Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday.

Tioga Downs will begin their 16^th season of live harness racing on Saturday (May 1), with a special post time of 5:00 p.m.  

The five-eighths mile track from Nichols, NY will race on Fridays (starting May 28) and Saturdays at 6:15 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.  Closing night will be Saturday (September 25). 

We are happy to be able to have spectators for the first time since 2019.  All spectators must show proof of a negative COVID-19 from no more than 72 hours prior or proof of full vaccination upon entrance to each event.  Spectators will be permitted to enter the grandstand and trackside viewing areas through the mutuels lobby with a capacity limit of 20%. 

Tioga Downs will once again play host to the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for sophomore pacing fillies and colts.  They will each race for a purse of $250,000 (Est.). 

Last year’s top driver Wall Hennessey and top trainer Rob Harmon will be on hand this season to defend their titles. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com 

 

Walk-Up Teller Offered for Derby Day at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - As an added convenience for the wagering public due to reduced racetrack capacity, the Meadowlands Racetrack will offer a walk-up Teller window on both Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 for Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

The walk up window is located in Lot M off of Berry’s Creek Road.  Tellers will be available for wagering from 10 am through 7:00 pm. 

Programs will be available for sale along with past performances for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

 

Limited Derby Day Dining Options Remain at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack is the best place to dine, watch and wager on the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 1^st .  Racetrack doors open at 9 am with first Churchill Downs post at 10:30 am.  Live harness racing kicks off at 6:20 pm and the Kentucky Derby post time is set for 6:57 pm. 

Guaranteed admission and dining tickets are on sale at Derby Day | MRE Dining (playmeadowlands.events)

Lounge dining is now sold out and due to limited attendance capacities and COVID protocols, onsite attendance is limited to the following:

· Café table seating

· Backyard BBQ & Grill seating

· West Deck & Promenade dining

· 500 hundred pre-paid general admission indoor Grandstand tickets

· 3,000 Backyard only general admission

 

19 Café picnic tables are remain available for purchase. The Café will have waitress service and be tented for guest comfort. Guests can dine on racetrack staples including chicken wings and French fries, cheese steaks, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and more. Reservations must be pre-paid and are $100 per table. Each table seats up to four people. The $100 is also a food credit that can be used at the outdoor Café on Kentucky Derby Day. The credit is valid on Saturday, May 1st only.

41 Outdoor Backyard Tables are still available.  The Backyard BBQ & Grill opens at 11 am will have waitress service. Guests can dine delicious spring-time grilled fare including burgers, sausage and hot dog along with brisket, ribs and mac & cheese. Each table seats up to 4 people. The $100 is a food credit that can be used at the Backyard BBQ & Grill and Backyard Bar on Saturday, May 1st only. Additional seats can be purchased for $25. All Backyard diners should enter via the Backyard entrance.

The West Deck has a $39.95 pre-fixe Derby lunch menu featuring a variety of cold salads, grilled items along with a selection of pre-packaged desserts will also be available. Reservations are required and dining must be prepaid. Reservations can be made by calling 201-TheBigM or emailing mrefinski@playmeadowlands.com. Please keep in mind seating is limited and begins at 11am. Hot food service is 11am - 4:30pm. If additional food is ordered after 5pm, each additional diner will be charged $29.95 for the evening food service.

The Promenade will open for outdoor dining at 5pm featuring salads, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken along with desserts.  Reservations are required and dining must be prepaid. Reservations can be made by calling 201-TheBigM or emailing mrefinski@playmeadowlands.com.

Patrons not interested in dining can purchase a General Admission ticket for $10. It guarantees track entrance through the Simulcast Entrance from 9 am – 7pm.  Online purchase of admission is encouraged to guarantee entrance to the grandstand.  After 7pm admission is free.

There is also the free Backyard admission option.  Guests are able to enter the track via the Backyard entrance and watch and wager on all the racing action at the outdoor mutuel tellers.  Due to COVID attendance restrictions Backyard admissions will not be granted access to the Grandstand. 

All guests will have their temperature checked and must complete a brief health questionnaire before entering via the Clubhouse entrance. No one with a temperature exceeding 100.4 will be allowed to enter. Guests can download and complete the required questionnaire at PlayMeadowlands.com to help speed up the check-in process. All must wear masks while not actively eating or drinking at their table.

More detailed information on dining and Derby Day admission can be found at Derby Day | MRE Dining (playmeadowlands.events)

The Meadowlands Racetrack 2021 Summer Survival Challenge Kicks Off Saturday

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Summer Survival Challenge powered by 123Racing returns Saturday, May 1, 2021. Cash prizes and World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars seats are up for grabs in this free online competition.

 
Trackmaster will provide Platinum Past Performances for each night of the contest.  
The game covers the Meadowlands’ Championship Meet and concludes on Hambletonian Day, Saturday, August 7^th. 

The winner is determined by the highest total bankroll at the end of the Challenge based on a $2 “across the board” wager [win, place and show] on selections for three designated races each program.         

However, to continue in the game, entrants have to “survive” by finishing in-the-money [first through third] with at least one of their selections each day.  Failing to do so or not making selections knocks the player out of the game.  To aid in the player’s survival a “lucky horseshoe” is given.  The lucky horseshoe is a “free pass” given to all Challenge participants that allows the player to survive if he does not make selections for a race card or all three of his selections fail to hit the board.

The grand prize is $500 & $1,300 2021 WHHC Spot
The second-place prize is $300 & $1,300 2021 WHHC Spot
The third-place prize is $200 & $1,300 2021 WHHC Spot

Most Winners prize is $100

The free contest is open to legal residents of the United States and Canada 18 years and older, and all selections must be made through the format provided on the Survival Challenge website page.  No selections will be accepted by phone, fax, e-mail or any other means.  Trackmaster Past Performances for the three designated races will be provided through the game board.

The deadline for selections each day is 30 minutes before 6:20 p.m. post time for the first race.  After 30 minutes to post, all selections are final. Players should note post time on Saturday, August 7^th is 12 noon.

