starts) level of his previous two races.

Note that the Raceway shall offers a six-program race week beginning this Sunday (Jan. 28^th). The Sunday ‘French’ card goes at High Noon, while the ensuing evenings (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) all have a first post of 6:50 PM.

After this weekend, Sundays take a hiatus until Feb. 25^th.    

CHARLIE WILLIAMS – STALLION MANAGER EXTRAORDINAIRE – NAMED CARETAKER OF THE YEAR BY USHWA / HARD ROCK ROCKSINO NORTHFIELD PARK

By Ken Weingartner, for the U.S. Harness Writers Association

Charlie Williams, the stallion manager at Southwind Farms in New Jersey, has been named the recipient of the 2017 Caretaker of the Year Award sponsored by Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in conjunction with the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA).

Williams, 68, has worked at Southwind Farms for nearly three decades. Williams was born in Georgia and began working with horses as a young man in Florida. He spent the early part of his career with Thoroughbreds, as an exercise rider and caretaker, before a knee injury forced him to give up riding.

While sidelined because of his injury, Williams answered an advertisement for a part-time job at Southwind Farms. His horsemanship and attention to detail eventually led him to his current position at the farm, where he has cared for some of the sport’s top stallions, beginning with Valley Victory and Artsplace right through to today with Muscle Hill.

“This is something I’ll never forget,” Williams said of his Caretaker of the Year honor. “From picking cotton as a young kid to go on and take care of world champions, it’s been a dream come true. I started working at the bottom and worked my way to the top. I was very fortunate to luck out and work with horses. I’ve had the chance to take care of the best.

“The sport has been really good to me and there are so many good people in the sport that have been really good to me. I love the sport, I love the horses, and I love the people.”

All caretakers in North America are eligible for the Caretaker of the Year Award. A seven-member panel – all former caretakers – selected the winner after reviewing nomination letters detailing the skills and special qualities of each nominee.

Williams will receive a cash prize of $500, transportation, and two tickets to USHWA’s annual Dan Patch Awards banquet Feb. 25 in Orlando, Fla., where he will be presented a trophy. He will also enjoy a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, host hotel for the USHWA activities.

Williams received several nominations, with one writing, in part, “There are grooms and caretakers at all stages of a horse’s life and this man exemplifies the true embodiment of a caretaker and is truly worthy of Caretaker of the Year. This man puts his heart and soul into every stallion that is lucky enough to stand in a stall in his barn.

“Please consider allowing this exceptional caretaker a moment to shine in an industry that sometimes forgets those of us who aren’t in winner’s circles but nevertheless are in a barn day in and day out, without vacation, wind, rain, and snow. You will not find a more true definition of an exceptional caretaker in our industry than Charlie Williams.”

Williams is self-described “old school” when it comes to taking care of his horses. But the stallions are more than horses to Williams, they are friends.

“I love everything about them,” Williams said. “They have personality. With Muscle Hill, he’s like my best friend out there. I know how he thinks and he knows how I think. It was the same thing with Artsplace. They’re like people. It’s unbelievable when you work in the barn with them.

“I have a habit, I talk to them. I’m in the stallion barn, so I talk with all the horses like I’m talking to a human. And I never cut corners with them. I give them the love and attention and they give the love and attention to me. I’m 68 years old and I can’t wait to get up in the morning and come to work. When you walk in the barn, they know you and sound off. They’re happy to see you and you’re happy to see them.”

For more information about the Dan Patch Awards banquet, visit www.ushwa.org.

Awesomeness and Chili on the Saturday Meadowlands Menu

East Rutherford, NJ - The Saturday night feature is a seven horse $20,000 Preferred Pace where a pair of names synonymous with success at the sport's highest level will join forces for the first time as the owner and trainer of #6 Awesomeness. Making his first start stateside after a lengthy campaign north of the border, Awesomeness is also making his debut for Brett Pelling who is conditioning the 5-year-old for owner Martin Scharf. 

