Correction No racing at Meadowlands for Italian guests

As you know we are hosting a group of Italians here from as far as Sicily, as near, if correct Treviso and somewhere in between., if Tuscany is in between. 
The Italians were eager to race at the Meadowlands as have similar groups in the past. The race office welcomed us and then reversed oars under orders fro on high.

The alleged reason  raised centers around a protective NY state law, similar to that in NJ that in state residents can only bet through an in state ADW and a law  which mandates that a NY thoroughbred track must take  in state NY harness signal. This was a deal made many years ago when a law allowing the thoroughbreds to simulcast t-bred races in our nighttime space became law.  NYRA, through its NYRA Bets (In state ADW) takes NY harness racing exclusively and has its own separate  Oregon ADW, which takes bets on out of state ( non NY ) harness signals from NY residents. 
Problem for NYRA,  its Oregon ADW, like all out of state ADWs incurs  a surcharge, to give the in state ADWs , taking wagers from NY residents, a completive playing field.

That surcharge, collected  from ALL the out of state ADWs, Twin Spires etc., gets divided up  throughout the NY industry.  Part of the surcharge  ends up in NY harness  and thoroughbred purses. NYRA gets a big share of that money back, as  does Yonkers, Saratoga, etc. 

Harness  gets less of that money than NYRA. The reason being because NYRA Bets does a large volume of business. While our money dwarfs their share of the surcharge it is significant money to us and is based upon a formula for the divvying  up that money based upon  on track and ADW handle. Empire City Bets (Yonkers ADW)  does less volume than NYRA BETS.   

Yonkers and other harness tracks’  purses receive a good share of the surcharge money anyway as the handle from  all those out of state ADWs has grown exponentially over the years. 

NYRA in the last legislative session wanted to increase the amount of the surcharge and pretty much keep it all. That was pretty much universally not supported in NYS, except by NYRA. 
Now the Meadowlands guru has prohibited the Italians from racing in the Hambo amateur race because NY harness will not give up its revenue to benefit NYRA. 

NY harness interests will not voluntarily give up revenue to NYRA or any NJ interests advocating now on its behalf. 

This is complicated as you can see. I had to advise the Italians of this decision and ask you to support entering horses for the races beginning Friday August 5th at Yonkers the date originally set for them to race in the Hambo amateur race. The condition for trotters is on the sheet and in stead of a purse of $11,500 the race will go for $20,000. The Italians have hundreds of wins and if you ever go to Italy or Europe to race they are beyond great hosts. It is too bad that they have been punished or put in the middle. 

Please support the box for the Italians at Yonkers which  has stepped up to fill the void on August 5th. Yonkers has  put similar purses and conditions for a pace and trot on Monday the 8th of August, $20,000. If you can put one in for the Italians that would be kind and appropriate. 

Joe Faraldo

Buffalo Raceway Concludes 2022 Season

 by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- "It was nice to get through the racing season without any (Covid-19) restrictions," said Buffalo Raceway Assistant General Manager Jon Cramer as the track completed the live meet on Saturday (July 16).

 A switch from evening start times to afternoon racing resulted in pretty good results. "The handle was slightly down both on and off track for the year but the winter months played havoc," Cramer said.

He continued by saying, "We are going to also look at our promotions this fall, on what worked and what didn't. I am sure one of the promotions that will return is the Kentucky Derby Party."

Jim Morrill Jr. collected his second consecutive driving title and fourth overall at Buffalo Raceway by scoring 91 victories in just 303 starts. He was also the leading purse earner with $867,305. Drew Monti was second in the rankings with 75 wins with Kevin Cummings third with 65 victories.

Shawn McDonough won his first ever training crown by sending out 54 winners on the season and also posted 33 driving victories. He was also tops in money collected with $425,218. Gerry Sarama was second in the trainer's standings with 33 while Jennifer Giuliani and Ryan Swift shared third place honors with 31 each.

While enjoying the 'Trainer Of The Meet' award, McDonough also celebrated his trainee Mugshots Bro who was named 'Trotter Of The Meet.'

The 10-year-old Mugshots Bro (Jailhouse Jesse-Photo Emmy) is co-owned by Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. Mugshots Bro collected six wins, a second and a third place finish in 10 starts on the season. He earned $48,845 and had a five-race wins streak with four of those coming from outside posts.

Stop Action was a model of consistency and determination throughout the season and claimed the 'Pacer Of The Meet' award.

Owned by Super Mile LLC and trained by Angelo Nappo, the 5-year-old gelded Stop Action (Somebeachsomewhere-The Show Returns, started the campaign in the $5,500 level but steadily worked his way up the ladder and into the Open competition.

