STRATTON ORCHESTRATES THE UNPREDICTABLE IN THIRD ROUND OF LEVY SERIES

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

                                                                                                 

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, March 30, 2019—Seriously, who saw this coming?

Jordan Stratton’s Saturday night (March 30^th) began with a bummer, as former George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series winner Bit of a Legend N was scratched with what trainer Peter Tritton described as “a serious quarter crack. It’s going to take some time.”

Undaunted, Stratton won two of the evening’s five, $50,000 third-round events, both with certified Free-For-All bombardiers.

Here’s what happened in not quite real-time, with none of the names redacted…

First division—A second-over, 67-1 Pacing Major N (Stratton, $136.50)—from post position No. 3—held off a third-over, 58-1 The Wall (by Joe Bongiorno) by a half-length in 1:52.3.

The race unfolded with The Downtown Bus (Scott Zeron), a winner from fourth-over a week ago, leaping over his six inside rivals to make the first lead. He looped 3-5 favorite Endeavor (Tim Tetrick), the latter eventually moving past right at the :27.1 opening quarter-mile.

It was a speedy :55.3 intermission before Beckham’s Z Tam (Jim Marohn Jr.) moved from third. Pacing Major N latched on to that tow, getting in range by the 1:24.2 three-quarters as Endeavor was being chased along.

Endeavor owned a diminishing length lead of the final turn, but company was coming. After the rank outsiders finished 1-2. Major Crocker A (Dan Dube), Endeavor and a shuffled ‘Bus’ rounded out the payees.

For seventh choice Pacing Major N, a 6-year-old son of Art Major owned by Von Knoblauch Stables and trained by Tritton, it was his first board finish in six seasonal starts/three Levy tries. The exacta paid $1,630, the triple returned $15,607 (both local exotic highs) and the superfecta paid $16,299 (base $2 ticket, 10-cent ticket worth $814.95).

Second division—Western Fame (Dube, $4.20), from post No, 5, went around Dr. J Hanover (Tetrick), then went the distance (:27.1, :56.2, 1:24.2, 1:51.4). He whipped that pursuer by a comfortable couple of lengths, with Rodeo Rock (Andrew McCarthy) a first-up third.

Nocturnal Bluechip (Zeron) and Luciano N (Brent Holland) completed the cashers.

For tepid (by $27) second choice, a 6-year-old son of Western Ideal owned by Go Fast and B&I Stables, Stephen Klunowski & Gilbert Short and trained by Rene Allard, it was his second win in four seasonal tries (2-for-3 in Levy). The exacta paid $28.20, the triple returned $50 and the superfecta paid $142.50.

Third division—What goes around comes around.

Last week, JJ Flynn (George Brennan) was 20-1 went he went up and over an odds-on Western Fame.

This time, around 10-1 Lyons Steel (Stratton, $22.40)—from post No. 4—went up and over 1-4 JJ Flynn (Tetrick this week) after that one’s early intervals of :27 and :55.3.  

Lyons Steel then threw down a :26.4 third quarter (1:22.4), opening 4½ lengths in and out of the final turn. The final margin, over JJ Flynn, was the same 4½ lengths in 1:50.4…fastest local mile of the season and matching his  2019 and life-best effort.

Control Tower (Austin Siegelman), Always at My Place (Brennan) and Bellow’s Binge (Jason Bartlett) settled for the remainder.

For third choice Lyons Steel, a 4-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding owned by Bryan Dzugan and trained by Dennis Watson, he’s now 2-for-9 this season (1-for-3 in Levy). The exacta paid $76, the triple returned $246.50 and the superfecta paid $572.

“I’ve always thought (Pacing Major N) had the ability, but he tends to crossfire (hit right rear and left front legs) on the last turn,” Stratton said. “He didn’t have any problem tonight and the trip couldn’t have been better.

“I didn’t know anything about (Lyons Steel), other than he’s beaten my horses a few times here some non-winners races. I just asked him down the back and he put them away.”

           Fourth division—Pocketed from post No. 2, tepid choice More the Better N (Zeron, $6.30) stalked pole-sitting leader Anythingforlove A (Bongiorno) through subsections of :27.4, :56.2 and 1:23.4.

            The leader was tiring as More the Better N edged out and went by. He defeated a second-over I’m Some Graduate (Matt Kakaley) by a half-length in a season’s-best 1:52.1. Anythingforlove A, Bettor’s Fire (Ron Cushing) and Duplicated N (Tetrick) were relegated to the minor moolah.

For More the Better N, a 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight owned by Robert Cooper Stables and trained by Ross Croghan, it was his second win in a pair of seasonal starts (2-for-3 in Levy). The exacta paid $24.40, the triple returned $149.50 and the superfecta paid $530.

Fifth division—Pole-sitting Mac’s Jackpot (Kakaley, $7.30) went first-up from third, disposing of early (:26.3, :56.1) leader Windsong Leo (Brennan) before that one subsequently stopped.

‘Mac’ then found a 1:24.1 three-quarters, opened a pair of lengths in the lane, then off a fast-closing Ideal Jimmy (Holland) by a neck in 1:52.4. Rodeo Romeo (Bartlett), Rockathon (Marohn Jr.) and Lockton Luck A (Tetrick) picked off the remainder.

For second choice Mac’s Jackpot, a 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding co-owned by Howard & Michael Ouriel and trained by Jeff Smith. he’s now 1-for-4 this season (1-for-3 in Levy). The exacta paid $33, the triple returned $99 and the superfecta paid $388.

The series standings, as dutifully compiled by Bob (OUTP) Miecuna, accompany this release.

Saturday night’s $44,000 Open Handicap Trot was won by a repeating New Heaven (Stratton, $16.80) in a season’s-best 1:55.1. 

“I hope (trainer) Eric (Abbatiello) stays at the Meadowlands,” Stratton said a week after he won this race at 31-1.

HIGHALATOR CRUSHES AGAIN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – For a second straight start, no one could go with Highalator at the Meadowlands.

The 5-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere-Higher And Higher, who was an easy winner in his Big M seasonal debut a week ago at the tough non-winners of $17,500 level in 1:50.2, was even better Saturday night, bumping up in class yet managing to still be a dominant force in the Preferred for pacers, which for the first time since multiple increases at the Meadowlands, sported a purse of $30,000.

