It’s Wiener Take All this Saturday at the Meadowlands Racetrack

 

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - This Saturday, September 4^th it is “Wiener Take All” in Meadowlands Racetrack’s 3rd Annual Wiener Dog Derby.

Forty-eight pre-registered dachshunds will be competing for the $500 Grand Prize in between the live horse races. Live racing kicks off at 6:20 p.m.

There are seven qualifying heats with the top canine from each heat advancing to the final. The first qualifying heat is at 6:45 p.m.  The Wiener Dog Derby Final will take place on the racetrack after Race 8 at approximately 9:30 p.m. 

The derby takes place in the racetrack’s Backyard and admission and parking are free.

Fans, family and friends are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite hound.  Just remember only participating dogs are allowed at the track, no spectator dogs permitted. 

For information of the 3rd Annual Wiener Dog Derby and all upcoming events including the Fall Beer Fest, Burger Battle and Chili Cook-Off visit PlayMeadowlands.com.

 

 

Cal Expo barn area opens September 15

By Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Watch and Wager LLC is pleased to announce the opening of the Cal Expo barn area on Thursday, September 15. Watch and Wager kicks off its 10th season as operator of Cal Expo on Friday, November 19 for a 46-day  stand.

Horseman are reminded that a completed stall and racing application https://calxharness.com/horsemen/ are needed before arrival. Horse incentive plan, purse schedule and calendar are all available at https://calxharness.com/2021/08/2021-2022-cal-expo-flyer/

 

I’ll Drink To That, Town Gossip, and Test Of Faith are EBC winners at Tioga.

Tioga Downs played host to the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for both the 3-year pacing colts and geldings as well as the 3-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday (August 29). 

I’ll Drink To That (David Miller) wares down Natameri (Matt Kakaley) to capture the $104,000 first division of the EBC for colts and geldings.  

Mullinax (Yannick Gingras) went to the front but was passed by King James Express (Jason Bartlett) just before hitting the first quarter in :29.0.  The lead didn’t last long as Natameri took control with a lap to go.  Natameri was first to the half in :54.2.  As they went down the backstretch, I’ll Drink To That ($5.90) came flying first-over and took a short lead and hit three-quarters first in 1:22.1. 

As they reached the stretch the two pacers continued to battle.  Natameri reclaimed the lead but I’ll Drink To That kept coming and got by just before hitting the mile in a lifetime best of 1:50.2.  Natameri had to settle for second.  Mullinax finished third.   

I’ll Drink To That is a gelding by American Ideal.  He is trained by Chris Ryder for owners Craig Henderson, Lawrence Minowitz, Robert Mondillo, and Oompa’s Farm.  It was his fourth win of the season.  He now owns five career victories. 

Town Gossip (Joe Bongioerno) wins the $104,000 second division of the EBC for colts and geldings. 

Town Gossip ($5.90) went to the front and hit the first quarter in :27.1.  American Courage (Matt Kakaley) took over as they went by the stands for the first time and led to the half in :54.2.  Southwind Petyr (Jason Bartlett) was first to make a move going first-over as they headed for the final turn.  American Courage was first to three-quarters in 1:22.0. 

As they made the turn for home Southwind Petyr kept coming as Town Gossip slipped through the inside while Major Bean (Jordan Stratton) made it four across the track.  Town Gossip was strongest of all and won in a lifetime best of 1:49.4.  Major Bean finished second as Southwind Petyr got third money. 

Town Gossip is a gelding by American Ideal.  He is owned by Robert Weinstein and trained by Jenn Bongiorno.  It was his fifth win this season and seventh career victory. 

Test Of Faith (David Miller) takes the $214,000 EBC for fillies. 

Heart OF Mine (Scott Zeron) pops out to the lead and led to the first quarter in :26.4.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :56.0.  As they headed to the far turn Test Of Faith ($2.10) popped out of the pocket and made her move.  Heart Of Mine was still first to three-quarters in 1:23.3. 

As they made the turn for home Test Of Faith glided right on by to take the lead.  Think Of Galaxies (Mark MacDonald) made a late run but Test Of Faith had the jump and cruised to an easy win in 1:51.1.  Think Of Galaxies was second best.  Heart Of Mine finished third. 

Test Of Faith is a filly by Art Major.  She is trained by Brett Pelling for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran.  She is seven for eight in 2021 and has 15 career victories in only 17 starts. 

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (September 4) starting at 6:15 p.m. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com. 

Spy Booth and Darlene Hanover win Zweig races at Vernon.

Vernon Downs played host to the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot and the Fillies Trot for 3-year-olds on Saturday (August 28). 

Spy Booth (Dexter Dunn) rallies to capture the $325,000 Zweig Open Trot.    

Ambassador Hanover (Ake Svanstedt) charged right to the front.  The big favorite Dancinginthedark M went on a break at the start of the race.  Ambassador Hanover went to the quarter first in :27.0.  Balenciaga (Scott Zeron) made a first over-move and challenged down the backstretch.  Ambassador Hanover had a short lead to the half in :56.3.  Balenciaga battled Ambassador Hanover all the way around the final turn.  Balenciaga took control and led to three-quarters in 1:24.1. 

As they made the turn for home Spy Booth ($21,60) came flying down the stretch and took over the lead and braced for a late move by Take All Comers (David Miller).  Spy Booth held on to win his first career race in 1:52.3.  It was the first time the Zweig was won by a maiden.  Take All Comers was second but placed fifth for interference in the stretch.  Balenciaga was awarded second with Zenith Stride (Andrew McCarthy) getting third money. 

Spy Booth is a 3-year-old gelding by Muscle Hill.  He is trained by Nancy Takter for owners John Fielding, David Anderson, Robert LeBlanc, and Marvin Katz.  It was his first career victory. 

Darlene Hanover wins the $140,000 Zweig Memorial Filly Trot. 

Contested Hanover (Tim Tetrick), Splash Blue Chip (Ake Svanstedt), and Iteration (Brian Sears) all left for the lead and were three across the track as they headed for the first turn.  Iteration wrestled the lead away and led to the first quarter in :27.1.  Iteration used a :30.3 second quarter to hit the half in :57.4.  Darlene Hanover made her move first-over going around the far turn.  Iteration still led to three-quarters in 1:26.4.   