In 18 starts, Stop Action finished in the money 16 times including eight victories and bankrolled $69,595, the most of any horse at the track. His seasonal best was 1:54.0 and was driven by Kevin Cummings through much of the year.

There were eight track records broken during the season including three all-age standards.

The trotters saw two all-age marks fall by the wayside as Je Suis Si Belle snapped the all-age filly time with a 1:56.1 which also was good enough to re-write the 3-year-old filly barrier. Barn Hall established a new record for the all-age and 4-year-old trotting horses with a 1:56.2.

Gotthegreenlight made a name for herself by placing her name in the record book with a 1:52.2 which eclipsed the all-age and 3-year-old filly pacing marks. Vivians Dream broke the 2-year-old filly record with a 1:54.4 mile tour and American Fling erased the 2-year-old gelding record with a 1:55.1.

Statistically, Buffalo Raceway's post time favorites won at a 48.26 percent clip. 

For more information on Buffalo Raceway, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

Pleaseletmeknow Highlights Sire Stakes Card at Monticello

 

 

Monticello, N.Y. – Fresh off his victory at the MGM Messenger Stakes, the first leg of Harness Racing’s Triple Crown, Pleaseletmeknow will highlight the glamour division when three-year-old pacing colts take the stage at Monticello Raceway on Monday, July 18.

 

In addition to his Messenger Stakes’ win, he’s also triumphed in two New York Sire Stakes, along with a second-place finish, making him the top point leader in his division. The three-year-old son of American Ideal is trained by Travis Alexander and is owned by Fiddlers Creek Stables LLC of Naples Florida. His 2022 resume is seven starts, with five wins. He’s placed second twice, with seasonal earnings of $236,777 and a mark of 1:51.3. Regular pilot Matt Kakaley will drive him from Post Position 3. 

 

Other contenders in the race include Roll With The Flow (Roll With Joe), who will start from the rail with Mark McDonald at the helm. He was a winner last start out in an Excelsior event at Goshen in 1:53.2. Seven Hundred starts from Post 4 with Jordan Stratton handling the driving chores. The $105,000 yearling purchase, son of Huntsville, scored in NYSS action at Vernon Downs in 1:52.3.

 

The second heat, which is going for a purse of $60,300, is a full field of eight sidewinders. JD scorched the Goshen oval in a track record time of 1:52 last time out. The Ray Schnittker trainee is a son of So Surreal. Flip My Chip comes into the race sporting a two-race win streak. Last start, he won in 1:51.2 at Pocono Downs. Marcus Miller will drive. Twin B Deluxe (PP3) won a Sire Stakes event earlier this season at Saratoga in 1:53. Jason Bartlett will drive.

 

Also on tap are four Excelsior events racing for a purse of $15,000.

The Greatest Party in Harness Racing is Saturday, July 16

Food Trucks, DJ, Carnival Games & Harness Racing

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Saturday, July 16^th is the biggest party in harness racing - the Meadowlands Pace!  Post time for the live racing action is 6:20pm.

 From 5:00 p.m.-11 p.m. in the Backyard, fans can ride the mechanical shark, practice their axe throwing, bounce around in some action-packed inflatables party with DJ aalex and enter to win a $500 win wager.  Fans can also grab a free “settin’ the pace” t-shirt while supplies last and play carnival games for cool prizes.

 

Nick Luciano, Blake Moore, Roy Dinges and Beau Deatrick from Tratter Co will also be onsite for a meet and greet from 6-6:30pm near the winners circle.  Fans are encouraged to come out for a selfie with these good ‘ol boys and snag an autograph.

 

There will also be food trucks serving some of the best grub around throughout the night.  Food and dessert options ranging from empanadas to BBQ, to seafood tacos to Italian ice will be provided by The Empanada Truck, Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, DAW Concessions, Angry Archie’s, Carnival Concessions, The Mozzarella God, Cousins Maine Lobster, The Little Sicilian, Fresh Catch Streats, Green Dog Mobile, Mi Sabor Boricua, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Cat Like Reflexes, My Delicious BBQ and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream. 

 

“Meadowlands Pace night is our signature night-time event,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “This is truly a big party with spectacular racing, food and family fun.”

The Meadowlands is also hosting its annual 30 & Under Handicapping. The free handicapping contest is exclusively for fans between the ages of 18 and 30. The contest offers a $5,000 total prize pool, with prize payouts to the top five finishers. 