There were no fewer than four horses that left the gate in the abbreviated six-horse field as Caviart Luca (post 6), Shneonucrzydiamnd A (5) and K Ryan Bluechip (4) all were away alertly from the outside, but Highalator protected his position from the rail and led into the first turn, an advantage he would never relinquish.

Highalator, driven once again by Rosecroft regular Richard Still, hit the quarter in a blazing :26.1, but Still was then able to calm the Jenny Bier trainee as they hit the half in a leisurely :55.4 while Shneonucrzydiamnd A sat the pocket, with Caviart Luca third at the rail and K Ryan Bluechip inching his way toward the leader from first-over.

But after a rated third fraction of :28.2, neither Caviart Luca nor K Ryan Bluechip could mount a genuine threat, and from there it was easy gravy for Highalator, who exploded home in :26 to record a never-in-doubt 1¾-length win in 1:50.1. Caviart Luca finished second with Shneonucrzydiamnd A third.

“He struggled a little bit this year at Dover with sickness and tie-up issues,” said Bier. “He just loves the Meadowlands. He got an aggressive drive, which is what he needed. He’s as good now as he’s ever been. He’ll get next week off – well deserved – and then we’ll go from there. He’ll probably come back to the Meadowlands.”

Highalator paid $3.20 to win as the odds-on favorite and now has three wins in 10 starts this year. Lifetime, he has 24 victories from just 56 outings (43 percent) and earnings of $329,028 for owners Jenny Bier, Joann Dombeck and Midsize Construction.

BURNING UP THE TRACK: Wheels On Fire went the fastest mile of the year at the Meadowlands in his seasonal debut as the 4-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere-Ab Fab made the lead while parked at the half in :54 before pacing his back half in :55.1 on the way to a hard-fought win over a fast-closing Hudson Phil in 1:49.1 as the 1-5 public choice in a non-winners of $17,500 pace.

Yannick Gingras drove the Ron Burke trainee to his sixth straight win dating back to last year.

WHITTEMORE’S WILD WINNING WEEKEND: After winning a pair of races Friday night, the duo of driver Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Marissa Chadbourne – who were both making their respective Big M debuts this year – completed their tag-team trifecta with 2-1 favorite Major Leaguer in the first race Saturday.

A LITTLE MORE: Marcus Miller drove three winners on the card while Corey Callahan and Dexter Dunn had two apiece. … The fifth race 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $73,387.54. … All-source wagering totaled $2,773,762. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

Manceiver Returns To Buffalo Raceway Victorious

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Manceiver wasted no time in re-establishing himself at Buffalo Raceway as he wired the field in 1:56.4 over the sloppy track in the $11,000 Class AA Open Handicap Pace on a rainy Saturday night (March 30).

Getting his past two starts at Northfield Park, Manceiver (Kevin Cummings) returned home to Buffalo Raceway where he had won three of his past four outings. He found the home cooking to his satisfaction.

Starting from the inside post, Manceiver didn't expend much energy in reaching the top. Using fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:27.3, Manceiver had to deal with just a mild threat from runner up Bugatti (David McNeight III) in deep stretch but still was a comfortable half length in front at the wire. Heaven Rocks (JD Perrin) took the show check.

Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it was the fifth victory in 10 tries for Manceiver. The 5-year-old gelding has now earned $25,370 in 2019 and $120,027 lifetime.

In the $9,500 Class A pace, China Dream gave himself some separation from the field in the third panel with a :28.4 split and that scorcher proved to be a big help in his neck victory over Utah Beach in 1:57.1.

After posting sensible fractions of :30.0 and :59.2, driver Billy Davis Jr. unleashed China Dream down the backstretch. Enjoying a seemingly comfortable length advantage with a frame to go, Utah Beach (Drew Monti) made steady progress but ran out of room as China Dream took the neck decision. Harry Hoo N (Shawn McDonough) took the show position.

Owned by Jack and Maria Rice, the 8-year-old gelded China Dream (If I Can Dream-China Art) now has three wins in 10 attempts this season. His lifetime earnings went to $300,722.

McNeight III completed the evening with four trips to the winner's circle with Davis Jr. collecting three and Monti and Cummings a pair. Mike Ohol had a training triple with Sarama and Rice each getting two victories.

Racing will begin on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 10-race program set. The action will continue on later in the week with the first Friday program of the season scheduled for 5 p.m. while Saturday's action will commence at 6 p.m.

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

OCEANIA OVERWHELMS FOES IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Drawing the outside post position nine proved to provide no problem for the red-hot Oceania in the Friday night feature at the Meadowlands, a high-class conditioned pace for fillies and mares.

The 5-year-old daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven-Western Cruise was in the early fray around the first turn and followed the cover of Dongal Rundlscrk N down the backside and never saw the rail until she made lead at the three-eighths.

Driver Andy McCarthy had plenty of horse power under the hood, as after a half in :55.4, Oceania paced her third fraction in :27.4 before a final-quarter sprint of :27 saw her hit the wire 1¼ lengths in front of an overmatched Dongal Rundlscrk N. Believe In Me was third.

“She was vicious tonight,” said McCarthy. “(Trainer) Robert Cleary has done an excellent job in keeping her quiet and manageable. We are expecting this mare to mix things up in the open ranks.”

Oceania completed the mile in 1:50.3 and returned $3.00 as the odds-on public choice to stay perfect in three starts this year. Lifetime, she’s won 16-of-57 outings and earned $181,031 for owners Royal Wire Products and United Process Control.

CAP4 STRONG AGAIN: The second edition of the Can-Am Pick-4, a wager that requires a player to pick two winners at the Big M and two at Woodbine Mohawk Park, saw a total pool of $58,715, approximately $1,000 more than the debut of the bet one week ago.

The payoff on the 20-Cent base wager was $780.98. The winner’s odds were 7-5, 1-2, 22-1 and 5-1, so like a week ago, shrewd bettors who had the one big price cashed in big.

TOP GUNS: Yannick Gingras led the driver’s colony with four winners on the program, while Jimmy Whittemore, a name not-so-well-known at the Big M, scored twice with a pair of prices.

Whittemore, who has been driving regularly of late at Saratoga, pulled off a shocker at 37-1 in the third race with Bold Fresh before completing his driving double in the seventh with 9-1 chance Only Passing Thru. Both of his winners were trained Marissa Chadbourne. It was the first Meadowlands appearance of the year for both driver and trainer.

