Just B Talking also does some pacing

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

It wasn’t as easy as the 2-5 odds might lead one to believe, but the 3-year-old pacer Just B Talking got the job done last week in a blanket finish for his owner/trainer/driver Gerry Longo.

Just B Talking was a beaten favorite in his Cal Expo debut on opening night when settling for an exacta completion, then did his work in first-over fashion at most recent asking and was on the right end of the photo finish.

“I bought him last month in Indiana,” Longo informed. “I thought he had some good races and he had conditions, so it figured he would do well out here.

“I blame myself for his losing that first start, because I sat in too long with him and we got locked in, but he was coming real strong at the end.

“To be honest, I didn’t think he was as good in this last mile, but he got the win anyway. There’s a series coming up for him in a few weeks and that’s what we’re pointing for right now.”

The 74-year-old has 13 performers under his care at Cal Expo and comes into this week’s action with 2,875 driving victories and over $12 million in earnings.

“My goal is to get to 3,000 wins,” he said. “I still love to come out every morning and work with the horses, and as long as I can go out on the track at night and do a good job, I’ll keep on driving.”

Pair of Opens, Funicello Prep atop bill

The Annette Funicello Prep, a Distaff Open Pace and an Open Trot share the spotlight Friday night at Cal Expo.

There are 11 races on the Watch and Watch and Wager LLC program with the action getting underway at 6:15p.m.

Dancer’s Fancy looms large in the Annette Funicello Prep after scoring a nice victory on opening night. The 4-year-old mare carries the banner of Vikki Pheilsticker with Rick Bertrand training and James Kennedy in the sulky.

Glad to Meet Ya figures to have a strong say in the outcome despite having to do her work from the outside post in the field of eight. The 3-year-old Disco Devil homebred races for Billie Schwartz and Junior Wilkinson, with Wilkinson training and Luke Plano handling the lines.

Completing the field are Lookslikewemadeit, Sing N Sandi, Lickcreek Speedway, Thats How It Goes, Rosebud’s First and Hot Dandy.

Looking at the Filly and Mare Open, Fancy Little Girl should appreciate getting away from Capitol Hill after chasing that stablemate home in the first two top dances for the division. The dark-hued mare is owned by Benvenga Racing LLC, Taylor and Plested, hails from the Kathie Plested shedrow and has Steve Wiseman guiding.

There are two wagers offered here nightly with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5, which begins on the first race; and 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a $20,000-guaranteed pool on Fridays and $30,000 on Saturdays.

REFLECTING ON A SUPER SATURDAY AT THE BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The weather may not have been cooperative, as a heavy rain fell for most of the evening, but that did not stop many of harness racing’s stars from shining last Saturday (Nov. 24) at the Meadowlands.

Horse of the Year voters got to see the top two horses in training take down tough fields in their respective TVG Finals, as McWicked – the presumed favorite in the HOTY race – won the Open Pace in dominant fashion in 1:48. Not to be outdone, Shartin N – who became the first-ever aged pacing female to earn $1 million in a calendar year – splashed through the slop to score easily in the Mares Pace in 1:50.3.

In the TVG Open Trot, Tactical Landing defeated rival 3-year-old Six Pack in 1:51.4 in what is presumed to be trainer Jimmy Takter’s last big Meadowlands victory as he heads off into retirement.

Also on the card were the Fall Final Four for 2-year-olds and one performer, Captain Crunch, stood out from the others as the Breeders Crown champion took the Governor’s Cup for 2-year-old colts and geldings on the pace in 1:50.3.

The great Foiled Again made his final career appearance at the Big M but had to settle for fourth in the “Auld Lane Syne” Pace after going a tough trip. Despite the weather, he hung around in the winner’s circle long enough for his fans to take pictures and have track TV personality Jessica Otten give him a bouquet of carrots, which he had no qualms about snacking on right after his race.

The Meadowlands’ TV dynamic interview duo of Dave Brower and Bob “Hollywood” Heyden braved the elements to get insightful post-race interviews for all eight of the stakes events on the program, while TVG, who dedicated much air time to the Big M card, had Tom Cassidy (who came in from California to be part of the evening) and the Big M’s ‘super-sub’, Rich Mattei, provide extensive commentary on the 13-race card.

The all-source handle was a meet-best $2,764,912, and the track’s signature wager, the 50-Cent Pick-4, saw a meet-high $101,859 in play.

This weekend, live racing takes place on the usual Friday and Saturday (post time, 7:15 p.m.), but the schedule will change slightly beginning Dec. 6, as Thursdays will be added to the slate for the month of December. The date that racegoers need to be aware of is Saturday, Dec. 15, when the track will be dark as the New York Jets will host the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m.

WIN SOME CASH: On Friday, Nov. 30, Big M fans can grab some green in the Players Club Swipe N Score promotion. Swipe your Players Club card and win a betting voucher worth up to $500. Prizes range from $2 to $500 and vouchers will print after the first swipe, one voucher per person.

In the event you are not a Players Club member and want to get in on the action, contact James Johnston (jjohnston@playmeadowlands.com) or any Players Club representative to sign up.

BRING A TOY, MEET QUINCY: On Monday, Dec. 3, the Meadowlands will host a U.S. Marines Toys for Tots holiday toy drive, and football fans who bring a new unwrapped toy for the great cause will get to meet and greet New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa.

FOX5 sportscaster Tina Cervasio will serve as master of ceremonies at the event, which takes place from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Enunwa, who currently has 33 catches and a team-high 418 receiving yards, will personally deliver the collected toys to children at Harlem Grown, a charitable organization in Harlem whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition.

THE CLYDESDALES ARE COMING: On Friday, Dec. 7, the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will make a stop at the Meadowlands.

Come out for a selfie with the majestic animals – who were originally a gift to August A. Busch Sr. to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition – on the East Apron from 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m.  Then grab a Bud or a Bud Lite and watch the Clydesdales parade on the track after the conclusion of the first race.

GET YOUR NFL ACTION: Or for that matter, wager on college football, pro basketball, soccer and hockey at the Big M’s FanDuel Sports Book.

The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Keep in mind that the sports book will close after all live U.S. games have concluded.