ONTARIO INVADERS SWEEP BIG M CO-FEATURES

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Just call them “The Road Warriors”.

With things at a standstill at their home track due to a COVID-19 shutdown, a pair of horses who call Woodbine Mohawk Park home ruled The Meadowlands Saturday night as trotter It’s Academic and pacer Sintra scored in the co-featured $30,000 Preferreds.

It’s Academic benefited from a third-place, once-over-the-track effort from a week ago to score in 1:51.3. The 4-year-old son of Uncle Peter-Annapolis was sent to the gate as the 3-2 second choice in the betting and on a typical night that favored speed, left quickly from post five in the eight-horse field and led at every call through fractions of :26.3, :56.3 and 1:24.4 on the way to recording his 15^th win from just 30 lifetime starts.

Scirocco Rob, the 6-5 favorite, challenged the eventual winner at the three-quarter-mile mark, but was put away off the far turn as It’s Academic rolled to a convincing 3-length score. Scirocco Rob finished second with Buck Dancer third.

A Ron Burke trainee who is owned by Brad Grant, It's Academic returned $5.00 to win in lifting his lifetime earnings to $493,188.

“It just did not really work out last week when he got shuffled,” said winning driver Yannick Gingras. “Tonight, he proved he’s a nice horse. He can leave super-fast and he can go :26 [to the quarter], so I was able to get a good second-quarter breather [of :30]. He was full of trot late.”

Sintra was nothing short of scintillating in overcoming post 10 to score in 1:48.4. The 8-year-old gelded son of Mach Three-Dancin Barefoot left hard from the outside in the 10-horse field and got a spot fourth at the rail out of the first turn.

The 8-5 favorite came first-over at the five-eighths and made his way toward leader American History, who blazed fractions of :54.4 to the half and 1:21.4 at three-quarters after wrestling control away from the early leader, 5-2 second choice Ana Afreet N, at the three-eighths.

Continuing to chip away at the leader’s edge, Sintra, who paid $5.40 to win, grabbed the front with less than an eighth to go before holding off a fast-closing-along-the-inside Ana Afreet N by a neck in 1:48.4. American History held third.

Driven by Todd McCarthy and trained by Brett Pelling, Sintra not only overcame the outside post but also a 27-day layoff to register his 36^th career victory from 83 starts. His earnings now stand at $1,150,360 for owners Michael Guerriero, Kelly Waxman, Nunzio Vena and Frank Cirillo.

“I was concerned with where he was going to be at,” said McCarthy, whose hot hands guided five winners on the card. “You try to be as conservative as you can. I knew we’d have to go first-over at some stage. He showed his class tonight. I was a little worried as to how much we had left [in the stretch] but he got there.”

SPEEDY SORTS: Last Saturday, the Jennifer Bongiorno-trained Nicholas Beach rocked the clock to the tune of 1:48.2 to become the second fastest performer of the year in harness racing. Last night, her Stars Align A became the fastest horse of the year, recording a 1:48 clocking in the seventh race high-end conditioned pace, besting Let It Ride N’s Jan. 2 mile time of 1:48.1. All three miles took place at The Big M.

AN EARLY START: Before the beginning of the betting card, there were two non-betting divisions of the New Jersey Breeders Maturity contested for 4-year-olds on the trot.

In the $12,500 event for mares, 2020 New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Ab’sattitudexpress went wire-to-wire for trainer Lucas Wallin and driver Tim Tetrick in 1:54.2. The daughter of Trixton-Abbie’sgotattitude sprinted home in :26.1 to best her only opponent, Spoiled Princess, by 2¾ lengths.

The Ake Svanstedt-trained and driven Back Of The Neck, who won a division of the 2020 Stanley Dancer, proved best of five horses in the $15,000 split for horses and geldings in 1:55.4 after leading at every call. The son of Ready Cash-Big Barb hit the wire two lengths in front of Play Trix On Me, the NJSS champion from a year ago.

A LITTLE MORE: There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6, setting up a carryover of $9,992. Those with five correct collected $64.00. … For those who want to jump into what no doubt will be a big Pick-6 pool Friday night, free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to playmeadowlands.com. … All-source wagering was typically strong for a Saturday at $3,552,966, the eighth straight program to see betting of over $3 million. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Lucan Hanover and Credit List grab Vernon features.

Lucan Hanover (Chris Long) and Credit List (Justin Huckabone) captures the co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 24). 

Lucan Hanover ($12.80) hangs on to win the $7,000 Open Pace. 

Lucan Hanover went to the front and hit the first quarter in :27.1.  Wind Blast (Justin Huckabone) followed tight in the pocket as Lucan Hanover led to the half in :56.3.  Lucan Hanover continued to lead as he hit three-quarters first in 1:24.3. 

Wind Blast popped out of the pocket as they made the turn for home.  Lucan Hanover and Wind Blast traded blows all the way down the stretch with neither one giving an inch.  As they hit the wire it was Lucan Hanover hanging on by a nose to win in 1:52.1.  Wind Blast had to settle for second with Star Commander N (Jimmy Whittemore) getting third money. 

Lucan Hanover is an 11-year-old gelding by Western Ideal.  He is owned and trained by Robin Mangiardi.  It was his first win of 2021.  He now has 53 career wins.  Mangiardi and Long also combined for a win with Getawayall Hanover ($5.10). 

Credit List ($5.00) gets fourth straight victory taking the $7,000 Open Trot. 

Lucky June Bug (John McDonald) took the lead and hit the first quarter first in :26.3.  He used a :29.4 second quarter to hit the half in :56.2.  He was first to three-quarters in 1:25.1. 

Credit List came first-over just before three-quarters.  He blew right on by in the stretch to win in a lifetime best of 1:53.2.  Spoiler Alert (Truman Gale) came charging late to finish second.  Winding Hill (Jimmy Whittemore) was third. 

