Vernon Racing Recap - Friday, October 30, 2015

by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media

J A T O rises to Open ranks, prevails

Vernon, N.Y. -- After reeling off five wins in as many tries at Vernon Downs, New York State Fair Circuit standout J A T O ($4.70) handled the jump to the Open II ranks with aplomb, making easy work of more seasoned rivals in Friday (October 30) evening's $8,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs.

Chris Lems floated forward with the 3-year-old Big Apple Deli colt at race's outset, ducking into the third spot to track Lucid Thoughts (John MacDonald) and Photo Mass (Claude Huckabone, Jr.) through a tepid :29 initial quarter mile.  Upon reaching the backstretch, Lems angled J A T O off the pegs, and the pair had to work to clear Lucid Thoughts, who strung them out before yielding to the pocket well after a :57.2 half mile.

Having cleared with just over three furlongs to go, J A T O--already softened a bit--braced for the first-over challenge from Waiting On a Woman, who charged past each of his six rivals through the middle half save for one.  That one--J A T O--dug in stoutly to keep Waiting On a Woman at bay through a :28 third quarter, subsequently kicking clear off the corner and opening up to a 5-1/4 length win over Lucid Thoughts.  Waiting On a Woman faded to third, while McKenzie's Star (Fern Paquet, Jr.) made mild late gains to take fourth.

William Okusko trains 25-time winner J A T O for owners Margaret and Amy Butler.  The 1:54.1 mile time for J A T O improved his lifetime mark by a fifth of a second over two previous wins at the Miracle Mile.

Vernon Downs leading driver John MacDonald registered a treble on the evening's 10-race program, teaming up with Tarport Andy ($3.10, 1:55.1), Twice TOo Nice ($10.40, 1:56.1), and Fox Valley Cadet ($13.40, 1:54.1).

Live racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday (October 31), with an 11-race card kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.  In addition to the annual Four One One grey race and the Turn Back the Clock Rewind races, a pair of Kindergarten Classic finals for 2-year-old trotters feature over $300,000 in purses.

FAVORED KRISPY APPLE WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 40G DISTAFF FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, October 30, 2015—Favored Krispy Apple (Jason Bartlett, $3.40) was too good for the rest of the ladies Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Seated an early fifth from an assigned eight-hole, Krispy Apple watched as Cinamony (George Brennan) worked around Sensationalgabby A. After a :27.2 opening quarter-mile and cheapy :57.2 intermission, it was Krispy Apple moving again.

She encountered no resistance in and out of a 1:25.1 three-quarters, taking a 2¼-length lead into the lane. Three lasses across took up the chase, but Krispy Apple finished it off. She defeated Al Raza N (Eric Carlson) by a couple of lengths in 1:53.2  

Third went to Cinamony, with Jonsie Jones and Stormunn (Jordan Stratton) settling for the remainder.  

For Krispy Apple, a 7-year-old daughter of Western Ideal co-owned by Bamond Racing & Joseph Davino and trained by Jeffrey Bamond Jr., it was her 11^th win in 24 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $18.60, with the triple returning $82.

FARALDO; MARSHALL, IV; BILLINGS WINNERS AT YONKERS ON THURSDAY

It doesn’t happen often but last night at Yonkers Raceway “Smokin’ Joe” Faraldo won a race- and a Billings trot at that- when he scored a come-from-behind victory with Dreamsteeler in a time of 2:01 in his division. The other split went to James “Jimmy Boy” Marshall, IV when his trotter, Flex The Muscle stopped the timer at 2:00.2.

In his non-betting event, Faraldo settled his trotter in along the pylons in the early going and was fourth as the field passed the first panel. Nearing the half, Bob "the Headhunter” Hechkoff was first to move with Alternat Thursdays followed by Dave “Yes Its true” Offenberg with Whatnblazes. But smartly Faraldo sat still until the field approached the third stanza and at that point Dreamsteeler was full of trot so Faraldo just fed her racetrack. They went three-deep and were head to head with the Alternat Thursdays as they straightened for home.

In the lane Dreamsteeler began trotting away from the others and rallied to a two-length victory over Alternat Thursdays. Four lengths farther back was Celebrity Stimulus in rein to David “Poppa” Glasser.

“It's been a long time since I sat behind one that didn't wear a lip cord,” Faraldo said jokingly. “As (John) “Sep” Gilmour  used to say whenever I got lucky enough to win one at Monticello, ‘even a blind squirrel sometimes gets an acorn.’”

Deamsteeler, a 4 year old daughter of Cash Hall is owned by the PT Stable and trained by Richard Banca. Although Faraldo, a prominent attorney, is quick to joke about his driving abilities he was named USHWA’s Amateur Driver of the Year in 2000 and tonight’s victory was the 139^th of his racing career.  