Fans may register up until 6:30 p.m. on the night of the contest at the Backyard registration table. There is no entry fee. The contest format requires players to make a mythical $2 "across the board" wager on one horse in races 2 – 10 at the Meadowlands. The winner is determined by the player that amasses the largest mythical bankroll from their selections.

All contest participants will receive a free program, $10 betting voucher and treated to free BBQ from the Backyard BBQ & Grill.

The “Biggest Party in Harness Racing” also features major action on the racetrack.  In addition to the Meadowlands Pace (for the best 3 year old pacers), the race card includes the Mistletoe Shalee, Stanley Dancer, Del Miller, William Haughton, Dorothy Haughton, and Hambletonian Maturity. 

 

For more details on the Meadowlands Pace, visit https://playmeadowlands.com/pace/v

American Fling Sets Track Record In NYSS

 by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- American Fling set the Buffalo Raceway track record for the 2-year-old gelding pacers on Wednesday afternoon (July 13) by winning the $104,400 New York Sire Stakes for the freshmen in 1:55.1 over the fast track. He beat Its A Me Mario again for the third consecutive race, this time by a length.

The old mark for the geldings was 1:56.1 established on June 30, 2021 by Pickup Man Hanover.

It appeared that American Fling ($2.80) was going to cut the early fractions but Bandito Joe (Matt Kakaley) bolted to the top and put up splits of :28.2, :57.0 and 1:26.3. Those proved to be a little ambitious in the long run as American Fling (Jim Morrill Jr.) tipped out from the pocket and brought along Its A Me Mario (Lauren Tritton) heading into the stretch.

Down the lane, American Fling wasn't going to be denied. A :28.2 final quarter mile erased any hopes of Its A Me Mario who had to settle for another second place finish in the Sire Stakes competition. Bandito Joe hung on for the third place check. 

Co-owned by Randall Bendis, Reed Broadway and Pollack Racing LLC, American Fling (American Ideal-Feeling You) is now a perfect 3-for-3 in the NYSS races. He is conditioned by Edward Hart and the victory zoomed  American Fling's bankroll to $104,575 on the season.

Human Cocktail ($4.20) put up steady fractions then used a :28.3 last panel to seal the 1-3/4 length decision over Hunting Zone in the $15,000 Excelsior A race. Driven by Morrill Jr. and trained by Gareth Dowse, Human Cocktail (Huntsville-Lotsa Matzah) is owned by Stephen Demeter.

Wasn't Me (Kyle Cummings) made it a perfect 3-for-3 in the $6,600 Excelsior B Series by going gate to wire in 1:58.4, beating Universe Blue Chip (Kevin Cummings) by five lengths. Co-owned by trainer Jim Graham, Tim Warner, Ed Peron and Paul Tandlmayer, Wasn't Me (American Ideal-Miss Innocent) returned $2.30 for the win.

Buffalo Raceway's 2022 Driver Of The Meet, Morrill Jr., didn't rest on his laurels as he produced a five-bagger during the afternoon. Trainer Samuel Smith had two victories.

The final two cards of the 2022 season will take place on Friday and Saturday afternoons with 10-race programs to commence each day at 1:30 p.m. The simulcast center will close after the action on Sunday afternoon.

 

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

 

New York Sire Stakes Sophomore Trotting Colts at Monticello

New York Sire Stakes Sophomore Trotting Colts at Monticello

Monticello, N.Y. – Three-Year-Old Trotting Colts and Geldings will ship to Monticello Raceway on Monday, July 11 for the $142,000 New York Sire Stakes. This is the fifth leg of the eight-leg series, with the lucrative final set for Tioga Downs on Saturday, September 5. 

Two heats of NYSS are on tap, along with two heats of the Excelsior Series, vying for over $142,000 in purses.

The first heat of Sire Stakes, racing for a purse of $55,900, is carded as Race 1. The short, four horse field features two of the division’s top point earners: Castle House (PP1) and Chapheart (PP4). Castle House (Jason Bartlett) has been a bridesmaid twice this season in Sire Stakes competition. Last week, he earned a new lifetime mark in an overnight at Harrah’s in 1:54.4. The son of Conway Hall is owned by Winning Key Inc. and is trained by Per Engblom.

Chapheart, hailing from the barn of Trond Smedshammer for the Purple Haze Stable, has earned over $79,000 this season in six starts. Trond Smedshammer will drive the son of Chapter Seven. He won a heat of NYSS earlier this season at Buffalo Raceway in 2:00.1, defeating Castle House in the process.

