Buffalo Raceway Cancels for March 31

Buffalo Raceway has cancelled racing for tonight, Wednesday March 31 due to COVID concerns.  Racing is scheduled to resume Saturday at 6 pm.

BACK FROM THE BRINK, BIG M BOOMING 10 YEARS LATER

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – It was just 10 years ago that The Meadowlands was teetering on the brink of extinction.

The State of New Jersey no longer wanted to be in the harness racing business and the possibility of the track shutting down was genuine.

That’s when Jeff Gural and his investors stepped in to save the flagship venue of Standardbred racing.

“I thought that if The Meadowlands closed,” said Gural, the chairman and chief executive officer of the mile oval. “That would be the end of harness racing. But harness racing is my passion. I own horses and two breeding farms. Literally, it was 48 hours to closing. Gov. Chris Christie, he was going to close it, no question in my mind. Truthfully, I was shocked, I thought he was bluffing. So I took a shot.”

The fact is, The Big M was still clinging to its claim as the top track in the game in March of 2011, but things were anything but grand.

Business was poor, maybe not by industry standards at the time, but clearly – as compared to now – betting was anything but bustling.

In 2011, average handle during January was $2,149,062. During February, that number was $2,077,952.

During 2021, those numbers were $3,398,125 and $3,430,923, respectively, to represent an increase of $2.6 million per weekend.

Gural opened New Meadowlands Racetrack in 2013 opposite the longtime facility with a structure that had a fresh new look built to more comfortably accommodate the betting public.

Five years later, in 2018, sports betting came to the mile oval in the form of the FanDuel Sportsbook, and that facility became the most prolific of its kind in the country, including the properties in Las Vegas.

“Sports betting has saved the day,” said Gural. “Without it, we might be closed. As far as business goes, nobody ever dreamed we would be as dominant as we are. Choosing to partner up with FanDuel was obviously the right decision. Our sportsbook is the biggest in the world, nobody does as much business as we do and it’s very rewarding to see that.”

Another factor in The Big M’s resurgence came during 2019, when Gov. Phil Murphy and The New Jersey State Legislature provided economic stimulus to New Jersey’s racing industry. By raising purses, Meadowlands management was able to offer a highly competitive purse structure as its battle with nearby states who have purse accounts bloated by slot machine revenues continues.

The increased purses have enabled The Big M’s race office to offer full fields and 13 races when racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night.

“We got a subsidy from the state, so purses are OK,” said Gural. “We take over a million dollars a year from sports betting for purses. We have sponsors. Compared to any other track in the country, when you look at the money we spend on stakes, it’s staggering.”

Gural still has hopes for casino gaming in the Garden State, which could be a game-changer. “I think the best hope for The Meadowlands is to get a casino. Once downstate New York gets them, hopefully we would then get them, which would create a lot of revenue. I do think, long term, that we will get a casino.”

“The year 2020 is over,” said Jason Settlemoir, the track’s chief operating officer and general manager. “And looking back, it was a testament to how resilient The Meadowlands and the State of New Jersey are.

“One year after COVID-19 shut the country down, and 10 years after The Big M appeared to be finished, the hard work of Jeff Gural, Gov. Murphy and the State Legislators has seen The Meadowlands increase handle 61 percent from 2011 to 2021. The Big M, the flagship track of Standardbred racing, continues to be the most popular nighttime signal of any breed in North America. When you think of excellence in Standardbred racing, you think of The Meadowlands Racetrack. Together, Mr. Gural and the state have created an incredibly valuable asset for New Jersey.”

“It’s great to see how everybody is betting our product,” said Gural of The Big M, which has seen wagering of over $3 million on all 12 Saturday night programs during 2021. “What’s helped us is our driver colony. Andy McCarthy stayed here for the winter, and he brought his brother Todd over [from Australia]. Scott Zeron stayed here rather than go to Florida. Tim Tetrick is back and David Miller is expected next week. We really have the best drivers in the world driving here – no track comes close – and I think that makes for a great product.”

And, hopefully, an even better next 10 years to come.

THIS ANNIVERSARY’S A GEM: On the “modern list”, a 10-year anniversary is referred to as the diamond jewelry anniversary, and thanks to the efforts of Chris Schick, the co-owner of Cal-Expo in California, a gambling revolution kicked off a decade ago, when the United States Trotting Association partnered with member tracks to form the initiative known as Strategic Wagering.

To create more interest in the game, Strategic Wagering has offered free program pages to players, as well as guaranteed pools, which is helping to increase the sport’s popularity.

Pools that are part of the initiative at The Meadowlands have exploded. Lowering takeout has also been a key factor as to why these wagers have flourished.

“On behalf of horseplayers everywhere,” said Settlemoir. “A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Schick and Strategic Wagering. Let’s have another 10 great years.”

Free program pages for Strategic Wagering are always available at the USTA’s website, ustrotting.com.

THE SCHEDULE: Live racing takes place this Friday and Saturday night and has a post time of 6:20 p.m. The Big M TV’s live simulcast presentation of its “Racing from the Meadowlands” pre-game show kicks off at 5:47 p.m. every live racing night.

TETRICK “IN THE SULKY”: Tim Tetrick will be Dave Little’s guest Saturday night during the pre-game show on “In the Sulky”.

Tetrick, who returned to regular driving at The Big M last week, will talk about his career and some of the horses he is looking forward to driving during 2021. “In the Sulky” will begin at 5:50 p.m. and can be seen on The Meadowlands’ live simulcast signal.

SO, YOU WANT MORE ACTION? The Meadowlands’ top-flight menu of simulcast tracks will be highlighted this Saturday (March 27) by the card that will take place at Florida’s Gulfstream Park, which will play host to the Florida Derby, one of the final major preps for the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

Players can expect a huge pool as the track will offer a mandatory payout of its Rainbow 6.