As they reached the stretch Darlene Hanover blew right on by and breezed home to win easily in 1:53.4.  Aunt Irene (Dexter Dunn) came closing late to finish second.  Contested Hanover was third. 

Darlene Hanover is a filly by Chapter Seven.  She is owned by Yankeeland partners and trained by Brett Bittle.  It was her third win of the season and seventh career victory. 

Big longshot, Bare My Soul wins the $51,300 first division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting fillies. 

Gertrude (Andy Miller) jumped to the lead and controlled all the early fractions (:27.1, :57.3, 1:27.1) as Bare My Soul ($67.50) followed in the pocket.   

As they reached the stretched Bare My Soul slipped through the inside as Valentina Blu (Andrew McCarthy) came three-wide with late trot.  Bare My Soul dug in and won in 1:54.4.  Valentina Blu had to settle for second.  Gertrude held for third. 

Bare My Soul is a filly by Chapter Seven-Celebrity Angel.  She is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Richard Gutnick, Tom Pontone, Joe Lozito Jr., and Enviro Stables.  It was her first career victory. 

Joviality S (Brian Sears) charges late to wins the $50,400 second division. 

Cash Infusion (Mark MacDonald) went to the lead and hit the first quarter first in :27.3.  She led to the half in :57.4 and to three-quarters in 1:27.0. 

As they reached the stretch Joviality S ($2.10) made her move and got by second place finisher Cash Infusion in deep stretch to win in 1:54.3.  She’s A Scorcher (Scott Zeron) was third. 

Joviality S is a 2-year-old filly by Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face.  She is owned by Courant Inc. and trained by Marcus Melander.  It was her fourth win in five career starts. 

Also, on the night David Miller drove the Ron Burke trained Cattlewash to a track record for 4-year-old horses in 1:49.0 in the $10,000 Open-Preferred Pace. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (September 3).  Post time is 6:10 p.m.   

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com 

No Where To Hide wins Tioga Downs feature.

Andrew Demsky for Tioga Downs.

After a dominant win at Monticello Raceway last week, the Joe Skowyra-trained No Where To Hide made her return to Tioga Downs a winning one in the Filly and Mare Open II on Saturday night.

After collecting minor awards in her last two Tioga Downs appearances, No Where To Hide, the daughter of Bettor's Delight-Somebeachsomewhere, shipped to Monticello on August 23, getting a confidence booster, winning in wire-to-wire fashion at odds of 1-9. On Saturday, she was installed as the 3-1 second choice on the morning line at Tioga Downs, and ultimately left the gate as the 4-5 win-pool favorite.

Hall-of-fame driver, Wally Hennessey, wasted no time sending the race-favorite to the front, quickly opening up two lengths on longshot Goldstar Rockette as the field rounded the paddock-turn for the first time. No Where To Hide paced the opening quarter in :26.4, and caught a :29 second breather, hitting the half-mile marker in :55.4.

The four-year-old mare never faced much pressure as she got some separation at the three-quarter mile point, clipping the beam in 1:23.2. As they turned for home, second-choice Shecouldbegood N vacated the pylons and went on the attack to no avail. No Where to Hide pulled clear to win with Shecouldbegood N settling for second. Goldstar Rockette checked in third.

No Where To Hide stopped the clock in 1:51.1, shaving more than a second off her lifetime-best mark. She paid $3.90 to win. Her driver, Wally Hennessey ended the night with four driving wins. Joe Skowyra added a second training win on the night, scoring with Astaire in race eleven.

THROUGH THE SHADES: Tioga Downs hosts the Empires Breeders Classic on Sunday, August 29 for 3-year-old pacing colts and fillies. There will be two divisions of the colts and one for the fillies. Brett Pelling's Test of Faith enters the filly division off a 7-length New York Sire Stakes victory at Vernon Downs and has been installed at the 2-1 morning line favorite. The Empires Breeders Classic races are part of a 12 race program that begins at 1pm.

For more information go to www,tiogadowns,com

Bailey, Huckabone, and Warner each get four winners at Vernon.

Leon Bailey and Justin Huckabone each drove four winners as Kerin Warner trained four winners at Vernon Downs on Friday (August 27). 

Bailey takes the featured $5,000 trot with Spoiler Alert ($6.50). 

Haveitalltogether (Chris Long) grabbed the early lead.  Cindy Michelle (John Stark) took over the lead just before hitting the first quarter first in :27.2.  Spoiler Alert made his move first-over as they headed for the backstretch.  Spoiler Alert led to the half in :56.3.  As they went around the far turn Haveitalltogether came first-up as Spoiler Alert easily led to three-quarters in 1:25.3. 

Spoiler Alert was just cruising as they reached the stretch but started to tire at mid-stretch as Getting Serious came flying.  Spoiler Alert dug in and held on to win in 1:54.4.  Getting Serious was second best as Haveitalltogether finished third. 

Spoiler Alert is a 7-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  He is owned by Jeffrey Hayes and trained by Misty Carey.  It was his third win this season and the 19^th of his career. 

Bailey’s other wins came with Lanjo Lee ($2.60), Phoenix ($3.00), and Ladyyouaregorgeous ($9.60).  Huckabone and Warner combined for their four wins.  They won with Fancy Knows ($13.00), Bet Big On Blue ($7.10), In The Cards ($9.50), and Quaker Hill ($10.80). 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 28) with a 13-race card featuring the $325,000 Zweig Open for 3-year-old trotters as well as $140,000 Zweig Fillies Trot for 3-year-old fillies. Also on this fabulous card is two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting fillies.  Post time is 6:10 p.m.   

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com 

Dan Patch Awards Returns to Rosen Shingle Creek In 2022

by U.S. Harness Writers Association

It's time to start booking rooms for the 2022 Dan Patch Awards banquet, conducted by the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA), which returns to Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 20. Room reservations are now available by using the USHWA link to the hotel's reservations page as described below.

This will mark the fourth year the Dan Patch Awards banquet has been held at Rosen Shingle Creek. Rosen Shingle Creek played host to the Dan Patch Awards weekend for the first time in 2018 and the stunning 230-acre property proved such a popular venue that USHWA returned in 2019 and 2020, but the 2021 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instead held virtually.