Credit List is a 6-year-old gelding by Credit Winner.  Huckabone trains for owner Jonathan Applebaum.  It was his sixth win of the season.  He now has 17 career victories. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (April 23) at 6:10 p.m. 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com 

Stratosphere, Southern Palms Claim Buffalo Wins

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- There was no breather for Stratosphere ($12.80) in Buffalo Raceway's $10,500 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (April 24) but he was more than up to the persistent challenges in taking a half length win over Mr Ham Sandwich in 1:54.1, the fastest mile of the 2021 meet.

 

After collecting the lead just before the opening panel, Stratosphere (Drew Monti) was under constant siege during the entire mile tour around the half mile oval. 

 

First it was Santana Beach who was parked alongside Stratosphere for the first half. After Santana Beach threw in the towel, it was now time for Mr Ham Sandwich and Iluvtomakemoney to take their turns at Stratosphere.

 

While giving it their best shots, Stratosphere was more than up for the challenge and gamely crossed the finish line ahead of Mr Ham Sandwich (David McNeight III) and Iluvtomakemoney (Ray Fisher Jr.).

 

Owned by Drew Monti and trained by Darrin Monti, it was the second victory in five attempts this season for the 6-year-old gelded Stratosphere (Mach Three-Northern Jade). The win improved his seasonal bankroll to $14,450 and $127,315 lifetime.

 

In the co-featured $10,400 Class A-Open Handicapped Trot, Southern Palms )$3.20) let Mr Quaker do all the dirty work then went by in deep stretch to register the head decision in a seasonal best of 1:57.1.

 

Mr Quaker blasted off the starting gate and posted quick fractions of :28.4, :57.1 and 1:26.3. Southern Palms (Jim Morrill Jr.) stayed in the pocket until ducking down into the passing lane and eventually going past the stubborn Mr Quaker. Keystone Apache (Billy Davis Jr.) finished in third place.

 

Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, the 8-year-old gelded Southern Palms (RC Royalty-Pacific Elegance) has now posted three wins in eight starts this year. The victory increased his earnings to $15,445 on the campaign and $356,613 in his career.

 

There were a couple of big shockers on the evening as This Baby Rocks (Fisher Jr.) kicked off the 11-race program with an $86.00 victory while Gallant Major (Jim McNeight Jr.) followed that up in the fifth race with an $84.50 triumph.

 

Morrill Jr. completed the evening with three driving wins while Fisher Jr. and Monti had doubles. Sarama had a pair of training victories.

 

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening with an 11-race card with a scheduled post time of 5 p.m. There will be a guaranteed pool of $10,000 in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race. 

 

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

 

Jamieson to drive at Tioga in May.

Due to the shutdown of Ontario racing one of the top Canadian harness driving stars, Jody Jamieson will spend his weekends at Tioga Downs this May.  

Jamieson 44, has won over 8,000 races in his illustrious career.  He captured the World Championship for Canada in 2001.  In 2007 and 2009 he won the Obrien Award as Canada’s driver of the year.  He also won the North American dash crown with 796 wins in 2009. 

Jamieson will get to trade blows with Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey.  Hennessey is the two-time defending Tioga Downs dash champion.  Tioga fans will get the opportunity to witness two of the all-time greats of the sport go at it. 

Tioga Downs opens for the 2021 season on May 1^st. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com. 

‘ANA’ BESTS ‘COLOSSAL’, ‘LINDY’ GREAT AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – For a second straight week, Ana Afreet N bested Colossal Stride A after a scintillating stretch drive to take the Preferred for pacers at The Meadowlands Saturday night, one of two co-features on the card that went for $30,000.

“With the three scratches and the way it worked out,” said winning driver Tim Tetrick. “I drew inside of Dexter [Dunn, driving Colossal Stride A] and had to make sure he would have to chase me again.”

Using the same script from a week ago, Tetrick and his horse were good enough to get the same result.

Only six were behind the starting gate, and Tetrick asked Ana Afreet N for an early burst of speed from post position four and got it, getting around Vettel N out of the first turn and hitting the quarter in :27.2.

Down the backstretch, 4-5 favorite Colossal Stride A vacated the five-hole at the half and cut into the leader’s edge onto and around the far turn. When they turned for home, Colossal Stride A had momentum and a head advantage, but Ana Afreet N would not be denied.

The duo went toe-to-tie like a pair of heavyweights in the 15^th round for the final three-sixteenths, and at the wire, it was Ana Afreet N prevailing by a nose for a second straight week, at odds of 3-1 for a second straight week, over an odds-on Colossal Stride A for a second straight week. Vettel N was third.

“It was a real nail-biter all the way to the wire,” said Tetrick. “That horse got a head in front of me but my horse fought back.”

Ana Afreet N returned $8.20 to his backers in taking his third straight at The Big M. The 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Anna Livia, who is trained by Meadowlands’ leader Jeff Cullipher and owned by Pollack Racing and Cullipher, now has 25 wins from just 51 career starts and earnings of $213,272.

Despite facing six tough opponents and not having raced since Nov. 21, Lindy The Great and driver Andy Miller worked out a perfect trip to take the marquee trotting event – a Preferred Handicap – in 1:52.3.

The 7-year-old son of Crazed-Highscore Kemp was racing in the three-hole sixth along the rail on the far turn as even-money favorite Scirocco Rob, who was seeking his third straight score, was on the lead.

That’s when Lindy The Great caught a big break, as Morairtime went off stride while in a third-over flow, so Miller quickly swerved his horse into that spot, which meant he would have clearance for the stretch drive.

“I just wanted to give him a nice, easy trip,” said Miller, whose wife Julie trains the lifetime earner of $1,054,199. “The race shook out well for us and he was full of trot finishing.”

Three-quarters was timed in 1:24 as Lovedbythemasses applied pressure to the leader while first-over as It’s Academic swung off that live tow three-wide and took Lindy The Great with him into the stretch. Lindy The Great then exploded through the lane to record an easy 1¼-length score to equal his win output from all of 2020. Scirocco Rob held second with It’s Academic third.

“I just wanted to see what he would do,” said Andy Miller of his horse who raced with trotting hobbles removed. “I thought I’d try it last week [in his qualifier] and he was super solid. Hopefully, he can go all year without them. We are really excited about this year.”