A LITTLE MORE: A pair of big carryovers await 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five players when racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m. The fifth race will start out with $71,880 in the hat, while the 13^th race will offer $38,433 to start. … All-source wagering totaled $2,355,837.

FAVES, SECOND CHOICES SECOND TO NONE IN THIRD ROUND OF BLUE CHIP MATCHMAKER

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, March 29, 2019—Yonkers Raceway’s Blue Chip Matchmaker offered up the third of five preliminary rounds Friday night (March 29^th).

Four, $40,000 groupings of leading lasses were contested, same as a week ago.  

Here was the lay of the land…

First division— Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan, $11.60), from post position No. 5, was first to the lead and first to the wire (:27.2, :58, 1:25.4, 1:53.1), picking off 1-5 favorite Apple Bottom Jeans (Corey Callahan) late.  

 There was no visible excuse for the pole-sitting people’s preference, who came in as the only two-time winner in the Matchmaker. She retook from the eventual winner, owned a length-and-a-half lead off the final turn, but missed a neck.

Medusa (Jim Marohn Jr.), Gold Orchid N (Jason Bartlett) and Queen Lostris N (Mark MacDonald) rounded out the payees, while Newborn Sassy (Tim Tetrick) was outrun.

For second choice Feelin’ Red Hot, a 6-year-old Feelin’ Friskie ma’am co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke and Weaver Bruscemi, she’s now 5-for-10 this season (2-for-3 in Matchmaker with identical win times). The exacta paid $16.80, the triple returned $72.50 and the superfecta paid $182.

Second division—Odds-on Bettor Joy N (Tetrick, $3.50) saw none of her five inside rivals contest the lead, so she dutifully went the distance (:27.3, :56.2, 1:24.4, 1:52.3).  The margin was a widening 3¼ lengths.   

Ideal Lifestyle A (Brennan) moved from third down the backside, was summarily dismissed but did come back for second. Lispatty (MacDonald), Freakonomics (Scott Zeron) and Itty Bitty (Marohn Jr.), came away with the minors, while Sell a Bit N (Stratton) hopefully learned from the experience.

For Bettor Joy N, a 5-year-old Down Under daughter of Bettor’s Delight co-owned by her driver, Richard Poillucci & Jo Ann Looney-King and trained by Jim King Jr., it was her third win in four ’19 tries (2-for-3 in Matchmaker). The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $6, the triple returned $12 and the superfecta paid $31.60. The half-dozen ladies finished in ascending odds order.

“She was awesome and gets around Yonkers very well.” Tetrick said.

Third division—A week after a brutal, three-move trip, Seaswift Joy N (Marohn Jr., $5.20) had a shorter route and a better result.

From penultimate post No. 5, she made an immediate lead, looping even-money choice Don’t Think Twice (Bartlett). The latter then found front, putting up subsections of :27:3, :57.3 and 1:25.2.

Outsider Camera Lady (Matt Kakaley) moved from last by the half, her bid flattening before she gave the leader any grief. Meanwhile, Don’t Think Twice opened a length-and-a-half lead in and out of the final turn.

However, Seaswift Joy N received the memo and closed ranks, edging out to win by a half-length in 1:52.4.

Bettorb Chevron N (Stratton), Angel’s Pride (Brent Holland) and Shezza GNP N (Austin Siegelman) settled for the remainder, while Camera Lady eventually backed away.

For second choice Seaswift Joy N, a 6-year-old Bettor’s Delight Down Under dame owned by Brad Grant and trained by Tony Alagna, it was her fourth win in seven seasonal starts (2-for-3 in Matchmaker). The exacta paid $9, the triple returned $14.40 and the superfecta paid $31.20.

 “She is great,” Marohn Jr. said. “her strongest point of the race was at the wire.

Fourth division—A week removed after her own eight-hole odyssey, defending Matchmaker champ Shartin N (Tetrick, $2.20) left minimal to the imagination.

After pole-sitting Obvious Blue Chip (Zeron) lined ‘em up early, Shartin N—from post No. 3—took over and took off (:27.1, :56, :1:24.3, 1:52.2), cementing a three-length win.

Second went Kaitlyn N (Kakaley), while Caviart Cherie (Joe Bongiorno) Obvious Blue Chip and a first-up Magic Forces (Brennan) settled for the smaller envelopes.

For Shartin N, a 6-year-old millionairess Down Under Tintin in America ma’sm co-owned and trained bv the same fine folks who bring you Bettor Joy N, it was her second win in three season/series starts (same time both wins). The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $4.70, the triple returned $27.80 and the superfecta paid $55.50.

"She's a freakin’ bull," trainer King Jr. said.

Updated Matchmaker standings accompany this release.

Saturday evening’s (March 30^th) third round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series features five, $50,000 Free-For-All divisions.

Getter Queen Flush game Kirschenbaum victress

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Getter Queen Flush came calling when it counted last week to capture the Alan Kirschnbaum Pace with James Kennedy joining forces with the 7-year-old mare.

Getter Queen Flush was shuffled at the midway point, but ignited when the question was asked by Kennedy to prevail by a half-length while proving a punctual 2-1 favorite.

The bay miss carries the banner of Richard Thomas, Dave and Rick Haness and trainer George Reider, with the victory being a special one for all concerned as the race was named after the longtime owner and breeder and past president of the CHHA who died in 2012.

“Getter Queen Flush has been a gem of consistency ever since I claimed her in Minnesota for $6,000,” said Reider. “I was so happy for the connections.

“She was a little nervous when she didn't have too much room in the stretch, but James did a nice job shaking free and getting up in time.

“It was very gratifying to win the Alan Kirschenbaum, since he was a good friend of mine. We played golf every chance we got when he came up to Sacramento and he was a great guy – funny and smart, not to mention a pretty good golfer

“I like to think he was smiling down at us during the race.” 

Capitol Hill heads cast in Distaff Pace

Capitol Hill, coming off back-to-back victories at the head of the class, looks to keep the momentum going in Saturday night’s featured $6,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace.

Watch and Wager LLC will present an 11-race program on Saturday with things getting underway at 6:10. The headliner goes as the third contest on the evening.

An 8-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover from the No Pan Intended mare Champale Blue Chip, Capitol Hill races for George McChrystal and Kathie Plested with Plested training and Steve Wiseman at the controls.

