JOEY “THE JET” PUTNAM COPS BILLINGS TROT AT MIAMI VALLEY RACEWAY ON SUNDAY

by john manzi, for the Billings Series

Being sent off as the odds-on favorite with Sum It Up driver Joey “The Jet” Putnam was undaunted after starting from the five-hole and sent his charge to the front and then made every pole a winning en route to a 1:57.1 triumph in his first start as a member of the Billings Harness Driving Series at Miami Valley Raceway on Sunday, April 29.

In an evenly rated mile Putnam was well in hand at the finish winning by 1-1/2 lengths over Can'tcutthatchip, driven by Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel. Ronan and driver “Lawbook Larry” Farley finished third some 17-lengths behind the first two finishers.

Putnam. a 20 year-old college student son of talented mid-west horseman Joe Putnam, is part of the youth movement employed this season by Billings vice president Steve Oldford to bolster the amateur ranks in the series mid-west regional division.

According to Oldford, “the Billings series is seeking youth, 25 years or younger who have under 50 pari-mutuel wins without haven taken compensation and for a nominal fee can join the Billings events except for the travel series races.”

Added Billings president Tony Verruso”We are targeting young drivers for all divisions of the Billings who are working their way to the professional ranks and it should be noted that top reinsmen Cory Callahan and Ronnie Wrenn used the Billings series as their first step.”

The Billings is sponsored by the Delvin Miller Harness Driving Association. Any amateur driver seeking further information or if interested is joining the Billings Series , is urged to call Verruso at 917-697-8986 or Oldford at 810-300-3234.

The Granddaddy of all amateur racing series, the Billings, will offer races weekly at various venues in both the United States and Canada and will culminate with the Gold and Silver Cup Finals at Yonkers Raceway on Sunday, November 26.

The leg at Miami Valley Raceway on Sunday, April 29 was the first in Midwest Division series. The next Billings event is slated in the Eastern Division series at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, May 5.

Tioga Downs starts live racing next Saturday with an enhanced experience.

When Tioga Downs Casino Resort opens for the 2018 racing season on Saturday (May 5), the fans and horsemen will enjoy an enhanced experience. 

The brand new hotel features 161 rooms and suites.  Many of the rooms are facing the gorgeous racetrack with the Susquehanna River in the distance.  The hotel offers a fitness center as well as an indoor heated salt water pool and hot tub. 

Horsemen can enjoy a discounted rate of $89.99.  Reservations can be made through the race office at 607-699-7688.

When summer hits the whole family can enjoy an outdoor water slide with plunge pool as well as an outdoor Cabana Bar and outdoor pool.

Guests can visit AgeLess Spa for a couples massage and more before hitting the track or casino floor for an exciting day or night of fun.

Also new for 2018 is P. J. Clarke's restaurant with breakfast available Monday through Saturday and dinner available seven days a week.  Enjoy fresh food , frosty drinks and old fashioned conversation.

On opening day (May 5), live racing has a special post time of 5p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

YONKERS ANNOUNCES ACROSS-THE-BOARD PURSE INCREASE

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

YONKERS, NY, Monday, April 30, 2018—Yonkers Raceway has announced an across-the-board purse increase, effective with the upcoming condition sheet for the race week beginning next Monday, May 7^th.

The increases range from 10-20 percent, depending upon the purse of the race. Races going for less than $15,000 shall get the higher hike (moving the lowest purse from $7,500 to $9,000), while any race worth $15,000 or more gets a 10 percent rise. Thus, the weekly Open Handicaps move from $40,000 to $44,000.

For more information, please contact the race office at (914) 457-2627.

BETTOR’S EDGE TAKES BIG M PREFERRED

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Bettor’s Edge changed the narrative again, but the result remained the same.

The 9-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, who was doing so well over the last two months coming from off the pace, reverted to his early-season speed ways, but unlike the first two months of the year – which saw mediocre results – this time the Jennifer Lappe trainee went directly to the top in :27.4 and was able to see it through in the Saturday night feature at the Meadowlands, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers.

Though he reached the half in a tepid :56.1, even-money favorite Rodeo Romeo was right there sitting a threatening two-hole trip.

But Bettor’s Edge was not to be denied.

Andy Miller guided the eventual winner through a lightning-fast final half of :53.4 to hit the wire a half-length in front of Rodeo Romeo in 1:50. Soho Wallstreet A was third.

Bettor’s Edge, who paid $7.20 as the second choice in the wagering, now has four wins in his last six appearances in the Meadowlands’ top overnight event. He has been filling his fans’ pockets with cash, as in none of the four scores has he gone off as the post-time choice.

The Robert Santagata and Lappe-owned veteran now has 40 lifetime wins and earnings of $2.08 million.

LOOKING TO GRADUATE: Bettor’s Edge’s arch-rival Western Joe raced in the 4-year-old Open for Graduate pacing eligibles on the undercard and raced well, but was beaten by Highalator, who used a big move down the backstretch to secure command and go on to a half-length victory. Western Joe, the even-money choice, held second with Lawrencetown Beach third.

The winning time of 1:49 for Highalator was not only a lifetime-best for the 4-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere, but equaled the fastest mile of 2018 in all of harness racing while being the fastest mile of the year at the Big M.