OLDFORD WINS BILLINGS GOLD CUP; VERRUSO COPS THE SILVER CUP

by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Yonkers, NY—Harness racing's granddaddy of all amateur events, the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series, presented its 37^th annual Gold and Silver Cup Finals at Yonkers Raceway on Sunday, November 25^th and they resulted in near storybook fashion when coincidentally the $25,000 Gold Cup was won by the series vice president,Steve “You're Never Too” Oldford, and the $15,000 Silver Cup Final went to the series president, Tony “the Capo” Verruso, making it the first time that the event's top officers were victorious in the races' finales.

The long-running program is, and has always been, sponsored by the Delvin Miller Memorial Harness Driving Series, better known as the Billings,

Raced this season at a distance of 1-1/4 miles over the double-oval at Yonkers Raceway the two 10-horse fields were very competitive with Oldford and Starsaboveallerage, despite being sent off at odds of over 22-1,winning the Gold Cup in a tight photo over On The Podium (“Tough Tony” Ciuffetelli) in a time of 2:32. The Silver Cup Final went to Landonfitz, driven by the series president, Tony “the Capo” Verruso over Winwood Scout and driver “Dave “Modern Legend” Drew in a time of 2:31.4. Both drivers had to negotiate ten-horse fields en route to victory.

Oldford is enjoying one of his best seasons in the sulky and has already topped the leaderboards in the midwest division and the Billings Travel Series and he has copped the Billings overall points championship.

“I had a pretty good journey when you consider the Gold Cup was a the 10-horse field on a half mile track” Oldford said after he won the Gold Cup. “I got lucky to find a hole early and although I had to go three-deep around Dave (Offernberg with Fiji) my horse cleared them quickly before the half and we raced toward Joe (Faraldo with Tough Get Going) who was on the lead and we finally caught them and put them away in the stretch. But then we had to contend with the late challenge from Tony (Ciuffitelli and On The Podium) but my old guy hung tough and we won the race by just a head, which in reality was as good as winning by a mile”. Faraldo's charge held on for the show dough.

Starsaboveallerage, a 7-year-old altered son of Angus Hall is owned by Oldford Racing and trained by Allen Sisco. He paid $47.20; $16.40 and $11.20 across the board.

In the Silver Cup Verruso's ride behind Landonfitz was a lot less complicated.

“I got lucky to find a hole early and then had a perfect trip,” Verruso explained. “Despite losing my whip at the half I didn't have to move until I came first-up when we headed to the three quarters and Landonfitz easily circled Dave Drew;s horse (Winwood Scout) and we didn't have any serious challenges after that. We cruised home an easy winner.”

Super Manning, driven by “Joltin' Joe” Pennacchio, finished third just a head behind Winwood Scout.

Landonfitz, an 8-year-old Jailhouse Jesse gelding is owned by the Allister Stables and trained by Eric Abbatiello. He paid $11.40 for win.

ANDY RAY WINS SUNDAY 44G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, November 25, 2018—Yonkers Raceway’s Sunday (Nov. 25^th) matinee saw an anxiously-pocketed Andy Ray (Jason Bartlett, $7.60) winning the featured $44,000 Open Handicap.

The Sunday feature went at the flat mile, one race after the seven added-distance ‘French’ trots.

The field of seven was effectively downsized to four as three of the gang—The Last Chapter (Matt Kakaley), Crazy About Pat (Jim Marohn Jr.) and Gruden (Dan Dube)—did the dance of the damned.

Meanwhile, Andy Ray—from post position No. 5—worked around 1-2 choice Lean Hanover (Jordan Stratton) for the lead before a :28.1 opening quarter-mile.

He then gave it up to DW’s NY Yank (George Brennan), with that one finding a :57.4 intermission. However, ‘Andy’ was getting’ itchy and gettin‘ out before a 1:26.3 three-quarters.

Andy Ray disposed of DW’s  NY Yank, but Lean Hanover was poised right behind.  The people’s preference proved no match, though, as Andy Ray finished it off by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.3. A tiring DW’s NY Yank was third, dividing the smaller envelope with a trotting-in-place Lazarus (Brent Holland) and The Last Chapter.   

For second choice Andy Ray, a 6-year-old Crazed gelding owned by Yinson Quezada and trained by Anette Lorentzon, it was his sixth win in 27 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $16.40, the triple returned $58.50 and the superfecta paid $251.50.

Sunday’s incarnation of the ‘New York, New York Double’ featured a winning combination of 5-Tequila Sunday (Aqueduct’s 1^st race) and 1-Quick Summer (Yonkers’ 5^th race), returning $23.70 for every correct $1 ticket. Total pool was $3,416.

The next Sunday matinee is Dec. 2^nd (post time TBA).

McWICKED MONSTROUS AS SEARS DOUBLES IN TVG

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – McWicked completely dominated his foes for a third straight stakes start, and in the process, likely wrapped up Horse of the Year honors Saturday night at the Meadowlands after taking the $350,000 TVG Open Pace by 2 lengths over Dealt A Winner in 1:48 over a sloppy track. Filibuster Hanover was third.

“He was absolutely awesome,” said winning trainer Casie Coleman. “He’s been awesome all season long. I was a little worried when Filibuster got to the front and nobody was coming, I thought we might go a little bit slow fractions up front, but he kept rolling along and it set up great.”

She needn’t have been concerned.

Sent to the gate as the 1-9 public choice with the heavy rains from earlier in the evening having diminished to a steady drizzle, McWicked, who was an easy winner in the Dan Rooney on Oct. 13 before following that up with a crushing Breeders Crown score two weeks later, was away in third as Filibuster Hanover reached the quarter in :27 and the half in :54.2.

Driver Brian Sears activated McWicked, a 7-year-old son of McArdle-Western Sahara, with about three-eighths of a mile to go, moving quickly after the leader, and was just a length to the bad at three-quarters in 1:21.2.

McWicked then powerfully, methodically wore down Filibuster Hanover and went on to an easy victory, his 12^th in 19 starts this year. His earnings for 2018 stand at $1,575,364, while his lifetime bank account is a gaudy $3,896,876. He’s won 34 of 93 starts over his career.

As the heavy favorite, McWicked returned $2.20 to his backers. He is owned by the S S G Stables.

Coleman explained after McWicked’s win in a Big M overnight event last week that the horse will return for his 8-year-old season. “We’ve had a lot of offers to go to stud, but his owner, Ed James, is loving this and he said McWicked is racing next year.”