Jimmy Boy” Marshall had a similar trip with Flex The Muscles and they were in fourth position at the quarter after leaving from the three- hole.

Heading to the half he moved out behind Starsaboveallerage (Allen Cisco) who was hung out by the ABC Banker, who was driven by “Bullet Bob” Davis.

Up the backside Marshall hustled his trotter alongside Davis’ charge and they were one-two heading into the final turn. Down the stretch both ABC Banker and Flex The Muscle raced eye to eye to the finish with the latter prevailing by a nose in a 2:00.2 clocking. Third place, a length behind the top two finishers, was Admirable Hanover handled by Vanessa “the Contessa’ Karlewicz.

The winner, an 8-year-old Muscles Yankee stallion, is owned by the Arden Homestead Stable and trained by Chuck Connor, Jr.  It was the trotter’s third seasonal win pulling a sulky. (Flex The Muscle is equally adept racing under saddle).

For Jimmy Boy Marshall it was his third seasonal driving victory.

CIUFFETELLI, VERRUSO; CATSKILL AMATEUR CLUB WINNERS AT THE MIGHTY M

by John Manzi for the Catskill Amateur Club

On Thursday afternoon (October 29) at Monticello Raceway two paces in the Catskill Amateur Club Series a pair of Tony’s emerged victorious; Tony Ciuffetelli with McCabe Hall and Tony Verruso with Talldarknhandsome.

Cuiffetelli, a retired correction officer from Saratoga Springs, used the front-end route to score a 1:57.4 pacing triumph with his own McCabe Hall holding off a late charge by ER Leon, driven by Hannah Miller.

 After starting from the five-hole Ciuffetelli, a graduate from the Morrisville Equine program, parked out Paul Walker and GoGo Buckeye to a :28.2 first panel. With McCabe Hall still on cruise control as they passed the midway point Hannah Miller, who was second-up with ER Leon, moved her pacer around Walker’s  and was then in second place but still on the limb.

For there McCabe Hall and ER Leon raced side by side around the final turn and into the home stretch. The two pacers were head to head through the lane with Ciuffetelli’s McCabe Hall the stronger of the  two at the wire with McCabe Hall a neck winner over ER Leon. Third place went to Casimir Jubilee with Allan Cisco aboard.

“He’s a classy old horse and a pleasure to drive,” Ciuffetelli said of McCabe Hall. Owned and trained by Ciuffetelli the winner returned a $5.80 win mutuel.

Recovering from a bad bout with Lyme Disease it was Cuiffetelli’s third driving victory in 14 seasonal starts and 26^th of his amateur career.

The second Catskill amateur event, also a pace, saw Tony Verruso notch his second consecutive victory behind Talldarknhandsome. One of the biggest horses racing today Talldarknhandsome approaches 18 hands and surprisingly the big fella is lazy, and a stat which seems odd since the 7-year-old Life Sign gelding scored his 15^th victory today.

After Gerry Fielding and Tyler’s A Big Star parked Verruso’s pacer past the quarter in :28.3 Fielding kept his challenger on the limb as the field passed the halfway point in :57.3. However rounding the third turn Tyler’s a Big Guy took a misstep and went off-stride which caused confusion among the trailing horses. Talldarknhansome being first-over cleared Tyler’s A Big Star as did Hannah Miller with Rise Above it. But the breaking horse scattered the field and it became a two horse race from the five-eighths to the wire with Talldarknhandsome prevailing by length over Rise Above It. Third place went to Art’s Jimmy Ray in rein to Paul Walker.

“He’s not easy to drive,”Verruso said of Talldarknhandsome. “He’d so big he’s hard to see around and he runs out on the turns and runs in on the straightaways. But with constant urging he just keeps going forward.”

Owned by Ed Hall and James Hall and trained by Danny Gill Talldarknhandsome paid $3.10 for win. Verruso, president of the Billings Series, notched his 5^th seasonal victory and 58th of his amateur career.

BARTLETT WINS 6,000TH RACE

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

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, October 29, 2015—Jason Bartlett used Yonkers Raceway’s final Thursday card (Oct. 29) of the season as a backdrop for his latest milestone.

Yonkers Raceway’s leading driver reached 6,000 career wins, getting to the plateau with a down-the-road, odds-on Cndiana Jones ($3.60) in 1:55.2.

Say this much for Bartlett…he needs to learn about suspense. After getting win No. 5,999 in the $10,000 pacing opener with a pocket-pulling Hustleonhome ($4.80) by 11 ½ lengths in 1:54.1, he was up the oval in the second race.

If you were looking for some dramatic build-up, keep looking. Bartlett took control of the $10,000, third-race pace with “Cndiana” and was never threatened. She won by a length-and-a-half.