Lindy The Great paid $5.80 as the 9-5 second choice in winning for the 16^th time from 64 career starts. He is owned by Andy Miller Stable and Team Lindy The Great.

A LITTLE MORE: All-source wagering totaled $3,625,679 to wrap up a weekend that saw total betting of over $6.8 million. … The 10^th race 50-cent Pick-4 pool of $136,807 was a 2021 best. Todd McCarthy and Tetrick each won twice during the sequence, and those who hit cashed in for $128.30 after two favorites and two 3-1 shots scored. … Ten of the 13 races on the program were won by horses who went off at 3-1 or less. … McCarthy led the drivers with three winners on the card. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Jimmy Whittemore gets four-bagger on opening night at Vernon

 John Horne for Vernon Downs. 

Jimmy Whittemore wins four including the $6,000 featured pace with Star Commander N on opening night at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 17). 

Star Commander N ($4.80) jumped out of the gate and went to the front hitting the first quarter in :27.3 with Golden Gun (Jeff Sorenson) following in second.  Star Commander used a 30.2 second quarter to hit the half in :58.0.  Wind Blast (Justin Huckabone) came flying first-over from fourth and took over second as they went around the final turn.   

Wind Blast tried to close in as they hit three-quarters in 1:25.1 but Star Commander N was too strong in the stretch and he won in 1:52.4.  Win Blast had to settle for second money.  Badix Hanover (Leon Bailey) finished third.   

Star Commander is a 7-year-old horse by Art Major.  Owned by Kristie Leigh Farm Inc., and trained by Marissa Chadbourne.  He won for the first time this season and 13^th time in his career.   

Whittemore combined with Chadbourne for two more wins with Bold Fresh ($6.10) and Only Passing Thru ($5.00).  Whittemore’s fourth win came with Bruce’s Magic ($4.90). 

Lucky June Bug (John MacDonald) goes gate-to-wire to capture the $6000 featured trot. 

Lucky June Bug ($6.30) grabbed the lead and put up all the early fractions (:28.2, :59.3, 1;29.0) as American JJ (Michael Miller) followed the whole way in the pocket. 

Lucky June Bug put on the burners as they made the turn for home and held off a late charge by runner-up Haveitalltogether (Chris Long) to win in 1:57.1.  American JJ had to settle for third. 

Lucky June Bug is a 5-year-old gelding by Lucky Chucky.  He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, William and Michael Pozefsky.  It was his first win of 2021.  He now has 16 career victories. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (April 23). 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com. 

Kevin Cummings Posts 4,000th Career Victory

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Back in 1989 when Kevin Cummings scored his first victory of his career behind Orlando Otto, he was just hoping someday he'd reach 1,000 driving wins. Well on Saturday night (April 17), he soared well beyond those dreams from way back when.

 

Cummings reached the 4,000 lifetime victory plateau in his brilliant career and did so in style by steering Atlantis to a $26.20 upset win in Buffalo Raceway's fifth race.

 

"I didn't think about four thousand wins until a few weeks ago. It kind of crept up on me," Cummings said. "But then I knew it was just a matter of time. Getting four thousand wins is great but now I am looking forward to getting four thousand and one."

 

The 50-year-old Cummings, with the 4,000 wins under his belt, added that to his list of accomplishments that includes six driving titles at Buffalo Raceway and four championships at Batavia Downs. He has netted over $18.7 million in career purse earnings.  

 

It didn't take Cummings long to get to 4,001 as he guided Santana Beach ($12.60)  to his fourth straight victory by capturing the $11,200 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace by beating Mr Ham Sandwich by 3/4 lengths in 1:54.2, the fastest of the 2021 meet. Cummings completed the evening with three wins.

 

Watching Thor De Vie set splits of :28.0, :56.2 and 1:25.0, Santana Beach was in fourth and chomping at the bit to begin his first over journey heading toward the three-quarter marker.

 

From there, Santana Beach left the field in his wake and punched his ticket to the winner's circle. Mr Ham Sandwich (David McNeight III) was second while Southwind Onyx (Kyle Cummings) took third.

 

Trained by Richard Roth and owned by Jason Newell, it was the fifth victory in eight attempts for the 9-year-old gelded Santana Beach (Santanna Blue Chip-Beachs Luck). The triumph upped his seasonal bankroll to $22,214 and $198,489 in his career.

 

In the co-main event, Mr Quaker trotted up a storm in deep stretch and cruised on by Southern Palms to take the $10,500 Class A-Open Handicapped Trot by 3/4 lengths in 1:57.3 over the fast track.

 

Mr Quaker (Ray Fisher Jr.) followed the tempo-setting Southern Palms from third but drifted out to get into scoring position in the stretch drive. With a late burst approaching the wire, Mr Quaker ($6.30) rambled on past Southern Palms (Jim Morrill Jr.) while Majestic Kat (Billy Davis Jr.), who made a brief costly break, collected herself in time to get third place.

 

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the fourth win in nine starts for the 6-year-old gelded Mr Quaker (Pilgrims Chuckie-Julia Jett. The victory jacked his 2021 earnings to $20,470 and $177,439 in his lifetime.

 

Fisher Jr. completed the night with five driving wins while Swift scored four training victories and Roth conditioned two.

 

Racing will continue on Wednesday night with a 12-race program scheduled for 5 p.m.

 

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

 

TONY VERRUSO WINS NAADA TROT AT MONTICELLO WITH EXARCH IN 1:59.1

Monticello, NY—On the cold and rainy afternoon of Wednesday April 15 racing fans in New York's Sullivan County Catskills racing fans were treated to an action-packed trot of amateur drivers in the third race on the betting card that day. By all means it was a very exciting and competitive event which resulted in a tight three- horse photo.

When the judges reviewed the picture, Exarch and driver Tony Verruso, emerged victorious by a neck in 1:59.1 over Madhatter Blue (Joe Lee) with Keytstone Blade (Joe Pennacchio) another neck back in third.