Will McWicked be chosen as Horse of the Year? “I sure hope so,” said Coleman. “We’ll see what the voters think, so hopefully.”

In the $350,000 TVG Open Trot, Tactical Landing completed a marvelous 3-year-old season by besting rival sophomore Six Pack as the pair finished 1-2 facing seven older foes.

“He’s really, really special. I’m so proud of this horse,” said winning trainer Jimmy Takter. “I can’t praise a horse more than I praise this guy. He’s one of a kind.”

Strong words. But deserving ones.

Six Pack, the 8-5 second choice, was away third in the early going before driver Ake Svanstedt brushed the Yonkers Trot and Kentucky Futurity winner to the top at the three-eighths. Sears was patient with 7-5 public choice Tactical Landing, moving the son of Muscle Hill-Southwind Serena off the rail from fifth at the half.

Tactical Landing chipped away at Six Pack’s lead until the duo were on even terms at three-quarters. They went at it nose-to-nose from there until Tactical Landing powered clear inside the eighth pole, going on to a 2½-length score in 1:51.4. Will Take Charge finished third.

“In the beginning, he was a real project,” said Takter of Tactical Landing, an $800,000 Lexington Select Sale purchase who earned only $1,500 as a 2-year-old. “He did not have confidence in himself.”

That would come when Tactical Landing, who paid $4.80 to win, moved into Takter’s barn at the start of this year, one during which his prized pupil has won nine-of-14 starts and bankrolled $810,800 for owners The Tactical Landing Stable.

Alluding to his impending retirement at the end of the year, Takter wasn’t sure what lies ahead for the horse. “It’s something we have to decide. I’m going to be out of the picture for most of it. I don’t know.”

A LITTLE MORE: One astute player betting at Pompano (Fla.) Park was the lone winner of the 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10 and took home $15,488 for surviving nine legs. … The great Foiled Again finished fourth in his Meadowlands finale. … All-source handle on the 13-race card was a meet-high $2,764,913. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

BRENNAN WINS FIVE, INCLUDING BOTH 44G CO-FEATURES

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

YONKERS, NY, Monday, November 24, 2018—‘Twas a dark and stormy Saturday night (Nov. 25^th), except for George Brennan.

Brennan won five of Yonkers Raceway’s dozen races, including the pair of $44,000 Open Handicap Paces.

He and Always at My  Place ($6.70) tracked down a clear, 7-5 favorite Bettor Memories (Jason Bartlett) late, winning the boys’ featured pace in a soggy 1:53.2. The latter had taken the lead, disposing of early leader Techtor Hanover (Jordan Stratton) down the backside.

However, Always at My Place, from post position No. 5, made up two lengths in the lane, the final margin a head. It was 45-1 Soho Lennon A (Tyler Buter) third, with Theartofconfusion A (Brent Holland) and Great Vintage (Jim Marohn Jr.) coming away with the remainder.  

For second choice Always at My Place, a 7-year-old Down Under Bettor’s Delight gelding co-owned (as Burke Racing (trainer) Ron Burke, Weaver Bruscemi, Larry Karr and Phil Collura, it was his ninth win in 28 seasonal starts (career 46-for-136, $1.048 million). The exacta paid $21.20, the triple returned $164 and the superfecta paid $542.

The girls’ marquee pace saw Brennan, Burke and a two-moving Monica Gallagher ($11.40) prevail in 1:54.3. Into a three-hole from post No. 6, ‘Monica’ went up and over a stopping Call Me Queen Be (Joe Bongiorno), then opened a couple of lengths in the lane.

Monica Gallagher whipped 17-10 choice Lispatty (Buter) by that same margin, with Keystone Wanda (Marohn Jr.), Medusa (Holland) and Scandalicious (Stratton)  settling for the minors.

   For fourth choice Monica Gallagher, a 4-year-old Mach Three miss co-owned by her trainer and Weaver Bruscemi, it was her ninth win in 22 ’18 tries. The exacta paid $39, the triple returned $146.50 and the superfecta paid $508.

Burke had three winners, though Rene Allard whipped him with four.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Raceway, which is back at it again Sunday (Nov. 25^th) with a first post of 11:10 AM.

SHARTIN N MAKES HORSE OF THE YEAR CASE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – She’s done all she can do. Now, she hopes the Horse of the Year voters are in her corner.

Shartin N became the first older pacing female to earn $1 million in a single season by taking the $175,000 TVG Mares Pace in 1:50.3 in a dominant performance over a sloppy track at the Meadowlands Saturday night on the biggest night of racing on the fall calendar, as four TVG Finals as well as the Fall Final Four for 2-year-olds were contested.

The 5-year-old daughter of Tintin In America-Bagdarin was used hard into the first turn by driver Tim Tetrick, putting 2-1 second choice Caviart Ally in the pocket. Shartin N was permitted to rate the second fraction in :29.2 as Blue Moon Stride made progress racing first-over, getting within a neck of the eventual winner nearing three-quarters, which was timed in 1:23.2.

The 4-5 favorite then turned it on, sprinting clear of Caviart Ally as Blue Moon Stride faded. At the wire, Shartin N was 1¾ lengths clear of a fast-closing Apple Bottom Jeans, who was 55-1 on the tote board. Pure Country was third.

“She’s been great. It’s been a great trip with her,” said Richard Poillucci, who owns the horse with Jo Ann Looney-King, wife of trainer Jim King Jr. “It was a little tough in the beginning with (her going off stride) when we got her here but she’s just been an incredible mare.”

“McWicked has been a tremendous horse,” said Poillucci when the subject of Horse of the Year was brought up. “I’m just happy that she’s done what she’s done.”

Shartin N, who won the Breeders Crown four weeks ago, paid $3.60 as the 4-5 public choice and has won 19-of-24 starts this year, good for earnings of $1,053,236.

Earlier in the evening, in the $175,000 TVG Mares Trot, Breeders Crown champion Emoticon Hanover sealed up divisional honors by holding off the late-charging Hannelore Hanover by a neck in 1:52.4. Celebrity Ruth was third.

Driver Daniel Dube hustled Emoticon Hanover to the lead in the abbreviated five-horse field with Hannelore Hanover racing right behind. Over a track rated ‘good’ as heavy rains fell, the moderate fractions of :28, :56.3 and 1:25.4 set the stage for a sprint to the wire.