Bartlett was greeted in the winner’s circle by family and friends, including the missus, who looked suspiciously like Tom Brady. Mrs. Bartlett (Kristen) and Jason were joined by sons, Kobe and Karter, along with grandfather, Richard, Jimmy Nickerson and Heidi Rohr, among others. Mr. Rohr trained Cndiana Jones.   

“Coming from Maine and not knowing what to expect, it’s sort of hard to believe,” Bartlett said after getting the obligatory sign of congratulations. “I never thought I’d have the success I’ve had, going against Brian (Sears), George (Brennan) and all the great drivers who compete here.

“I’m so happy my family was with me tonight,” Bartlett said. “My grandfather has been a father to me and by far my biggest influence.” The 34-year-old Bartlett, a native of Augusta, ME, has career purses in excess of $71 million.

Bartlett’s milestone win was his 413^th local victory this season as he closes in on a fifth Westchester title.

Next up on the milestone list is George Brennan, who began Thursday night with 15 wins away from 9,000. 

Cal Expo Barn Notes

Reider looking to build on opening night success

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Trainer George Reider got off to a fast start on opening night, posing for a pair of pictures with Big Baller and V Mack, and he’s looking forward to many more trips to the winner’s circle in the near future.

Big Baller is an 8-year-old trotter who is owned by Reider along with Greg Robinson, Doc Creech and Bob Thronson, while V Mack is a 4-year-old pacer who is new to the West Coast and carries the banner of his trainer and Dave, Rob and Kimberly Haness. Dave Siegel guided Big Baller while Luke Plano did the honors behind V Mack.

Big Baller is a California-bred who was a multiple Sire Stakes victor in his younger days with upwards of $270,000 in his bank account and V Mack is an Iowa-bred who appears to have found a new home if last weekend’s strong finish is any indication.

“We had a successful meet up at Running Aces, but we’re always glad to come back to California,” Reider said. “Summers are pretty good for us up in Minnesota and we always seem to replace a lot of horses and come back here with some nice stock. V Mac, Walker Meister and Outlawdangruswatrs were all good finds up there.

“Dave Siegel did his homework and found Big Baller out of a sale for us and I have a few more horses that are new to California that will be starting in the next few weeks.”

Saturday night will find the Reider barn sending out six performers, including Big Baller and V Mack, who are seeking repeat scores in the fourth and tenth races, respectively. Outlawdangruswatrs will represent the shedrow in the featured Open I Pace.

“It’s going to be an exciting winter and here’s hoping that everybody has a safe and successful meet,” summed up Reider. We couldn’t have said it any better, George.

Cowboy Cold eyes an encore in main event

Cowboy Cold, fresh from a coast-to-coast score on opening night, heads the cast for Saturday night’s featured $5,000 Open I Handicap Pace.

A 14-card is on tap Saturday night under the Watch and Watch LLC banner with a first post of 6:10 p.m. The main event will go as the fifth race on the evening and a field of seven will face starter Ken Fowler with Cowboy Cold assigned the outside slot.

The Cal Expo racing schedule finds the trotters and pacers in action on Saturday night for the next two weeks, with Saturday and Sunday programs set for November 14 through December 27. The schedule will expand to three nights a week in January with Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening cards.

Getting back to the feature, Cowboy Cold is an 8-year-old son of Cheyenne Rei who carries the banner of Kc C Carvalho with Luke Plano reining and training. He has five wins on the year from 13 trips to the post, including a lifetime-best 1:52 3/5 tour at Running Aces last month.

Sent off the 9-5 choice in the opening night headliner, Cowboy Cold went right to the front for Plano and never looked like a loser. At the wire, he had three and a quarter lengths on his nearest rival in a 1:55 1/5 performance.

Completing the field, from the rail out: Four Starz Louie (Frank Petrelli); Real Attitude; Endeavors King (Chip Lackey); Outlawdangruwatrs (David Siegel); Quality Sport (Steve Wiseman); and Natives Revenge (Mooney Svendsen).

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A reminder that there are two wagers on the program that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5, which this season features a 25 percent minor pool payout; and the 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a $25,000-guaranteed gross pool. 

Kindergarten Finals at Vernon on Saturday

Vernon, NY - The Kindergarten Trotting Classic series, a Grand Circuit event for freshman fillies and colts, comes to a conclusion with the rich finals on Halloween night (Saturday, October 31) at Vernon Downs. The card will also include the annual "Turn Back The Clock" pace and trot where the horses race one circuit of the track clock-wise and the "Four One One" race for greys.

There is a special 6:00pm post time on Saturday.

The Kindergarten colts come up first in race eight with a with a very competitive field of nine going for a purse of $191,500. Trainer Staffan Lind holds a strong hand sending the uncoupled entry of series point leader Hollywood Highway and the emerging talent Celebrity Express into the fray.