"We couldn't be more excited to be returning to Rosen Shingle Creek Resort for the 2022 Night of Champions and Dan Patch Awards," said USHWA president Kimberly Rinker. "The facilities at Shingle Creek are first-class, and they provide USHWA with the perfect venue to hold our national meetings and to honor all of the well-deserving horses and humans in the sport of harness racing."

The Dan Patch Awards banquet annually honors the best and brightest performers, both human and equine, of the previous season. The award winners are selected by USHWA, with all winners announced in advance except for Pacer of the Year, Trotter of the Year, and Horse of the Year, which will be revealed the night of the banquet. USHWA will hold its annual directors meeting on Saturday, Feb. 19, and its general membership meeting the morning of the banquet.

Located just off Universal Boulevard, within 10 minutes of the Orlando International Airport and minutes from the many area attractions, the 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is a five-star property that is ranked a top-20 U.S. meeting hotel by Cvent.

The property includes four swimming pools, two lighted tennis courts, a spa that includes nine treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer redesigned golf course. There are also 15 restaurants/lounges, including the upscale steakhouse A Land Remembered, the fine-dining bistro Cala Bella, Cafe Osceola, Tobias Burgers and Brews, Banrai Sushi, Mi Casa Tequila and Taquiera, and a 24-hour deli.

Dinner ticket prices and menu will be announced later, with a reduced price for children 12 and under. All attendees will receive a 10-percent discount at all of the above-mentioned restaurants, a 10 percent discount at the Spa at Shingle Creek, and a green fees discount at the Shingle Creek Golf Club.

All standard rooms under the USHWA block are $199 nightly (plus applicable taxes). For room reservations, please click on the USHWA website www.usharnesswriters.com for the Rosen Shingle Creek link, within the story starting on the front page. Attendees can also contact the Rosen Shingle Creek reservations department directly at 866-996-6338 or 407-996-6338 and asking for the Dan Patch Awards/USHWA rate.

To inquire about several sponsorship opportunities for the weekend, including live video streaming, the Red Carpet reception and live feed hosted by Heather Vitale and Heather Wilder, please contact USHWA President Rinker at trotrink@aol.com.

(USHWAns: We are asking that all directors and any others who are definitely planning on attending to please book their rooms as soon as possible. The hotel will not charge any cards until a few days before the event so you can book now and then also, if need be, modify your dates. Thanks greatly.)                       

 

September is Jam Packed with Events at Meadowlands Racetrack

 

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Live racing returns to the Meadowlands Racetrack on Friday, September 3^rd with a 6:20pm post time. Racing happens every Friday and Saturday night and admission and parking are free.

 

Saturday, September 4^th is the return of the popular Wiener Dog Derby.  Fans watch dachshunds dash down the track’s stretch in between live harness racing.  Weiner dog post times and more info on dachshunds can be found here.

 

On Saturday September 11^th, the beer will flow for the annual Meadowlands Racetrack Craft Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP ($85) at 4:30 pm with General Admission ($45) at 5:30 pm and beer is poured until 9:30pm. Fest-goers will experience an evening of the best craft beer, cider, live-harness racing, music and food the Garden State has to offer with over 30 breweries and cideries participating.  NJ favorites attending include: Ghost Hawk Brewing, Ashton Brewing, NJ Beer Co, 902 Brewing, Toms River Brewery, Bolero Snort, Broad Street Seltzers, Untied Brewing, Angry Dad and Seven Tribesman. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

The 5^th Annual Battle for the Best Burger is slated for Saturday, September 18^th. The contest offers a $1,500 grand prize with $1,000 for 2^nd place and $500 for third. This free event runs from 5 - 10 pm. Fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers from area food trucks and restaurants including Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, The Mozzarella God, Carnival Concessions, The Empanada Truck, Twelve Truck, Spanky’s Gourment Grub, DAW Concessions, Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, Smokin’ Joe’s, Super Stuffed Burgers, The Rolling Pita, Latin Bites, Grumpy’s Shack, The Original Golden Brown and Rods Fish and Chips.  Plus enjoy tasty treats from Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream. A full list of food trucks can be found here.

 

Then on Saturday, September 25^th the 6^th annual Meadowlands Racetrack Chili Cook Off takes over the track. This year the cook off features $4,750 in cash prizes in the Salsa, Homestyle Chili and Chili Verde categories. Grand prize winners in all three categories will earn a spot in the International Chili Society’s 55^th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off.  Those wishing to register can sign up here. Racetrack guests are also welcome to be part of the fun.  They are encouraged to sample the chili and vote for their favorite.  Fan favorite voting begins 8 pm

 

For a complete list of nightly events, promotions and updated racing calendar please visit PlayMeadowlands.com. 

Reminder, guests must be 18+ to wager; 21+ to gamble on sports.  Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

 

Ahundreddollarbill Trots Fastest Mile Ever at Monticello Raceway.

Monticello, N.Y. – Usually when track records are broken, they are shaved by a mere 1/5 second or so, but on Wednesday, August 11, Ahundreddollarbill (PP5) trotted the fastest mile ever in the 63-year history of Monticello Raceway, smashing the existing record by one second and a 1/5, and taking the lone division of NYSS, worth $112,000, in 1:54.1. Aside from setting the All-Age Trotting record, he also reset the record for Three-Year-Old Trotting Geldings of 1:55.2, held by Gural Hanover.

As he left the gate 1-5, betting favorite Ahundreddollarbill was in no hurry to get to the front, arriving there past the ¼ in 28, followed by Dewey Arnold. Ahundreddollarbill continued to cut fractions of 57 to win by a length over the pocket-sitting Dewey Arnold in 1:54.1, trotting his final stanza in 28.3. 

It was the third consecutive win for Ahundreddollarbill, all of them coming in NYSS competition. In his wake, he has now set four track records in the state at Saratoga, Yonkers, Vernon and now Monticello. It was his seventh win of the year out of eight starts for the talented son of Chapter Seven. Dewey Arnold (Jason Bartlett) finished second, followed by Credit Con (Scott Zeron).

The son of Chapter Seven is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and James Crawford of Erieville, N.Y. The win pushed his season earnings to over $367,000 and career earnings of $437,000. He is trained by Tony Alagna and was driven to victory by regular driver Andrew McCarthy. This season, Monticello Raceway hosted four Sire Stakes and set three new track records in the process.