For her recent success, the bay miss has been assigned the No. 10 post position in the field of five, which should make things a bit more interesting.

On March 1, Capitol Hill made every pole a winning one in the clash at this level, holding a clear advantage from the outset and then holding safe by three-quarters of a length over Bettor Lady.

In her most recent appearance on March 9, the hard-knocking performer played cat-and-mouse with Bettor Lady on the front end and proved best by a half-length with Mooney Svendsen at the controls.

Completing the field are Dancingonthesand, who gives the Plested barn two looks at the outcome and has Svendsen guiding; a pair from the Luke Plano barn in Magnifique with his trainer at the helm and Legio X Equestris with Ryan Grundy; and last week’s Alan Kirschenbaum victress Getter Queen Flush, to be handled by James Kennedy.

ALAN SCHWARTZ WINS NAADA TROT AT MONTICELLO RACEWAY

by John Manzi for NAADA

Monticello, NY—The third leg of the NAADA spring trotting series was contested at Monticello Raceway on the pleasant Thursday afternoon of March 28 and when the judges declared the race official Alan Schwartz and his sturdy charge, Ladys Big Stormont, emerged victorious.

Sent of as second choice in the seven-horse field the 8-year old Earl Of Stormont gelding turned back six rivals for an easy triumph in 2:01:2.

Claimed by Schwartz for $12,500 four years ago, the victory was the 38^th of the trotters illustrious career who has massed over $310,000 in purse money.

In today's contest Schwartz sent Ladys Big Stormont to the lead after they started from the four-hole and they had command midway around the first turn but they were challenged by Joe Faraldo and Tough Get Going who ranged -up on the outside. It was at this point that Schwartz had to make a decision.“My horse races best when he's on the front-end but I didn't want to get in a speed duel with Faraldo so I let him go (take command) and then retook (the lead).”

The quarter time was a relatively soft :29.3 and once on the lead but both horse and driver seemed comfortable.

They trotted by the half in 1:00.3 and Ladys Big Stormont was easily in command as they passed the third stanza in 1:31.2.

“On the (final) turn I glanced back as saw the betting favorite, Permanent Joy (Bob Krivelin), in third place but when he rounded the final turn my horse was still strong and we coasted to an easy 2-1/2-length victory,” Schwartz explained.

Permanent Joy finished second while Tough Grt Going held on for the show dough.

It was the 610th  driving victory for Schwartz owns and trains the winner who paid $6.10 while notching his second seasonal triumph.

Now with three legs of the 10-leg series contested there has been a different winning driver in each event. At series end the top three point earning reinsmen in the preliminaries will vie for a chance to represent NAADA in an international amateur driving competition in Italy later this year.

The series fourth leg will be presented at Yonkers Raceway next Thursday.

THIRD ROUNDS OF MATCHMAKER, LEVY GO THIS WEEKEND

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

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, March 28, 2019—The glasses are half-full for some and half-empty for others…40 percent of the way in.

The third of five preliminary rounds of Yonkers Raceway’s Blue Chip Matchmaker and George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series go this weekend, with four ($40,000 each) and five ($50,000 each) divisions, respectively.

The lone 2-for-2 Matchmaker lass, Apple Bottom Jeans (Corey Callahan, post 1), landed in the opening Matchmaker, carded as Friday night’s (March 29^th) fourth race. The 6-year-old daughter of Mr. Apples enters with four consecutive wins as she tries for a 30^th career win.

Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan, post 5) took no prisoners a week ago, an opening-length win after finishing second in her first series starts.

Friday second Matchmaker event (sixth race) is led by Ideal Lifestyle (Brennan, post 2) and Bettor Joy N (Tim Tetrick, post 6), each with a win and second in a pair of Matchmaker rounds.

The same win-and-a-second resume belongs to Don’t Think Twice A (Jason Bartlett, post 3) in the third division (seventh race), where she meets up with Seaswift Joy N (Jim Marohn Jr., post 5). The latter owns a win and three-move third in her two Matchmaker tries.

Defending Matchmaker champ Shartin N (Tetrick, post 3) looms a short price in the eighth-race final division. After an opening-leg win, the career $1.1 million winner was a tough-trip fourth from an eight-hole a week ago.

Saturday evening’s (March 30^th) quintet of Levy legions goes as races 4,5,8,9 and 11.

Rodeo Rock (Andrew McCarthy, post 1), a series two-fer, won the draw in the second grouping, He shares  the points lead with Ideal Jimmy (Brent Holland, post 7), who landed into the final foray.

The former, a 6-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding, has done his damage from off the pace in both starts, last week prevailing after an elongated, first-up route. Rodeo Rock has won all three of his seasonal starts for owner Royal Wire Products and trainer Robert Cleary.

By contract, ‘Jimmy,’ a 6-year-old homebred (D R Van Witzenberg) 6-year-old Western Ideal gelding trained by Erv Miller, has gone down-the-road in both of his series tries. He’s won half of his 10 ’19 starts, including four of his last five efforts.

Other single-week winners include…

---Endeavor (Tetrick, post 4), The Wall (Joe Bongiorno, post 5) and The Downtown Bus (Scott Zeron, post 7) in Saturday’s first division,  

---Western Fame (Dan Dube, post 5) and Somewhere in L A (Bartlett, post 8) in the second division,

--JJ Flynn (Tetrick, post 1) in the third division,

--Anythingforlove A (Bongiorno, post 1) and More the Better N (Zeron, post 2) in the fourth division.

Spring Break Fever at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment wants to send two lucky fans on a spring break vacation!  This Saturday customers can enter our Spring Break Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to Orlando, Florida.  

The two packages, furnished by FantaSea Resorts, both include a seven day, six night hotel and airfare for two.

The sweepstakes entry form is available in the live racing program and at the Players Club Desk.  Contestants will be randomly selected and assigned a horse in either Race 3 or 8.  The sweepstakes winner is the contestant whose horse wins his or her assigned race. 

For full Spring Break Sweepstakes details and for live racing information visit PlayMeadowlands.com.

A fond farewell for Nutmegs Desire

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Following start No. 244 in Friday night’s fourth race, Nutmegs Desire will begin a new career as a broodmare, but not before Cal Expo gives her a special sendoff.