With the top point earners assured a draw between posts 1 & 6 by series conditions, Hollywood Highway drew four. He clearly found The Red Mile to his liking, arriving in Kentucky a lightly raced maiden and leaving a Grand Circuit stakes winner with a 1:54.2 mark. He also won a pair of Kindergarten legs there for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld who also bred the son of Muscle Massive. Tim Tetrick drove to Hollywood Highway to his record mile and chose to stick with him for the final. 

Celebrity Express (post 7) also came of age in Lexington when paired with driver John Campbell, scoring a late-closer win followed by a solid third in a division of the International Stallion Stake (INSS). The Andover Hall brother to Donato Hanover could make a significant dent in his $200,000 yearling purchase price with a good result here for owner Celebrity Farms.

Jimmy Takter who shattered records with his fantastic Breeders Crown tour de force last week has the power in the $174,500 Kindergarten filly final, race nine on the program.

The Takter coupled entry is led by series point leader Haughty who starts from the rail. The Donato Hanover lass is a three-time Kindergarten leg winner who finished second in last week's Breeders Crown, the only blemish on her freshman slate. Haughty won a Kindergarten split in 1:54.1 in Kentucky then captured an INSS division in advance of her Crown showing. Dave Palone has been the filly's regular pilot and is in to drive for owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband.

Hollywood Hill (post 2) is the Takter entry-mate here. She has been a model of consistency while winning three of ten seasonal outings for owner/breeder Goran Falk and his partner Christina Takter. John Campbell has the drive on Saturday.

Further information on Saturday's races are available by visiting the Vernon Downs website.

“RACING FOR A CURE” RAISES NEARLY $19,000 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

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

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, October 28, 2015—This past weekend, Yonkers Raceway’s horsemen, as well  as others from the harness racing community, went ”Racing for a Cure”…and everybody won.

The initiative, led by trainer Monica Banca and Kristen (Mrs. Jason) Bartlett, raised nearly $19,000 ($18,910, to be precise) for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  That figured included a $3,000 donation made by the North American Amateur Drivers Association.

Last Saturday evening (Oct. 24^th), ”Racing for a Cure” found any number of Yonkers’ trainers and drivers—along with other prominent members and businesses involved in the harness industry—joining forces, with all funds raised benefitting the Frisco, TX, based National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nbcf.org). 

To the surprise of no one, paddock participation was solid. Raffle tickets were been sold for the past month, with the big number—a pink Gorilla sulky donated by Chad Foulk—won by Maine-based trainer Lisa Watson. Second- and third-prize winners (Jennifer Sabot and Shane Taggart) each took home (or to the barn) a complete Walsh harness set, donated by Barbara Boese.

All winning horses that night earned spiffy pink blankets, underwritten by any number of benefactors, while the pink whips carried by the drivers last Saturday were donated by Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine.

“Monica and I are so appreciative of all the support,” Kristen Bartlett said. “We even received donations from Canada. It’s such a worthwhile cause, and we’re happy to do anything we can do to help.”

Those requesting additional information are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca (dokka1909@yahoo.com) or Mrs. Bartlett (kmb1104@hotmail.com).

About NBCF… The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail as a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. NBCF’s home on the web is located at www.nbcf.org

NEW JERSEY-BOUND ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN’S CROWN WINNER PUSHES HIM TO TOP OF HIS CLASS

by Carole Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – October 28, 2015 – When the daughters of Rock N Roll Heaven, Divine Caroline and Sassa Hanover, finished one-two in the $500,000 Breeders Crown for three-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Woodbine, it pushed the stallion’s earnings to the top of his class.

The son of Rocknroll Hanover has been relocated to New Jersey for his 2016 season at Deo Volente Farms in Flemington, NJ.

His first foals, now three, have accounted for $3,447,949 this year with 71 of 103 foals making starts.  This makes him the most accomplished United States-based sire of three-year-old pacers this year, based on earnings, and second only to Bettor’s Delight, now in Ontario.

Sassa Hanover with $910,311, Divine Caroline with $717,758 and Band of Angels with $482,303 are the top three earners credited to Rock N Roll Heaven, according to statistics provided by the United States Trotting Association.  All are three-year-old fillies. 

His top colts are Rockin In Heaven with $363,099 and Arque Hanover with $223,841. 

Divine Carolina, driven by David Miller and trained by Joe Holloway, won her Breeders Crown in 1:51 flat and extended her winning streak to four.  She also won her Crown elim, preceded by the Glen Garnsey and Bluegrass, both at Lexington’s Red Mile.

This year the filly, who is out of Loving Caroline, posted seven wins, five seconds and six thirds from 20 starts for $576,332.  Lifetime, she has finished in-the-money in 25 of 31 starts.  She is owned by Val D’Or Farms of Freehold, NJ; Ted Gewertz of New York City; Rojan Stables of Wilmington, DE and Michael Ouriel of Webster, NY.