David Miller drove the winner, who is trained by Jenny Bier. As the third choice in the betting, he paid $9.00 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: One Meadowlands simulcast player in Canada had a huge night, as he or she was the only winner of the track’s 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10, cashing in for $27,252 for surviving seven legs. … For the second straight night, the Pick-4 pool reached six figures ($120,664) while surpassing the $88,000 mark for a 12^th straight time. … The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five carryover continues to expand. It now stands at $208,090 after the wager once again failed to result in a single-ticket winner. … Total wagering on the 10-race card was $2,309,009. … Racing resumes at the Big M Friday at 7:15 p.m.

BARTLETT’S SATURDAY FOUR-BAGGER INCLUDES WEEKLY TROTTING FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, April 28, 2018—Jason Bartlett won a full one-third of Yonkers Raceway’s dozen races Saturday night (Apr. 28^th), including the co-featured $40,000 Open Handicap Trot with favored Fearless Man ($4.50).

Forwardly-placed from assigned—and moist—post position No. 4, Fearless Man made the first lead. He then gave it up to lass Charmed Life (Dan Dube) right at a 27-second opening quarter-mile. The latter continued through subsequent of intervals of :57.3 and 1:26.3, with 32-1 Crazshana (Brent Holland) supplying some unwanted company.

Charmed Life owned a length lead into the lane, but tired and bore out enough to allow Fearless Man to through the side door. That one whipped a second-up Mostinterestingman (Larry Stalbaum) by a length in 1:56.2. Charmed Life saved the bottom of the ticket, with In Secret (George Brennan) and Crazshana coming away with the minor awards.

For Fearless Man, an 8-year-old Elegant Man gelding trained by Andrew Harris for co-owners Rick Zeron Stables, Murray Greenfield, Noblock and Cool Cat Racing, it was his fourth win in a dozen seasonal starts. The exacta paid $63, with the triple returning $281.

The evening’s $40,000 Open Handicap Pace was won by wagering choice Windsong Leo (Brennan, $5.10) in a  down-the-road 1:53.2.

Back to Bartlett, who swept a popular $13.80 early daily double with faves P H Supercam ($4.10) in 1:53.2 and Bell I No ($4.50) in 1:53. He also bookended ended the card with Perfect Bet ($20.80) in the 12^th-race finale (1:52.4).

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Videtic Wins 2018 World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com

Jim Videtic of Cleveland, Ohio captured the $43,652.70 grand prize in the 2018 World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com on Saturday, April 28 at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.  He also won an additional $3,676.40 via his second contest entry.  He walked away with a total of $47,329.10.

Videtic finished the tournament with a $2,254.50 bankroll to top the field of 117 players from across North America who competed for $81,940 in prize money.  Videtic won his two seats via DerbyWars.com qualifiers. This was the largest prize pool ever offered for the WHHC. 

The WHHC contest format required contestants to bet 10 races: seven Meadowlands races of their choice, plus one mandatory race each from Buffalo, Vernon and Meadowlands racetracks.  Bets had to meet a $30 minimum, $100 maximum per race.  Contestants could only bet one horse per race and wagers could either be win, place, show or a combination of the three.  

 Videtic  cashed on five of his ten bets and took an early lead with a $952.50 score coming in the mandatory Vernon race 7 with $30 to Win on #1 (Jimi Wind Ricks).  He cashed in the Meadowlands’ sixth race for $940 with a $100 Win wager on #3 (Santiago Style) and again in the mandatory seventh race at the Meadowlands for $450 with $100 to Win on #1 (Highalator). Jim’s final cash of the night was in the Meadowlands’ ninth race earning him $116 with a $40 to Win bet on the #1 (This Is The Plan).  After a losing $100 bet in the last race at the Meadowlands, he finished with a final bankroll of $2,254.50, taking home the $43,652.70 prize. 

DerbyWars.com sponsored the 2018 World Harness Handicapping Championship and held weekly online qualifiers throughout 2018.  In addition to DerbyWars.com and the Meadowlands, the following partner outlets sent players to compete in the 2018 WHHC: USTA, Buffalo Raceway, Vernon Downs, Tioga Downs, Standardbred Canada, and TVG/Betfair.

Top Ten Finishers:

First	Last	Bankroll	Prize $
Jim	Videtic	$2,254.50	$43,652.70
Jeff	Billings	$1,871.00	$11,547.90
Thomas	DeSimone	$1,597.00	$7,616.70
Scott	Warren	$1,350.00	$5,773.00
Jim	Videtic	$1,241.00	$3,767.40
Sam	Agigian	$1,056.00	$1,916.46
Lee	Stuckey	$1,031.00	$1,916.46
Michael	Rusovick	$913.00	$1,916.46
Peter	Kleinhans	$884.50	$1,916.46
Dustin	Carlson	$748.00	$1,916.46

Jimmy Whittemore wins five at Vernon.

John Horne for Vernon Downs.

Jimmy Whittemore won five races including the featured pace ($8000), with Calvin B at Vernon Downs on Saturday Night (April 28).

In the feature Believe This Bob (Aaron Byron) controlled the pace for most of the race (:27.3, :55.1 , 1:23.3).   Calvin B ($4.40), who is owned by Delores Smiel and trained by Jim Nickerson was in fifth after three quarters.  Ben N Crosby (John MacDonald) pulled out of the pocket and grabbed the lead at the top of the stretch.

Whittemore then guided Calvin B between both rivals, charging right on by to win in 1:53.0.  Ben N Crosby hung on for second while Drunken Desire A (Justin Huckebone) came up late to finish third.

Calvin B, an 8-year-old gelding by Better's Delight added his second win of the season and won for the 30th time in his career.

Duckies Dynasty wins the second leg of the Farina Pacing Series.