The second heat, worth $57,000, has five entrants. Quincy Market is stepping up in class. Last start, he scored in an Excelsior A event in Goshen in 1:57.3. The Nicholas Devita-trained son of E L Titan is owned by Samuel Abdoo. Jason Bartlett will drive. Tantra Blue Chip will score from Post 4 for trainer–driver Ake Svanstedt. He comes into the race with a winning 1:55.2 at Harrah’s. This start will be his first in Sire Stakes company.

Also on tap are two divisions of the $15,000 Excelsior Series. The leader of the division is Makadushin N Cheez, who will start from the rail. The offspring of Conway Hall has banked $30,529 thus far this season with four wins. Dave Dewhurst is the trainer and Jason Bartlett will be in the sulky.

Also stepping up in class is Debs Prince Hall, who has been installed as the morning line favorite for Race 2. The son of Conway Hall already has ten starts this year and has bankrolled $27,662 with three wins on his resume.

Post time for the nine-race card is 12:10 p.m.

‘PORSCHE’ GOES SLOW, WINS NJSS AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Dexter Dunn went for a Sunday drive on Friday night at The Meadowlands, rating a slow enough pace to allow Handlelikeaporsche to hold off 4-5 favorite Lifes A Puzzle at the wire in the $30,000 second leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings on the pace.

The son of Lazarus N-The Signature used the rail to his advantage as if he were racing on a half-mile track, securing the top around the first turn before reaching the quarter in a leisurely :29.2 as Lifes A Puzzle (Tim Tetrick) sat in the pocket.

There was no action to the half, which went in :58, or three-quarters, which went in 1:25.3. Given the fact that Handlelikeaporsche closed in :26.1 when beaten two weeks ago by Lifes A Puzzle, it would prove tough to catch him this time around.

Lifes A Puzzle almost pulled it off, closing in :25.4, but came up a neck short. Voukefalas was third.

Both Handlelikeaporsche and Lifes A Puzzle now have one win from two lifetime starts, with one win against the other in the NJSS. Handlelikeaporsche, the 9-5 second choice who is trained by Chris Ryder, paid $5.80 to win after completing the mile in 1:51.3.

There were also two $30,000 NJSS splits for 2-year-old colts and geldings on the trot.

The first was taken by Celebrity Bambino, a son of Muscle Hill-Celebrity Ruth, in 1:53. Driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Ron Burke, Celebrity Bambino, the 7-2 third choice in the wagering, sat a pocket trip before going by leader Ari Ferrari J on the way to a 1¾-length win over Dire Straits, who rallied to get second.

Oh Well was ultra-impressive taking the other division for trotting males, overcoming post nine. Driven by Tetrick for trainer Marcus Melander, the son of Muscle Hill-Fine Tuned Lady made a big move around the far turn to get into contention, then continued to chip away at leader Up Your Deo’s edge before nailing that one at the wire by a head in 1:54.1 as the even-money favorite.

A LITTLE MORE: There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6, creating a carryover of $8,415 for Saturday. Those with five correct collected $97.50. … Once again, there was only winning ticket sold in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, but the sequence was anything but longshot-laden. The winner’s odds were 2-1, 2-1, 2-1, 6-5, 6-1, 2-1 and 9-5. That sharp player walked away with $8,202. … Andy McCarthy led the driver colony with three victories, including a sweep of the late double, which returned $143.00. … All-source handle totaled $2,275,512. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m. with a fantastic 13-race card that includes four Graduate Series finals (for purses totaling $750,000) plus two eliminations for the $600,000 Meadowlands Pace.

Dalious gets Friday night slam at Vernon.

Barton Dalious has had a terrific first year at Vernon Downs so far this season as he added four more winning drives on Friday (July 8). 

The young phenom combined with trainer Jeff Sorenson to get wins with Treasurethosechips ($5.00), Won Surreal Deal ($3.30), Rally Your Crew ($3.20).  His fourth straight win came with Ladyyouaregorgeous ($4.00). 

Natameri (Frank Affrunti) hangs on to capture the $7,700 Open Pace. 

Natameri ($2.70) blasts out of the gate and goes straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :25.4.  He slowed things down and used a :29.3 second quarter to hit the half first in :55.2.  He cruised to three-quarters in 1:23.1. 

As they made the turn for home Natameri was still in control as Lyons Pegasus (Justin Huckabone) waited patiently in the pocket.  As they reached deep stretch Lyons Pegasus made his move coming all out after the leader.  Natameri dug in and held on to win narrowly in 1:51.0.  Lyons Pegasus had to settle for second money.  Northern Rein (Chris Long) finished third.   

Natameri is a 4-year-old horse by American Ideal.  She is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was her third win in four starts this season and her ninth career victory. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 9) featuring the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial races.  Post time for 11-race card is 12:15 p.m.   