The 14-race card at Gulfstream has a post time of 11:30 a.m. The Florida Derby – which is race 14 on the program – will go at 6:40 p.m.

That evening, Woodbine at Mohawk Park – the preeminent harness track in Canada – will have a mandatory payout of its High-5, which takes place shortly after the conclusion of The Meadowlands’ live card.

FREE PPs: “Need a program? The Big M has you covered,” said Settlemoir. “We offer free programs every night.” The free past performances are available to anyone who goes to the track’s website, playmeadowlands.com.

GET SOCIAL: You can always check in with the team at The Meadowlands on Twitter.

For early changes, racing information and staff selections, go to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with the Big M’s Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Andrew Demsky (@shadesonracing) and Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1).

A HALF-DOZEN CHANCES: The Big M offers players six chances every night to make a score, betting on the track’s popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout. They are:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 13: 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta

$100,000 GUARANTEED: Every night, The Meadowlands guarantees big green on both editions of its signature wager, as each 50-cent Pick-4 sports a $50,000 guaranteed pool.

CHECK OUT THE PICKS: For those who need to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to see track oddsmaker and analyst Brower’s selections and commentary. Click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.

Brower’s input is generally available 48 hours before every card.

THE MAYHEM CONTINUES: College basketball’s stranglehold on the sports world for the month of March continues as the original field of 68 teams for the NCAA Tournament has now been whittled down to 16 with eight games this weekend.

The action kicks off with four games Saturday (March 27), the first of which begins at 2:40 p.m. with the last of the quartet tipping off at 9:55 p.m. The marquee game pits the Villanova Wildcats against the Baylor Bears (-7½) at 5:15 p.m.

On Sunday (March 28), the featured game is the first of the foursome, as tournament favorite, the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs (-13), take on the Creighton Bluejays. Tipoff is at 2:10 p.m. The last game will start at 9:45 p.m.

To watch and wager on all the games, come to The Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook.

In addition to the college hoops, action will be available on professional golf’s WGC Dell Matchplay, as well as a plethora of other sports, including the NBA, NHL, Premier and Champions League soccer, professional tennis and more.

The sportsbook is open Sunday-Friday from 10 a.m.-midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. The cash counter is open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

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Wonderful World Has Marvelous Time At Buffalo

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Wonderful World found everything to be just marvelous at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (March 24) as she went gate-to-wire to grab the victory in the $8,800 Class A-AA Handicapped Pace for the ladies.

 

Having little trouble in grabbing the lead from the start, Wonderful World ($6.70) enjoyed a great springtime tour around the Hamburg half-mile oval in turning back Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56.4 over the fast track. Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) took the show position.

 

Driver Ray Fisher Jr. fired Wonderful World off the gate and put up good fractions of :29.0, :57.3 and 1:27.1. Taking a solid two length advantage to the top of the stretch, Wonderful World was in no serious danger the rest of the way as she strutted her stuff safely to the wire to notch her first win of the campaign.

 

Owned and trained by Sabrina Shaw, the 7-year-old mare Wonderful World (If I Can Dream-Smilefortheofficer) has now earned $8,762 this season and $173,683 lifetime.

 

In the sub-featured event, Robintheatm ($7.20) made it three straight by trouncing the field in the $7,200 Class A-B Handicapped Pace for the gals in 1:57.1. She beat Who's Got The Move (Kevin Cummings) by three lengths with Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) finishing in a distant third.

 

Trained by Gerry Sarama and owned by Mike Torcello, Robintheatm (Nuclear Breeze-Robin The Bank) has earned $10,225 in 2021 and $163,562 in her career.

 

Morrill Jr. completed the evening with four wins while Billy Davis Jr. finished with three. Sarama had three victories and Jim Graham picked up two on the training side of the ledger.

 

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 12-race program set for 6 p.m. There will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

 

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

‘YACHT’ SAILS TO VICTORY IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Yacht Seelster had never been driven by George Brennan, and a week ago, the Nik Drennan trainee displayed blazing speed before getting nipped at odds of 70-1 on the money by Colossal Stride A, yet somehow, with a new driver and a different tactic, Yacht Seelster won the Saturday night feature at The Meadowlands.

“They were leaving too fast for me,” said Brennan of the early stages of the $20,000 high-end conditioned pace. “I’m looking for the best trip I can get. And it looked like it was going to work out for me.”

Lexus Witha View A flew off the gate to grab the lead at the quarter in :27.1 as Tito Rocks sat the pocket with 9-5 second choice Ashley Locaz N on the move going after the lead. Brennan and ‘Yacht’ sat fifth, right in behind the 8-5 public choice Colossal Stride A, waiting for that one to make a move.

“I slid in behind him,” said Brennan. “I thought he was the horse to beat.”

Colossal Stride A had such a quick burst of speed down the backstretch that Yacht Seelster had to catch up to his cover, and when Ashley Locaz N did not relinquish the top to Colossal Stride A, Brennan was sitting pretty.

In mid-stretch, after three-quarters was timed in an unspectacular 1:23.4, Brennan tipped Yacht Seelster off his cover and gunned down Colossal Stride A at the wire after Ashley Locaz N weakened in the lane.

“I didn’t know if I had enough to get there,” said Brennan. “But [Colossal Stride A] was pretty tough, and some others were swarming in on the outside. I thought I could get up.”

Racing in the five-path for the final eighth, Yacht Seelster got there by a head in 1:51. Colossal Stride A was second with a fast-closing Franco Totem N gabbing the show spot. As the 5-1 fourth choice in the betting, Yacht Seelster returned $13.80 to his backers. The 6-year-old son of Shadow Play-Yankee Athena, who is owned by Donald Lindsey, Paul Kleinpaste and William Alempijevic, now has 16 wins from 87 career starts and earnings of $236,600.

A COOL DOZEN: All-source wagering totaled $3,147,829. There have been 12 Saturday night programs at The Big M this year, and all 12 have seen betting surpass the $3-million plateau.