Rock N Roll Heaven, who is by Rocknroll Hanover and out of Artistic Vision, stands for a 2016 fee of $6,500 at Deo Volente Farms. 

Meadowlands: Racing Application/Beginning of Meet Information

The 2015-2016 Meadowlands Standardbred meeting will commence on Friday, November 13^th.  There will be 13 dates of standardbred racing in the remainder of 2015 and The Meadowlands has requested 90 days of racing for their 2016 racing season.  Those trainers who would like to compete at The Meadowlands for the 2015-2016 racing season are required to complete a racing application which is available on The Meadowlands website at http://meadowlandsracetrack.com/uploadedFiles/Stall%20Application%202016.pdf.

The first round of qualifiers will be held on Friday, November 6^th at 9:30 A.M.  The first condition sheet will be made available on Tuesday, November 3^rd for the opening weekend of racing.  The first weekend of racing will include eliminations for the Fall Final Four (Governor’s Cup, Valley Victory, Three Diamonds and Goldsmith Maid) as well as legs for the TVG Free For All Championship Series.

Any horsemen with questions, please contact The Meadowlands Race Office.

Allerage Farms PA Offers Internship

  

Allerage Farm, of Sayre, Pennsylvania

Breeding Farm Internship

This internship opportunity is for students who are in the last year of completing or have recently completed a BS degree in Equine Sciences, Animal Science or related discipline. The internship will provide advanced training in breeding farm procedures and management techniques for individuals intending to pursue a career in the equine breeding industry.

There is potential for future full time employment based on performance and qualifications as well as opportunities in Harness Racing and Standardbred industry. The internship is in one year in duration beginning either January 1 or July 1. Salary of $400.00/week and on-site housing including all utilities will be provided.

If you are interested in the internship opportunity, more information can be received by contacting:

Marta Piotrow, M.S.

Breeding & Yearling Manager

Phone: 267-885-7615

Those interested in applying can email or mail resumes with a cover letter to:

Marta.J.Piotrow@gmail.com

Or;

Attention: Marta J. Piotrow

135 Allerage Way,

Sayre, PA 18840

Deadline for Jan 1st applications are December 1st. Deadline for July 1^st are May 1^st.

For additional farm information please visit our website:  www.alleragefarm.com

BRENNAN, BARTLETT BECOMING MILESTONE MEN…AGAIN

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, October 27, 2015—George Brennan and Jason Bartlett, who sit atop Yonkers Raceway’s driver standings, are—not coincidentally—sitting on their next respective milestones.

Brennan, who was blanked in nine drives Tuesday afternoon, is 15 away from 9,000 career wins. Despite his protestations, the staunch New York Mets’ fan cannot add any of their post-season victories to his personal number.

Bartlett, after a two–win Tuesday (including a 27-1 [$56.50] bombardier in the finale), stands at 5,998 career victories, or two away from 6,000.

Bartlett (411 wins) and Brennan (331) are 1-2 in the local standings.

            The two resume the quest for their next plateaus with full dance cards during Yonkers’ final Thursday (Oct. 29) card of the season (first post @ 7:10 PM).

As an aside, driver Scott Zeron picked up the Tuesday gauntlet with four winners (mutuels of $4.90, $4.10 [$13.60 early double], $66 and $13.60), while Mark MacDonald’s consecutive winners returned $43.40 and $69.50, respectively.     

Monticello Raceway to change Post Time

By Shawn Wiles

On Monday November 2^nd, Monticello Raceway its change Post Time 12:25, to reflect the long standing Fall tradition.

Cal Expo Barn Notes

Cal Expo meet underway featuring Breeders Crown simulcast

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Cal Expo kicks off its Fall harness season under the Watch and Wager LLC Banner on Saturday night with an Open 2 Pace heading the 14-race card and a simulcast of the complete Breeders Crown program from Woodbine.

The Breeders Crown card begins at 4:30 Pacific Time at all California locations, while first post for the opening night live card is set for 6:10 p.m.

The Cal Expo racing schedule finds the trotters and pacers in action on Saturday night for the first three weeks, with Saturday and Sunday programs set for November 14 through December 27. The schedule will expand to three nights a week in January, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening programs.

Looking at Saturday’s feature, three of the six pacers are exiting the same Open I Handicap on September 8 at Running Aces, with Outlawdangruswatrs checking in third, while Quality Sport finished fifth and Cowboy Cold was sixth that evening.

All three figure strongly, with David Siegel handling Outlawdangruswatrs, while Steve Wiseman guides Quality Sport and Luke Plano will be in the sulky behind Cowboy Cold.