The 11-year-old daughter of Real Desire comes into Friday’s final assignment with 55 wins, 42 seconds and 30 thirds, $241,614 in her bank account and a 1:53 1/5 career standard that was set six years ago.

Nutmegs Desire goes about her business for Don and Barbara Arnstine, Steve Chambers and Tyler Wiseman with Kathie Plested conditioning and Steve Wiseman back at the controls.

In last week’s tour, the hard-knocking pacer sat the pocket early for Wiseman, responded when the question was asked in the stretch and proved clearly best for her fifth snapshot from 11 starts on the season.

Nutmegs Desire is scheduled to be make her special appearance on Friday following the running of the second race and everyone is invited to come down and join in the ceremony.

“We like the idea of bringing Nutmeg down to the Winner's Circle before her race,” said co-owner Chambers. “Mostly we’re doing it this way because after she races, she's pretty full of herself and will not be very interested in standing still for a picture with a group.

“We intend to make the ceremony short and sweet, so Nutmeg can get back to the paddock and get dressed for her final race.”

Nutmegs Desire will be presented with a new blanket and her owners will also be giving a check to the California Standardbred Rescue Fund representing last week’s earnings from her victory.

Said Barbara Arnstine, “As much as we love and appreciate Nutmeg, this isn’t just about her. It’s a small chance to educate the public about harness horses – their sociability, their love for their ‘jobs’ and their longevity, which leads to another career in many cases.”

Plans call for Nutmegs Desire to join Ricky Schneider’s broodmare band in Alberta following Friday night’s curtain call and she will be bred to Vertical Horizon.

An 11-race card is on tap Friday evening under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:10 p.m.  

Low takeout wagers offer great value

There are two wagers offered here each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 50-cent Pick 5 on the first five races of the evening and the 20-cent Pick 4.

The Pick 4 comes with a $30,000-guaratnteed gross pool on Fridays and a $40,000 guarantee on Saturdays.

To give you some idea of how sweet the reduced takeout can be, last Saturday night’s 50-cent Pick 5 returned $2,381 for each winning ticket. Using the old takeout, the payoff would have been $2,126, a difference of $255 for each ducket. 

A WEEKEND OF NON-STOP ACTION AWAITS AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – This Friday (March 29) and Saturday (March 30), the choices for Meadowlands’ players will be plentiful, whether it’s top-flight harness or thoroughbred racing or the NCAA college basketball tournament’s Sweet 16, the action will be constant.

The second purse increase of the year at the Big M goes into effect this weekend, thanks to Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislators.

One year ago, the corresponding race cards had purses that totaled $250,500. This weekend, that number will increase 50 percent, as $375,750 will be up for grabs.

Wagering at the Big M has been strong all year long. Last Saturday (March 23) marked the fifth time betting exceeded the magic $3-million mark ($3,082,637) during 2019 not only at the mile oval, but in the entire industry.

Races one, four and five all saw wagering of over $300,000 with the three races accounting for a little more than $976,000 of action. The single-pool highlight of the night was the fourth race Exacta, which saw $103,276 in play despite the race being for maidens.

The 50-Cent Pick-4 pool reached six figures for the seventh time in 11 tries ($101,640) and those who held winning tickets walked away with $4,699.

Free program pages for the 50-Cent Pick-4 are available at www.playmeadowlands.com and www.ustrotting.com.

Last Friday’s debut of the Can-Am Pick-4 was a big success, as the wager that requires a bettor to select two winners at the Meadowlands and two more at Woodbine Mohawk Park took in $57,489 of action. The bet, which has a 20-Cent base and low 15 percent takeout, returned $596.51. Three of the winners’ odds were 7-2 or less. It was just one 11-1 shot that separated many of those who cashed from those who didn’t.

The wager, which will be offered on Fridays, gets underway with the 10^th race at WMP followed by the 10^th at the Big M, the 11^th at WMP and 11^th at the Meadowlands. It is accessed by going to a separate pool on a separate race card. Go to “select track” on betting terminals then go to “Can-Am Pick-4” to play.

“All of us at the Meadowlands are pleased with how things are going,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “Our higher purses have created increased interest by our horsemen, which creates big fields on which to wager, which our fans love. In addition, with the Can-Am Pick-4, we now have the two biggest tracks in harness racing – ours and Woodbine Entertainment’s – combining forces on a bet that created quite a stir in its initial offering and we are optimistic that trend will continue.”

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS: In addition to a big 13-race Meadowlands live card, Saturday will be a huge day for simulcast players.

The 20-Cent Jackpot High-5 at Woodbine Mohawk Park will have a mandatory payout. The carryover stands at $525,140 for the last race on the card at WMP (Race 10, post time 10:10 p.m.). Check your Meadowlands live program for the past performances.

Entering Thursday’s card, the Rainbow Six carryover at Gulfstream Park stood at $2.4 million. In the event the bet is not hit Thursday or Friday, there will be a mandatory payout of the wager on Saturday (March 30), which just happens to be the same day as one of the major preps for the Kentucky Derby, the $1-million Florida Derby (Race 14, post time 6:30 p.m.).

But that’s not all.

For those who don’t mind getting up early, the $12-million Dubai World Cup will be simulcast from Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.

The first of nine races on the card is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. EDT. Gates at the Meadowlands open at 8:30 a.m. with the third race at Meydan slated to go at 8:50 a.m.

The Dubai World Cup (Race 9) is scheduled to go off at 12:40 p.m.

Purses on the Meydan card total an incredible $35 million.

SWEET 16 UP NEXT: The NCAA college basketball tournament is down to 16 teams and there are likely many brackets still in good shape since all four No. 1 seeds – Duke, North Carolina, Gonzaga and Virginia – are still alive.

Watch and wager on all of the action in the Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook, with games set to tip-off on Thursday (March 28) and Friday (March 29) at 7:09 p.m. before continuing through Saturday (March 30) and Sunday (March 31) with action in the Elite Eight round.

CHECK YOUR SCORECARD: There will be some lineup changes this weekend on “Racing from the Meadowlands”, the live simulcast show seen coast-to-coast that begins every Friday and Saturday night at 6:42 p.m. EDT.

On Friday (March 29), Jessica Otten, normally seen conducting interviews in the back paddock or hosting promotions in the grandstand, will sit alongside host Dave Brower and serve as co-host of the Big M’s live presentation that will take a look at that evening’s feature races. In addition, the team of Brower and Otten will analyze the second edition of the Can-Am Pick-4.