Whittemore guided Duckies Dynasty ($7.60) to a win in the Anthony Farina Pacing Series ($4,000).  Back to Motown (Mike Merton) finished second with Silver Arrow (John MacDonald), settling for third.

Duckies Dynasty is owned by Share A Horse Inc and trainer Harry Landy.  The 3-year-old gelding by Riverboat King, won for the fifth time this season in nine starts.

Whittemore also won with Major Leaguer ($3.10), Love Live Laugh ($14.80), and Bluffton ($7.00).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 4) at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

Focus Power Splashes Way To Buffalo Raceway Win

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Despite a sloppy, wet race track, Focus Power didn't lose sight of the winner's circle as the 6-year-old gelding slogged his way to the victory in Buffalo Raceway's $9,600 featured pace on Saturday night (April 28). 

Catching the front end spray of the pace setting Linkjack Hanover for over a half mile, driver Drew Monti and Focus Power had enough and pulled out midway down the backstretch the final time.

Getting relief from the mud, Focus Power ($6.70) found it clear sailing in the stretch and held off a late charge from Upfront Countryboy (Shawn Gray) to notch the 1-1/2 length decision in 1:56.3. Linkjack Hanover (JD Perrin) settled for the show position.

Owned by James Caradori and trained by Darrin Monti, it was the first win in three tries in 2018 for Focus Power (Shadow Play-Luv's For Ever). The victory pushed his seasonal earnings to $7,968 and $165,935 lifetime.

In the sub-featured $9,000 trot, Empire Empire N ($4.90) destroyed the field by rolling to an easy 7-1/4 length score in 1:59.3 over Noble Legend.

Sitting a unhurried sixth as the starting gate moved away, Empire Earl N began his forward march to the top just before the half mile marker. By the time he reached the top of the stretch, Empire Earl N (Ray Fisher Jr.) extended his advantage to six lengths and never looked back. Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) finished in second while Edom Up Blue Boy (Rock Vinci) was third.

Owned by Kimberly Asher and trained by Riley Asher-Stalbaum, Empire Earl N (Earl-Santa Nita) is a 10-year-old gelding that has now posted three wins in nine attempts. The victory improved his seasonal bankroll to $18,935 and $180,825 lifetime.

Davis Jr. finished the evening with a four-bagger while Fisher Jr. and Monti tripled. Trainer Maria Rice conditioned three winners while Asher-Stalbaum had a pair.

Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with an 11-race program slated.

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

Top Performers Qualify at The Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ – The Saturday, April 28 qualifying races at The Meadowlands got underway at 10am under overcast skies to begin with the sun threatening to peek through, temperature in the low 60’s and no wind of consequence.

Being the top dog at anything has its privileges, as driver Yannick Gingras can attest. His talents have enabled him to be first call for two of the very best trainers in the game, Ron Burke and Jimmy Takter, resulting in him being the driver of many top stakes performers. Those include trotting mares Hannelore Hanover and Ariana G who were, respectively, the top two vote getters in the 2017 Horse of the Year balloting.

There is, however, a downside to that lofty perch and that occurs when those types are from the same division and must face each other. They both raced in qualifiers this morning, though not against one and other. At some point, Yannick will have to make a difficult choice.

Ariana G was up first in race six and making her first appearance of the new season and she looked fantastic. Yannick put her on the lead and she strolled along comfortable right through the end of the 1:53.3 mile five in front with an effortless 27.1 final quarter. Celebrity Ruth (Trond Smedshammer), certainly no slouch on her own, was a willing second. Jimmy Takter trains Ariana G for Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld.

Hannelore Hanover came up next in her second go of the season and she made a very strong case to keep her driver. Yannick moved the champion mare to the front after Yes Mickey (Svanstedt) took the field by the quarter in 28.1, cut comfortable middle fractions then let her trot home in 27.1 ending the mile in 1:52.2 on her own, looking fabulous. Broadway Donna (Dave Miller) actually closed ground into that fast final stanza to get up for second, though no threat to the winner. Lagerfeld (Jim Marohn, Jr) rallied for third while Yes Mickey gave way to fourth.

The day began with Ken Jacobs’ talented sophomore Chapter Seven filly Seven Karats (Scott Zeron) winning again, this time leading all the way through even fractions for the 1:54.3 / 29.1 win off by a few on her own. Linda Toscano is the trainer. I’mwhygodmadegirls (Yannick Gingras) was a solid second.

Zeron employed similar tactics in race 2 with another good Chapter Seven filly, his dad Rick’s Atlanta. Scott got them in line behind him through even numbers then drew off through a 27.1 end to the 1:54 mile in verrrrrrry impressive fashion. Rick Zeron trains for his own interest along with partners Holland Racing, HA Taylor and Brad Grant. Vivacious Allie (Ake Svanstedt) and Sevenbuyeleven (Tim Tetrick) held their respective spots in second and third in a race where there was no passing.

Six Pack took a measured 1:54 win, closing out with a 26 and change final quarter for Svanstedt. He tracked Seven Iron (Tetrick) all the way then forged by with something in reserve. Seven Iron held grudgingly and Fashionwoodchopper (Dave Miller) flew home into the fast last quarter with no urging and no trotting hopples. Svanstedt trains and owns the winner, a son of Muscle Mass, with Little E, LLC, Stall Kalmar and Lars Berg.