Last week's winner, Keystone Blade was parked to the quarter and then found room along the pylons but he didn't have that same option this week because when Pennecchio gunned him away from the gate there were no holes this time and Verruso wouldn't yield command while Joe Lee and others worked hard at keeping Keystone Blade on the limb.

So Exarch showed the a by the quarter in a stiff :28.3 and those behind him closed all holes not allowing Pennacchio to find any room down along the pylons.

Verruso and Pennacchio's chares were still heads apart as they trotted by the half in :58.1. And they were still one-two as they passed the three quarters in 1:28.2. But at this point the field tightened as the trailers moved closer to the front. But in spite of Exarch getting a bit leg weary he hung gamely to the lead and was able to rebuff all late challenges. 

As the field approached the finish line Joe Lee rallied Madhatter Blue Chip down along the pylons and a very game Keystone Blade hung tough to finish three quarters of a length behind the winner.

Exarch, a 6-year-old Cantab Hall gelding, is owned by Fortune Valley Stables and trained by Sean Campbell.

Verruso is enjoying his best season in the sulky already with 4 wins, 2 seconds and 5 thirds in just 16 starts for a .424 UDR. He now has 86 career driving victories.

Vernon Downs to start live racing on Saturday (April 17).

Vernon Downs is set to begin their 68^th year of racing on Saturday (April 17).

 

Vernon Downs will feature The Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) with separate races for both 3-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old trotting colts on Friday (June 18).  Vernon Downs is also proud to once again play host to the Zweig Memorial races featuring the 3-year-old Open Trot and the 3-year-old Fillies Trot on Saturday (August 28).  On Saturday (September 11) Vernon will present the New York State Excelsior Finals for 2 and 3-year-old filly and colt trotters and pacers.

 

In 2020 Leon Bailey was the top driver.  He will get to tangle with former driving champions John MacDonald and Jimmy Whittemore.  These three and other great drivers should make it exciting as they all vie for the 2021 title.

 

Kerin Warner took top trainer honors at the Miracle Mile in 2020.  Former training champion Marissa Chadbourne returns along with other top contenders like Claude Huckabone III and new comer Brandi Wine.

 

Live racing will be continuing through closing night (November 6).   Post time will be 6:10 pm every night with the exception of Derby Day (May 1) which will start at 4:30 pm.

 

The Miracle Mile will also offer four new awards for 2021.   We will honor our top driver of the week with the Winning Wheels driver of the week.  The best trainer of the week will also be recognized as the Black Stallion trainer of the week.  We will also have an award for grooms.  It is called the Bourbon Express groom of the week.  We have also added a monthly award called the Golden Gro longshot of the month.  This will go to the horse with the largest $2.00 payoff of the month.

 

On opening day there will be no fans.  However, starting on Friday (April 23) Vernon Downs fans will be permitted.  More details next week.

 

Post time for the 12-race card is 6:10 pm.

 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

 

BIG M ROLLS A SEVEN AS HANDLE STAYS ON POINT

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – While handle throughout all of 2021 has been on the fast track at The Meadowlands, it reached warp speed again last weekend, as a total of $7 million was bet over the course of last Friday (April 9) and Saturday’s (April 10) race cards, the fourth time this year betting has busted that lofty barrier.

All-source wagering totaled $3,237,137 on Friday – the biggest Friday of business this year – followed by a Saturday that saw $3,782,327 of action, for a total of $7,019,464.

There have been 29 programs conducted in 2021, and 20 of them have seen betting of at least $3 million. During all of 2020, the $3-million plateau was reached a total of 11 times.

Whether the winners paid big or small, the betting remained prolific. On Friday, there were but two winning favorites, while the next night saw a half-dozen public choices visit the winner’s circle. The Saturday night chalks did not make the average payouts of some of the more popular bets unappealing, however. The average win payout was $17.73 while the exactas averaged $114, trifectas $829 and Pick-3s $804. The biggest scores were to be made by hitting the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 ($7,625) and 20-cent Pick-5 ($3,083).

Not surprisingly, much of the action on Saturday’s card was over the top. Average play in the two 50-cent Pick-4s – the track’s signature bet – was $120,192. That number in the exacta, AKA Old Reliable, was $77,340.

Two wagers sporting carryovers took big play as well, as a $9,000 carryover led to a total pool of $73,124 in the 20-cent Pick-6 and a $32,000 carryover served as the catalyst for a total pool in the 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta of $116,192.

“The Big M has been on a great roll in 2021,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The horseplayers have compelling races and an excellent wagering menu with huge pools to bet into. Those with the lower takeouts have been especially popular. The lower minimums and free programs have allowed more and more people to stay in the action all night long. Last weekend, The Meadowlands provided horseplayers around the world with many opportunities to make some nice scores.”

COUNTDOWN TO DERBY DAY: The May 1 Kentucky Derby is just over two weeks away, and the place to watch and wager on the “Run for the Roses” is The Meadowlands, which has one of the best simulcast facilities anywhere.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. with the first race at Churchill Downs slated for 10:30 a.m. Post time for The Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m.

There are many admission and dining options available at The Big M on Derby Day. For all the details, go to 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) and Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1).

GET YOUR FREE PROGRAM: Need a program but don’t want to spend any green?

The Big M has you covered, with free programs on every race of every race card. Just go to playmeadowlands.com to get your no-cost past performances.

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 guaranteed pool of $50,000.

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 SCHEDULE: Live racing continues every Friday and Saturday with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m.

Big M TV’s live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pre-game show, which provides news and notes, a look at that evening’s featured action and staff selections, gets underway at 5:47 p.m.

THE MAD HATTER: Edison Hatter, the 21-year-old track announcer at Freehold Raceway, will be joining The Meadowlands TV team Friday night when he will be serving as analyst and handicapper on TVG for The Big M’s races.

On Saturday, Mike Bozich, the track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia who did a great job on the microphone last week filling in for Warkentin at The Big M, will be downstairs on set sitting alongside Brower as the co-host for the pre-game show and between-race segments during the card.

GET YOUR SPORTS ACTION: The Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook, the leading facility of its kind in the entire country, offers fans a chance to bet on MLB, the NBA, NHL, professional soccer and golf and much more.