Completing the field are Perfect Pitch, who was last seen at Pocono Downs and will leave from the cozy rail slot with James Kennedy; the New York invader Who Dat Love for Craig Fletcher; and Native’s Revenge, who has the outside slot with Mooney Svendsen giving directions.

The Open Pace will go as the sixth race, with the supporting feature a filly/mare Preferred Trot that occupies the opening-race slot.

Veteran Twice The Ruckus Returns to the wars Saturday

For the record, when the trotter Twice The Ruckus suits up for James Kennedy on opening night, he will be making start No. 315, with 43 wins and just shy of $160,000 in his back account.

An 11-year-old New York-bred son of Ilooklikemymom, Twice The Ruckus will be making his first evening appearance since early May when he goes postward in the evening’s eighth event for conditioned sidewheelers.

“He definitely doesn’t act like an 11-year-old,” Kennedy noted at entry time. “He’s still very playful, his legs are clean and he’s a lot of fun to be around.”

James has conditioned Twice The Ruckus for about a year, but his association with the veteran trotter goes way back. “I’ve actually been driving him for about the last four or five years, and it you look back at his lines, I was the only one who could keep him trotting back then. I don’t really have a secret, we just seem to get along.”

Like many of the local performers, Twice The Ruckus hasn’t raced in five months, but he turned in a qualifying victory on Monday and should be ready to rock and roll this weekend.

“He spent his summer vacation at Cherry Tree Farm,” Kennedy related. “I want to make sure to give plenty of credit to his caretaker Jose Castillo, better known as Chicky, because Twice The Ruckus is his baby and he does a great job taking care of him.”

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There are two wagers on the program that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick 5, which this season features a 25 percent minor pool payout; and the 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a $25,000-guaranteed gross pool. 

Kindergarten Makes Last Stop at Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY - The fifth and last preliminary leg of the Kindergarten Classic series goes Friday night at Vernon Downs with two divisions each of trotting colts and fillies.

With eleven colts declared, they split five and six with the second race quintet loaded with talent. Maven's Way, Celebrity Express, Taco Tuesday and Brownie Hanover all emerge from the Red Mile Grand Circuit stakes-tested with sub-1:55 miles under their belts.

Maven's Way did much of the work in Southwind Frank's world record and was timed in 1:53.3 while hanging tough for third. The Muscle Hill colt, currently third in the series standings, will be reunited with Oskar Florhed who drove him to a Kindergarten win in Kentucky last month. Maven's Way races for the interest of trainer Ake Svanstedt, Mal & Janet Burroughs and the TLP Stables.

Divison two for the colts is the tenth race where Dog Gone Lucky boasts the best current form. The homebred Lucky Chucky colt was fourth in the NYSS final then dropped a tough photo after battling eventual winner Brooklyn Hill tooth and nail in 1:53.1 at Lexington. Tim Tetrick is listed to drive for trainer Chuck Sylvester and owners Amy Stoltzfus and Charles Stansley.

The fourteen fillies entered split nicely into a competitive pair of sevens as races six and eight.

Twice Is Right won a Kindergarten leg in 1:56.1 way back in July at The Meadowlands and has been chasing Grand Circuit types lately. She has drawn the outside post in the sixth Friday for owner Brittany Farms, trainer Jimmy Takter and driver Jim Morrill, Jr.

No fewer than three leg winners square off in the eighth race. I'm Volo, Sweet Ashley T and Hollywood Hill have Kindergarten wins on their résumé.

Hollywood Hill is the most accomplished of the three, having amassed nearly $70,000 and a second place finish in the International Stallion Stakes in her most recent outing. She also hails from the Takter barn with Christina Takter and Goran Falk sharing ownership and Morrill listed.

The top colts and fillies will return along with others residing at or near the top of the series standings for the Kindergarten finals next Saturday night at Vernon.

Post time on Friday is 6:45pm.

TROTTER READY FOR HER CLOSE-UP; YONKERS READY FOR “RACING FOR A CURE”

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, October 20, 2015—Say this much about Bloomfieldcan’tifly…she has quite the fashion sense.

The trotter found herself dressed for success Tuesday afternoon, festooned in pink to promote Yonkers Raceway’s ”Racing for a Cure.”  

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Yonkers’ horsemen are once again helping with this worthy initiative, This Saturday evening (Oct. 24^th), ”Racing for a Cure” finds any number of Yonkers’ trainers and drivers--along with other prominent members and businesses involved in the harness industry--pitching in, with all funds raised benefitting the Frisco, TX, based National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nbcf.org) 

With trainer Monica Banca (who co-owns “Bloomfield”) and Kristen (Mrs. Jason) Bartlett acting as “point people,” the paddock participation has been solid. Raffle tickets ($20 each, six for $100) have been sold for the past month for a chance to win one of three prizes. The big number is a Gorilla sulky, donated by Chad Foulk, while second- and third-prize winner each take home (or to the barn) a complete Walsh harness set, donated by Barbara Boese.  Raffles tickets may be purchased in the Raceway paddock by seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Bartlett or Ms. Banca (checks payable to NBCF).