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com 

TETRICK TAKES 4 AT BIG M

 By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Driver Tim Tetrick was firing on all cylinders Thursday night at The Meadowlands, guiding four winners on the nine-race program, including two of four New Jersey Sire Stakes divisions.

The 40-year-old pilot got things started in the second race with Wall Of Blue, a Jim King Jr. trainee who took the lead at the half and cruised down the road from there to a safe three-quarter-length tally over Make Sweet Magic in 1:53 in the first of four second leg $30,000 NJSS splits for 2-year-old fillies.

Wall Of Blue, a daughter of Lazarus N-Misssomebeach Blue, paid $2.60 as the 1-5 favorite in taking the second of two divisions for pacers.

“She’s nice,” said Tetrick. “She’s an overachiever and has come a long way since early in the year. She’s got enough power. She raced well last week but got a little lost on the outside [when a three-wide bid got her a third-place finish].”

Did you have reservations about racing on the lead, given the horse’s inexperience?  “Racing is different than it was even two years ago. If you want to win these days, you have to be up close.”

Tetrick then scored in the next race with the trotter Grand Fashion, a Jim Campbell student who scored in 1:55.1. She went parked past the quarter on the lead and never had an anxious moment, scoring by 2 lengths over Southwind Cherry.

The daughter of Walner-Broadway Schooner returned $3.80 as the 4-5 public choice.

“Campbell is a great horseman,” said Tetrick. “Every year, he comes up with quality stock. This horse has a great pedigree. She’s got speed and is pretty nice.”

Fans of “The Bionic Man” then had to wait until the eighth race to get back in the win column, but the reward was worth the wait, as Tetrick steered Illini Duke to victory at odds of 4-1 in a TrackMaster 74 pace in 1:53.2.

His completed his four-bagger in the finale, as the Hall of Fame pilot guided 1-9 chalk – and back classmaster – Machdavid to victory lane in 1:51.1 in a low-end conditioned pace. The Tetrick late double returned $8.20.

Scott Zeron had himself a big night as well, scoring three times on the card.

In the first pacing event, he guided Ucandoit Blue Chip (Keystone Velocity-Molly Can Do It) to her second straight NJSS score in the first race for trainer Linda Toscano as the 4-5 betting choice in 1:52.

“The Money Man” then cashed in with Shaving Mug as the 5-2 second choice in a TrackMaster 70 pace in the fifth before capping his three-bagger in the next race with 3-5 favorite Cultured in an overnight for 2-year-old filly pacers in 1:53.1 to give Toscano a training double.

A LITTLE MORE: Walner Payton (Walner-Lonely Lady) took the other NJSS trot for driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Chris Ryder in 1:54.1, nudging past even-money choice Secret Volo at the wire by a nose as the 2-1 second choice. … Despite a 1-9 chance grabbing the brass ring (Machdavid), the ninth race 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta returned $1,725.37. … All-source handle totaled $1,050,109. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

-30-

PHOTO: Grand Fashion takes a division of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadowlands Thursday night, one of four winners on the card for driver Tim Tetrick. (Credit: Lisa Photo)

Zweig Memorial at Vernon on Saturday Afternoon

Vernon, NY - The $500,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial for 3-year-old trotters will be raced at Vernon Downs on the afternoon of Saturday, July 9. 

The $310,000 open division (race 9), features a match up of two of the top Hambletonian contenders in Branded By Lindy (PP #1 Yannick Gingras) and Fast As The Wind from the far outside post nine with Dexter Dunn aboard. These two colts emerged late in their freshman season and are off to promising sophomore starts. 

Both of Branded By Lindy's 2022 races have been over the Vernon oval, a NYSS win and a "free too late" second in the Empire Breeders Classic. The Lindy Farms' homebred son of Chapter Seven has been brought along carefully by trainer Domenico Cecere with focus squarely on the Hambletonian trophy.

Fast As The Wind has been the consummate racehorse throughout his career for trainer Tony Alagna. The son of Cantab Hall has been on the board in all five starts this season and was a handy winner of the Goodtimes stakes at Mohawk last month. Three-time defending "Driver of the Year" Dunn will need all of his considerable skill to overcome the poor post for owners Leblanc & Kribbs, Joe Sbrocco, John Schmucker and Fodera, Barbara Frank.