A COOL HALF-DOZEN: The 20-cent Pick-6 did not see many big prices, but those with winning tickets cashed in huge nonetheless. With a $7,384 carryover serving as the catalyst, the pool totaled $43,520 when all bets were taken. After a sequence that saw winner’s odds of 3-2, 5-2, 5-1, 4-1, 9-5 and 8-5, those who hit walked away with $6,568.

A LITTLE MORE: Five drivers accounted for 10 of the 13 winners on the program as Simon Allard, Yannick Gingras, Corey Callahan, Andy McCarthy and Todd McCarthy all scored twice. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Under Paid is Overlooked at Buffalo Raceway

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Under Paid was overlooked in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (March 20) as he went from last to first in the stretch to post the $11.20 upset in a seasonal best 1:56.0.

 

Sitting fifth in the field of five turning for home, Under Paid (Ray Fisher Jr.) found wiggle room down the lightning lane and chugged his way to the lead in the shadow of the wire to stun the remaining four participants. He beat Stratosphere (Drew Monti) by a half length while Allstar Energy (Ron Beback Jr.) took the show spot.

 

Weekend Atnannies set the tempo of the race with fractions of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.0 over the fast track. Turning for home, the field fanned out with all having a legitimate chance but Under Paid squeezed through along the inside and used a :28.3 final stanza to collect the victory.

 

Owned by Jennifer Rogowski and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the second victory in four attempts in 2021 for Under Paid. The 5-year-old horse (Rocknroll Dance-Upfront Cruzin) has earned $10,612 this season and $118,144 in his lifetime.

 

In the sub-featured $8,880 Class A Pace, Southwind Onyx ($6.50) tipped three-wide in the stretch and barreled past Thor De Vie late to take the neck score in 1:56.1. A final quarter mile of :28.2 was the key to the victory.

 

Following the first over cover of Thor De Vie at the top of the lane, driver Kyle Cummings and Southwind Onyx were much the best and won drawing away. Thor De Vie (David McNeight III) hung on for second while the pace-setting Ohio Prince (Fisher Jr.) was third.

 

Co-owned by trainer Tammy Cummings and Michael Blidy, it was the first victory in five starts for the 6-year-old gelded Southwind Onyx (Bettor's Delight-Its Only Rocknroll). The win upped his earnings to $8,336 on the campaign and $124,142 in his career.

 

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with an 11-race card scheduled. There will be a $3,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 which starts in the second race.

 

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

 

Sire Stakes, Open Trot set at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

 

A $15,000 California Sire Stakes for the 3-year-old pacing males and a $7,400 Open Trot featuring Mandeville, Pridecrest and Silverhill Volo will be front and center at Cal Expo Sunday evening.

 

There will be 13 races presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 4:50 p.m. 

 

Lodi Phillip looms large in the stakes clash. He is a homebred son of Another Mile who goes about his business for Mary Harris and Pierre Girard, is conditioned by Greig Watson and has Luke Plano at the controls from the middle of the seven-horse cast.

 

Sent off the even-money choice in the first stakes gathering for this group on February 21, he had serious traffic trouble along the rail through the stretch and lost his chance. With Plano guiding in the most recent big-money event two weeks ago, he went right to the front and made every pole a winner with a length and a half to spare at the wire.

 

Believe In Dragons had to be happy with a second-place finish that night after prevailing the first Sire Stakes with a game performance. He is a is a son of Custard The Dragon who races for Lorne Duffield and Rodney Hennessey, takes his lessons from Quentin Schneider and will once again have the services of Cordarius Stewart.

 

After getting a nice prep in a qualifier on February 14, Believe In Dragons made his seasonal debut a week later in the first stakes clash of the year for this group. He was dispatched as the 8-5 second choice while doing his work from the rail slot.

 

Stewart sat a chilly third with Believe In Dragons through the early stages, then came first-over to press the issue and dug in gamely through the drive to prevail by a head over a fast-closing Im A Magic Man.

 

The latter is a Mystician homebred who carries the banner of Richard Schneider, hails from the Ariel Alvarez barn and has Jake Cutting back in the sulky. He got going late from the middle of the track to just miss in his debut. Rounding out the field are Chase The Gold, Arnie’s Army, Allthundadownunda and SD Watch Me Now. 

 

Pancetta on the verge of a milestone

 

With his victory last weekend, the 12-year-old pacer Pancetta is just shy of reaching the $500,000 plateau, earned by winning 39 of his 175 starts with a 1:51 1/5 mark that was established at Pocono Downs.

 

“He’s like the little engine that could,” related Richard Morita, who co-owns Pancetta with longtime racing partner David Yamada. The veteran is conditioned by Jessie Pacheco and was guided by Luke Plano.

 

“If you look at him, he’s so small you would never think he’d be the warrior racehorse he’s been,” Morita continued. “Dave and I bought him late in his 3-year-old year, hoping to have a nice horse and he’s far exceeded our expectations.”

 

Among Pancetta’s accomplishments are a victory in the Sagamore Series at Yonkers as well as multiple Open victories over that half-mile New York oval.

 

“He’s always been best on a small track because he can pace around the turns as fast as on the straights,” David noted.

 

“The tough racing has taken a bit of a toll on him physically, but he has such a big heart. He keeps bouncing back because he loves the racing and we’ve really enjoyed the ride.”

 

Yamada did note, however, that Pancetta’s racing days may be coming to an end, with a new career on the horizon.

 

“We hope to be able to stand him as a stud in California, producing future Pancetta’s to thrill the crowd. His sire No Pan Intended is a half-brother to Bettor’s Delight, so we think he has a future in the breeding shed.”

MAJOR OCCASION A EXPLODES HOME IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Displaying a remarkable closing kick, Major Occasion A was airborne through a final quarter of :26 in her seasonal debut to become the second straight Friday night feature winner to do it in last to first fashion, taking the $22,500 Winners Over $50,000 Lifetime for pacing fillies and mares in 1:52.4 at The Meadowlands.