Scharf's greatest success was with his champion Gallo Blue Chip who retired in 2005 as the top money winning pacer in history with over $4.25 million, having won virtually every major stake including the 2000 Meadowlands Pace and North America Cup. The old horse is fondly remembered each year by the "Gallo Blue Chip Scholarship Fund" presented by Scharf at The Meadowlands to aspiring students with harness racing connections.

Marty also has a serious rooting interest in a thoroughbred earlier in the day with a stake in second choice Sharp Azteca going in the $16 million Pegasus stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Brett Pelling dominated the spot for over a decade before returning to his native New Zealand in 2006. Pelling is the only trainer to have recorded 12 straight million-dollar Meadowlands seasons and 21 in all while winning virtually every pacing classic over that span. The list of top horses in his care reads like a Hall of Fame roster, led by a pair of great racehorses that became great sires in the father-son duo of Western Ideal and Rocknroll Hanover. 

Brett returned to the US last winter and has slowly been assembling a stable, racing a few mid-level types over the summer then including some yearling purchases that are currently taking their early training lessons with an eye toward the 2018 Grand Circuit stakes.

This mantle of representing such imposing accomplishment, for now at least, falls squarely on the shoulders of Awesomeness who picked up $164,368 in a solid if unspectacular campaign last season and will embark from post 6 for the meet's top driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. on Saturday.

In the building, the battle is on this Saturday, January 27 in Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s 3^rd annual Homestyle Chili Cook Off! 38 contestants are competing for the $1,000 grand prize plus a spot in the International Chili Society’s World Championship cook-off in Reno, Nevada. 

Last year’s Meadowlands winner, Joseph Callahan, went on to win the 2017 International Chili Society’s World Championship for his Homestyle chili and took home the $4,000 top prize. Fans are invited to taste the entries and encouraged to support their favorites.

Post time is 6:35 p.m.

Johnson sets sights on Lonnie Beck Final

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Trainer Bob Johnson will attempt to capture Saturday night’s Lonnie Beck Pace with Allmyxsliventexas for owner/breeders Wayne and Rod Knittel, and a victory would be fitting as Johnson conditioned several outstanding performers who raced under the Beck banner.

Lonnie Beck passed away in 2002 at the age of 68.

“Lonnie was very important as both an owner and a breeder in California, especially during the time we needed it most,” Johnson said. “I remember one year we went back to the Harrisburg sale and he bought 12 horses to bring back here to race. He made a big difference.”

Beck was certainly one of the most important owner/breeders of the last several decades while campaigning some of the top performers on the West Coast, including Givemewhatineed, his son Ivegotwhatuneed and Mel’s Best, just to name a few.

                                               ***

There are two wagers offered here each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5, which is decided on the first five races of the evening; and the 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool.

Last Saturday night’s Pick 5 featured winners that paid $3.80, $11.40, $11.80, $12.40 and $12.80, respectively, returning a healthy $7,137 for each 50-cent ticket.

Using the regular takeout rate, each winning combination would have been worth $6,372, a difference of $765. Now that’s value.

Lonnie Beck Pace brings out solid cast

The $8,300 Lonnie Back Pace has the top billing Saturday night at Cal Expo, with last week’s Prep winner FF Bigshow among the major players.

There will be 11 races presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:10 p.m. The co-feature is a $6,600 Open Pace that finds Gorgeous For Real eyeing his third straight victory at the head of the class.

To give you some idea how contentious the Lonnie Beck figures to be, last week’s Prep for this event saw the first four horses separated by the grand total of a neck, with FF Bigshow prevailing in a 1:54 mile that evening.

A 7-year-old son of Relentless Yankee, FF Bigshow is owned by George Reider, Greg Robinson and David Siegel, is conditioned by Reider and will have Luke Plano giving directions.

In last week’s outing, the pacer was shuffled to next-to-last at the half, found room late in the drive and ignited when it counted for Plano to get the nod over Allmyxsliventexas, who in turn narrowly got the place over Senga Nitro and Beacon Of Hope.

Allmyxsliventexas is 5-year-old Hi Ho Silverheel’s homebred who competes for Wayne and Rod Knittel with Bob Johnson handling the training duties and Nick Roland in the sulky. He was a 1:51 4/5 winner at Running Aces last summer and will be tough no matter how things shake out early.