Baseball bettors may want to stay with the hot Los Angeles Dodgers, who are -320 to defeat the Colorado Rockies Thursday (April 15) night.

Don’t want to bet a game at short odds like that? Play the Dodgers and lay 1½ runs and your odds jump to -144.

Local hockey fans may want to take a shot with the New York Islanders, who are a slight +108 underdog taking on the Boston Bruins.

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.

Usual Tactics Pay Off For Wonderful World At Buffalo

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The usual tactics by Wonderful World paid off once again as she went gate-to-wire in posting a 3/4 length victory over Xenia's Chip in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,600 Filly and Mare Class A-B Optional Claiming Handicapped Pace on Wednesday night (April 14). She toured the half-mile oval in 1:56.4.

The win was bittersweet however as Wonderful World ($4.60) was claimed away from owner/trainer Sabrina Shaw by Michael Gentner for $21,000.

Using her early gate speed, Wonderful World cruised immediately to the top and registered splits of :29.0, :57.2 and 1:26.3 in her typical front-running style.

Turning for home, Wonderful World (Billy Davis Jr.) had little to worry about in crossing the wire. Xenia's Chip made a mild bid extremely late but had to settle for second place while Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) captured third.

It was the second victory in five starts this season for the 8-year-old mare Wonderful World (If I Can Dream-Smilefortheofficer). The win upped her seasonal earnings to $13,612 and $178,533 lifetime.

McDonough had a superb evening as he drove and trained three winners on the card while Davis Jr. had a trio of driving victories.

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

 

TETRICK SWEEPS CO-FEATURES AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Driver Tim Tetrick recently returned to The Meadowlands after spending the winter racing at Dover Downs, and based on Saturday night’s results, the 39-year-old Hall of Famer hasn’t missed a Big M beat by winning four races on the card, including both $30,000 features, one on the pace and the other on the trot.

Ana Afreet N, back from an unsuccessful stint at Yonkers racing in the Borgata series where he finished no better than fourth in three starts, held off 3-5 favorite Colossal Stride A in a thrilling finish in the Preferred for pacers back at the track where he was an impressive wire-to-wire winner on March 6. 

Tetrick was intent on racing on the point in the seven-horse field. “If they were going to go a half in :55,” said Tetrick. “I might as well be cutting it and make that horse of Dexter’s [Dunn, driving Colossal Stride A] chase me, so it just worked out. My horse is a nice horse, he just didn’t like the four turns at Yonkers. It just didn’t agree with him and he couldn’t get around there.”

Around two turns at The Big M, it was a far different story.

Yacht Seelster was on the move early and looped Ana Afreet N to grab the lead at the quarter in :27.2. Tetrick immediately moved Ana Afreet N back to the lead and hit the half in :55.4 and three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Colossal Stride A, the 3-5 favorite, moved from the four-hole just after the half and made his way closer to the leader gradually while racing first-over, and continued his constructive grind throughout the stretch drive. But at the wire, it was Ana Afreet N holding on by a diminishing nose. Vettel N was third. The time for the mile was 1:49.4.

“I was a little nervous [in deep stretch],” said Tetrick. “Especially when you look back and have Dex coming at you. Luckily, my horse dug in and made me look good.”

Trained by Jeff Cullipher and owned by Pollack Racing and Cullipher, Ana Afreet N returned $8.40 to win as the second choice in the betting. The 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Anna Livia has now won 24 of 50 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $198,272.

In the marquee trot, Scirocco Rob stayed on a roll, as the Mark Silva trainee won for the fourth time in five starts. The 6-year-old gelded son of Explosive Matter-Fun At Parties stopped the clock in an eye-popping 1:50.3 to lower his previous lifetime best by a full second.

Things could not have gone any better for the 4-5 favorite, who worked out an ideal pocket trip behind the speedy Nows The Moment (Mark MacDonald), who cut out fractions of :26.4, :54.3 and 1:22.2 before Tetrick tipped Scirocco Rob out of the pocket with an eighth of a mile to go and roared home to an easy 4¼-length score. Nows The Moment held second with Morairtime third.

“My horse is very versatile,” said Tetrick. “Last week, he was second-over at Dover and won. Tonight, it worked out perfect.”

Sitting off quick fractions in the abbreviated six-horse field (JL Cruze was scratched), Tetrick loved his spot.

“I was thinking, just don’t fall off,” said Tetrick. “I was pretty confident. My horse was tracking so good.”

“I was just trying to have a little fun,” said Tetrick when asked about looking back at MacDonald as he went by in the stretch. “Mark was laughing, I was laughing, so it was kind of fun.”

Scirocco Rob returned $3.60 to his backers in winning for the 28^th time from 81 lifetime starts. His bankroll stands at $551,604 for owners Lewis and Kathleen Whitaker.

WHATTA WEEKEND: With the track’s two signature Pick-4s accounting for over $240,000 of action to go along with a pair of potent carryovers, all-source wagering totaled $3,782,327. When you add in Friday’s $3.23 million handle, that brought the total of $7-million wagering weekends at The Big M to four on the year.

CARRYOVER CRAZY: The 20-cent Pick-6 pool started out with $9,019 before $64,105 in “new money” was added for a total of $73,124. Those who hit all six winners collected $877.14. The 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5 had a carryover of $32,103 before $84,462 was added for a total of $116,565. Those with tickets bearing the combination of 5-1-9-3-7 cashed in for $141.84.

A LITTLE MORE: After only four favorites won on the previous two programs combined, chalk players had smiles on their faces Saturday as six post-time choices hit victory lane. … Cullipher trained three winners on the card while Bruce Saunders had two. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Santana Beach Continues Hot Streak At Buffalo

 

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- With the temperature reaching over 80 degrees at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (April 10), it was perfect 'beach' weather, Santana Beach ($15.40) weather that is.

 

Rising up through the ranks the past few weeks, Santana Beach (Kevin Cummings) found his new level, the $10,000 Class AA-Open Handicapped classification, just fine by rolling to a two length victory over Southwind Onyx in 1:54.3, the fastest time of the 2021 meet.