“Everything went well with those fractions,” said Dube in the winner’s circle. “But I was not sure I had it won because (Hannelore Hanover) is a great horse, but my horse was good to the wire.”

Emoticon Hanover trotted her final quarter in :27, and it was just enough, as Hannelore Hanover – who started the year six-for-six but is now six-for-13 – was in tight quarters in mid stretch. Nearing the wire, Ice Attraction started to flatten a bit after grinding toward the leader during the final half-mile, allowing Hannelore enough room for one final surge. But she would come up just short.

Trained by Luc Blais, Emoticon Hanover, a 5-year-old daughter of Kadabra-Emmylou Who, returned $4.00 as the even-money favorite. She has now won 22-of-53 lifetime starts and earned $1,454,576 for owners Determination of Montreal.

TROLLEY REPORTS ON TIME IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It had been a long time between drinks for the Erv Miller-trained Trolley, but a perfect pocket trip was just the right tonic to get him to the winner’s circle for the first time since Sept. 10 of last year when he took the $16,000 high-range conditioned trotting feature Friday night at the Meadowlands.

Making only his second start of the year, Trolley was asked for early speed from driver Marcus Miller and got it, ending up in the two-hole behind even-money choice Lindy The Great. Those two raced that way from the quarter as Fashionwoodchopper struggled first-over from the get-go. Mayfair Johnny B – who was seeking his fourth straight win – was another who couldn’t hack it while racing uncovered past the half and three-quarters.

Through the stretch, Lindy The Great could not finish the job, as Trolley popped out of the pocket in midstretch and rolled by for a 2-length win in 1:52.2. Zlatan finished third.

A 5-year-old son of Donato Hanover-Lakeside Bride, Trolley returned $11.80 as the co-third choice in the betting. He’s now won nine-of-22 lifetime outings for owners Paymaq Racing, L.L. Mathias, G. Gillis and L.A. Willinger.

MAGNUM MIKE MAGNIFICENT: Magnum Mike won his third straight in the fifth race claiming handicap. He was claimed for $10,000 for the third time this month after scoring as the 4-5 favorite and now resides in the Chris Marino barn.

A LITTLE MORE: One lucky player wagering into the Ohio hub raked the pot in the ninth-race 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five, correctly wagering on the winning combination of 4-7-3-9-2. The payoff was $11,674. … The 50-Cent Pick-4 pool was a rock-solid $91,452, falling just $534 short of the meet high, which was established on Nov. 3. … All-source wagering on the 11-race card totaled $2,034,923. … Racing resumes Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. with the biggest card of the fall meeting. Eight stakes races – four TVG finals and the Fall Final Four for 2-year-olds – top a spectacular 13-race program. The top two contenders for Horse of the Year - McWicked (TVG pace) and Shartin N (TVG mare pace) - are the top two names on the marquee. In addition, the great Foiled Again will be in race three and then meet and greet his fans in the ‘Backyard’ after the race. There is also a Foiled Again poster giveaway. 

Veteran Dean Magee gets acquainted quickly

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Dean Magee wasted little time making an impression in his California invasion, winning the second race on the opening-night program with Mystery Dragon and then adding another victory in the sixth race behind Eddie Brush.

The 54-year-old Magee comes into this meeting with over 4,700 winning drives and just shy of $30 million in earnings while becoming a mainstay in the Midwest.

“I’ve taken the last couple of winters off,” Dean related. “I’d watch the races from here (Cal Expo) and say to myself, “Well man, I wish I could be out there with those guys.

“I guess it gets in your blood, and you get a hankering to be out there with everybody and racing. And whether you’re doing good or not, they seem like a good bunch of guys to race out here with, so I thought it was time to come out this way.”

Magee also took advantage of the situation to spend some quality time with his son Taylor.

“A big part of coming out here was taking a trip across country with my son. We decided we were going to head out to Cal Expo with the RV.

“The only problem was it seemed that everywhere we stopped, the weather was nice when we went to bed, but when we woke up it was cold and rainy,” he said with a laugh.

“Everybody has been really nice since we got here.”

One of the biggest wins in Dean’s career came in the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Woodbine in 2003 with an emotion-filled score behind Yankee Cruiser.

The pacer was trained by Tim Pinske, who had taken over the conditioning duties for the 3-year-old following the sudden death of his son Brian at the age of 38 eight months earlier.

“I really wanted to win that race for Brian, because this was his horse,” Magee noted. “He stuck with me all the previous year when he could have had anybody drive this horse. That win was for him.”

Scott Ehrlich goes back some 30 years with Dean, beginning when he was announcing the races at Quad City Downs and later when handling those duties at Balmoral and Maywood Park.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Dean Magee here,” Ehrlich said. “My favorite memories with Dean involve a couple of pacers named Armbro Kopas and Olympus Heights.”

Open Paces get the marquee treatment

A $7,000 Open Pace featuring Last Dragon and Allmyx’sliventexas and a $6,000 Distaff Open Pace that provides a rematch between Capitol Hill and Legio X Equestris are in the spotlight at Cal Expo Saturday night.

There will be nine races presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post at 7:10 p.m.

Last Dragon is an 11-year-old son of Dragon’s Lair who is owned by Paul Blumenfeld and is reined and trained by Chip Lackey. He comes into this assignment with eight wins from his 31 trips to the post this season and a 1:49 3/5 mark that was established two years ago.

Sent off the 8-5 second choice in last weekend’s Open, Last Dragon shot right to the front for Lackey, carved out modest fractions and then blasted home to prevail by two lengths in a 1:53 3/5 performance.

Allmyx’sliventexas made an impressive return to California in a conditioned event on that same program, making 50 cents on the dollar look like a gift as he romped home by four and a half-lengths with Mooney Svendsen in a 1:52 2/5 tour. He lands the outside post in the field of eight for Saturday’s assignment.

A multiple stakes winner over this track the past few seasons, the Hi Ho Silverheels homebred goes about his business for owner/breeders Wayne and Rod Knittel with Bob Johnson the conditioner. He went over the $150,000 earnings mark with his victory and has a 1:50 career standard that was established this year at Hoosier Park.