Top WEG driver Doug McNair was in to drive the morning and he nudged Missile Hill past Brothers In Arms (Jimmy Takter) right on the wire to get a 1:54.3 / 28.2 win. Dawson Springs was an even third in his first go of the year for Dave Miller and Sonofamillionaire (Svandstedt) finished fourth after cutting the mile. Brad Grant owns and Tony Alagna trains the winner.

Race 5 winner Helpisontheway (Tetrick) was originally programmed as #1 in race 4 but moved and left from post 9 in the next race. He landed in third as Godspell Hall (Gingras) led through unhurried fractions then was moving and drew clear when that rival went off stride at the ¾ pole. Helpisontheway was well in hand to Tetrick through a 27 flat end to a 1:54.2 mile. Zephyr Kronos (Takter) the enigmatic son of European star Ready Cash looked comfortable and closed considerable ground into the fast last quarter to get up for second. Linda Toscano trains the winner, another by her Horse of the Year sire Chapter Seven and owns the colt as Camelot Stable in partnership with The Bays Stable.

Race 8 saw the start of the pacing races and O’Brien award winning freshman of last season Stay Hungry made his 2018 debut from the rail with Doug McNair driving for Tony Alagna. McNair sat a pocket as Pedro Hanover (D. Miller) set an honest pace, emerged as they turned into the stretch and rolled right by the leader to win in 1:50.4 / 27.1 under no urging. Babes Dig Me (Brett Miller) rallied well late and Pedro hung in there for minor spoils. Brad Grant and Irwin Samelman own the winner, a son of Somebeachsomewhere.

There were a bunch of top sophs in the ninth and Hayden Hanover (Andy Miller) came away the winner in 1:52.2 / 26.1. Andy put the SBSW colt on the lead early in 29 – 58 when American History (Gingras) came calling, not content with those dawdling numbers. That one led into the stretch and gave way grudgingly as Hayden rallied by. Sporting Chance (McNair) was a solid third while the Dan Patch award winning top freshman pacer of 2017, Lost In Time (Zeron), was fourth after a conservative trip. Julie Miller trains the winner for Pinske Stables and Jim Simpson.

Another of trainer Tony Alagna’s seemingly endless group of sophomore pacing colts, Captain Deo, is emerging as a top talent. He won back this morning in 1:51.2 closing into a 26.2 final quarter for Brett Miller, fighting past a stubborn No Easy Day (Gingras) and Twin B Tuffenuff for the score. He’s a SBSW from the great race mare Worldly Beauty racing for Alagna Racing, Joe Sbrocco, In The Gym Partners and Captain Deo Partners.

Python Blue Chip (Gingras) was a winner in the 11^th, converting a perfect trip into a 1:53.3 / 26.3 score. Hurrikane Shorty (Jim Marohn, Jr) cut the mile and held second over closers inside and out. Ron Burke trains the winner, the owners listed are Ake Svanstedt, Blue Chip Bloodstock and Stable 45.

Kissin In The Sand took the exciting 12^th race, sitting a pocket to Rainbow Room (D. Miller) then finding a seam up the inside to edge by the leader and hold off the closing Youaremycandygirl (Gingras) in a 26.3 end to the 1:52.1 mile. This match-up of the three top freshman pacing fillies of last season resulted in them finishing right across the track.

Filibuster Hanover was absolutely vicious in the last, following stablemate Rock N Tony through swift fractions then ripping from the pocket and driving off into the sunset with a 25.3 end to a 1:49.3 mile. It was his second go of the season and looks like trouble for potential foes in next week’s Graduate Series opener. Rock N Tony held up for second while the great mare Pure Country (Mark MacDonald) was a solid third in her seasonal debut.

You may view the charts from today’s races on the web and the replays are also posted here.

Live racing tonight at 7:15 pm.

CRAZY WOW, BLUE MOON STRIDE SCORE AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Crazy Wow and Blue Moon Stride were victorious in their respective 2018 debuts, winning the Friday night co-features at the Meadowlands.

Crazy Wow took the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for trotters by three-quarters-of-a-length over Mambo Lindy in 1:52.2. New Jersey Viking, who was coupled in the wagering with the winner, finished third.

The Ron Burke trainee did not have an easy time of it as he was forced into the three-hole early and was still in tight in deep stretch, but a patient David Miller finally found some room along the pylons after Fly On vacated the pocket and Crazy Wow had more than enough trot to record the victory while holding off the late-charging Mambo Lindy.

As the 3-5 favorite, Crazy Wow returned $3.20 to win.

Blue Moon Stride worked out a perfect pocket trip to take the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacing fillies and mares by a head over a stubborn Inverse Hanover in 1:50.2. Cousin Mary was third.

Hoosier Park invader Inverse Hanover was after her fourth straight score and almost got it, leading at every call but the last. Corey Callahan timed his move with Blue Moon Stride perfectly and the pair needed every inch of the stretch to get up in time.

A 5-year-old daughter of Rocknroll Hanover who is trained by Nifty Norman, Blue Moon Stride returned $6.00 to win as the second choice in the wagering. Darlinonthebeach, the 8-5 public choice, finished fourth, earning just enough to become harness racing’s newest millionaire.

A LITTLE MORE: Burke had a training triple on the card, Yannick Gingras a driving double. … Make it 11 straight pools of at least $88,000 for the track’s signature Pick-4 wager. A total of $103,275 was bet, serving as the catalyst for the total wagered on the seventh race, $308,388. … The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five carryover continues to grow. That number is now $204,269 after the bet failed to result in a single-ticket winner. … Total handle for the 10-race card was $2,185,205. … One lucky winner walked away with $18,823 for being the only player to make it through seven legs of the 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

Warrawee Preferred wins Vernon feature on Friday.