----Excelsior A winners were Barn Hall and Mark McDonald, scoring in 1:59.2 in a non-wagering event before the first race, and Chapolier - Trond Smedshammer in 1:57.2 - $6.10. In the lone Excelsior B race, Spotlessreputation won in 1:58.2 - $2.10 with Jason Bartlett in the bike.

Cheyenne Ryan Lee Wins Monti Open

Monticello, N.Y. – After scoring in the Open Pace three weeks ago, Cheyenne Ryan Lee returned to the winner’s circle in the weekly battle of the best pacers on the grounds at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday, August 10.

Defending Open winner Camwood was first off the gate from post 5 with Cory Stratton. After he finally cleared and got to the front, Epaulette A was not content to sit the pocket. Bruce Aldrich Jr. pulled the right line to take the lead right back, approaching the quarter pole in 28.3. Approaching the half, Cheyenne Ryan Lee vacated the 3 hole and came first over past the half in 58:0, followed by PH Kenny and Kyle Dibenedetto. Epaulette A still led the pack to the ¾ in 1:26.2. Coming off the last turn fist over, the animated Luke Hanners urged Cheyenne Ryan Lee to the lead to score a one-length win over Epaulette A in 1:54.4 - $7.80. The five-year-old gelded son of Roll With Joe is trained by Alexandra Goldin and notched his fifth win of the year for owner Antoinette Bencivenne of Ivyland, PA.

Thundering Hoofbeats Return to Springfield

Four days of racing promise not to disappoint

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois –Harness racing returns to one of the fastest tracks in the world in August when trotters and pacers compete at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

“For anyone who hasn’t experienced a live horse race, it’s thrilling,” said Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association President Clark Fairley. “We’re thrilled to be racing again too, after the pandemic.”

Even though the pandemic threw a wrench in live racing last year, Fairley said there is a lot of optimism in the sport right now. “Breeding numbers are up. The number of foals born is up. Fans can expect great competition and excitement at the Springfield and DuQuoin State Fairs.”

The number of foals born in 2020 was 354, up from 144 born in 2018. And while that is a far cry from the peak of 2,535 horses born in 1984, it is solid growth that can be built upon.

“There’s renewed interest in the sport and I’m hopeful that we’ll have a big turnout in the grandstand for the races,” said Fairley. “We saw great enthusiasm in 2019 with big crowds and strong handle so I’m looking forward to it again this year.”

Admission to the grandstand for harness racing at the State Fair is free this year and open to all ages. For those who wish to place a wager on their favorite horse, pari-mutuel wagering will be available.

Racing begins on Friday the 13th with the Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes Championships (ICF) eliminations. Saturday the 14th will feature the Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes Aged Elimination (ICF), Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes Aged Divisions (ICF), and IDOA State Fair Races (ICF). Racing on Wednesday the 18th will feature the Illinois Topline Races, and IDOA State Fair Races (ICF).  Racing culminates on Thursday the 19th with the Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes Championships (ICF), and the IDOA State Fair Races (ICF). Post time for all days of racing is noon.

Illinois horsemen are hopeful that the recently passed “racino” bill will continue to pump new life into the sport which has seen other states like Indiana and Ohio invest more into their horse racing industry. Those investments translate into tens of thousands of jobs from blacksmiths to equine veterinarians, hay and grain dealers, grooms, trainers, and more.

Because of the racino bill, Illinois-bred horses will be racing for larger purses and better racing opportunities in the years to come and that has driven interest in owning Illinois Standarbred racehorses.

At its peak, Illinois horse racing employed around 40,000 people, most of them in agricultural jobs.

“It’s a labor-intensive sport,” said Fairley. “One racehorse employs as many as five people.”

The DuQuoin State Fair will host races on August 27 and 28.  

More information about the Springfield harness racing program can be found at the State Fair Website.

 

Bomb Hugger stays unbeaten with NYSS win at Tioga.

Bomb Hugger (Anthony MacDonald) cruises to an easy win in the $106,200 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting fillies at Tioga Downs on Sunday (August 8). 

Bomb Hugger ($7.30) and the big favorite, Gertrude (Andy Miller) both went out for the lead.  Gertrude went on a break and Bomb Hugger took control and led to the first quarter in :29.0.  Bomb Hugger used a :31.1 second quarter breather to hit the half first in 1:00.1.  Gertrude made a tremendous comeback as she worked her way all the way to second going first-over down the backstretch.  Bomb Hugger continued to be in control though as she led to three-quarters in 1:28.3. 

As they made the turn for home Gertrude ran out of gas as Bomb Hugger found another gear and she just breezed down the stretch.  Little Pink Eyes (Jim Meittinis) went all out on the chase but Bomb Hugger was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:57.2.  Little Pink Eyes was second best and Gettinmystepsin (Tyler Buter) finished third. 

Bomb Hugger is a filly by Chapter Seven-Stylemaker.  She is owned by Thestable Bomb Hugger Group and trained by Jeff Byron.  She has now won three legs of the NYSS and is a perfect four for four in her career. 

Braxten Boyd had a driving double on the day.  He got his wins with Anchors Away ($8.40) and Kazans Power ($8.40). 

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Friday (August 13) starting at 6:15 p.m. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com. 

Merton wins four including feature at Tioga

Mike Merton drove four winners including a longshot victory with KJ Leo in the featured $7,800 pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (August 7). 

In the feature The Candyman Can (Jim Meittinis) led to the first quarter in :26.4.  He used a :28.3 second quarter and led to the half in :55.2.  He continued to lead to three-quarters in 1:24.3. 

As they went around the far turn Mach West (Wally Hennessey) popped the pocket and challenged for the lead.  KJ Leo ($31.00) made a three-wide move down the stretch.  Mach West took a short lead in between horses KJ Leo powered right on by to win in 1:52.3.  Mach West finished second as The Candyman Can held on for third. 

KJ Leo is a 5-year-old gelding by Art Major.  He is trained by Gary Messenger for owners Scott Woogen, Brenda Messenger, and Philip Shapiro.  It was his fourth win of the season.  He now owns 16 career victories. 