The announcers’ booth will find owner, amateur driver and musician Peter Kleinhans on the microphone calling the races on both Friday and Saturday, while Mike Bozich, one-half of the “Post Time with Mike and Mike” podcast team and track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia, will serve as the on-the-set co-host Saturday evening.

Post time on Friday and Saturday is 7:15 p.m.

A REAL DELIGHT: On Friday (March 29), head to the Big M’s Pink restaurant for a spectacular buffet, the “Seafood D*Light”.

The cost is just $29.95. For reservations, call 201-THE-BIGM.

SPRING BREAK FEVER: On Saturday (March 30), enter the Meadowlands’ Spring Break Sweepstakes for your chance to win a vacation sponsored by FantaSea Resorts.

For complete details, see the entry form in the live racing program.

Majestic Kat Shows Dominance In Buffalo Raceway Trot

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Majestic Kat had the field bowing down to her in Buffalo Raceway's $12,000 Class A Open Trot on Wednesday night (March 27) as she showed her dominance in registering a 3-1/4 length victory in 1:57.0 over the fast track.

Driven by Billy Davis Jr., Majestic Kat ($7.20) has made it two consecutive wins since arriving from Northfield Park in early March. She notched an impressive come from behind length victory from the seven post in her local debut on March 20 by taking the $10,000 Class A-AA event.

Empire Earl N (Ray Fisher Jr.) enjoyed the lead through opening splits of :28.3 and :59.1. Majestic Kat drafting along in second, popped the pocket down the backstretch and took command, hitting the three-quarter pole in 1:27.4. 

From there, Majestic Kat left little doubt who was in charge, strutting off to the easy win. Wheels A Turning (Shawn Gray) picked up the place position with Empire Earl N holding on for third.

Co-owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing LTD, it was the third victory in eight tries this season for the 5-year-old mare Majestic Kat (Majestic Son-Order By Matilda). Maria Rice, who conditioned two winners on the evening, saw her trainee up her seasonal earnings to $23,460 and $185,051 lifetime.

Jim Morrill Jr. and Kevin Cummings each produced four victories in the sulky with Davis Jr. getting a double. 

Racing will resume at 6 p.m. on Saturday night with a 13-race scheduled. A $955 carryover will await fans in the Pick-5 which begins in the second race.

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

WESTERN BEACHBOY WINS $60,200 FINAL OF SAGAMORE HILL PACING SERIES

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, March 26, 2019—“Just the way I drew it up.”

Such was the tongue-in-cheek post mortem of driver George Brennan after Western Beachboy ($6.30) snapped favored Declan Seelster (Joe Bongiorno) at the wire Tuesday night (March 26^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $60,200 final of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series.

The Teddy Roosevelt-approved assemblage was open to 3- and 4-year-olds gentlemen who are/were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through last Dec. 1^st.

A week after a scorched-earth, life-best (1:52), down-the-road effort, Western Beachboy won the finale from well off the pace.

Away sixth from post position No. 6, Western Beachboy saw his coupled entrant, Prologue (Jim Marohn Jr.), lead through early substations of  27 seconds flat and :56.2. Prologue was noticeably off the cones by the intermission, causing 4-5 choice Declan Seelster to move wider during his hard challenge from fourth.

Leader and stalker were inseparable through a :27.2 third quarter (1:23.4), with Cheese Melt (Yannick Gingras) loosely pocketed and Yeahnah (Troy Beyer) gapping from second-over.

While this scenario unfolded, Western Beachboy was going three-deep down the backside, getting within shouting distance off the final turn. Soon thereafter, Declan Seelster was about to win the battle—putting away Prologue—but lose the war as Western Beachboy tagged him by a short nose in 1:53.1.

On Accident (Jordan Stratton) angled out, then back in late to grab third, with Prologue and Cheese Melt rounding out the payees. The order was completed by Yeahnah, a breaking-early Sharp Action Money (Jason Bartlett) and a never-in-it/did not finish Better than Spring (Matt Kakaley).

Cheese Melt and Sharp Action Money were the other wagering entry.  

For second choice Western Beachboy, a 4-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard, Bruce Soulsby, Alan Weisenberg and Gilbert Short, it was his third win in nine seasonal starts ($61,300). The exacta paid $16.60, with the triple returning $83. Per New York State rules, superfecta wagering was not offered due to the presence of coupled entries.

“He was out a long way,” Brennan said. “It was a very good effort. He used to always be locked on the left line, but he’s become much easier to drive.”  

A $30,000 series consolation was won by Trump That (Gingras, $2.50) in 1:54.3.

Enjoy a Delightful Seafood Buffet this Friday Night

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s themed buffet nights continue this Friday, March 29^th with Seafood D’lite Buffet!

The seafood-laden buffet is $29.95 and features an array of ocean inspired delights.  Guests can start their night with New Orleans-style shrimp bisque, and frutti di mare salad. Buffet entrees include linguini with mussels and clams, seafood piccata and fried shrimp.  For those wanting more land based fare the buffet will also include a carved NY Strip. 

The full menu can be viewed http://playmeadowlands.com/dining/pink-dining.html

Don’t forget about the “Eat & Earn” VIP card promotion for Friday night diners.  Guests that dine in Pink Friday nights five times will get 50% off their 6^th buffet.  Guests that have dined on 11 Friday buffets will get their 12^th buffet for free.  Diners will receive a rewards card on their first visit to a Friday night buffet.  

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

CATCH AN ACE WINS $58,000 FINAL OF PETTICOAT PACING SERIES

FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

                                                                                                 

YONKERS, NY, Monday, March 25, 2019—Catch an Ace (Jason Bartlett, $6) rallied from third-over Monday night (March 25^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $58,000 ‘blanketed’ final of the Petticoat Pacing Series.

Though open to 3- and 4-year-old ladies (non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through last Dec. 1^st), no ‘youngsters’ qualified for the finale.

Away fifth from post position No. 5, Catch an Ace watched as outside numbers Cabowabocuttie (Jordan Stratton) and Ghosttothepost (Yannick Gingras) both left hard.

The pair looped 9-5 favorite Robyn Camden (Dexter Dunn), who was hung up three-wide early (outside the eventual winner) before settling in sixth. Cabowabocuttie seated Ghosttothepost, then led through intervals of a flat 28 seconds and :58.1.