The logical favorite for the $123,000 Zweig filly stake (race 8) is Jiggy Jog S (PP #2 Dunn) who comes in off a 1:54h win in the NY NY Mile at Yonkers for owner Jorgen Sparredal last Friday. Ake Svanstedt trains Jiggy Jog, as well as a second contender in Baptism who Ake drove to an impressive 1:51.4 win in a division of the Reynolds stake at The Meadowlands last week. She is 4 of 5 this season for Diamond Creek Racing and Crossover Racing.

Yanaba carries the hopes of the home team in the filly race as local trainer Dan Daley puts her in the hands on Vernon "Favorite Son" Brian Sears for the filly Zweig. She's been razor sharp all season for Dan's wife Ann-Mari and partners Jared Daley and Oleg Ivutin.

Both the colt and filly stakes drew declarations enough to require consolations, which contain some very intriguing participants. Both Dan Patch freshman award winners, King Of The North and Venerable, will race in the colt and filly consolations respectively as they hone their form toward Hambletonian Day on August 6.

Post time for the Zweig card is 12:15PM.

 

Metro Matty, El Mission Goddess Take NYSS Wins

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Metro Matty saved her best for last as she cruised to a solid 2-3/4 length victory over Defiant Lady in the first of two $51,500 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for the 2-year-old filly trotters at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (July 6).

In the other bracket, El Mission Goddess let Crazy Lovin do all the dirty work on the front end then popped the pocket in the stretch to grab a 2-1/4 length win in 2:01.4., the same time posted by Metro Matty.

Metro Matty ($2.80), after tucking in behind the early leader Defiant Lady, fired to the front just before the opening panel and set splits of :30.3 and 1:02.1 over the fast track. 

The back half saw driver Drew Monti step on the gas with Metro Matty as they covered the remaining distance in :59.3 including a :28.4 final quarter. She left Defiant Lady (Kevin Cummings) and Seven Bridges Road (Mark Whitcroft) in her wake and they had to settle for second and third place honors.

Owned by the Bay Pond Racing Stable and trained by John Butenschoen, it was the second win in three starts for Metro Matty (Met's Hall-Order By Matilda). The victory improved her seasonal and career earnings to $32,250.

El Mission Goddess ($5.90), after breaking in her lone career start, was on her best behavior this time and took her $51,500 division.

The favored Crazy Lovin (John Stark Jr.) showed the way with fractions of :30.0, 1:00.2 and 1:32.0 but had El Mission Goddess (Jim Marohn Jr.) drafting along in the pocket.

With the pair in a two-horse breakaway heading into the lane, El Mission Goddess swung to the outside and trotted past Crazy Lovin who could do nothing but watch in vain. Nice Top Line (Kyle Cummings) collected the show spot.

Trained by Tom Corelli, El Mission Goddess (E L Titan-Athena's Mission) notched her first victory in two career tries, pocketing $25,750 for the victory.

Cross Creek Samara (Brian Cross) is now a perfect 2-for-2 in her brief career with 1-3/4 length score over Jigger Of Gin (Phil Fluet) in the first $15,000 division of the Excelsior A series. Cross Creek Samara covered the mile in 2:01.2 and returned $3.30 for the victory.

Crazy Beach (Shawn McDonough) captured the second classification by beating the favored Pat Way (Fluet) by three quarters of a length in 2:03.3. Crazy Beach returned $10.80 in the mild upset.

In the non-betting $6,200 Excelsior B contest, Mets Girl (Kyle Cummings) got the first place check with a two length triumph over Devious Miss (Joshua Signs).

Justine Irvine and Denny Bucceri each had two victories on the day with Ryan Swift and Gregory Johnson conditioning a pair of winners.

Racing continues on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with a 12-race card scheduled. There's an $881 carryover in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

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

 

Tratter Co. Social Media Stars Coming to the Meadowlands Racetrack

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in conjunction with the U.S. Trotting Association and the SBOA of NJ will host the talented men of Tratter Co. on Friday, July 15 in the Tratter Co. Pace Off!

Nick Luciano, Blake Moore, Beau Deatrick and Roy Dinges are taking to the famed Meadowlands oval to see who is the top driver among their group of “good ‘ol boys” in the Tratter House.

“We are excited to bring these social content creators to the Meadowlands,” said COO & GM of the Meadowlands Racetrack, Jason Settlemoir. “These gentlemen have millions upon millions of followers and we hope this event will expose harness racing to a new generation.”

The Tratter Co. Pace Off will take place after Race 4 that Friday. Nick, Blake, Beau and Roy will be paired with a top Meadowlands driver in this ½ mile pace.

Fans of Tratter Co. are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite social media star.

Plus on Saturday, July 16 Nick, Blake, Beau and Roy will host a meet and greet at the track and be on hand to watch the track’s signature night time event – The Meadowlands Pace.