Warrawee Preferred (Mike Merton) charges late to capture the featured trot ($7000) at Vernon downs on Friday Night (April 27).

Pier Ho Exotic (Jimmy Whittemore) posted all the early fractions (:26.3, :55.4, 1:25.1).  Trooper Jim (Drew Monti) came out of the pocket just before the three-quarter mark as the two battled all the way into the stretch.

Warrawee Preferred (Federal Flex),  watched patiently from third.  The 7-year-old gelding who is owned by Scott Woogen and trained by Gary Messenger, made his move in mid-stretch blowing by Pier Ho Exoctic (second) to get the win in 1:55.1.  Painite (Truman Gale) came up late to finish third.

Warrawee Preferred ($12.60) won for the third time this season and while getting career win number 34.

Somedew Somedont and Tournament, each won a division of the Keller Trotting Series.

Somedew Somedont (John MacDonald) captured the first division of the Robert E. Keller Trotting Series ($4000).  Owned by Chris and  trainer Dale Lawton, Somedew Somedont ($2.20) nailed down her second straight of the season.  The 3-year-old filly by Deweycheatumnhowe would get career win number four.

John MacDonald was the winning driver in the second division as well, leading Tournament (Deweycheatumnhowe) to a gate-to-wire victory.  The 3-year-old gelding is owned by Philip Hale and Trainer David Dewhurst.  Tournament ($2.30) won for the second time this season and the sixth time in his short career.

Vernon Downs  returns to live racing with a 13 race card on Saturday (April 28) at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

MACH IT A PAR WINS FRIDAY 30G DISTAFF FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, April 27, 2018—Mach it a Par (Jason Bartlett, $7.60), after paying her way through the just-concluded Blue Chip Matchmaker, rallied from off the pace Friday night (Apr. 27^th). winning Yonkers Raceway’s $30,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.

At the outset, it was Caviart Cherie easily clearing her seven inside rivals. Last week’s winner then gave it up to Ellie’sjet N (Jordan Stratton) before a ‘good’ :26.4 opening quarter-mile.

Mach it a Par, meanwhile, left for a seat from post position No. 7. She found one fifth, winding up second-over behind tepid 5-2 choice Lovineveryminute (Brian Sears). Both were out moving prior to a :55.3 intermission, though the first-up number wasn’t making many inroads. That forced Mach it a Par wide right at the 1:23.4 three-quarters.

Ellie’sjetN owned a length-and-a-half lead in and out of the final turn, but her pursuer was about to pay her a visit. Mach it a Par wore down the leader, edging past by three-quarters of length in a season’s-best 1:52.4.  

Gina Grace N (Larry Stalbaum), Lovineveryminute and Caviart Cherie settled for the minors.

For second choice Mach it a Par, an 8-year-old daughter of Mach Three co-owned by D’Elegance Stable IX, Carmen Iannacone, T L P & Gandolfo Stables Joe P Racing and trained by Richard Banca, it was her third win in a dozen seasonal starts. The exacta paid $27.60, with the triple returning $108.50.

The winner is now over $800,000 in career earnings after her 40^th victory

Earlier in the evening, there was a ‘Cherie’ union meeting in the paddock, where Caviart Cherie was introduced to Cherie Czerniowski, Empire City’s Assistant Director of VGM Operations. The two ladies seemed to get along, with photographic evidence to prove it,    

MINORE; SCHWARTZ; NAADA TROT WINNERS AT MONTICELLO RACEWAY ON APRIL 26

by john manzi for NAADA

MONTICELLO,NY-Less than a week after the North American Amateur Drivers Association completed their Friendship Challenge against the visiting Hungarians it was back to two trots in the seventh leg of the NAADA spring trotting series at Monticello Racewa. And when the judges declared the races official, Paul Minore and Alan Schwartz each reined a winner in their respective splits on the nine race betting card.

Minore won the sixth race with Stayin Strong in 2:01.2 while Schwartz copped the ninth and final race of the afternoon with with Ladys Big Stormont in the identical time of 2:01.2.

In his division Minore notched is 100^th career victory with a come-from-behind triumph to score a head victory over a stubborn Fox Valley Steffen, driven by Jennifer Lappe. Tony Verruso garnered the show dough with Flirting Duezy, who was another half length back in third.

“After starting from the seven-hole and sitting in sixth position some 10 lengths off the lead, I knew with the quick early fractions of :28.2 and :58.1 that they (the leaders) would be coming back to me late in the mile,” Minore said after the race. “And that's just what happened.

“When we headed for the three quarters I moved my trotter to the outside and we began picking up horses. Although I was still fifth on the final turn the front-end horses began to tire and I was able to get the lead just before the wire.”

It was the first time Minore drove Stayin Strong, who was win-less in 12 previous starts. The 5-year-old Muscles Yankee gelding is owned by Adam Friedland and trained by Craig Mosher. He paid $15.80; $6.10 and $4.20 across the board.

In the second split -race nine- Minore was up behind Wygant Prince who was 2:00.3 winner in his last start but a third place finish was all the veteran gelding could muster in an action packed event dotted with breaking horses.

When the starter said “go” Schwartz hustled his charge to the lead with Monica Banca and Brandos Muscle Man on the limb challenging. As the two approached the first stanza Schwartz grabbed leather and allowed Banca to take command and then immediately retook the lead.