Capitol Hill is a 7-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover out of the No Pan Intended mare Champagne Blue Chip who carries the banner of George McChrystal and Kathie Plested with Plested training and Mooney Svendsen back in the sulky. She left into a pocket trip last week and overpowered heavy favorite Legio X Equestris in that contest.

TVG, FALL FINAL FOUR AND FOILED AGAIN HIGHLIGHT HUGE SATURDAY AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Saturday night, the place to be for an end of the year stakes-season sendoff spectacular card of harness racing is at the showcase of the sport, the Meadowlands.

Speaking of sendoffs, Big M enthusiasts will also get to say goodbye to an all-time great as Foiled Again appears on the track one last time at the mile oval before meeting and greeting his faithful fans.

Horse of the Year front-runner McWicked (TVG open pace) and the still-in-the-hunt Shartin N (TVG female pace) are the marquee names in two of six stakes events on the 13-race program, which gets underway at 7:15 p.m.

Defending Horse of the Year Hannelore Hanover takes on Breeders Crown champion Emoticon Hanover in the TVG female trot while 3-year-olds Tactical Landing and Six Pack duke it out for divisional honors as they face off with older foes Marion Marauder and Cruzado Dela Noche in the TVG open trot.

They’ll also be 2-year-olds in action in the Three Diamonds for filly pacers (featuring Breeders Crown winner Warrawee Ubeaut), the Goldsmith Maid for filly trotters, the Governor’s Cup for pacing colts and geldings (with BC champ Captain Crunch) and the Valley Victory for colt and gelding trotters.

Harness insiders talk Foiled Again

With the Meadowlands celebrating the five-year anniversary of the opening of its new grandstand, the great pacer Foiled Again, he of 106 career wins and $7.6 million in earnings, will be on the scene. Having won the much-hyped 2013 TVG open pace, he might be wondering why he isn’t in Saturday night’s TVG, but he will be racing on the card, leaving from post seven in the “Auld Land Syne”, which is the third race on the program. After he cools down, racing fans are encouraged to come back to the Big M’s ‘Backyard’ and meet Foiled, and to take pictures with a horse that history is sure to recognize as one of the greatest of all-time. There is also a commemorative Foiled Again poster giveaway, available at the Players Club Desk beginning at 6 p.m.

The Meadowlands caught up with some harness racing experts, and this what they had to say about Foiled Again:

Yannick Gingras, driver, Foiled Again: Foiled Again’s and my careers took off at the same time and I can’t help but think he was a huge part in taking me to the next level as a catch driver. His longevity, toughness, will to win and forgiveness of a tough trip is what made him so special. He was not the fastest horse I’ve ever driven but he will for sure be the toughest, gamest horse I will ever drive. 

The TVG meant so much that year with Captain(treacherous) being in it and all the hype around him plus Pet Rock, Sweet Lou and others. He was the old guy against a bunch of much-younger horses trying to take his spot. But in his true self, Foiled Again refused to lose and took it to all of them. (He held off Golden Receiver by a neck in 1:49.2.)

His BC win that year to me is my favorite and is the perfect race to describe Foiled as he was sooooo game that night and he fought horses coming from everywhere, but the TVG is a very close second and it’s a race I’ll never forget (like many other of his races).

I will be forever thankful for him and what he has done for my family but also to the sport in general. He was a breath of fresh air and the ‘people’s horse’ in a sport that need many more feel-good stories like Foiled Again’s. 

A true champion I will miss but never forget.

Bob “Hollywood” Heyden, Meadowlands TV personality, handicapper and historian: I remember the 2013 TVG Pace well, the (new grandstand) had just opened. Foiled Again, whose 47 starts at the Meadowlands are the most he has at any one track, dug in as was his style, and held off a grandiose field. (Keep in mind that Sweet Lou came back in 2014 to dominate this event by a city block and then retired.) An amazingly durable horse was Foiled Again at the top level, which is unheard of. I recall this horse made $57,000 at 2 and 3 COMBINED! He had three straight $1 million seasons – when he 7, 8 and 9-years-old – and is $1,120 in front of McWicked going into this weekend as the richest 7-year-old in the history of the game as a pacer. I loved this horse, knowing how he gave his all each and every time and it didn’t seem to matter where he was or who he was in with. The modern-day Rambling Willie, he ignored the calendar and has earned $7.6 million. For the last 75 months, he has been the richest pacer in harness history. The numbers could fill up a couple more pages.

What a way to kick off the TVG than with Foiled Again in 2013!

John Campbell, President and CEO, The Hambletonian Society: I was in the 2013 TVG (driving Modern Legend, who finished fifth), and Foiled Again was a very difficult horse to race against because he was so tough. That was a great race. There was a lot of build up with Captaintreacherous going in. It was one of many great races Foiled went. I think what’s astounding is how he raced at that top level and won major free-for-all stakes for I don’t know how many years. He’s going to be in the conversation with almost everybody when we talk about our all-time greats because of his longevity and the level that he raced at.

Moira Fanning, Director of Publicity and COO, The Hambletonian Society: To me, Foiled Again epitomizes harness racing. He wasn’t a flashy 2- or 3-year-old but he kept going out on the track and grinding out wins and money. He rose to the highest echelon in racing and stayed there far longer than expected.  He wouldn’t stand out in a crowd and was just another bay Standardbred – until he hit the racetrack, where his workmanlike attitude meant he raced about every two weeks, year after year, and suddenly was inching past all hoses for money earned – $4 million, $5 million, $6 million – finally coming to rest at the legal age of retirement, 14, with $7.6 million banked.

He was always kind of standoffish, too, didn’t seek attention and didn’t even like being turned out with other horses – Foiled Again is no herd animal, but he ended up being the leader of the pack. His personality seems changed a bit as well, to where he relishes the pictures, is cool with all the hoopla and puts his head down to be petted by the fans who drive from near and far to see him.  

Now that’s a true-blue collar hero!

Jeff Gural, Chairman and CEO, The Meadowlands: He was obviously a great horse and I am glad he chose this Saturday to make an appearance. He won so many races it is hard to remember any specific one!