Nick, Blake, Beau and Roy will return on Friday, August 5 for Tratter Co. Pace Off Part Duex! Then on Hambletonian Day – Saturday, August 6 the “good ‘ol boys” of the Tratter House will host another meet and greet for their fans before the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks finals. 

Details can be found at https://playmeadowlands.com/event/tratter-co-pace-off/

Dining Options for Pace Eliminations Night and Meadowlands Pace Night

 Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – The Meadowlands Racetrack Championship Meet is in full swing and this Saturday, July 9^th features four Graduate Finals and eliminations for the Meadowlands Pace. 

There are some exciting dining options this weekend for guests to enjoy.

The $49.95(plus tax and gratuity) Pink and Trotters buffets are highlighted by grilled lemon chicken, Atlantic salmon with dill and mushrooms and shrimp bisque.  Diners can also add a 10oz prime rib for an additional $10. Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BigM.

Guests looking for outdoor dining can enjoy the annual BBQ Extravaganza featuring local food trucks and vendors. Slow-smoked bbq will be served by Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats (2021 Best Pulled Pork & Brisket Winner), My Delicious BBQ, Latin Bites, Oakburn BBQ (2021 Best Ribs Winner), Smokin’ Joe’s, El Lechon, Antojitos de mi Tierra, Gentle Giant Brewing, Smoke Shed BBQ, and Michael’s Backyard BBQ. Additional food and dessert options ranging from empanadas to kettle corn to bubble tea to ice cream will be provided by Angry Archie’s, The Empanada Truck, DAW Concessions, Top Tea Plug, Cat Like Reflexes, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream. BBQ details can be found at https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-meadowlands-racetrack-bbq-extravaganza/

Dining options are also available for Saturday, July 16^th – Meadowlands Pace Night. Meadowlands Pace night features a stakes filled card worth over $2.5 million. Post time is 6:20pm and fans can enjoy an array of food trucks, t-shirt giveaway, carnival rides and games and the 30 and under handicapping contest.

Outdoor Café picnic tables are available for this exciting night of racing. 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 a food credit that can be used at the Café.

Café tables can be purchased here - https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2022-pace-cafe-tables/

Those looking for buffet dining can call 201-The-BigM to make reservations for the Pink Restaurant. The buffet is $49.95 and features a variety of salads including tortellini, Caesar and caprese.  Main course offerings include Brazilian Coulotte steak, cheese ravioli with shallots, chives and brandy cream, citrus salmon and pork tenderloin with mushrooms.

For an additional $10 diners can enjoy a 10oz prime rib.

The Lounge is a third option for diners with views of both the on-track race action and the large tvs of the FanDuel Sports Book.  The ala carte menu features great bar food, salads and sandwiches. Reservations can be made by emailing victoryreservations@arkrestaurants.com

For all Pace night details visit https://playmeadowlands.com/pace/

Extravaganza Returns to the Meadowlands Racetrack

Local Food Trucks & Delicious BBQ

 

Meadowlands Racetrack

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – On Saturday, July 9^th the BBQ Extravaganza returns to the Meadowlands Racetrack.  $2,500 is up for grabs in the BBQ Fest with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs plus a “fan favorite” vote winner.

From 5:00 p.m.-11 p.m. in the Backyard, fans can grab some delicious barbecue and food truck eats from some of the best local food trucks and restaurants in the area.

Ten contestants have signed up to compete in this year’s BBQ Extravaganza including: Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats (2021 Best Pulled Pork & Brisket Winner), My Delicious BBQ, Latin Bites, Oakburn BBQ (2021 Best Ribs Winner), Smokin’ Joe’s, El Lechon, Antojitos de mi Tierra, Gentle Giant Brewing, Smoke Shed BBQ, and Michael’s Backyard BBQ.

 Additional food and dessert options ranging from empanadas to kettle corn to bubble tea to ice cream will be provided by Angry Archie’s, The Empanada Truck, DAW Concessions, Top Tea Plug, Cat Like Reflexes, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream.

In addition to the great bbq fans will be treated to the world’s greatest harness racing on the track. There are four Graduate Finals for 4-year-old trotters and pacers. Plus, the top 3 year old pacers compete in eliminations to reach the Meadowlands Pace Final. 