Rounding out the cast are the aforementioned pair of Senga Nitro and Beacon Of Hope along with I’m Blue Too and Cantholdmebackmack. The feature goes as the third race on the card. 

MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK HOSTING 3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF

Meadowlands Chili Cookoff on Saturday, January 27 with $1,000 Grand Prize

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 25, 2018) –  The battle is on this Saturday, January 27 in Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s 3rd annual Homestyle Chili Cook Off! 38 contestants are competing for the $1,000 grand prize plus a spot in the International Chili Society’s World Championship cook-off in Reno, Nevada.

There is also a $500 prize for second place and $250 cash prize for the third place chili.
Homestyle chili is defined by the International Chili Society as the cook’s favorite combination of ingredients resulting in a dish seasoned with chili peppers and spices. Contestants must cook their chili on site between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with judging promptly after. 

Last year’s Meadowlands winner, Joseph Callahan, went on to win the 2017 International Chili Society’s World Championship for his Homestyle chili and took home the $4,000 prize.

 “We have a record number of participants this year,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “This has become a great winter time event for us.  We are excited to see it continue to grow and become a must attend racetrack event!”

Racetrack guests are also welcome to sample the chili and vote for their favorite.  The fan favorite cook will walk away with the $500 prize.  Fan favorite voting begins 7:30pm, voting ballots are available at the Players Club Desk and in the live racing program. 

In addition to the chili competition, a separate side contest for homemade salsa will also be conducted offering the winner a $500 first prize.

As an added bonus, fans can enjoy live harness racing with first race post time at 6:35pm.   

For complete event details and to see the complete list of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment events, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

BIG ACTION MEANS BIG PAYOFFS AT BIG M

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Western Joe might have been the top performer at the Meadowlands after taking the Preferred Handicap last Saturday (Jan. 20) night, but the big winners were the betting faithful, who were treated to big payoffs, which were created by spirited wagering.

Over the course of the 14-race program only four favorites visited victory lane, which served as the catalyst for big payouts in the 20-Cent Survivor Pick 10 ($18,028), Pick 5 ($11,645) and Pick 4 ($2,022). The total pools for the ‘Survivor’ ($21,653) and Pick 4 ($86,996) reached new 2018 heights while the Pick 5 remained strong as usual ($54,802).

Thus far in 2018, here are the average payouts for three popular nightly puzzles (all of which offer a reduced takeout of 15 percent):

·         Pick 4: $1,322 (50-cent base wager)

·         Pick 5: $6,692 (50-cent base wager)

·         Survivor Pick 10: $8,050 (20-cent base wager)

All-source wagering on Saturday reached $2.7 million, which was another 2018 best, while the average payoffs that evening for the Win ($18.65), Exacta ($181.27) and Trifecta ($1,549.20) wagers were rock solid.

When racing resumes with a 13-race card Friday night at 6:35 p.m., players can look forward to a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5, a $50,000 guarantee in the Pick 4 and a huge $75,102 carryover in the Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High Five, which gives the Meadowlands' faithful a good reason to hang in there until the last race of the night.

Free program pages for the Meadowlands Pick 4, courtesy of Track Master, are available on the Meadowlands’ website (www.playmeadowlands.com) and on the handicapping section at www.ustrotting.com.

Friday Night at the Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ - Live harness racing returns to The Meadowlands on Friday evening with a 13 race program.

The featured contest is the seventh, a $17,500 conditioned pace for the ladies where New Zealand import Bronze Over N is the slight favorite on the Morning Line at 2-1.

Racing out of the Scotty DiDomenico barn for owner Larry Fischer, Bronze Over N was a winner at first asking at The Meadowlands when she scored an easy 1:52.2 win late last year with Brett Miller driving. After a pair of credible starts across the Hudson at Yonkers Bronze Over N will begin from post 3 in a filed of seven on Friday with Brett back in the sulky.

Off the track the Survivor bet continues to gather momentum and the last race Super Hi-5 Jackpot carry-over has now eclipsed the $75,000 barrier. You may begin to handicap that bet early with a free program page courtesy of The Meadowlands and Trackmaster and expert opinion of house handicapper and TV host Dave Brower.