Odds on Ashley (Matt Kakaley) was the first to take the bait, moving from third. She towed Ella is Awesome (Joe Bongiorno) and Catch an Ace, while the hellish trip of Robyn Camden saw her fourth-over.

Cabowabocuttie maintained her lead in and out of a 1:26.4 three-quarters, about the time Catch an Ace went three-deep around Ella is Awesome.

The lead remained unchanged off the final turn, with Cabowabocuttie owning a length-and-three-quarter advantage. The lass would give way—grudgingly—in the scrum to the line. Catch an Ace picked off a stubborn Odds on Ashley by a head, with Robyn Camden widest of all, the circuitous route ending with her finishing third, beaten just a neck.   

Cabowabocuttie and Ghosttothepost rounded out the payees....the first four finishers separated by that neck, while the quintet of payees were divided by a length-and-three-quarters.

Ella is Awesome, Bye Hanover (George Brennan) Parkin’ in Heaven (Tyler Buter) completed the order.

“I thought I was in a bad spot,” Bartlett said. “Fortunately, they came back to us.

“I mean, she can leave, but I did not want cut the mile. She needs a helmet to chase. I figured we were going to win by a bit more, but she started running out in the lane. I was wondering what was going on, but she found the line.”

For second choice Catch an Ace, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight owned by Jeffrey Williamson and trained by Andrew Harris, it was her fifth win in nine seasonal starts (career 14-for-26, $135,094). The exacta paid $20, the triple returned $52 and the superfecta paid $217.50.

Owner and trainer combined (with driver Stratton) to sweep the 2017 Petticoat with Cousin Mary.

A $30,000 series consolation was an 11¾-length route by odds-on She’s Pukka N (Mark MacDonald, $2.70) in a life-best 1:54.1.

Tuesday night (March 26^th) offers the $60,200 tribute to Teddy Roosevelt affectionately known as the final of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series. 

RODEO ROCK, IDEAL JIMMY DOUBLE UP IN LEVY SERIES

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

                                                                                                 

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, March 23, 2019—Saturday night’s (March 23^rd) night second round of Yonkers Raceway’s George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series didn’t do a whole lot to establish a clear favorite, though some of the contenders did indeed state their cases.

Another happy half-dozen, $50,000, Free-For-All groups were contested, with a pair of repeaters leading the way.

Here’s the succinct story, not necessarily in chronological order…

Second division—Odds-on Rodeo Rock (Andrew McCarthy, $3.50)—from post position No. 5--‘ran down’ loose leader Gokudo Hanover (George Brennan), prevailing first-up by a head in 1:52.1. The 13-1 latter had open lengths through intervals of -:26.4, :56.1 and 1:24.

Rock the Nite (Mark MacDonald), More the Better N (Scott Zeron) and Major Crocker A (Dan Dube) picked off the remainder, while an amiss Bit of a Legend N (Jordan Stratton) lost tough from a pole-sitting pocket and finished sixth.  

For Rodeo Rock, a 6-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding owned by Royal Wire Products and trained by Robert Cleary, it was his third win in as many seasonal starts (2-for-2 in series). The exacta paid $22.60, the triple returned $201 and the superfecta paid $459.50.

“I was hoping Scotty (Zeron, with More the Better N would pull from third, but he was happy where he was and just had to go on with it,” McCarthy said. “It was a long way (from fifth) in the wind, but he was actually more comfortable tonight than in last week’s race.”

Fourth division—After wiring his opening-leg rivals at 9-1, favored Ideal Jimmy (Brent Holland, $4.10) had a more acquaintances at the windows.

From post No. 3, it couldn’t have been less simple (:28, :57.4, 1:26, 1:53.3), going the distance by 3¼  lengths. Polester Lochton Luck A (Matt Kakaley), as the 29-1 outsider, and three-hole sitting Bellow’s Binge (Jason Bartlett) finished the tickets, while Always at My Place (Brennan) and Bettor Memories (Jim Marohn Jr.) settled for the remainder.  

For Ideal Jimmy, a 6-year-old homebred Western Ideal gelding owned by D R Van Witzenberg and trained by Erv Miller, it was his fifth win in eight’19 tries (2-for-2 in series). The exacta paid $49, the triple returned $136 and the superfecta paid $1,379.

“I thought he should have been the favorite last week,” Holland said “He’s very handy and I’m not surprised he’s stepped up in this series.”

First division—A week after Western Fame (Dube) traversed the fastest local mile (1:51.1) of the season, he was 15-cents-on-the-dollar to do it again.

JJ Flynn  (Brennan, $43) was not impressed. After Western Fame led through early fractions of :27.1 and :56.2, JJ Flynn moved—with purpose—from post No. 4. He hooked Western Fame by the 1:24 three-quarters, fighting him off from there.

The final margin was three-quarters of a length in a sharp 1:51.3. Duplicated N (Tim Tetrick) was a pocket third, with Ballerat Boomerang (Joe Bongiorno) and Lyons Steel (MacDonald) also making appearance fees.

For fourth choice JJ Flynn, a 6-year-old Western Ideal gelding co-owned by (trainer) Josh Green, Richard Lombardo and Charles Cochran III, he’s now 6-for-8 this season (1-for-2 in series). The exacta paid $119.50, the triple returned $191 and the superfecta paid $362.50.  

           Third division—Anythingforlove A (Bongiorno) saw his quest for the series two-fer implode from pole-sitting Endeavor (Tetrick, $4.90) pulled from third and rolled right past.

The former offered early foot (:27.3, :57.1), but was backpedaling buy the 1:25 three-quarters. Endeavor, meanwhile, opened a pair of lengths in and out of the final turn, eventually winning by 2¼ lengths in 1:52.4.

Control Tower (Austin Siegelman) was a loose-second-up second, with a trapped Dr. J Hanover (McCarthy), Nocturnal Bluechip (Zeron) and the fading 11-10 fave Anythingforlove A settling for the minors.

For second choice Endeavor, a 6-year-old American Ideal gelding co-owned by (trainer) Jeff Cullipher and Pollack Racing, it was his first win in a pair of seasonal/series starts. The exacta paid $24.40, the triple returned $149.50 and the superfecta paid $530.

Fifth division—The Downtown Bus (Zeron, $17.20) took the always-popular fourth-over route to redemption, snapping 11-10 choice Beckham’s Z Tam (Tetrick) by a head in 1:53.1.