Merton got his other wins with Manwilling ($6.60), Western Thunder ($20.60), and Bjanthony ($18.00) 

Tioga Downs welcomes New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old trotting fillies on Sunday (August 8).  The 8-race card starting at 1:00 p.m. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com. 

Warrawee Unique takes Open Pace at Vernon.

 Warrawee Unique (Leon Bailey) Captured the $7,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (August 7).  

Dreams Beachboy (Gates Brunet) led to the first quarter in :26.0. Luck N Roll K (Justin Huckabone) grabbed the lead at the top of the backstretch and was first to the half in :55.0.  Starznheaven (Brad Irvine) came first-up and went shoulder-to-shoulder with Luck N Roll K all around the final turn.  Luck N Roll K had a narrow lead at three-quarters in 1:23.1. 

As they made the turn for home Warrawee Unique ($8.90) went three-wide.  Starznheaven had a short lead but Warrawee Unique came flying by to win easily in 1:51.1.  Starznheaven had to settle for second.  Luck N Roll K was third. 

Warrawee Unique is a 5-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou.  He is owned by the Betcha Win Stable LLC and trained by Jeff Sorenson.  It was win number four this season.  He now has 12 career victories. 

Leon Bailey and Justin Huckabone drove three winners on the card.  Bailey combined with trainer Sorenson to win with Samson J ($6.00).  Bailey also won with Umberto ($7.70).  Huckabone was driver -trainer for wins with Man He Can Skoot ($6.20) and Eternal Prince ($26.00).  His last win came with Tempster Hanover ($3.80). 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (August 13) as the welcome the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing colts.  Post time is 6:10 p.m.   

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com 

HANDLE UP ON HAMBO DAY

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Hambletonian Day handle was up 13 percent over a year ago as a total of $6,487,839 was pushed through the windows on Saturday’s 16-race card at The Meadowlands.

The $6.4 million established a 2021 best at The Big M, as did the per race average of $405,489. Wagering was steady throughout the course of the day as six races saw the $400,000 betting barrier busted.

Not surprisingly, the top two single-race totals were recorded on the Hambletonian Oaks ($486,594) and Hambletonian ($866,013).

Over the 63 programs that made up the Championship Meeting (or, more accurately, Winter-Spring-Championship Meeting), a total of $208,050,187 was wagered on Meadowlands’ races, an average per card of $3,302,383.

DUNN, CULLIPHER CLAIM TITLES: Dexter Dunn and Jeff Cullipher walked away with driver and trainer dash-win honors at The Championship Meeting, which concluded Saturday, Hambletonian Day.

After driving four winners, Dunn finished the meeting with 125 victories, 40 more than runner-up Andy McCarthy.

The 31-year-old Dunn also won the money-earnings crown with a total of $2,776,912, approximately $400,000 more than second-place finisher Tim Tetrick.

Cullipher won once on Hambo Day to finish the meet with 54 victories, six more than Ron Burke, who saw his Championship Meeting dash-win crown streak snapped at nine.

Burke was the top money-earning trainer with $1,883,853. Nancy Takter was second with $1,500,171.

A QUICK TATTOO: Tattoo Artist cut out incredible fractions of :25, :52 and 1:18.3 on the way to a 1:47.1 lifetime-best score in the fourth race $50,000 Preferred for pacers, which was in honor of The Big M’s late, great, former racing secretary Joe DeFrank. It was the fastest mile on the Hambo Day card.

The 4-year-old son of He’s Watching-Stylish Artist was driven by Tetrick and is trained by Chris Ryder. He now has 16 wins from 36 career starts and lifetime earnings of $790,367.

A LITTLE MORE: Dunn’s four winners led the driver colony. Tetrick was next with three. … Nifty Norman was the top conditioner with four winner’s circle visitors. … Live racing returns to The Big M on Friday, September 3.

HAMBLETONIAN DAY AT THE BIG M: WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – In the classic 1941 movie “The Maltese Falcon”, Sam Spade, played brilliantly by Humphrey Bogart, utters the line “The stuff that dreams are made of.”

Maybe Bogie was talking about Hambletonian Day, because that’s exactly how owners, trainers, drivers and fans of the game feel on the first Saturday in August when they experience all there is to experience on harness racing’s biggest day.

Bettors? Well, they’ve been dreaming about this day, too.

“The challenge for the team at The Meadowlands,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir, “was to create a wagering menu that is worthy of the greatest day in harness racing. Giving horseplayers low takeouts and a plethora of real opportunities to make scores. This will create a high level of not only North American excitement, but International excitement as well on our biggest day.”

The Hambletonian Day card takes place on Saturday (August 7) and is the final program of The Championship Meeting, which has been conducted in honor of the Big M’s late, great, longtime racing secretary Joe DeFrank. Post time is noon. The stakes-laden card offers purses totaling $3.6 million.

The Meadowlands will offer free program pages, and those past performances are usually available 48 hours before the race card and can be accessed by going to playmeadowlands.com.

The wagering will be fast and furious on the 16-race extravaganza, with only one wager, the Trifecta, having a takeout greater than 20 percent. There will be a total of nine bets with a low 15 percent takeout, including the track’s most popular puzzle, the 50-cent Pick-4. That wager will offer a $75,000 guaranteed pool on races eight through 11 and offer a $125,000 promise on races 12 through 15. Races 14 and 15 are the Hambletonian Oaks and Hambletonian, respectively.

The 20-cent Pick-6 has been a hit with bettors all meeting long, so Big M fans will be able to double their fun on Saturday, when the wager is offered on both races one through six and 10 through 15.

Twenty-cent Pick-5 players will have to alter their plans a bit. That bet, which usually begins in race one, will span races three through seven on Saturday.

The 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 will be offered later than usual, as it will get underway in race five.

Offering some extra opportunities to make a hit will be the 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5, which will be offered three times, on races 14, 15 and 16.

There will be 10-cent Superfectas on every race, and, on the Hambletonian Oaks and Hambletonian, there will be a special daily double wager.

Because it is the last day of the meeting, there will be mandatory payouts for the Pick-5 (race three), Pick-7 (race five), Pick-6 (race 10), Pick-4 (race 12) and Pentafecta/Hi-5 (race 16).