“She’s a good mare,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn. “Her [1:54.4] qualifier last week was a good one.”

And it proved to be more than enough to get her ready for the assignment at hand.

It appeared that the race belonged to Betalady, who was on the lead through soft fractions of :28.1, :57.2 and 1:25.4. Major Occasion A opted to race from last in the six-horse field for most of the mile, picking up live cover at the five-eighths from 9-5 favorite Sweet Lucy Lou, who was last week’s come-from-behind winner.

Off the far turn, the ‘Major’ tipped off her cover before rocketing home to record a 1-length win over Betalady. Sweet Lucy Lou was third.

“When you’re sitting back last and you’re chasing good mares, it’s going to be hard to catch them,” said Dunn. “But she really knocked it down through the stretch. She was good off the helmet and should have a good season.”

Trained by Nifty Norman for owners Enzed Racing Stable, Major Occasion A, a 7-year-old daughter of Art Major-Fake Occasion, returned $6.40 to win as the 2-1 second choice in the wagering. She now has 21 wins from just 68 career outings, good for earnings of $415,273.

HE’S A GRAND OLD MAN: Even though he was making the 293^rd start of his career, 14-year-old Statesman N looked like a kid out there in the $12,500 Play Meadowlands Final for $7,500 claimers, scoring by a determined head in 1:53.3.

Owned and trained by Yogi Sheridan, Statesman N completed a two-race sweep of the series by brushing to the lead before the half and holding off the pocket-sitting Northern Rock after the pair duked it out toe-to-toe through the stretch.

Statesman N, a gelded son of Christian Cullen-Club Sport who was driven by Dunn, now has 58 career wins and lifetime earnings of $949,483. As the heavy 2-5 public choice, he returned $2.80 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: Mark MacDonald continued his winning ways by pacing the driving colony with three winners on the card, giving him eight victories over the last five programs. … There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6, creating a carryover of $7,384. Those with five correct collected $96.14. … All-source handle totaled $2,701,155. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m.

Sire Stakes, Allmyx’sliventexas atop Cal Expo bill

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

 

A $15,000 California Sire Stakes for the 3-year-old pacing fillies and a $6,200 Open Pace headed by Allmyx’sliventexas are the main attractions on Saturday night’s Cal Expo program.

 

Watch and Wager LLC will present 13 races with things getting underway at 4:50 p.m. 

 

Rockin the Dragon is one of the major players in the Sire Stakes. She by Custard The Dragon out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare Shes Just Rockin, is owned by Mark Anderson, hails from the Gordie Graham shedrow and will again have Jacob Cutting in the sulky.

 

Sent off at 7-1 in the most recent stakes clash two weeks ago, Rockin The Dragon left into a pocket trip, brushed to command into the stretch and went on to a four-length decision over odds-on choice Doubleontherocks.

 

The latter is a homebred daughter of Lettherockbegin out of the Camystic mare Double L Fab who is owned and was bred by Nikki Hudson and is reined and trained by Luke Plano.

 

In the first stakes clash for this division on February 20 while being sent off the 7-5 second choice, Doubleontherocks left into a pocket trip behind Cookiesncream, was up to that that one away at midstretch and went on to a two and a quarter lengths score.

 

Cookiesncream has had to settle for a show finish in the first two Sire Stakes at this meet. She was a sharp winner here on February 5 for her owner/breeders Wayne and Rod Knittel, conditioner Bob Johnson and pilot Nick Roland and has the rail for this assignment. 

 

Completing the field are Witch Hunter for trainer Marco Rios with Cordarius Stewart in the bike; and Shewentthataway, who gives trainer Johnson a second look with Mooney Svendsen at the controls.

 

Sophomores continue to sort themselves out

 

The 3-year-old pacers will get another chance at some big money this weekend with a pair of $15,000 California Sire Stakes up for grabs.

 

There have been two big-money dances each for both the boys and the girls, resulting in four different winners, and it will be interesting to see how they shake out this weekend as the divisions are in search of a clear-cut leader.

 

As things have worked out, both winners of the filly stakes have prevailed from the pocket, as Doubleontherocks got the job done from the two-hole in the first one and then had pace-setting duties in the last clash and was overhauled by the stalking Rockin The Dragon that evening.

 

Doubleontherocks is a homebred daughter of Lettherockbegin who is owned and was bred by Nikki Hudson and is reined and trained by husband Luke Plano. “I claimed her dam and it turned out she had some issues,” Luke related. “I thought she would make a good broodmare and we bred her to a Minnesota sire.

 

“We got her ready last year in Indiana and Minnesota and she had one start at Running Aces, then we backed off and pointed for these races.”

 

So far, so good on that front with one trophy and a runner-up finish in the first two Sire Stakes, and it’s time for take three this weekend.

 

Meanwhile, it’s been Believe In Dragons and Lodi Phillip in the two stakes gatherings for the colts and geldings. The former was a game first-over victor in the initial battle on February 21, while Lodi Phillip avenged a troubled trip in that affair to post a coast-to-coast decision in the most recent divisional get-together two weeks ago.

 

 

YOU WANT TO DRIVE AT THE BIG M? JOIN THE GSY!

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – You watch The Meadowlands races week after week, and you can’t help but wonder: Could I be out there?

Maybe you could.

Just about every Friday night, a handful of “regular” folks go head-to-head sitting in the sulky at the game’s greatest track, competing for solid purses in races where wagering is similar to that of when the driver lineup has names like Dunn, Gingras and McCarthy in it.

Welcome to the GSY Amateur Driving Series, which will have its sixth and final leg for pacers Friday (March 19) night in the first race at The Big M. The event carries a purse of $10,000.