All the BBQ Fest details can be found at https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-meadowlands-racetrack-bbq-extravaganza/

‘BULLDOG’ DAZZLES IN 1:46; SMOOTH SAILING FOR ‘ROCKYROAD’ IN ROLL WITH JOE

 By Ray Cotolo, for the Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The four-year-old Shadow Play-BJ’s Squall stallion Bulldog Hanover proved himself the top dog at the aged pacing ranks by doing most of the work on the front to clock a stakes-record and track- and world-record-equaling 1:46 mile in the $99,500 second of two divisions for the Roll With Joe on Saturday (July 2) at The Meadowlands.

Allywag Hanover hustled for the lead to a :26.2 first quarter while Bulldog Hanover, scratching into the pylon post, ettled for the pocket. But driver Dexter Dunn had plenty of pull in his hands up the backside and soon circled Bulldog Hanover for the lead before a :53.4 half. From there, the field gave futile pursuit as he clicked three-quarters in 1:20.2 and cruised home to best Allywag Hanover by 1-3/4 lengths with the next-closest finisher, Abuckabett Hanover, well behind in third.

“[Dexter] was sort of speechless,” trainer Noel Daley said after the race. “Jack [Darling] said the same thing, that [Bulldog Hanover] was pretty special; it’s just so easy. [Dexter] said it took a half mile to pull him up tonight, too.”

Noel Daley oversees the Jack Darling-developed pupil, whom Darling co-owns through his Jack Darling Stables Ltd. with Brad Grant, during his residency in New Jersey. In taking his 19^th win from 27 starts, not only did he elevate his account to $919,520, but he also became just the third horse in harness racing history to post a 1:46 mile. Always B Miki became the first at The Red Mile in 2016 and Lather Up the second at The Meadowlands in 2019.

“We take no credit – we got him 48 hours before his first start,” Daley said. “We’re just checking him over, that’s it; we’ve done nothing with him. He hardly trains, but they don’t need to when they go that quick.”

Bulldog Hanover, off at 1-5, returned $2.40 to win.

Fresh off a :24.4 final-quarter chase to Bulldog Hanover in the Graduate Series, Rockyroad Hanover procured a second-over tow behind Charlie May and ripped off cover to post a 1:46.2 victory in the $98,000 first division of two for the Roll With Joe.

“That’s a dream trip for him,” winning driver Todd McCarthy said, “and it’s a dream mile, too.”

Receiving late play down to 6-5 favoritism, Rockyroad Hanover floated off the wings to race fifth as Workin Ona Mystery motored for the lead to a :26 first quarter with Splash Brother sitting the pocket. Charlie May, the 7-5 second choice, sat patiently in fourth before committing to race first-over past a :53.3 half, giving Rockyroad Hanover a slipstream to follow.

Charlie May marched to match strides with Workin Ona Mystery by three-quarters in 1:20.4 and soon forged to the lead as Todd McCarthy edged Rockyroad Hanover toward open racetrack. In a matter of strides, the four-year-old stallion by Captaintreacherous-Romantic Moment accelerated clear to win going away by 2-3/4 lengths over Charlie May in the stakes-record mile, which bests the 1:47.2 mark set by State Treasurer in 2015. Workin Ona Mystery held third and Nicholas Beach took fourth.

“I felt like I had a lot of horse; I knew it was going to be a pretty big mile,” McCarthy said after the race. “[Charlie May]’s a very hard horse to get past, but my guy had a lot of sprint left in the stretch, so he finished really strong.”

KEEPING PACE: Meadowlands Pace eligible Frozen Hanover won the first race on the card – for non-winners of 2 – in 1:50 for trainer Luc Blais and is likely to be seen in the eliminations for the $700,000 (est.) 3-year-old classic next week. … I Did It Myway is apparently ready for The Pace elims. The Tony Alagna trainee won a high-end conditioned event as the 9-5 favorite in a lifetime-best 1:48.1. His stablemate, Caviart Camden, is also expected to race in The Pace. He finished third after challenging the eventual winner before backing off and pacing well to the finish. .. The Pace eliminations will be drawn Tuesday.

BETTING TOPS $3 MILLION: All-source handle totaled $3,253,800 on the 14-race program, keyed by the first (total bet $376,308, $102,266 in the 20-cent Pick-5), sixth ($317,199, $100,887 in the Early 50-cent Pick-4), and 10^th ($395,390, $107,936 in the Late 50-cent Pick-4) races. It marked the 14^th time in 50 race cards in 2022 that wagering went past the magic $3-million mark.

SLIP ME FIVE: Dexter Dunn drove five winners on the card on what was yet another huge night for the three-time defending United States Harness Writers Association Driver of the Year

Rockyroad Hanover notched his eighth victory from 31 starts and pushed his career bankroll $679,572. Tony Alagna conditions the stallion for owner M3 Racing Stable. He paid $4.60 to win.