The two trotters raced one-two past the half after Eyore Hanover (David Glasser) Tim Lizzi (Bob Davis) and Here Comes Numbers (Jennifer Lappe) all went off-stride.

As the leaders headed into the final turn Tony Verruso, who was saving all the ground while traveling along the pylons with Gifted Way, decided to move for the lead on the turn but unfortunately his charge went off-stride which undoubtedly cost them the race.

Although the aforementioned happened behind Schwartz who was cutting the mile, he remained undeterred and kept urging his trotter all the way to the wire. At the finish, Ladys Big Stormont was one-length winner over Brandos Muscle Man. And as stated earlier Wygant Prince took home he show dough.

“After the race I was told that I had a lucky break when Gifted Way went off-stride, and maybe I did. But when it was all over my horse got the biggest share of the purse,” Schwartz related. :He's (my horse) not one to ever count out. After all, he won 12 races last season and now has three wins already this year.”

The betting crowd was certainly in Schwartz's corner as they sent Ladys Big Stormont off as the odds-on favorite in the race. He is owned and trained by his driver and paid just $3.30 for win.

On Friday, May 3 the eighth leg of the NAADA series will again be contested at Yonkers Raceway

To The Limit sparks nice payoff

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

To The Limit pulled off a $73 upset in last weekend’s Lloyd Arnold Pace at Cal Expo, and as result turned what would have been a modest Pick 4 into a $1,289 return for each 20-cent investment.

The Pick 4 is one of two wagers offered here each night featuring a reduced 16 percent takeout rate, the other being the 50-cent Pick 5 that covers the first five races on the card.

The Pick 4 comes with a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool on Fridays and a $50,000 guarantee on Saturdays.

Using the regular takeout for that aforementioned $1,289 Pick 4 payout, the return would have been $1,150, a difference of $139 for each winning ticket.

Getting back to To The Limit, he put in a spectacular final quarter to win the Arnold going away in a lifetime-best 1:50 3/5 mile for owner Alan Cooper, trainer Kathie Plested and pilot Tim Brown.

Plested did a tremendous job getting him ready in his first evening appearance since late January, putting a couple of very strong qualifiers into the pacer that obviously set him up perfectly for the demanding assignment.

The weekend’s other feature was the Stan Bergstein Trot and track record-holder Pridecrest did not disappoint his many backers as he posted a coast-to-coast length and a half victory for owner Heather Matthews and driver/trainer Luke Plano.

Veteran Blue Note takes on solid cast

A strong case can be made for several of the pacing fillies and mares in Saturday night’s $3,400 main event, with Blue Note, Getter Queen Flush and Moonshinenmonkeys among the major players.

The feature will go as the opener on a 10-race card presented by Watch and Wager LLC and things will get underway at 6:40 p.m.

Blue Note is a 13-year-old daughter of Little Steven out of the Denali mare Romantic Music who comes into this assignment with $141,000 in her bank account and a 1:54 1/5 mark that was established here last season.

In last week’s outing at this level, the bay miss carved out all the fractions with Luke Plano giving directions, showed the way to deep stretch but was unable to hold off the closing charge of heavily-favored Bettor Lady, who was scheduled to compete in Friday night’s Kirk Breed Pace.

Getter Queen Flush and Moonshinenmonkeys are both exiting the Open II captured last week by Shark Festival and should be very much at home under Saturday’s conditions.

Getter Queen Flush proved a punctual favorite the last time she started in a conditioned event on March 24. She carries the banner of Reider, Haness, Haness and Thomas with George Reider the conditioner and is looking for her fifth win on the year from 16 appearances.

Moonshinenmonkeys looms large with her best mile and she is owned by Rick Bertrand and Doug Flores with Bertrand doing the training and James Kennedy guiding. The field is rounded out by Magnifique, Surprisingly Sweet and Totally Racy.

75,000 UP FOR GRABS IN WHHC AT BIG M

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Meadowlands’ “Championship Meet” doesn’t get underway until the first Friday in May, but there is a championship of another kind on the line at the Big M this Saturday, April 28, as harness handicappers shoot for a total prize pool of $75,000 in the World Harness Handicapping Championship, presented by DerbyWars.com.

The format for the WHHC is as follows:

·         $1,000 total fee ($700 entry fee plus $300 bankroll)

·         Player’s choice of seven Meadowlands races plus three designated mandatory races, one each from the Meadowlands, Buffalo Raceway and Vernon Downs

·         $30 minimum bet per race; $100 maximum bet

·         Win, Place, Show and/or any combination of WPS wagers only

·         One horse per race

·         Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings

·         Maximum of two entries per person

In the event there are 108 entries, the WHHC will have a guaranteed prize pool of $75,000 with a $40,000 Grand Prize. In addition, the top 10 finishers will each win a share of the prize pool.

All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the order of finish based on the highest accumulated pari-mutuel earnings.

For more information, go to http://playmeadowlands.com/uploadedFiles/2018_WHHCFinal_Rev3.pdf.

HOTEL INFORMATION: Out-of-towners who need a hotel room can contact the Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights, 283 Route 17 South, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. The phone number is 201-288-9600.

GIGANTIC CARRYOVER: The Meadowlands’ Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five, which will be offered on Friday night’s 10^th race, sports the largest carryover in all of harness racing. It now stands at $200,837 and can be taken down by one player, if he or she is the only ticket holder of the winning combination.

The Big M’s popular Pick-4 wager, which has had 10 consecutive total pools of at least $88,000, will be available on Races 7 through 10.