“We’re not as good as the pros because we don’t do it six days a week, 10 times a night. But any [GSY club member] who wants to drive at The Meadowlands has to be approved by the judges. Once they are okayed, they’re still under our scrutiny to make sure they’re not driving like an orangutan,” Club President David Yarock told Harness Racing Update. “But we put on a good show and I think it’s appreciated.”

The betting public apparently agrees.

Thus far in 2021, there have been 10 GSY races conducted at the mile oval, with wagering on those races totaling $2.1 million for an average per race of $211,942. Betting was especially vigorous during a 14-day stretch in February. Action totaled $285,408 on Feb. 5, $240,438 on Feb. 12 and $225,079 on Feb. 19 for a three-card average of $250,308. For some perspective, on a typical 13-race program, an average per race of a quarter-million dollars results in a night that sees a total of $3.25 million pushed through the windows.

“We are proud to host these races,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The GSY (which stands for [Jeff] Gural Settlemoir Yarock) Amateur Series races have always been hotly contested by the participants and well-received by the wagering audience at The Meadowlands. For these passionate drivers, their Meadowlands Pace takes place every Friday night.”

So, can one really participate in the GSY if they aren’t necessarily in the harness racing business? While it’s true amateur drivers in many cases own horses, they make their living by doing something else.

In Friday’s GSY event, here are some of the drivers and what they do in the “real world”: Matt Zuccarello works for the snack company Herr’s; Yarock is a financial insurance representative; Joe Lee is an investment advisor and also serves as the assistant equipment manager for the New York Yankees; Mark Schullstrom is an executive at Shop-Rite; Tony Beltrami is a judge in the Pennsylvania criminal court; and Bob Hechkoff is an executive headhunter. Another steady GSY performer, Todd Whitney, who isn’t racing Friday, owns his own construction company.

The races provide a special challenge to handicappers, and those sharp enough to come up with the winners are generally rewarded for their expertise. During 2020, GSY races saw favorites win at just a 28 percent rate. Once, a winning trifecta combination – one that included drivers that had previously won multiple GSY races – returned a handsome $19,303.20.

This year has seen more of the same, as eight of the 10 races have seen win payoffs of $6.40 or more, with four coming back $11.80 or better. The average win price has been $11.60.

“One of the things that the bettors like is, it’s a different meal per se,” Yarock told HRU. “So, if you’ve got 12 or 13 races on the night and they’re all professionals and then you’ve got one amateur race, it’s a little bit different. Sometimes it draws more attention because it’s different.”

The GSY not only creates opportunities for those who want to race, it creates revenue for some charitable causes.

“The club is open to anybody who wants to get involved,” Yarock told The Meadowlands. “And revenue is produced the following ways. The 5 percent that the drivers earn, [as amateur drivers] they can’t take it, so it goes to our charity. We have a membership fee of $400 a year, and we also have fundraisers along the way. This is how we raise our money.”

The charitable pursuit that Yarock has a special place for can be found on his website, equineoutreachfund.org. Sure, raising money is nice, but doing things to help others is even nicer.

“During COVID-19, we have provided food and services for people, and up at my farm in The Catskills, we will be setting up a program to help people with PTSD by connecting them with retired horses as we try to rescue both.”

THE NEW SCHEDULE: Beginning Friday (March 19), post time will be 6:20 p.m., and thus, Big M TV’s live simulcast presentation of its “Racing from the Meadowlands” pre-game show will now kickoff at 5:47 p.m. every live racing night.

$100,000 GUARANTEED: Every night, The Meadowlands guarantees big green on both editions of its signature wager, as each 50-cent Pick-4 sports a $50,000 guaranteed pool.

A HALF-DOZEN CHANCES: The Big M offers players six chances every night to make a score, betting on the track’s popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout. They are:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 13: 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta

FREE PPs: “Need a program? The Big M has you covered,” said Settlemoir. “We offer free programs every night.” The free past performances are available to anyone who goes to the track’s website, playmeadowlands.com.

GET SOCIAL: You can always check in with the team at The Meadowlands on Twitter.

For early changes, racing information and staff selections, go to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with the Big M’s Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Andrew Demsky (@shadesonracing) and Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1).

CHECK OUT THE PICKS: For those who need to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to see track oddsmaker and analyst Brower’s selections and commentary. Click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.

Brower’s input is generally available 48 hours before every card.

Additionally, track announcer Warkentin’s blog is available on the site and offers his picks and analysis.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK? There are several options for those who would rather catch the action from The Big M at home.

Racing fans can watch all the races live on the Roberts Television Network (rtn.tv). In addition, they can watch and wager by going to the Television Games Network (tvg.com) or their favorite Advance-deposit Wagering site (ADW).

MAYHEM HAS ARRIVED: And it’s at The Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook.

The NCAA College Basketball Tournament kicks off Thursday (March 18) at 5:10 p.m. with the first of four “play-in” games. When those contests have concluded, the field of 64 will then be set to begin play with 16 games both Friday (March 19) and Saturday (March 20) with the action set to begin both days at 12:15 p.m.

The field, which then will be reduced to 32 teams, will resume with eight more games on both Sunday (March 21) and Monday (March 22). The first of those games will tip-off at noon each day.

In addition to the college hoops, action will be available on professional golf’s Honda Classic, as well as a plethora of other sports, including the NBA, NHL, Premier and Champions League soccer, professional tennis and more.

The sportsbook is open Sunday-Friday from 10 a.m.-midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. The cash counter is open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 

National Racing Compact to Begin Work on New Web-Based Licensing System

 

LEXINGTON, KY, March 17, 2021 – The National Racing Compact Board has provided authorization to move forward with the creation of a new online licensing portal.  In partnership with a local web development company, the National Racing Compact will begin the process of creating a new web platform during the 2021 calendar year with hopes of a possible fourth quarter launch. This improved system will allow licensees to apply for a National Racing License, add and pay for new states, and manage their existing National Racing License.