The evening of the 24^th shall see all drivers carrying pink whips, as well as pink blankets given to all the winning horses. The whips were donated by Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine, while the blankets were via contributions by generous standardbred-associated benefactors.

More than three dozen individuals, groups and businesses have joined the fund-raising effort, not counting those who have purchased raffle tickets.

Those who wish to purchase tickets but are unable to get to the Raceway paddock, or those requesting additional information are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca (dokka1909@yahoo.com) or Mrs. Bartlett (kmb1104@hotmail.com).

About NBCF… The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail as a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. NBCF’s home on the web is located at www.nbcf.org

SBOANJ & MEADOWLANDS TO MEET TO REVIEW DATES PROPOSAL

By Carol Hodes for the SBOANJ

 MANALAPAN, NJ – October 20, 2015 – The Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey will be meeting with Meadowlands Racetrack Chairman Jeff Gural to review the racing dates for 2016.

“The Board was not happy with the dates proposal that the Meadowlands issued this week and will be meeting with Jeff Gural on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, to open a dialogue about the dates,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento.  “We want to come up with a plan that will be good for everyone, and we think there are some better alternatives.”

Dates will come before the New Jersey Racing Commission in November.  

LUCHENTO & RYDER WIN SBOANJ BOARD ELECTIONS

by Carole Hodes for the SBOANJ

MANALAPAN, NJ – October 20, 2015 – Tom Luchento and Chris Ryder were elected to the Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Ballots were returned by 438 of the 789 members and counted on Monday, October 19, 2015 by the accounting firm of Drucker, Math & Whitman, certified public accountants in North Brunswick, NJ. 

In the only contested category – driver/trainer – Luchento was re-elected and Ryder was a winning challenger.  Incumbent Kelvin Harrison and challenger Nancy Johansson were the others on the ballot.

In uncontested categories, Thomas Pontone [owner], Michael Gulotta [breeder] and Dr. Richard Meirs [breeder] were re-elected.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue on the Board of Directors,” said Luchento, who has a dozen years of experience and is the incumbent president and chief executive officer of the SBOANJ.  “Both 2015 and 2016 are pivotal years in our efforts to revitalize harness racing in New Jersey.  This Board has a full agenda of challenges. 

“This is no slam dunk, but we are hopeful to get expanded gaming – casinos - at our racetracks to make our purses on par with any in the country,” Luchento added.  “We continue to work for sports wagering, historic racing and other alternate gaming options just as long as our purses are the beneficiaries.”

This was Chris Ryder’s first bid for a seat on the SBOANJ Board of Directors. 

“I had been thinking about [running for the Board] for 10 or 12 years, but with my two boys off to college now, I had more time available,” said Ryder, 60, who maintains a stable of 25 at Winners in Chesterfield, NJ. 

“My main concerns are insurance [for horsemen] and the New Jersey-owned and bred races,” noted Ryder, a New Jersey resident and horseman since 1989. 

“I want to listen and be independent, and make the best decisions I can” Ryder added.  “I intend to represent the grassroots.  I’ve been there; I’m still there.  I want to represent all horsemen.  I thank everyone for their support.”

The Board will hold its re-organization meeting on November 9, 2015.

Giwner joins analyst team at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Derick Giwner of DRF Harness will join the Cal Expo broadcast team with nightly analysis of the Pick-5. The meet, run under the Watch and Wager LLC banner, kicks off on Saturday, October 24 and will also feature a complete simulcast of the Breeders Crown program from Woodbine.

Giwner will provide Cal Expo fans nightly insight and suggested Pick-5 strategies, while the nightly Pick-4 analysis featuring Gary Siebel and Dave Brower will remain intact. 

The Cal Expo nightly Pick-5 is conducted on the first five Cal Expo races nightly. The popular wager features a 16% takeout a $0.50 minimum wager. The bet also features a 25% minor pool payout this season. 

"We are really excited to have Derick joining our nightly broadcast,” said General Manager Chris Schick. “He is without doubt one of the sharpest harness handicappers in the game and we expect his analysis to be a popular nightly segment"

Derick became a harness racing fan in the early 1990s with trips to Yonkers Raceway, while seeing such top performers as Scenic Regal and Dr Trotta. He continued on to get a BBA in Marketing before officially joining the industry in 1996 as an editor at Sports Eye, a daily harness news publication and printing company.

“I’m thrilled that DRF Harness and Cal Expo are working together on this project to provide handicappers with another tool to utilize in their quest to profit at the track,” said Giwner. “These multi-race wagers have been a big hit with bettors and some of my favorite wagers as well.”