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

Live racing at the Big M is this Friday and Saturday. Post time is 7:15 p.m.

PARKING DURING VOLTA: Those heading to the Big M for live racing need to be aware of what to do when they arrive at the track to avoid a $20 parking fee, which is for those attending the Cirque Du Soleil Volta show. Volta will have performances on the same nights as live racing through Saturday, May 5.

When track patrons arrive, they should stay to the right-hand side of the toll plaza to avoid the $20 fee.

OWN A HORSE! The Big M’s popular “Own a Horse” promotion offers fans a chance to own a piece of a Standardbred risk free. Sign up on or before Saturday, April 28, and if you are one of 10 lucky contestants chosen during live racing that night, you’ll get a chance to own up to 10 percent of a Big M horse’s earnings during the month of May.

DERBY COUNTDOWN: The 144^th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs is the main simulcast attraction at the Big M on Saturday, May 5. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Post time for the Derby is 6:34 p.m. 

ENJOY DERBY DAY - THE “MOST EXCITING TWO MINUTES IN SPORTS” AT MEADOWLANDS RACING & ENTERTAINMENT

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – On Saturday, May 5^th, join Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 144^th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will open at 9:30am with free parking and free admission. Before a full day of racing and partying, get in a complete meal at Victory Sports Bar. Victory will be serving a Derby themed buffet beginning at 11:30am for $49.95. Dishes will include sides and starters like Mashed Sweet Potatoes, home-made Mac & Cheese, freshly baked corn bread, and Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings, entrees like Roasted Chicken and BBQ Ribs, and assorted pastries and cookies for dessert.  For reservations call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).

All day, enjoy Woodford Reserve bourbon, the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,” and bourbon specials including mint juleps along with Grey Goose in the K-Derby cocktail for $10.  Each specialty drink is served in an official commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.

Ladies are welcome to express their fashion sense and style by entering the $1,000 Derby Hat Contest with no boundaries on how over-the-top the headwear can go.  The most outrageous hat wins the $500 grand prize. Signup between 2:00pm to 4:45pm with the judging at 5:00pm in the Winner’s Circle.

Plus all guests over 18 years of age can enter the $100 Derby Win Wager contest.  Ten lucky contestants will be selected to place a $100 win wager on any horse of their choice in the Kentucky Derby. 

After the Derby, guests are welcome to enjoy a night full of live harness racing at the Meadowlands with the first post time set for 7:15pm.  Pink, the tiered dining room with perfect views of the live racing action, will feature a few Southern inspired options on their $54.95 buffet menu created by Executive Chef Dennis Sammarone.  Pink will open at 4:30 pm and reservations are strongly recommended as space is extremely limited.  To reserve a table call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).

Prizes continue into the night with ten $100 win wagers on live harness racing, the ten contestants will be selected throughout the night.  Fans pick up a FREE horse to toss for the Horseplay Car Giveaway at the Players Club desk or Horseplay table in front of the Winner’s Circle. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the car, will receive a $100 betting voucher. Each night’s winner will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win a brand new 2018 automobile on, Friday, August 3. After the horse toss each night, children get to pick up all the horses left on the track and receive a FREE ice cream from The Cafe’.

For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment donates $10 to the designated monthly charity. The May donation recipient is K9 Soldiers, Inc/The Argos Project, the June donation recipient is Bergen County Horse Rescue, and the July/August donation recipient is Homefront.

To make reservations or book your private event, call (201) 843-2446 or email catering@playmeadowlands.com.

Hey Kobe Cooks Up A Win At Buffalo Raceway

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- A better draw, an easier level and a perfect pocket trip were the ingredients for Hey Kobe as she cooked up a victory in Buffalo Raceway's featured $8,400 pace on Wednesday night (April 25) in a seasonal best 1:56.3 over the sloppy track.

Dropping down into an optional claimer after competing in the Open Pace for the ladies the past three weeks, Hey Kobe ($11.60) also found the two hole to her liking as well after getting straddled with three consecutive five posts in those outings.

Sgt Molly Pitcher (John Cummings Jr.) splashed out to the early lead and Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) followed in tow from the garden spot through splits of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27.3.

Coming around the final turn before the stretch run, Hey Kobe tipped to the outside and eventually wore down the pace-setting Sgt Molly Pitcher to notch the neck decision. Sportsmuffler (Drew Monti) showed plenty of late kick but could only muster up a third place finish.

Owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., it was the third win in 14 appearances for the 6-year-old mare Hey Kobe (Bettor's Delight-American West). The victory pushed her 2018 earnings to $19,681 and $279,730 lifetime.

It was bombs away in the tenth race as Panalytical (Monti) scored a $72.50 victory which help ignite an 8-5 exacta that returned $2,523 and an 8-5-4 trifecta that cashed out for $5,078.75.

Billy Davis Jr. and Monti completed the action with a triples in the bike while Richard Roth finished with a training double.

Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 12-race program scheduled for 6 p.m.

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

Distaffers do battle in Kirk Breed Pace

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Fillies and mares will be in the spotlight Friday night at Cal Expo in the $10,000 Kirk Breed Pace with Delightfully Wild heading the cast.

There will be 10 races presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:40 p.m.

Delightfully Wild comes into the headliner having posed for pictures following four of her last six trips to the post for owners Richard Morita and David Yamada, trainer Lino Pacheco and pilot James Kennedy.

All four of those victories have come at the Filly and Mare Open level, including her March 16 tally where she prevailed by a length and a quarter while establishing a new lifetime standard with the 1:53 2/5 clocking.