 

Outside of the one-time fingerprint requirement, the new system will automate the entire process and make managing and paying for state racing licenses fast and streamlined.

 

The National Racing Compact is a national licensing program that was formed in 2000 and is accepted in 26 jurisdictions which include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The purpose of the Compact is to ease the regulatory burden for qualifying licensees who race in multiple states. For additional information about the National Racing Compact and the benefits to both regulatory jurisdictions and licensed participants, please visit www.racinglicense.com.

 

Driver/trainer Steve Wiseman passes

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Longtime California horseman Steve Wiseman passed away Saturday afternoon at age 53 after a year-long battle with cancer.

 

Wiseman was a third-generation harness horseman, as his grandfather drove the starting gate in British Columbia and his father Raleigh was a respected horseman in both Canada and the United States.

 

Steve came to California as a teenager and not long after that went to work with Tim and Denise Maier, followed by a stint with the Jim Perez stable. He eventually went to Chicago where he was second trainer to Joe Anderson, who eventually encouraged him to strike out of his own.

 

It was at this point that Wiseman returned to California to start his stable. Soon after he met his wife of 21 years, Kathie Plested, and they have a daughter Tyler, now 20, who is currently the outrider here at Cal Expo.

 

Steve and Kathie had made Sacramento their home while operating one of the largest stables at Cal Expo in the fall and winter and Running Aces in Minnesota in the spring and summer with a number of driving and training titles to show for those efforts.

 

Steve was on the board of directors of the CHHA, a member of the California Hall of Fame committee and the drivers track committee.

 

Steve’s favorite performers included Magna Kay, Cashimir Dow Jones, Rhianna Seelster and Silverlode, the latter breaking the North American record for a trotter at mile and a half with a 2:57 2/5 victory here at Cal Expo in the Joe Lighthill Memorial.

 

In addition to his wife and daughter, Wiseman is survived by his older brother Ken and sister-in-law Heather Wiseman. His parents Raleigh and Myrna preceded him in death.

 

“Steve Wiseman was the consummate horseman,” said Steve and Vickie Desomer. “Professional and friendly whether training or driving or working around the barn.  When we raced coupled entries, it was always our hope and good fortune when Stevie consented to drive for us.  He will be sorely missed as he remained one of the horsemen that gave our industry a good name.  Rest in peace Stevie.”

 

From Tim and Denise Maier: “We have always considered Steve part of our family.  It was a pleasure to see the amazing man he became. The paddock at Running Aces will not be the same without him. I hope God appreciates his humor.”

 

“Horse owners will tell you about the money they are making or losing, but after 50 years, this small owner will admit, it's about the joy of harness racing,” said Barbara Arnstine. “In creating that joy, Steve Wiseman was rightly named the Magician. I've had my worst mare and one of my best in his barn over the years, and thanks to his magic, they were both wonderful experiences.”

 

Cal Expo will have a memorial ceremony prior to Saturday night’s first race.

MAPPING OUT A NIGHT OF ACTION AT THE BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Why is The Meadowlands the industry’s handle leader?

There are many factors that make the mile oval the most prolific in terms of average wagering per card in the game, with large field size and small takeouts on popular bets being the most influential.

But it is not only big bettors that fuel the bustling betting, but small players also have a sizeable say in making the Big M what it is, as they are able to get a lot of action for not a lot of money if they team up with other players to take on the track’s most popular puzzles.

Low takeouts are great for the bettor but sometimes overlooked are the Big M’s six bets that sport low 10-, 20- and 50-cent minimums. They make wagering on the races a viable entertainment option for new racing fans. The low minimums have made playing the races affordable to those players, and that has helped The Meadowlands average $3.6 million on Saturday nights during the winter.

For those with a smaller bankroll but want to get in on the action at The Big M and get plenty of chances to make a score, here is one possible roadmap:

Four people who play as a partnership come out to the races or play from home on their favorite ADW platform. The total bankroll is $100, so all each player has to contribute is $25. Look at this low-minimum, low-takeout strategy, in which $100 buys 657 wagers:

RACE 1 – the 20-cent Pick-5: The low minimum means the partnership can play a decent-sized ticket (in this case, $30) yet still have plenty of money left if they do not hit. If they are sharp enough to cash, they can play the remainder of the card without digging into the original $100 and keep the leftover money for the next night.

1^st ticket: 1,2/1,2/1,2/1,2/1,2,3,4,5 = $16 (80 combinations)

2^nd ticket: 1/1/1,2/1,2/ALL = $8 (40 combinations)

3^rd ticket: 1/1/1,2/1,2,3/1,2,3,4,5 = $6 (30 combinations)

Total: 150 combinations for $30, 15 per cent takeout = $4.50

RACES 2,3,4,5,7,8,9,11,12 – the 10-cent Superfecta: On a typical 13-race program, The Big M offers nine Superfectas. We will spend $2.40 per race using two strategies.

1^st ticket: Box 1,2,3,4 = $1.20 (12 combinations)

2^nd ticket: Key 1 with 2,3,4,5 = $1.20 (12 combinations)

Total: 24 combinations at $2.40 apiece for 9 races = $21.60 (216 combinations), 20 per cent takeout = $4.32

RACES 6 and 9 – the 50-cent Pick-4: The track’s signature wager, which always offers a guaranteed pool of $50,000, will take an investment of $24.

Of the four following possible tickets, one can be played in each Pick-4:

1^st ticket: 1,2/1,2/1,2/1,2,3 = $12 (24 combinations)

2^nd ticket: 1/1,2/1,2,3/1,2,3,4 = $12 (24 combinations)

3^rd ticket: 1/1/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4,5,6 = $12 (24 combinations)

4^th ticket: 1/1,2/1,2/1,2,3,4,5,6 = $12 (24 combinations)

Total: 24 combinations at $12 apiece for 2 races = $24 (48 combinations), 15 per cent takeout = $3.60

RACE 13 – the 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta: Select the top five finishers and cash in to “get out” in the final race of the night. The way you stagger your ticket can increase your chances of winning.