Post time is 6:35 p.m.

Little Joke Doesn't Fool Around At Buffalo Raceway

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Little Joke ($4.00) showed the field in the $9,500 Open Pace for the mares at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (Jan. 24) that she wasn't going to fool around as she was all business in wiring the field in 1:58.2.

Scoring from the four post, Little Joke scooted right to the lead for driver Billy Davis Jr. and posted fractions of 29.0, 59.2 and 1:29.4 over the fast track.

In the drive to the finish line, it was a cavalry charge but no one had the answer as Little Joke held her ground and handily posted the two length win over Voltina (John Cummings Jr.) and Hey Kobe (Shawn McDonough).

Co-owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice, the 6-year-old Little Joke (Bettor's Delight-Town Joke) is trained by Maria Rice. It was her 17th win in just 51 lifetime appearances, earning $164,475 along the way.

Quicksilvercandy A (Bad Bert-Forzett), a 14-year-old mare who tied for the most wins in the United States last year with 22, made it a perfect 3-for-3 in 2018 with a 1-1/4 victory over Escada De Vie in 1:59.0. Owned by Larry Stalbaum and trained by Kimberly Asher, it was the 66th career win for Quicksilvercandy A, a winner of $113,694 last year and $687,728 lifetime.

Drew Monti and Shawn Gray each had driving triples on the night while Cummings Jr. had a pair. Trainer JD Perrin sent a trip to the winner's circle while Jim Clouser Jr. doubled.

Racing on Friday night has been cancelled due to a lack of entries but a 13-race program is set for Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

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

Hard-knocking ladies rewarded with victories

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Hats off to the mares Sparkin Your Fire and Blue Note, who has their pictures taken in back-to-back races here last Friday evening.

The Filly and Mare Open has developed into one of the most contentious divisions on the grounds, and Sparkin Your Fire has now captured three of these events at this session. The 6-year-old goes about her business for owner Peg Hoffman and driver/trainer Gerry Longo.

Because she had been settling for nibbles of late and had an outside post, Sparkin Your Fire was dismissed at a juicy 26-1 last week and was ultra-game getting the job done in first-over fashion in a 1:54 3/5 mile.

Longo, by the way, is still going strong at age 72 and has now made 2,827 trips to the charmed enclosure in his career with nearly $12.5 million in earnings.

Speaking of veterans, less than half an hour after that race, the 13-year-old Blue Note suited up for owner/trainer Rick Cisco and pilot Luke Plano and got the job done in coast-to-coast fashion.

This daughter of Little Steven has earned her $129,000 bank account the old-fashioned way with a 1:54 1/5 mark that was set here last season and she continues to display the desire to show the way home.

Cisco has done a great job keeping this mare on her game and she has certainly become a fan favorite, especially when she turns in performances like she did last week.

Filly and Mare Open atop the marquee

A $5,500 Filly and Mare Open Pace headlines Friday night’s Cal Expo program with last week’s upset victress Sparkin Your Fire attempting a curtail call.

Five different distaffers have been victorious in the last seven Filly and Mare Opens, and last week it was Sparkin Your Fire who prevailed for driver/trainer Gerry Longo while rewarding her backers to the tune of $55 in that mile.

It was actually the third win in the Distaff Open at this meet for the 6-year-old daughter of Duneside Perch, who goes about her business for owner Peg Hoffman. She was very game getting it done in last week’s clash, used early for position from an outside post and then coming first-over for Longo to seal the deal by three-quarters of a length.

Capitol Hill was her most immediate victim in that contest and sports a decision at this level back on November 25. The Badlands Hanover mare is owned by George McChrystal and Kathie Plested with Plested the conditioner and Steve Wiseman handling the lines.

Two weeks ago, it was Delightfully Wild and Melodies That Rock who dead-heated for the top spot at this rung. The former was accounting for her third straight tally at this level, while Melodies That Rock was parlaying an upset victory in the Robert Gordon final.