The 5-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight added another on March 31 in facile, coast-to-coast fashion, then had to settle for a close third after carving out the fractions as the even-money choice at most recent asking while doing her work from the demanding No. 10 post.

Shark Festival packs a powerful finish and is coming off a nice win in which she came home in :26 4/5 to secure the half-length decision. The 7-year-old daughter of Shadow Play races for Medinah Racing and Scott Ehrlich with Kathie Plested training and Steve Wiseman at the controls.

Completing the cast are La Diva De Rosa, Kiss On The Lips, Bettor Lady and Shesamysterytome.

Race pays tribute to Kirk Breed

Friday night’s Kirk Breed Pace is named for the man who was the Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board and previously served as a board member and general manager of the State Fair here at Cal Expo.

Kirk Breed passed away in 2013 at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.

During Gov. Jerry Brown's first term in 1979, Mr. Breed was appointed general manager at Cal Expo and was credited with turning around the event's financial fortunes during lean times. He later became a lobbyist on behalf of the racing industry and also served eight years on the Cal Expo board of directors.

Mr. Breed served as executive director of the California Horse Racing Board from 2008 until his death. During those five-plus years, he oversaw the regulatory agency's day-to-day business.

He was involved in such high-profile issues as the restriction of the use of steroids; the reduction of permissible levels of bute; and the transformation of the Santa Anita main track from a troubled synthetic to a dirt surface.

"In his years as executive director, Kirk Breed provided invaluable guidance and counsel to everyone who served on the board," said former racing board chairman David Israel. "No one was more dedicated to assuring the welfare of the horse, the well-being of the participants and the integrity of the sport than Kirk."
The Oklahoma native attended Oklahoma State on a football scholarship in the 1950s, while as the same time helping his father, who trained a stable of quarter horses. After graduating with a degree in zoology, Mr. Breed volunteered for the Peace Corps, spending time in Chile and Columbia and working at the State Department in Washington, D.C.

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment's Championship Meet Jam Packed with Racing, Food and Fun

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment kicks off the Championship Meet on Friday, May 4^th, and runs through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 4^th.   Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with a 7:15pm post time. The Championship Meet features over $8.5 million in stakes races and event-filled weekends.

Every live race night fans can enter Horseplay. Pick up a free horse at the promotions table and throw the horse into the car for a chance to win $100 and an entry into the Friday, August 3^rd drawing for a brand new 2018 car. For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment donates $10 to the designated monthly charity. The May donation recipient is K9 Soldiers, Inc/The Argos Project, the June donation recipient is Bergen County Horse Rescue, and the July/August donation recipient is Homefront.

On Saturday, May 5^th, join Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment – for an exciting day and night of simulcast & live racing action, including the 144^th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Fans can enter the $1,000 Derby Hat contest and the $100 win wager promotion and enjoy the $49.95 Victory Sports Bar Buffet.  For reservations call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).

On Saturday May 19^th, the beer will flow for the 3rd Annual Spring Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP ($75) at 4:30 pm with General Admission ($35) at 5:30 pm and beer is poured until 9:30pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of the best craft beer, cider, live-harness racing, music and food the Garden State has to offer with over 30 breweries and cideries participating.  Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2pKYx3k.

The 3^rd annual Battle for the Best Burger is slated for Saturday, June 9^th. The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for 2^nd place and $500 for third. This free event runs from 12 noon - 10 pm and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers. 

Camels and ostriches will thunder down the stretch at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment for the 7^th Annual Camel & Ostrich Derby on Saturday, June 16^th. 

On Saturday June 23^rd, the vino will flow at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for the Summer Wine Festival.  Doors open for VIP Admission ($75) at 4:30 pm with General Admission ($35) at 5:30 pm and wine is poured until 9:30pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of great wines from around the world, live-harness racing, music and food. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/2pNlwMc.

Saturday, July 7^th is Fan Appreciation Night and the 1^st Annual Wiener Dog Derby.  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, soda and draft beer while watching dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in our Wiener Dog Derby.  Plus following the races fans are encouraged to stay of the free fireworks show.  Racing features a special post time of 6:35pm.

Then on Saturday, July 14^th the 3^rd annual BBQ Battle returns to the track on Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace Night.  $2,000 is up for grabs in the Battle with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs. Plus on the track, the top 3 year old pacers compete for the $600,000 Meadowlands Pace title.  Racing features a special post time of 6:35pm.

The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for its fifth year on Saturday, July 28^th.  The Pink buffet, overlooking the live racing action, will feature a special seafood-themed spread including lobster, mussels and clams.  There will also be a raw bar in the Backyard and a variety of food trucks serving up some of the best seafood in the Garden State.  

The race meet wraps up on Saturday, August 4^th with the greatest day in harness racing - $1 million Hambletonian Day.  Over $3.5 million is on the line as the top trotters and pacers compete to be crown champions.  Doors open at 10 am with first race at 12 noon.  Admission is $5 and includes a commemorative Hambo baseball cap for adults and a horse keychain for children.  In addition to the great harness racing, fans can enjoy carnival rides and games, pony rides, face painters, live music and much more.

For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit PlayMeadowlands.com.  Dining reservations for the Pink buffet or Victory Sports bar can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting Playmeadowlands.com/dining.

Looking to book a corporate event or private party?  Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment has unlimited event possibilities – from a rooftop terrace with skyline views, to Victory Sports Bar to private Skybox Suites.  Book a Party today by emailing catering@playmeadowlands.com.