Debbie Little, harness racing writer/handicapper, New York Post: To be at the top of his game for as many years as he was, racing against the best in the business, is just extraordinary. He was great to watch when he won as the favorite but much more fun when he won as a long shot like in the 2012 Canadian Pacing Derby beating Betterthancheddar by a neck at 14-1. I remember the Niatross tour in 1996 and it was such a great thing for the fans and I think it's amazing that the connections of Foiled Again were willing to take this on. People need heroes in this sport that don't disappear after competing for just a year or two. Thank you to Foiled Again for always giving us his best and for doing it for as long as he has.

He will be missed.

Mr Varsity gets class relief in main event

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

After having to cancel last week due to heavy smoke from the Paradise fire, racing is set to resume at Cal Expo Friday night with Mr Varsity heading the $4,800 pacing feature from the outside slot. 

First post for the nine-race Watch and Wager LLC program is 7:10 p.m.

Mr Varsity is a 4-year-old son of Roll With Joe who is owned by Nikki Hudson and Dave Haness and is reined and trained by Luke Plano. His first start at the meet came at the Open level and he had to settle for a third-place check after sitting a pocket trip as the 7-5 choice.

Mr Varsity was a winner this year at Hoosier Park and sports a 1:50 mark that was established last season at the Meadowlands. He should be very much at home in this conditioned affair, but the No. 9 post will certainly make things more challenging.

The Plano barn will also be represented by Why Ask Why in the headliner with Chip Lackey guiding. The gelding has eight victories on his card from 35 trips to the post this season, including a lifetime best-equaling 1:53 2/5 tour here early in the year.

He was last seen taking bows following a victory on September 21 at Hawthorne where he lit up the board at 46-1 after getting up by a neck that evening. The missed time is the biggest question mark with this pacer.

Cantholdmebackmack looms a major player with a race under his belt and a positive switch from the 9 post to the No. 3 slot for this assignment. Jessie Pacheco owns and trains and Steve Wiseman will once again be doing the honors. Completing the field are General Time, Almost Cut My Hair, Bettor in The Bank, Mister Hat, Crusin For You and Swagsasaururex.

Meadowlands Racetrack Annual Toy Drive Kicks Off Friday

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is holding its 15^th Annual Toys for Tots Collection Drive November 23^rd through Saturday, December 8^th.

This year the Meadowlands has teamed up with NY Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa & the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots to donate all the collected toys to Harlem Grown. Harlem Grown is a charitable organization in Harlem whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. For additional information, please visit www.HarlemGrown.org.

Enunwa will be at the Meadowlands on Monday, December 3 from 6:30-8:30pm.  FOX5 Sportscaster Tina Cervasio is scheduled to emcee the event.  Anyone that brings in a new unwrapped toy will be able to meet and grab a selfie with Enunwa. 

 “We are proud to host a Toys for Tots drive each holiday season,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, GM/COO of Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment. “Harlem Grown is a terrific organization and we are grateful to be able to assist Quincy Enunwa in his Toys for Tots drive.”

Complete Meadowlands Racetrack Holiday Toy Drive information can be found at http://playmeadowlands.com/home.aspx  

Sofia Zingale – Newcomer to RUS Already Making a Name

By Allan Schott for RUS MidAtlantic

Followers of standardbred racing in the MidAtlantic region have come to know Sofia Zingale as an upcoming star in RUS as a trainer and rider. She has signified her arrival with the victory of Egosnattitudes over Hyway Marcus in the RUS MidAtlantic Trot at Rosecroft on November 4.  A young trainer of dressage and show jumping horses, Zingale made a relatively smooth transition to the harness sport, exhibiting that with a first year USTR rating of .322.

Prior to moving to Delaware, Zingale wasn’t even aware harness racing existed.  After fourteen years of involvement in non-racing equestrian activities, she came to Delaware to ride for the Delaware State Equestrian team as well as get her college degree in biomechanics/kinesiology.  Soon after moving, Zingale met Leigh and Tyler Raymer who hired her.  Once the Raymers left the sport, Sofia moved on to work for Joe Columbo and the George Dennis Stable.  Saving money, Zingale purchased her first race horse Hybrid Heidi, she continues to campaign this mare.  The purchase of Heidi encouraged Zingale to get her trainers license and go out on her own this past May.      

Egosnattitudes, ridden by Sofia Zingale with Joe Colombo (L). 
Photo courtesy of Joe Cioffioni if Best Bet Photos.

Since starting her standardbred training career, Zingale has acquired seven horses (in addition to still training four show horses). It was a problem horse, however, which had Zingale put her toes into the RUS pool and fittingly, this horse was Egosnattitudes.  “I love problem horses.  I enjoy the ones that make you think hard and try out of the box, new ideas”, explained Zingale.  “One day I was talking to Jonathan Roberts, he mentioned a trotter named “Egosnattitudes” who was definitely a problem horse.   Jonathan thought RUS might be exactly what this horse needed mentally.  He introduced me to Ego’s owner, Adam Ainspan, and we decided to give Ego a try under saddle”.  The first day of training was tough but after, Egosnattitudes began to enjoy himself with the new racing discipline.  After a few months, Zingale realized what a good horse he was.  No doubt being involved in riding horses for so many years made it easy for her to pick up RUS. 

Training horses under saddle is not just for RUS in Zingale’s barn.  Of the seven horses in her racing stable, four are regularly trained under saddle.  As Sofia says, “With my riding horse background, it’s easy for me to pick out problem areas from on their back. I think training under saddle is great for pullers and horses that get sour to racing as well”.

You may think getting a horse to race under saddle is difficult, especially when they have been racing exclusively in sulky.  Apparently, you would be mistaken.  When asked about this Zingale responded, “Easy!  Standardbreds take to riding so well.  They are such an intelligent breed.  This year, I broke six standardbreds to ride.  Two of those horses, Puddin n Pie and Credit Blues, I only sat on once before we qualified them under saddle”.  She is amazed at how well they handle someone on their back for the first time.  Ironically, the only horse which gave her a problem the first time under saddle was Egosnattitudes.

Some may question if there is an advantage to racing horses both ways and in her response, Zingale’s experience in biomechanics/kinesiology is obvious.  “I think mentally it is great for the horses to race both under saddle and sulky.  I also think it helps to tighten them up”.  Zingale continues, “Although RUS races tend to go slower, I think it’s harder on the horses.  Race bikes are designed to be light, aerodynamic and put a lifting pressure on the horse, whereas under saddle the horses have to carry 130+ pounds of direct weight on their back.  RUS also causes horses to strengthen different muscles they wouldn’t normally use in order to support the weight of their rider”.