“Mr. [Jeff] Gural and I have said this on many occasions,” said Settlemoir, “any formula to reinvent The Meadowlands must include improved wagering opportunities for the horseplayers. As handle grows, the track, the horsemen, the State and our simulcast partners grow with us.

“Lowering takeouts and increasing pool size are important as they create value for the horseplayer. Combine a solid wagering menu and low takeouts with great racing and full fields, and you have The Meadowlands’ successful 2021 season, where average handle has exploded to well over $3 million per night.”

HOW TO WATCH: For those who can’t make it out to the track, there will be plenty of outlets showing all or part of the Hambletonian Day card.

The CBS Sports Network will air the Hambletonian Oaks and Hambletonian live from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Greg Blanchard serving as host. The voice of The Big M, Ken Warkentin, will be calling his 22nd Hambletonian.

Fox Sports 2 will cut in from its live presentation of racing from Saratoga to show The Hambletonian. The Big M TV team of Dave Brower and Dave Little will be on-set with Jessica Otten and Gabe Prewitt providing features and interviews.

The Meadowlands Facebook page (facebook.com/meadowlandsracetrack) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/MeadowlandsRacetrack) will show the entire race card live, as will the Roberts Television Network (rtn.tv).

The Television Games Network (tvg.com) will send one of their popular personalities, Caton Bredar, to The Meadowlands to keep fans of that ADW (advance deposit wagering) service on top of the action all day long.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: For all things Hambletonian on the internet, check out these websites: playmeadowlands.com (The Meadowlands), hambletonian.com (Hambletonian Society), ustrotting.com (United States Trotting Association), drf.com/harness (DRF Harness), harnessracingupdate.com (Harness Racing Update), harnesslink.com (Harness Link) and standardbredcanada.ca (Standardbred Canada).

TV TEAM AT FULL STRENGTH: Catch The Meadowlands’ live in-house simulcast presentation all day long on Hambletonian Day.

The festivities kick off with the pre-game show at 11:20 a.m. with Little and Brower talking about the day’s events. In addition to “The Two Daves'', Warkentin will call the races, Otten will bring to life what’s happening in the back paddock, Prewitt will have winner’s circle reaction, Shades Demsky – the regular track announcer at The Big M’s sister venue Tioga Downs – will have exclusive Twitter content and Edison Hatter – who calls the races at Freehold Raceway – will serve in several capacities during the day, primarily giving out Pick-4 tickets.

START TWEETING: 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.

Stay in touch with the Big M’s Brower (@eedoogie), Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Demsky (@ShadesOnRacing) and Hatter (@Edison_1999_).

BROWER’S BEST BETS: For those who like to get a leg up on the action, go to playmeadowlands.com to see oddsmaker Brower’s selections and analysis. Click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.

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

 

ACTION RULES AT FANDUEL: Not only does The Meadowlands offer the best harness action in the world, but it also has one of the leading sportsbooks in the country inside the track, The FanDuel Sportsbook.

Racing fans can duck into the ‘book’ during the Hambletonian Day card and get their sports betting action. There, as always, is a plethora of opportunities, ranging from Major League Baseball to the Olympic Games.

On Thursday (August 5), fans of the surging New York Yankees can bet the Bronx Bombers at -205 to defeat the Seattle Mariners.

Do you like prop bets? How about some long balls from the newest Yankees? If you want to play Joe Gallo to hit a home run, the odds are +190. If you want to take a shot with Anthony Rizzo, the odds are +370.

Hours for the sportsbook are 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.

BELLA BELLINI IN ‘NIFTY’ SPOT FOR HAMBLETONIAN OAKS

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Trainer Nifty Norman didn’t think he’d be in a spot like this.

His Bella Bellini is the 3-1 morning-line favorite leaving from post position five for Saturday’s $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadowlands. In fact, Norman’s pleasantly surprised Bella Bellini amounted to much of anything.

As a 2-year-old, the daughter of Bar Hopping-Bella Dolce had zero victories from seven starts. Hardly the type of beginning that would see a trainee blossom into the one of the horses to beat in the biggest race on the sophomore trotting filly calendar.

“Last year,” said Norman, “she could never get comfortable on the turns. She never matured. But she showed some speed, and being a homebred, [owner] David [McDuffee] decided to keep her and give her a shot. Thank God he did.

“What could we have been hoping for after last year? It’s the biggest turnaround I’ve seen with a horse I’ve had.”

Bella Bellini started her 2021 season with a 15¼-length domination of her foes in a division of the Weiss at Pocono Downs to earn her first-ever trip to the winner’s circle. And she’s been outstanding in all nine starts since.

Entering Saturday’s Oaks (post time, 5:42 p.m.), despite having been beaten in each of her last two outings, Bella Bellini was installed as the early favorite nonetheless, given her season’s record of six wins and four seconds from 10 starts, which includes a lifetime-best 1:52.1 score at The Big M on July 3 in an open for 3-year-old fillies.

On July 16, ‘Bella’ was a fast-closing second to Yonkers Trot winner Johan Palema at The Big M in an overnight, while a week ago in her Oaks Elimination, she went parked for a little more than the final half-mile to come up just a half-length short of a super-game Lady Chaos.

“[Two starts back] was more of just a prep for last week when she was second to Johan Palema,” said Norman. “We wanted to be conservative with her. Last week, I don’t think Dexter [Dunn] gave her as good a drive as he’s given her. I think had he made a quarter move [to the lead] or waited before out-speeding [Lady Chaos] in the stretch [the outcome might have been different]. Anyway, it just doesn’t matter.”

Since elim winners Lady Chaos and Awesome Trix got to draw for post positions one through five, Norman was a tad nervous at the prospect that his filly could have drawn a bad starting berth.

But the post-positions Gods were good to the 60-year-old Norman, who’s won just under 300 races and earned just over $10 million over the last three years.

“I think [post five] is a really good spot,” said Norman. “I don’t think my filly was at her best last week. I think she’ll be a lot better this week. I think it could be a real good race for us.”

A LITTLE MORE: The $1-million Hambletonian, as well as the Hambletonian Oaks, will air live from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. Post time for the first of 16 races on The Big M card is noon.