The ticket: 1,2,3/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4,5/1,2,3,4,5,6/1,2,3,4,5,6,7 = $24.30

Total: 243 combinations at 10-cents apiece = $24.30, 15 per cent takeout = $3.65

This bet enables one to use three horses in all positions while adding one horse in positions two through 5.

Grand Total: $99.90 total investment, 657 combinations, total takeout $16.07 (16 per cent).

“Based on the low 16 per cent takeout on these $100 in wagers,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The average player will lose $4 an hour for over four hours of action. An above average player can create better odds of winning by wagering into low-takeout wagers. The better players can overcome a low takeout, based on their knowledge and experience, and make their evening profitable.

“The great thing about low takeout is that it creates more winning players, which creates more handle, which creates more purse money, which creates more revenue for our simulcast partners and stakeholders. That is a healthy business model for the future. Low takeout makes winning possible. This has obviously created more interest in The Meadowlands in 2021.”

FREE PPs: “Need a program? The Big M has you covered,” said Settlemoir. “We offer free programs every night.” The free past performances are available to anyone who goes to the track’s website, playmeadowlands.com.

‘SHADES’ TO CALL: As the Timbuk 3 song goes: “Things are going great, and they’re only getting better, I’m doing all right, getting good grades, the futures so bright, I gotta wear shades.”

The song could have been written for Andrew ‘Shades’ Demsky, who calls the races at Tioga Downs and is a jack-of-all-trades at The Big M. Demsky, who does back paddock interviews and serves as occasional co-host of the in-house live presentation as well as hosting and directing all kinds of interesting spots for TV, will step into the track announcer’s booth Friday night and “Borrow Ken Warkentin’s Binoculars” and call the 13-race card.

Warkentin will return to the booth on Saturday.

GET SOCIAL: You can always check in with the team at The Meadowlands on Twitter.

For early changes, racing information and staff selections, go to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with the Big M’s Dave Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Demsky (@shadesonracing) and Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1).

CHECK OUT THE PICKS: For those who need to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to see track oddsmaker and analyst Brower’s selections and commentary. Click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.

Brower’s input is generally available 48 hours before every card.

Additionally, track announcer Warkentin’s blog is available on the site and offers his picks and analysis.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK? There are several options for those who would rather catch the action from The Big M at home.

Racing fans can watch all the races live on the Roberts Television Network (rtn.tv). In addition, they can watch and wager by going to the Television Games Network (tvg.com) or their favorite Advance-deposit Wagering site (ADW).

GET YOUR HOOPS ACTION: Mayhem is upon us.

One of the biggest events in all of sports is about to begin, as in three days, the 68 teams that will participate in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be chosen on “Selection Sunday”, and bettors can watch and wager on all the tourney action in The Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook.

For those who have an opinion as to which team will lift the championship trophy at tourney’s end, they can back that opinion up and possibly make a score. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the current favorites at +250, followed by the Baylor Bears at +330. The third choice, at odds of +420, are the Michigan Wolverines.

In addition, major conference tournament champions will be determined throughout the weekend, as on Saturday (March 13), the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Pac-12 will have their finals, while on Sunday (March 14), the finals for the Atlantic 10, Big Ten and SEC will be conducted. Get action on every game at The Big M.    

In addition to the college hoops, action will be available on professional golf’s THE PLAYERS Championship as well as a plethora of other sports, including the NBA, NHL, Premier and Champions League soccer, professional tennis and more.

The sportsbook is open Sunday-Friday from 10 a.m.-midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. The cash counter is open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Blue Bell Bonnie Victorious In Buffalo Raceway Feature

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Blue Bell Bonnie ($5.20) left the field feeling 'blue' in Buffalo Raceway's featured $8,800 Class A Pace for the filly and mares on Wednesday night (March 10) by taking a 1-1/4 length victory over Greenhilldebatable in a seasonal best of 1:57.2.

It was a great night for the driver Jim Morrill Jr., trainer Gerry Sarama and owner Mike Torcello as they combined for four winners on the evening, including the triumph by Blue Bell Bonnie. Morrill Jr. finished with five victories on the program.  

At the start, Blue Bell Bonnie had to tussle with Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) on who was going to be the temptress of the timer. Blue Bell Bonnie ended up winning that distinction and set fractions of :29.1, :59.0 and 1:28.0 over the fast track.

Turning for home, Blue Bell Bonnie showed the way with the pocket-sitting Greenhilldebatable ready to pounce but she couldn't find any answers, settling for second. Wonderful World (Ray Fisher Jr.) took the show position.

Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it was the second win of the year for Blue Bell Bonnie (Mister Big-The Girl Can Bet). The victory for the 9-year-mare moved her 2021 earnings to $15,185 and $224,909 lifetime.

Cummings had a driving double on the 11-race card.

Racing will continue on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with an 11-race program scheduled.

 

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

 

BIG M MOVING POST TIME TO 6:20 P.M. NEXT WEEK

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Management at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment announced Wednesday morning that post time will move to 6:20 p.m., effective Friday, March 19.

“This is in response to our fans who want to bet our entire card but appreciate getting home a little bit earlier,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir of the track shifting post time 20 minutes later than what has been the norm since Dec. 26. “We have seen solid wagering on our early races that have been taking place in the before-7 p.m. window. Those races have, in effect, replaced the races in the after-11 p.m. window, where wagering had not been as strong when we had our post time at 7:15 p.m.”

Racing will be conducted on the usual Friday and Saturday basis all the way through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 7.

Post time for this weekend’s races (March 12-13) will be 6 p.m.