Returning to Egosnattitudes, having had two wins on his card ‘in sulky’ this year, one may wonder why the decision was made to race him under saddle.  Besides Jonathan Robert’s recommendation, the decision to commit to RUS was made the moment the horse came into her stable with his large ‘ego’ and plenty of ‘attitude,’ as his name implied; a true problem horse which has been passed around from trainer to trainer for a few years.  Having missed the Ocean Downs race due to an attempt to qualify bare foot after losing a shoe, the horse qualified a week too late and had a long time until the Meadowlands’ leg of the series took place.    Hence, the decision was made to qualify him back to the bike and return to the racing wars.  Ego was racing so well in sulky that Zingale decided to leave him out of the Meadowland RUS race. Out of five sulky races, he picked up a fifth, forth, second, and a win for Zingale. Egosnattitudes may not have raced under saddle at all actually; that is until a driver didn’t hear Zingale mention to avoid the outrider.  Of course, Egosnattitudes was a little fired up in the post parade, so the driver took the horse over to the outrider, and you can guess what happened; he never made it to the gate and galloped the entire mile.  Luckily for Zingale, the Rosecroft RUS race was scheduled for the following weekend and that was just what the doctor ordered. “The Rosecroft race could not have come at a better time”. Sofia continued, “Ego needed a change as he was not going to mentally bounce back from his galloping extravaganza easily.”  A positive change with a resultant victory. 

Was Zingale surprised with the 2:00.0 mile and victory over Hyway Marcus, especially after qualifying in 2:07.3?  Zingale says no.  “Being honest, I wasn’t the least bit surprised with his performance.  He is an amazing horse.  He has so much talent, speed, and stamina”, she said, “I actually didn’t even have a whip in my hand for the race.  I knew if I could get him to stay flat he would have no problem beating Sasha [Moczulski] and Marcus. A good rider/driver does their homework. Ego does best under saddle when he can sit to the outside of a horse, it keeps him focused. Sasha and Marcus usually go a faster first half in comparison to their second half. I knew Ego would have more stamina then Marcus in the stretch. All I had to do was stay close. The race work out exactly as I was hoping it would”. Sofia explained that Ego did not like her monte saddle and therefore she used her riding saddle in the race as well. She joked stating, “He [Ego] wanted to show off by having the heaviest saddle and taking the parked trip with a nail-biting win at the wire.”

Zingale with Atout De Fontaine.  Photo courtesy of Sofia Zingale

Zingale also had a reclamation project by the name of Atout De Fontaine in the Meadowlands and Rosecroft legs of the series; a French-bred horse who had a successful career in France’s monté racing, having a lifetime mark in 1:56 (mile rate).  He did start a few times in the bike in France but with under saddle being a popular style of racing, there was little need to make him do something he didn’t want to.  The horse came to the United States to race in the France-America Trot Series at Yonkers Raceway when he was randomly assigned to, trainer/driver, Pat Berry.  This is when the nightmare started as “Frenchie” made it known he wanted nothing to do with racing in the bike; destroying race bikes, jog carts,  and being a danger in the barn.  Shortly afterwards, Frenchie found a new home with the Amish.  Zingale was contacted by John Wagner who asked her if she would train the French trotter under saddle if he purchased him.  Zingale admits that she knew nothing about Frenchie but having a soft spot for problem horses she could not turn him away. Soon after his arrival, research found the 1:56 mile rate and earnings in excess of 200,000€ under saddle, and Zingale became excited with the new project. “When Frenchie first arrived, he was very nervous. You could not move too fast around him”. Sofia explained, “I let him detox for a few days before trying him out. His whole demeanor changed after the first day I rode him. He became happy and relaxed.” Sofia hopes RUS can expand as she was saddened to see a horse earning 200,000€+ become so useless in a short period of time.  While he may be tried again in sulky, the hope is to find the French-bred trotter an owner who will race him exclusively under saddle. Horses like Frechie really need RUS to grow and develop in America.

As for the future of RUS, Sofia hopes wagering comes to the sport as it is needed to get purses to grow and attract more interest by other trainers and owners.  Nothing motivates participation more than purse money.  While Zingale is a big proponent of RUS, she realizes purse levels must be competitive with current overnight events.  What about allowing pacers to participate in RUS?  Zingale would like to see it come to fruition.  She definitely will participate if it is allowed so horses of both gaits will have the opportunity to freshen up doing something new.

Trotting or pacing, problem horse or not, Zingale is ready for next year and looks forward to expanding her reputation as a dual-discipline trainer as well as RUS rider.

JACK VERNON WINS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 54G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, November 18, 2018—Dan Dube does not discriminate.

He and Jack Vernon ($8.40) went the distance Sunday afternoon (Nov. 18^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $54,800 Open Handicap Trot. The previous evening, Dube and Gokudo Hanover wired ‘em in the week’s marquee pace.

Back to ‘Jack,’ who won a several-horse scrum for the early lead, then gave nothing else a shot.

The nine-horse feature (one came up ill) served as the opener of seven added-distance ‘French’ trots.

From post position No. 4, Jack Vernon stuffed Gruden (Brian Sears) in behind, setting up shop before a 28-second opening quarter-mile. It was a  :57.1 half and 1:26.3 three-quarters before invading 3-2 favorite I Know My Chip (Jim Marohn Jr.) made his second move.

Wide early into a four-hole, I Know My Chip came first-up, but the bid was both brief and ineffective. Meanwhile, Jack Vernon was gone, widening past the 1:55.3 milepost and opening four lengths in and out of the final turn.

He finished\ it off by 2¼ lengths, getting the mile-and-a-quarter in 2:25. Andy Ray (Jason Bartlett) offered late foot to wind up second, with Gruden, Lean Hanover (Jordan Stratton) and Lord Cromwell (Matt Kakaley) settling for the minors.

I Know My Chip backpedaled to last.

For second choice Jack Vernon, a 5-year-old Muscle Hill gelding owned by Mr. (Andy) Miller Stable and trained by Mrs. (Julie) Miller, it was his 10^th win in 25 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $66, the triple returned $466.50 and the superfecta paid $2,828.

Technical difficulties resulted in the cancellation of the ‘New York, New York Double’ for Sunday afternoon.