HAMBLETONIAN OAKS DRAW

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The field for the 51^st edition of the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old trotting fillies, that takes place Saturday, August 7 (post time, 5:42 p.m.) at The Meadowlands, with post position, horse (driver, trainer) and morning-line odds:

1. Darlene Hanover (Brian Sears, Brett Bittle), 10-1

2. Flawless Country (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 15-1

3. Awesome Trix (Scott Zeron, Christopher Beaver), 9-2

4. Lady Chaos (Dave Miller, Linda Toscano), 7-2

5. Bella Bellini (Dexter Dunn, Nifty Norman), 3-1

6. Piper Hanover (Andy McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 8-1

7. Hot As Hill (Dave Miller, Ron Burke), 15-1

8. Contested Hanover (Scott Zeron, George Ducharme), 15-1

9. You Ato Dream (Jeff Gregory, Jeff Gregory), 8-1

10. Iteration (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 6-1

NOTE: Driver changes will be available at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Elimination winners Lady Chaos and Awesome Trix drew for posts 1 through 5.

HAMBLETONIAN AND HAMBLETONIAN OAKS DRAWS FOR TUE., AUG. 3, 2021

HAMBLETONIAN DRAW

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The field for the 96^th edition of the $1,000,000 Hambletonian, an open event for 3-year-old trotters, that takes place Saturday, August 7 (post time, 6:12 p.m.) at The Meadowlands, with post position, horse (driver, trainer) and morning-line odds:

1. Delayed Hanover (Dexter Dunn, Ake Svanstedt), 7-2

2. Take All Comers (Dave Miller, Jim Campbell), 12-1

3. Spy Booth (Tim Tetrick, Nancy Takter), 15-1

4. Captain Corey (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 3-1

5. Locatelli (Andy McCarthy, Nancy Takter), 15-1

6. Sonofamistery (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 4-1

7. Really Fast (Dexter Dunn, Nancy Takter), 5-1

8. Venerate (Andy Miller, Julie Miller), 8-1

9. Ambassador Hanover (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 15-1

10. Cuatro De Julio (Lucas Wallin, Marie Ortolan Bar), 10-1

NOTE: Driver changes will be available at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Elimination winners Delayed Hanover and Captain Corey drew for posts 1 through 5.

-*-*-*-

HAMBLETONIAN OAKS DRAW

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The field for the 51^st edition of the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old trotting fillies, that takes place Saturday, August 7 (post time, 5:42 p.m.) at The Meadowlands, with post position, horse (driver, trainer) and morning-line odds:

1. Darlene Hanover (Brian Sears, Brett Bittle), 10-1

2. Flawless Country (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 15-1

3. Awesome Trix (Scott Zeron, Christopher Beaver), 9-2

4. Lady Chaos (Dave Miller, Linda Toscano), 7-2

5. Bella Bellini (Dexter Dunn, Nifty Norman), 3-1

6. Piper Hanover (Andy McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 8-1

7. Hot As Hill (Dave Miller, Ron Burke), 15-1

8. Contested Hanover (Scott Zeron, George Ducharme), 15-1

9. You Ato Dream (Jeff Gregory, Jeff Gregory), 8-1

10. Iteration (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 6-1

NOTE: Driver changes will be available at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Elimination winners Lady Chaos and Awesome Trix drew for posts 1 through 5.

-30-

Forest Blu Sets Track Record at Monticello

Tyler Buter Wins Four

Monticello, N.Y. – On Monday, August 2, four divisions of NYSS went to post at Monticello Raceway. Each dash was worth $25,000. When the dust settled at the end of the afternoon, a new track record for two-year-old pacing colts was set by Forest Blu in 1:54.2 and Tyler Buter had four winners.

 In the first Division of Sire Stakes action, there was a mad scramble leaving the gate as JD (Mark Macdonald), Bounty Hunter (Brian Sears), and Forrest Blu all went for the lead. Bounty Hunter was three-deep going to the quarter and finally made the lead in the paddock turn. Once on top, Forrest Blu popped the two hole to get the lead before the half in 57.2, and had two lengths on the pack as they rolled to the ¾ in 1:26. The gap continued to open up as he had three lengths at the top of the lane to draw off and win by two lengths in a track record performance of 1:54.2. It was the third win of the season and second consecutive Sire Stakes. The son of Roll With Joe was bred by Crawford Farms and is owned by Harmony Oaks Racing, Crawford Farms and J. Crawford. The track record was the second time this year a new standard has been set for pacing juveniles.

Race 4 was the second heat. Jordan Stratton cut the mile with Go With The Flow. The eventual winner, Pickup Man Hanover, was fifth and gapped at the half in 56.3. Pickup Man Hanover, the 3/5 favorite, then unleashed a beastly move down the backside and was three-deep. At the top of the lane, he had two lengths on the field and would go on to win by six in 1:55.4 for Tyler Buter’s third win on the afternoon. The son of Huntsville is trained by Monica Krist.

Stretch the Line, the 1-9 betting favorite, stretched out the field as he scored a wire-to-wire eight length romp in 1:56.1. Greg The Leg was second, followed by Blaz N Chip. Stretch the Line is trained by Erv Miller. The son of Huntsville notched his fourth win of the season.

In the final Sire Stakes event of the afternoon, Flip My Chip was content to bid his time as Monticello local KJ Hunter and Te Amo Blue Chip controlled the fractions. Coming off the last turn, he was in perfect position to overtake the early leaders to sprint home in 28.1 to score in 1:54.4. Marcus Miller drove the son of Heston Blue Chip, who earned his first Sire Stakes win. 

In Excelsior A action, the winners were Power Blu – 1:56.3/Matt Kakaley; Lannister Hanover – 1:56.2/ Jordan Stratton; and Shakertown – 1:57.1/Jason Bartlett.  In Excelsior B action, I Pay Your Salary –1:59.6/Tyler Buter and Timetoroll Hanover – 1:59.1/Mark Macdonald.

Roll With Joe and Huntsville each sired three winners and Heston Blue Chip had two winners.

PERFECT STING REBOUNDS, ‘FIRE START’ SCORES IN TOMPKINS-GEERS

By Frank and Ray Cotolo, for The Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ— In no rush to lead leaving from post 8, favorite Perfect Sting and driver David Miller relaxed until the stretch of the $78,700 Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings at The Meadowlands to win in 1:49 on Saturday (July 31).