TONY VERRUSO COPS AHDC TROT AT FREEHOLD RACEWAY SATURDAY WITH SLATED TO WIN

by John Manzi for the American Harness Drivers Club

Freehold, NJ---, For the second time in less than a month Tony Verruso and Slated To Win scored a victory in the American Harness Drivers Club trot at Freehold Raceway Today they were victorious in 2:00.1.Just three weeks prior Verruso guided the 5-year-old Uncle Peter gelding to a victory in an earlier leg of the trotting series also at the New Jersey double-oval.

When the gate sprung in today's contest Verruso gunned his trotter to the lead from the six-hole and they looped Always A Good Time (Joe Faraldo) who had started from post four.

“My horse leaves good and I fired him up when the gate sprung and he trotted to right around Faraldo's horse and we had command before the quarter,” Verruso said via phone after the race. “Once on the lead he was on the bit so I let him ramble.”

“After a :29.4 first quarter Always A Good Time seemed content to be on the limb and Joe (Faraldo) wasn't pushing the pace so we got by the half in one-minute flat,” Verruso added.

The leaders remained one-two by the three quarters as the timer flashed 1:30.3. However, when they rounded the final turn and straightened for home  Always A Good Time started to fade and Tony Beltrami hustled Big Smoove up alongside Slated To Win and the two were joined by Dark Pool (John Calabrese) and the three battled all the way to the wire.

At the finish Slated To Win was a length better than his rivals and went on to a 2:00.1 victory. Big Smoove was second best and Dark Poole was a head farther back for the show dough.

Slated To Win is owned by George Beck and trained by Symon Spicer. He paid $9.60 for win

 

 

 

ANA AFREET N, JL CRUZE IMPRESS IN BIG M CO-FEATURES

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Ana Afreet N and JL Cruze made quick work of their foes Saturday night at The Meadowlands, as each won their respective co-featured $25,000 Winners Over/Junior Opens with ease on a chilly night at the mile oval.

Ana Afreet N, making just his second start back after a two-month layoff, showed that he is all the way back in the groove, as the Jeff Cullipher trainee crushed nine overmatched foes in the marquee event for pacers.

Departing from post nine provided little in the way of trouble for the 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Anna Livia, as driver Andy McCarthy left the gate sharply, moving swiftly around the first turn while four-wide before clearing to the top at the quarter in :27.1.

It was over right then and there.

After being permitted to rate a second fraction in :28.2 with nobody close on the rim, Ana Afreet N then shrugged off token first-over pressure around the far turn from the horse who won this race last week, Shnitzledosomethin, before sprinting home in :26.4 to win by 1¾ lengths over a rail-sitting Gods Spirit N in 1:50.2. Shnitzledosomethin held third.

“He was terrific tonight,” said McCarthy. “He really doesn’t love the front end but he’s going to have to get used to it racing over a half-mile track [in the March 15 Borgata Series] at Yonkers. He’s probably better with a target, but he paced home strong. I think if a horse had been nearby, he would have shown even more.”

Ana Afreet N paid $5.80 to win as the 9-5 favorite and upped his lifetime numbers to 23 victories from just 46 starts. Owned by Pollack Racing and Jeff Cullipher, his lifetime earnings now stand at $180,072.

JL Cruze showed no rust after a two-week break, blasting down the pike in the featured trot in 1:53.2 as the 1-2 public choice.

“He takes me around the track,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn. “He makes my job easy.”

The 10-year-old son of Crazed-Topcat Hall backed up his pilot’s words by having an easy time of it on the front end.

“That’s what makes him so good,” said Dunn, referring to his horse’s last start, which he won from off the pace. “He’s so versatile, so good out of the gate.”

JL Cruze, who was assigned post seven in the seven-horse field, exploded away from the gate, made the top out of the first turn, and cut out fractions of :27.1, :56.3 and 1:25.3, before sprinting home in :27.4 to win by 1½ lengths over a fast-closing Pikachu Hanover. Winnerup was third.

Trained by Eric Ell and owned by W. Kenneth Wood, W.J. Dittmar Jr. and S.J. Iaquinta, JL Cruze lifted his lifetime statistics to 44 wins from 128 starts, good for an overflowing bank account of $1,584,892. He returned $3.00 to win and has now won four of his last five Big M starts.

A LITTLE MORE: McCarthy won three races on the card to finish with five victories over the weekend. … The 20-cent Pick-6 carryover of $6,225 blossomed into a total pool of $35,136, and those who had winning tickets cashed in for $3,422. … All-source wagering totaled $3,114,494. There have been 10 Saturday programs conducted at The Big M thus far in 2021, and each has seen the $3-million-handle barrier busted. … Racing resumes Friday at 6 p.m.

Weekend Atnannies Solid In Win At Buffalo

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Weekend Atnannies made a step up in class at Buffalo Raceway but that didn't bother him one bit as he registered a solid 3/4 length win over Allstar Energy in the featured Class A-AA Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (March 6). 

 

The move up the ladder was warranted as Weekend Atnannies won on February 13 by taking a Class B event by a neck in 1:56.3 in his last outing.

 

After relinquishing the lead for a brief moment early stage of the race to Allstar Energy, Weekend Atnannies (Kevin Cummings) retook the lead before the opening stanza and never looked back from there.

 

Setting splits of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:28.3 over the fast track, Weekend Atnannies didn't face any pressure down the stretch and easily strolled to the victory in 1:57. Allstar Energy (Ron Beback Jr.) settled for second while Falcon's Luke (Shawn McDonough) took the show position.

 

Owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra, Weekend Atnannies (Western Paradise-Lacoste Gal) is a 6-year-old gelding that has now won two of three starts this season. The win upped his seasonal earnings to $8,572 and $113,611 lifetime.

 

Drew Monti finished the evening with three driving wins while Cummings and Shawn McDonough had two apiece. Gerry Sarama had a training double.

 

Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with 11 races on tap. There will be a $4,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 starting in the second race.

 

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