The next Sunday matinee is Nov. 25^th (post time TBA).

McWICKED (1:47.3) DOMINANT AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It’s safe to say that McWicked is ready for next week’s TVG Free For All Pace.

The current leader in the race for Horse of the Year, McWicked lived up to his name in a big way Saturday night at the Meadowlands, scorching the mile oval in 1:47.3 in taking the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” said trainer Casie Coleman of the blazing-fast effort in cold 42-degree conditions. “I was kind of worried about a slow half, but they went (the half) :53.4. He looked like he did it pretty easy.”

That he did.

McWicked was in no hurry early, racing fifth and last as he swung to the outside at the half-mile marker. He grinded his way toward the leaders down the backside and was just a length behind the horse in the top spot, Dealt A Winner, as three-quarters was timed in 1:20.4.

From there, McWicked put on a show, sprinting the final quarter in :26.3 to hit the wire 2¼ lengths in front of 7-2 second choice Filibuster Hanover. Western Fame was third.

As the 1-5 favorite, McWicked, who was driven by Brian Sears, paid $2.40 to win in scoring for the 33^rd time in 92 lifetime starts. He lifted his bank account to a gaudy $3.725 million.  

“He always gives everything he’s got,” said Coleman. “Tonight, he looked as strong as he’s been in any of his races this year. That mile tonight was crazy.”

Coleman confirmed the good news that had previously been shared several weeks ago. “The TVG will be his last race of the year,” said the conditioner. “But he is 100 percent coming back next year. We’ve had a lot of offers to go to stud, but his owner, Ed James, is loving this and he said McWicked is racing next year.”

Next Saturday’s huge Meadowlands program includes eight stakes events: The Fall Final Four has two pair of $400,000 events for 2-year-olds – the Three Diamonds, Goldsmith Maid, Valley Victory and Governor’s Cup – while the TVGs for 3-year-olds and up have a pair of $350,000 events (the Free For All Pace and Trot) as well as two $175,000 races (the Free For All Mare Pace and Trot).

A LITTLE MORE: Trix And Stones (1:55.1, $14.20 to win) and Chin Chin Hall (1:54.4, $22.20) were victorious in the two Valley Victory elims for colt and gelding trotters, while the single Governor’s Cup elim for pacing colts and geldings went to Mangogh (1:51.3, $16.40). … All Bets Off showed his class in a high-end conditioned event, stopping the clock in 1:48.4 as the 3-5 favorite. … Geez Joe (2-1 favorite), racing in a non-winners of $8,500 pace, lowered his previous lifetime best by two full seconds, stopping the clock in 1:48.1. … All-source wagering on the 13-race card totaled $2,449,013. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

GOKUDO HANOVER WINS SATURDAY NIGHT 44G OPEN HANDICAP PACE

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, November 17, 2018—His driver made the correct choices before and during the race, as Gokudo Hanover (Dan Dube, $13.80) rolled Saturday night (Nov. 17^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $44,000 Open Handicap Pace.

In play from assigned post position No. 5, Gokudo Hanover eschewed any earl three-hole, He moved to the lead around Techtor Hanover (Jordan Stratton), paying a :26.2, opening-quarter-mile privilege. After a snappy :55.1 intermission, Mach it So (Joe Bongiorno) made his second move, first-up from third.

However, Gokudo Hanover was more than up to it, passing a 1:23 three-quarters and owning a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, He then finished it off, whipping Techtor Hanover by a length in a season’s-best-matching 1:52. Theartofconfusion A (Brent Holland) was a rallying third, with I’m Some Graduate (George Brennan) and Mach it So settling for the minor moolah.

For third choice Gokudo Hanover, a 6-year-old Cam’s Card Shark gelding co-owned (as Triple D Stables) by (trainer) Scott DiDomenico, James Craparotta and Par Berry Racing, it was his seventh win in 19 seasonal starts (sixth in last nine tries). The exacta paid $94, the triple returned $418.50 and the superfecta paid $2,207.

For his part, Dube selected the winner after being triple-listed on the early overnight sheet.

The Raceway offers a Sunday (Nov. 18^th) matinee, with a first post of High Noon.    

DAVE “THE RAVE” OFFENBERG WINS BILLINGS EAST REGIONAL FINAL

by John Manzi for the Billings Series

Plains, Pa---In a thrilling stretch duel Dave “the Rave” Offenberg got his venerable trotter, Fiji, up in the final strides to collar Winwood Scout and driver “Buffalo Bob” Davis to reel in the lions share of the $12,000 purse offered in the Billings East Regional Final on Saturday night (Nov. 17) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

In a field reduced to six starters, Offenberg and Fiji departed from the pole position and watched as “Buffalo Bob” Davis and Winwood Scout get in a speed duel with On The Podium (“Yankee Joe” Lee) as the two leaders trotted by the first panel in :27.4. They were still side-by-side as they headed for the halfway point with Lee looking for room along the pylons but with Uriel and “Annie Get Your Gun” Stoebe tight on his back second over, no room was to be had as the trotters along the pylons kept all the holes closed.

When the field went by the half mile pole Winwood Scout was on the lead with Fiji tucked in nicely in the two hole and On The Podium and Uriel parked on the limb.

Winwood Scout was in command as he passed the third stanza in 1:27.2 with On The Podium still second on the outside. But when the field headed for home, Offenberg,,who was in the catbird seat, rallied Fiji as On The Podium began to fade.

In the deep stretch it was Winwood Scout and Fiji... and Fiji and Winwood Scout.., as the two trotters battled all the way to the wire and after the judges posted the tight win-photo the victory went to Fiji and Offeberg in a time of 1:57.1. Tony “the Capo” Verruso, up behind Peoplesayimnogood, trailed the leaders throughout and rambled home for the show dough.

Fiji is owned by Offenberg's Allister Stables LLC and trained by Eric Abbatiello. It was the sixth victory for Fiji this year which raised his seasonal bankroll to nearly $50,000. For Offenberg he notched his fourth seasonal triumph and 55^th of his amateur career.

Offenberg now joins “Marvelous Marvin” Raber who won the Midwest Region Final last week with Mikey Hanover at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway and both drivers have earned the privilege to draw inside post positions in the $25,000 Delvin Miller Memorial Gold Cup Final at Yonkers Raceway on November 25.