There was not a lot of action to the half as 43-1 Gamblin Mo rode the pegs to take the lead and cut a :26.4 first quarter, followed by Toronto and Highlandsbeachsbest, who chased in line to a :54.4 half.

Coming to three-quarters in 1:22.2, Whichwaytothebeach came first over to challenge the leading longshot while Perfect Sting followed second over. When the field hit the straightaway, Whichwaytothebeach was pacing a direct path to the finish line, but Perfect Sting was full of pace in the middle of the track and passed under minimal urging to glide home first by two lengths. Whichwaytothebeach, the public’s second choice, finished second in a photo with Highlandbeachsbest while Toronto took fourth.

“Tonight we wanted him to finish up really good, so the opportunity was to get in the hole,” Miller said after the race. “And I had a good horse to follow, so that’s what we did. I was real happy with him. He paced really good; he fired really good through the stretch. That’s something we were looking for.”

Joe Holloway trains Perfect Sting, a son of Always B Miki and the beaten favorite in the clamorous Meadowlands Pace, for owners and breeders Brittany Farms LLC and Val D’Or Farms. His earnings rose to $841,577 with the win, his third in five starts this season. He paid $2.40 to win.

Fire Start Hanover successfully downed 2-5 favorite Test Of Faith in a neck-and-neck stretch drive to hand the champion filly her first defeat of the season when winning the $62,800 Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old pacing fillies in 1:49.

Dexter Dunn landed Fire Start Hanover in fourth when leaving from post 9 while Test Of Faith, starting from the second tier, tracked her stablemate Staycation Hanover into the first turn to settle into fifth. Passing a :26.4 first quarter, Dunn sent Fire Start Hanover for the lead, with Test Of Faith in tow, and cleared before a :55.2 half.

Into the far turn, Fire Start Hanover begrudgingly yielded the lead to Test Of Faith, but Dunn began to light a fire under the champion filly as he gradually floated his charge from the pocket past three-quarters in 1:22. Once straightening for the finish, Test Of Faith fought gamely to keep Fire Start Hanover at bay, but the Richard “Nifty” Norman trainee nonetheless powered past in the final strides to win by a neck at the beam. Off The Record finished third while Classicist closed for fourth.

“We had to push her out pretty hard to clear a few outside of us, [but] she got out of the gate good though,” Dunn said after the race. “I could feel David [Miller] starting to edge [out] there past the quarter, so we made our move and he came with us. She’s pretty versatile. She really swelled up when I let David go and she was ready to rock, so I kept her on the helmet round the turn and she did the rest on the straight.”

Last year’s Dan Patch 2-Year-Old of the Year, Fire Start Hanover has now won 10 races from 17 starts and banked $678,432 for owners Pinske Stables, David Hoese and Lawrence Means. The Sombeachsomewhere filly paid $7.20 to win.

LONGSHOTS RULE IN HAMBLETONIAN OAKS ELIMS

By Jay Bergman, DRF Harness

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The 2020 Breeders Crown champion Lady Chaos had started the year slowly, winning just once in seven tries. The Cantab Hall-sired filly found her “A” game on Saturday night at The Meadowlands for driver Dave Miller, going wire-to-wire in a 1:52.4 clocking to capture the first of two $35,000 eliminations for the Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on the trot.

 

Miller had Lady Chaos on her toes and drove to the lead alertly at the outset, seating You Ato Dream in the pocket prior to the :27.4 opening quarter. From there, Lady Chaos was able to rate the second quarter kindly in just :29.1 as 2-5 favorite Bella Bellini and driver Dexter Dunn played possum not wanting to advance prematurely and towed rivals into the fray.

 

Dunn pushed the ‘go’ button with Bella Bellini and the Bar Hopping filly hit high gear quickly and looked to be trotting right past Lady Chaos as the two accelerated into the final turn. Miller didn’t allow that to happen, and Lady Chaos drove on keeping her rival at bay through a :27.4 third quarter.

 

In the homestretch, it was a match race between the 8-1 Lady Chaos and the heavily backed Bella Bellini with Lady Chaos gamely holding her position to the wire by a head and earning post preference for the $500,000 final on August 7. Bella Bellini settled for second with You Ato Dream third across the wire. Contested Hanover and Scott Zeron weaved through traffic for fourth and Brian Sears had last year’s Jim Doherty winner, Darlene Hanover, airborne in the closing yards to earn the final spot.

 

Lady Chaos is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Richard Gutnick, Tom Pontone, Joseph Lozito Jr. and Enviro Stables. She returned $18.60 to win.

 

“She fought tonight,” said Linda Toscano following the race proudly of her filly. “So I was tickled with her. She’s an absolute pleasure to train.”

 

The second Oaks elimination saw fillies coming from everywhere in the homestretch, but it was Scott Zeron behind 24-1 shot Awesome Trix that found the shortest route, skimming the pylons late to score the upset in a 1:52.4 mile.

 

There was action from the outset as Dutiful left sharply along with Flawless Country and Iteration. Dutiful put Flawless Country in the pocket early but parked Iteration to the :28 first quarter before releasing her. Big City Pearl left from the outside post 10 and found herself parked for Verlin Yoder, who sent the filly up to challenge through the second quarter. Iteration and Big City Pearl were on even terms through the :56 half with Flawless Country moving up with cover second-over followed by Hot As Hill and 4-5 favorite Donna Soprano in the outer flow.

 

Brian Sears had Iteration in control at three-quarters in 1:24.1 but horses fanned across the track and sought room between rivals. Iteration was brave fighting off challengers for much of the stretch, but Zeron had been fortunate as the two horses he had been following while fourth on the pylons at the three-quarters fanned out for room that opened up the inside lane for Awesome Trix to utilize. Under Zeron’s urging, Awesome Trix hit high gear late for the 1-length victory.

 

Iteration finished second with Hot As Hill, Flawless Country and Piper Hanover following her across the wire to earn spots in the rich final.

 

Awesome Trix, a daughter of Trixton that cost $13,000 as a yearling, the least of the 10 in the field, is owned by trainer Chris Beaver along with Aaron Merriman and Robert McNerney. In winning for the third time this year, Awesome Trix returned $50.80 to win.

 

“She interfered a lot as a 2-year-old but had high speed,” said Beaver following the win. “She’s getting stronger this year and learning to go.”