Delightfully Wild races for Richard Morita and David Yamada with Lino Pacheco training and Luke Plano driving and had her work cut out last week leaving from the outside slot in the field of nine and having to come from well back.

Melodies That Rock is by Rockin Image and carries the banner of Brittney Nichole Thigpin with William Hernandez reining and training. She was 27-1 when she captured the Gordon with Chip Lackey doing the honors that evening. Shark Festival rounds out the field for owners Medinah Racing and Scott Ehrlich with Kathie Plested training and Mooney Svendsen guiding from the rail.

Buffalo Raceway Cancels Friday Program

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Buffalo Raceway officials were forced to cancel the Friday night (January 26) program due to a shortage of entries.

They have also been approved for the cancellation of racing on Friday February 2, and Friday February 9, adding to the Friday cancellation this week. 

The next scheduled day of racing on a Friday is February 16, and will be contingent on the draw conducted Tuesday morning, February 13.  Hopefully, the horse shortage will have improved by then.

Harness racing will continue with a Wednesday, Saturday race schedule until that time.  Racing will be held as scheduled on Wednesday evening (January 24) with an 11-race card starting at 5 p.m. while action is slated to resume on Saturday (January 27) with a 6 p.m. post.

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

BIG M PICK 10 PLAYERS SURVIVING QUITE WELL

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Meadowlands' 20-Cent Survivor Pick 10 wager may no longer be new, but based on the bet’s pool totals and payoffs, it continues to shine.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the wager’s total pool moved past the $20,000 mark for the third time since the bet’s inception on Nov. 4. A total of $21,653 was poured into the pot and one superb handicapper who ‘survived’ seven races – which included winners who scored at odds of 33-1 and 23-1 – was rewarded with a payout of $18,404.80.

Even when the total pool isn’t sky high, the payout can still be huge. The Friday, Jan. 12 pool saw $15,204 in wagers, and when the bet concluded when they hit the wire in Race 6, one shrewd player walked away with $12,920.56. It should be noted that some of the money earmarked for the Pick 10 may have instead been bet into the Pick 5 pool, which exploded to over $250,000 with the enticement of a $28,000 carryover that night.

The Big M’s signature wager, the Pick 4, averaged a little over $80,000 per night in action over last weekend, with Saturday’s winners – despite having a 2-1 shot and a 5-2 shot win the middle two legs of the sequence – walking away with $2,022.60 for a 50-cent bet.

DON’T LEAVE EARLY: The carryover for the Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High Five – which requires a single-ticket winner to rake the pot – stands at $75,102.54. … Racing continues Friday night at the Big M at 6:35 p.m.

Herr and Stuckey Qualify for WHHC presented by DerbyWars.com

Edward Herr of Ocean, New Jersey, captured the January 20^th World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier presented by DerbyWars.com at the Meadowlands Racetrack. 

Herr used his final had $154 to win on 6-1 Continual Hanover in Race 14.  He cashed for $1,016.40, earning him the $1,638 top cash prize and a $1,000 seat in the WHHC Final April 28, 2018 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. 

Lee Stuckey of Newark, New Jersey, also qualified for the April 28^th Final with his second place finish in Saturday’s contest.  Stuckey had a $256 lead going into the final Meadowlands race.   He managed to hang for second on with a final bankroll of $967. 

The $200 Qualifier required contestants to place at least ten $10 minimum win wagers on Meadowlands races.

The top five contest finishers were:

Place	Prize $	Bankroll	First	Last
1	$1,638 + $1,000 WHHC Seat	$1,016.40	Ed	Herr
2	$858 + $1,000 WHHC Seat	$967	Lee	Stuckey
3	$663	$679.80	Del	Kern
4	$468	$651.60	Rick	Arbiter
5	$273	$448	Stan	Lubowicki

 The WHHC presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament [April 28, 2018], with a welcome reception the evening prior.  Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,000.  The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of six Meadowlands races, plus four designated mandatory races from partner tracks.  Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings.  Prize payouts are to the Top 10, with a guaranteed prize pool of $75,000.

DerbyWars.com is currently hosting regular online Qualifiers for the Final.  For more information visit https://www.derbywars.com/tournaments/list/whhc