The closers, from post Nos. 5 and 3, respectively, had numbers to chase after Sam’s a Champ A (MacDonald) set a contested pace (:26.1, :55.3, 1:23.4) after getting stung early and softened by a first-up The Wall (Bongiorno).

Rodeo Romeo (Bartlett) was an outkicked third, with The Wall and Whittaker N (Holland) grabbing the smaller envelopes.

For fifth choice The Downtown Bus, a 4-year-old Mach Three gelding co-owned by (trainer) Jeff Gillis and Ellen Ott, he’s now 1-for-2 this season/series. The exacta paid $90.50, the triple returned $196.50 and the superfecta paid $540.

Sixth division—A two-speed number, where second choice Somewhere in L A (Bartlett, $6.10) edged past just-over-even-money I’marocnrollegend N (Brennan) in 1:53.1.

Pocketed from post No. 4, ‘L A’ earned a 40^th career win, the margin three-quarters of a length. Don Domingo N (Stratton) was a ground-saving third, with I’m Some Graduate (Kakaley) and Mar Nien A (Greg Merton) earning the remainder of available coinage.

For Somewhere in L A, an 8-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding co-owned by D’Elegance Stable IX, Carmen Iannacone, T L P & Gandolfo Stables and trained by Richard Banca, it was his second win in five seasonal efforts (1-for-2 in series). The exacta paid $14.60, the triple returned $126.50 and the superfecta paid $572.

The series standings, as dutifully compiled by Bob (OUTP) Miecuna, accompany this release.

Saturday night’s $44,000 Open Handicap Trot was won by 31-1 rank outsider New  Heaven (Stratton, $64) in a season’s-best 1:55.3. 

DEXTER GETS IT DUNN, BETTING TOPS $3M AT BIG M

y Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Driver Dexter Dunn was electric at the Meadowlands Saturday night, and so was the action, as Dunn scored four times on the program and wagering reached the magic $3-million mark for the fifth time in 2019.

Dunn got his night off to a quick start, sweeping the Early Daily Double with a pair of Tim Lancaster trainees. Smileandsaycheese came from well off the pace to take the opener, a conditioned pace, in 1:52.1 at odds of 12-1 before 2-1 favorite Four Staces completed the DD – which paid $85.80 – in a $15,000 up to $20,000 claiming handicap pace in 1:52.4.

The New Zealand native swept another Daily Double, this one beginning in race four, scoring with the Chris Ryder-trained American World in 1:53 in a non-winners of one pace as the 2-1 second choice before winning with Rather Swell, the 7-5 public choice, for trainer Mike Watson in a $10,000 up to $12,500 claiming handicap pace in 1:54.1. That DD returned $20.80.

All-source wagering totaled $3,082,637, good for the fifth-best night of action at the Big M – as well as the industry – this year.

A total of $313,088 was bet on the opener, $345,218 on the fourth race ($103,276 in the Exacta pool alone) and $317,809 on the fifth as those three races accounted for $976,115 of the evening’s action.

The 50-Cent Pick-4 pool reached six figures for the seventh time in 11 tries, as $101,640 was poured into the pot.

A LITTLE MORE: Dover Downs invader Highalator destroyed a high-class conditioned field of pacers in the eighth race by 5¾ lengths. Driver Richard Still guided the Jenny Bier trainee to the easy speed win in 1:50.2 as the 6-5 favorite for his 23^rd victory in 55 lifetime starts. … Rebel Rouser made the lead while parked at the quarter and went down the road from there in an ultra-competitive non-winners of four on the pace in race 12. The Robert Cleary trainee sprinted his final quarter in :26.4 on the way to his fourth straight score. Andy McCarthy guided the winner to a lifetime-best mile time of 1:51.1. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m., featuring the second edition of the 20-Cent Can-Am Pick-4.

Upfront Countryboy On Target At Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Upfront Countryboy was just off the mark in his last two starts with a pair of narrow second place finishes but he was right on target in the $10,500 Class AA Open Handicap Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (March 23) with a strong two length victory over Beachy Dream in 1:55.1.

It was a tough stretch for Upfront Countryboy as he had deal with a neck and a length setback in his past two tries. But he washed away the heart break this time around.

After watching Beachy Dream take the lead briefly, Upfront Countryboy regained the top before stopping the timer at the quarter pole in :28.2.

From there, driver Shawn McDonough kept Upfront Countryboy on task and used a :57.2 back half mile to keep the remaining five combatants at bay. Beachy Dream (Kevin Cummings) finished in second while Heaven Rocks (Drew Monti) picked up the third place check.

Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it was the second victory in seven tries for the 10-year-old gelded Upfront Countryboy (Dragon Again-Cambloid). The win increased his seasonal earnings to $17,295 and a stellar $456,715 lifetime.

In the sub-featured $9,500 Class A Handicapped paces, there were no surprises as A F F Bigdaddy ($3.60) blasted the field in 1:54.2 while Bugatti ($4.70) had to hang on late to post the victory over Harry Hoo N in 1:56.2.

A F F Bigdaddy (Monti) had no issues in bottoming out the field as he set fractions of :28.3, :57.0 and 1:26.1 which overpowered the other seven competitors. Rebel Voyager (Billy Davis Jr.) was 4-3/4 lengths back in second while Rose Run Voyager (Ray Fisher Jr.) took third.

A F F Bigdaddy (Sir Luck-Artacam) was owned by Jennifer and Marcus Rogowski and trained by Steve Kiblin but was claimed out of the race for $15,000 by Steve Andzel III. The 6-year-old gelding has earned $16,090 and $95,615 lifetime.

Bugatti (Cummings) enjoyed a three length edge at the top of the stretch but held on for dear life at the end to post a neck win over the hard charging Harry Hoo N (McDonough) in the other event. China Dream (Davis Jr.) rolled in for the show spot.

Owned by Keith Pinkowski and conditioned by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., it was the first victory in five appearances this season for the 6-year-old gelded Bugatti (Mach Three-Blinker Hanover). The score upped his 2019 earnings to $9,029 and $244,271 in his career.

Cummings kept his torrid streak going with a five-bagger while McDonough and David McNeight III had doubles. David McNeight Sr. had a pair of training wins,

Racing will resume on Wednesday night with a 13-race card slated for 5 p.m.

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