 

Back on March 6, Santana Beach paced to a four length score in the Class C division in 1:56.4. From there, it's been a steady climb onward and upwards with success found at each tougher division. After a victory last week in the Class A bracket, it was time for another jump for Santana Beach and it turned out to be another win.

 

Sitting third past the half, Santana Beach started his first over journey and eventually went by the pace-setting Mr Ham Sandwich approaching the final panel.

 

In the lane, a 28.3 final split was more than enough for Santana Beach to collect his third straight victory and fourth in his last five appearances. Southwind Onyx (Kyle Cummings) made a mild bid late to finish second while Stratosphere (Drew Monti) finished in third.

 

Owned by Jason Newell and trained by Richard Roth, it was the fourth win in seven tries for the 6-year-old gelded Santana Beach (Santanna Blue Chip-Beachs Luck). The victory jumped his seasonal earnings to $16,614 and $192,585 in his career.

 

Thor De Vie romped by 4-3/4 lengths in the $8,800 Class A pace by wiring the field for driver Kevin Cummings in a seasonal best of 1:54.4.

 

There was little drama in the event as Thor De Vie went the middle splits in :56.3 which proved to be too much for the rest of the field. Loaded Deck (Shawn McDonough) took the runner up position with Beachy Dream (Jim Morrill Jr.) placing third.

 

Co-owned by trainer Jim Graham, Lee Winters, Giuseppe Micchia and Paul Tandlmeyer, it was the second win in seven starts this season for Thor De Vie (So Surreal-Pebblebeach De Vie). The victory took his 2021 bankroll to $14,408 and $275,058 lifetime.

 

Kevin Cummings led the way for the drivers with four wins with Ray Fisher Jr. adding a pair. Lee Dahn and Ryan Swift had training doubles.

 

Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 10-race card set. There will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 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

FRIDAY BOMB SETS UP EXPLOSIVE SATURDAY AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – When longshot Lotus Seelster lit up the tote board in Friday night’s 13^th race at The Meadowlands, handicappers no doubt got right to work on the Saturday program given the opportunities that await.

The 83-1 shot, driven by Simon Allard and trained by Mark Capone, paid $168.20 to win, and in the process, set up a pair of tantalizing carryovers for Saturday’s card.

No one had a winning ticket on the 20-cent Pick-6, creating a carryover of $9,019. Those with five correct collected $85.90. The 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta also went unhit, as no one had the winning combination of 9-1-3-10-4, resulting in a carryover of $32,103.

Free program pages for the Saturday card – as well as every Big M program – are available by going to the track’s website, playmeadowlands.com.

A FABULOUS FRIDAY: Thus far in 2021, handle numbers have been superb at The Meadowlands, and that trend continued Friday night, as the Big M saw its biggest night of wagering this year on a Friday as all-source betting totaled $3,237,137 on the 13 races.

The sixth race served as the catalyst for yet another $3 million night of betting, the 19^th out of 28 cards this year, as a total of $383,474 was put in play, $104,470 of that in the Early 50-cent Pick-4. The eighth race took in a total of $305,550 before the 10^th race saw $295,705 of action, with $94,445 of that bet on the Late 50-cent Pick-4.

‘ART’ WINS ANOTHER: Preppy Art was claimed by trainer Kyle Spagnola for $12,500 last week and paid immediate dividends to his connections by crushing his foes in the second leg of the GSY Series on the pace.

The 9-year-old gelded son of Art Colony-Electric Smile was clear of the field by 4¾ lengths at the conclusion of a season’s-best 1:53.2 mile. As the 9-5 second choice, Preppy Art returned $5.80 after using a huge brush down the backside when called upon by driver Robert Hechkoff to win for the fourth time in his last five starts.

THE KIDS ALRIGHT: Tyler (T.J.) Miller made his parents proud by winning twice on the card. The 23-year-old son of Andy and Julie Miller guided Gottalovemyshadow (race eight, $12.40 to win) and Bettor Notbitter A (race 12, $7.80) to victory lane to up his numbers at the meeting to four wins from just 23 starts (17 percent).

Both of Miller’s victories were with horses trained by Edwin Quevedo, who finished the night with three victories.

A LITTLE MORE: Mark MacDonald and Scott Zeron joined Miller with two driving victories apiece. … Chalk players took it on the chin, as for a second consecutive card only two public choices went to the winner’s circle. Favorites have won just four times over the last 26 races (15 percent). … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m.

JOE PENNACCHIO LIGHTS-UP THE TOTE BOARD AT MONTICELLO WITH 50-1 SHOT KEYSTONE BLADE IN NAADA TTOT

by john manzi for NAADA

Monticello, NY---When Joe Pennacchio's trotter, Keystone Blade, drew the eight-hole in the NAADA trot today (April 8) at Monticello Raceway he wasn't discouraged. After all, Keystone Blade had gone wire to wire in 1:58 against similar company two weeks ago at Yonkers Raceway. So in the amateur trot this afternoon Pennacchio sent his veteran trotter toward the front when the wings of the mobile gate folded and they ranged alongside the pace-setter Pound Sterling (Bob Hechkoff) as they trotted to the first quarter in a swift :28.4.

“When I ranged alongside Hechkoff I could see he wasn't going to let me go so I grabbed leather and backed my horse into the two-hole,” Pennacchio said. ”And once settled in I just followed the leader for a ways.”

Hechkoff kept the pedal to the metal and showed the way by the half in :59 with Pennacchio's trotter tight on his back.

“When we headed up the backside for the second time I moved off the pylons as the trailing horses were beginning to rally and I didn't want to get locked-in,” Pennacchio explained.

Keystone Blade was moving forward but Pound Sterling still had command when they trotted into the final turn. And when they straightened for home it was all Keystone Blade as the veteran 8-year-old Yankee Glide gelding began to draw off and went on to a 2-1/2 length triumph in 1:59.2.

Alan Schwartz, who was following the leaders throughout with Ladys Big Stormont, got his trotter up in the final strides to collar Pound Sterling for the place money.

Maybe it was the eight-hole or perhaps Pennachio's first Mighty M start this season, but for whatever reason the betting public sent Keystone Blade away at odds of 50-1. Those who believed were rewarded with across the board mutuels of $102.00--$47.00--and $18.00. 

LOW TAKEOUTS MEAN BIG ACTION AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Business at The Meadowlands continued its remarkable early stages of 2021 run, as after a highly-successful first quarter, action at the mile oval stayed vigorous as the second quarter kicked off last weekend with a pair of $3-million handles, upping the total number of race cards that have surpassed that magic number to 18 on the year.

During all of 2020, the $3-million barrier was broken a total of 11 times.

Much of the success The Big M has experienced can be attributed to the half-dozen popular wagers offered nightly that offer a low takeout of 15 per cent. A prime example is last weekend’s action in the extremely popular Pick-4, when the bet – which is offered four times every weekend – took in a total of $367,866 of action, an average per pool of $91,966.

Meadowlands management is convinced that when you return more to the bettors, the more bettors will bet.

“All of us at The Meadowlands feel that low takeout is a key component in bringing horseplayers of all breeds to wager on our track,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The Big M offers six chances a night to play into low 15 percent takeout pools. Another significant reason to the play The Meadowlands is that we offer only one wager (the trifecta, 25 percent) that has a takeout higher than 20 percent. Judging by our rapidly growing business this year, players around the world seem very appreciative for the built-in value created by our price-conscious wagering menu.”

Here is the takeout breakdown at the Big M:

·         15%: 50-cent Pick-4, 20-cent Pick-5, 20-cent Pick-6, 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5

·         17%: Win, Place and Show

·         19%: Exacta, Daily Double

·         20%: Pick-3, 10-cent Superfecta

·         25%: Trifecta

Saturday night saw betting total $3,444,133, with two popular multi-leg bets showing big returns, with the Pick-4 averaging $101,770 per pool while the first race Pick-5 saw action of $82,960. The ever-reliable exacta, which is available on every race, averaged $72,997, accounting for almost $950,000 of action on the night, more than one quarter of the total handle.

Some potent payoffs from last weekend included Friday’s Early Pick-4 ($3,556), Survivor ($15,231) and Pentafecta/Hi-5 ($1,224). Saturday’s big payouts came in the Pick-5 ($1,632), Survivor ($6,506) and Pick-6 ($12,209).

FINAL DERBY PREP: The last prep for the May 1 Kentucky Derby is on Saturday (April 10) as the $1-million Arkansas Derby takes place at Arkansas’ Oaklawn Park. The card will be offered as part of an extensive simulcasting menu at The Meadowlands.

The Oaklawn card has a post time of 1 p.m. with the Arkansas Derby slated to go as race 12 at 7:41 p.m. The horse to beat is the Joel Rosario-ridden, Bob Baffert-trained Concert Tour, who is the even-money morning-line favorite. There are four stakes events on the 13-race program that feature purses of at least $250,000.

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).

$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 guaranteed pool of $50,000. The wagers span races 6-9 and 10-13.

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 SCHEDULE: Live racing continues every Friday and Saturday with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m.

Big M TV’s live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pre-game show, which provides news and notes, features, a look at that evening’s featured action and staff selections, gets underway at 5:47 p.m.

BET THE MASTERS: Golf’s biggest event of the year, The Masters, tees off Thursday (April 8) morning and the place to watch and wager on all the action is at The Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook.

Some of the bets that will be available include Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, who are both +950 to wear the Green Jacket Sunday evening. Next up at +1100 are Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

How about making the cut?  DeChambeau leads the way at -1150, followed by Johnson, Thomas and Jon Rahm, all of whom are -1100.

How about the top finishing former winner? Johnson is at +175, followed by Spieth (+250), Patrick Reed (+550) and Sergio Garcia (+900). All odds shown were as of Wednesday evening.

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.

No Stopping Ellieonthemove At Buffalo Raceway

 

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Once Ellieonthemove got 'moving', there was no stopping her as she romped to a throttled down 1-3/4 length win over Laughing Emoji N in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,000 Class A-Open Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday night (April 7).

 

With the field being trimmed down to five due to the scratch of Blue Bell Bonnie, Ellieonthemove was parked for most of the opening quarter as Yankee Secret tried to take some of the starch out of her. 

 

That ploy didn't work as once Ellieonthemove ($3.50) got in gear, there was no looking back.

 

Grabbing the front end after an opening split of :28.2, driver Kevin Cummings and Ellieonthemove were never in danger after that as he guided her to fractions of :58.0 and 1:27.1, crossing the line in 1:56.1 over the fast track. Laughing Emoji N (David McNeight III) rallied late for the place position with Yankee Secret (Ray Fisher Jr.) taking third.

 

Owned by Sidney Easton and trained by Anthony Cummings, Ellieonthemove (Well Said-Ireneonthemove) is a 6-year-old mare that has now earned $17,316 this season and $110,564 lifetime. It was her fourth victory in 10 tries in 2021.

 

In the $7,200 Class B Pace for the ladies, Robintheatm (Jim Morrill Jr.) collected her fourth straight win by holding off Supreme Dumpling (Billy Davis Jr.) by a half length in 1:56.4.

 

Robintheatm ($9.30) is owned by Mike Torcello and conditioned by Gerry Sarama. The 9-year-old mare has now bankrolled $13,825 on the season and $167,162 in her career. 

 

Keystone Apache ($4.40) went first over just before the half and cruised home from there in collecting a four length score in 1:59.3 over Barn Beast (Kevin Cummings) in the $7.200 Class B Trot.

 

Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock and trained by Maria Rice, it was the third decision in six attempts for Keystone Apache. The 6-year-old gelding has now produced $8,625 in winnings on the campaign and $232,367 lifetime.

 

Davis Jr. led the way with three victories in the sulky while Shawn McDonough and Morrill Jr. each collected a pair. Sarama, McDonough and Jim Graham each posted a pair of training wins.

 

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 12-race card scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

 

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