CAL EXPO OPENS ON BREEDERS CROWN NIGHT

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Cal Expo kicks off its Fall harness season under the Watch and Wager LLC Banner on Saturday night, October 24. In addition to the live card, California fans can catch the entire Breeders Crown program from Woodbine.

The Breeders Crown card begins at 4:30 Pacific Time at all California locations, while first post for the opening night live card is set for 6:10 p.m.

The Cal Expo racing schedule finds the trotters and pacers in action on Saturday night for the first three weeks, with Saturday and Sunday programs set for November 14 through December 27.

The schedule will expand to three nights a week in January, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening programs.

Qualifiers at Cal Expo will be held Monday, October 19 at 10am. The draw for the Saturday, October 24 opening card will be Tuesday, October 20.

Pinkman grinds to victory in the $527,000 Kentucky Futurity

By Ray Cotolo,  for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Yannick Gingras made his move with the Jimmy Takter-trained Pinkman into the far turn, powering by Crazy Wow under a hand drive to win the $527,000 Kentucky Futurity in 1:51.2 on Saturday, Oct. 10 at The Red Mile.

The first quarter was set by The Bank, going :27 with Crazy Wow in the pocket and Pinkman tracking in third. Crazy Wow circled by The Bank and set a :54 half before Pinkman was given his marching orders from third, French Laundry on his back. He came alongside Crazy Wow through a 1:23 third quarter before edging to the lead at the top of the stretch. French Laundry angled to the inside for room, while Crescent Fashion and Muscle Diamond stormed from the back into the minor positions. With the reins in the air, Yannick Gingras sat still in the sulky as Pinkman crossed the wire in 1:51.2 over Crescent Fashion, French Laundry, and Muscle Diamond.

A winner of 17 in 23 starts lifetime and earnings of over $2,250,000, Pinkman, the Explosive Matter gelding out of the Angus Hall mare Margie Seelster returned $6.20 to win. He’s owned by Christina Takter, John and Jim Fielding, Joyce McClelland, and Herb Liverman.

“He surely is game,” Yannick Gingras said. “He puts in a one-hundred percent effort, even at Yonkers [in the Yonkers Trot]; he didn’t like the track, but it wasn’t like he wasn’t trying. He’s a winner and he wants to get it done.”

“I’ve thanked them [the owners] many times on that,” Gingras also said regarding his continuation in the position as regular driver on Pinkman. “That’s something you don’t see very often, probably never really, that somebody wins the Hambletonian and then he puts the driver back on the horse that won it. I’m very thankful.”

“He’s just a fantastic horse,” Jimmy Takter said. “I’m so proud of him.”

“I’ve got great staff and good people behind me,” Takter also said regarding driving in the Filly Futurity and the Kentucky Futurity, as well as training four in the Filly Futurity and five in the Futurity. “I’ve got great owners, and they make it a heck of a lot easier.”

“That’s his next stop,” Takter also said regarding the Breeders Crown.

Artspeak fends off Lost For Words in $450,000 Tattersalls Pace

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY—After yielding to Split The House at the quarter, Tony Alagna-trainee Artspeak sat patiently in the pocket before pulling out at the three-quarter pole and rallying to the wire whilst holding off the bid of Lost For Words in his 1:47.4 triumph in the $450,000 Tattersalls Pace on Saturday, Oct. 10 at The Red Mile.

Scott Zeron sent Artspeak to the top heading to the opening quarter, passing it in :27. Split The House soon tipped first over and cleared the lead before the half, timed in :53. Enjoying no pressure on the lead, Artspeak generated a challenge that created a 1:20.1 third-quarter, and was soon alongside the pacesetter. Lost For Words, tracking Artspeak into the stretch, fanned wide and accelerated towards Artspeak, but Artspeak dug in and fought off Lost For Words, hitting the wire in 1:47.4. Rock N’ Roll World was third, and In The Arsenal was fourth.

Sired by Western Ideal from the Artsplace mare The Art Museum, Artspeak collected his fifth win in 15 starts this year, paying $8.20 to win. He races for the interests of Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Joe Sbrocco, and In The Gym Partners.

“I really respect Split The House,” Scott Zeron said. “He beat me one day when he followed me [in the New Jersey Classic at the Meadowlands], so I knew we were following a great horse there. I’ve always wanted my horse to be in a spot like that with fractions [like that], and he delivered.”

“I was pretty enthused in the post parade just by the way he felt,” Zeron also said. “To come back off of two heats [in the Little Brown Jug] and to be that strong and aggressive, and to go a lifetime mark of 1:47[.4], is impressive.”

“We’ve had a great meet,” Tony Alagna said. “We’ve had a lot of horses step up. Our two two-year-olds yesterday were fantastic [American Passport and Racing Hill]. We brought this horse down here hoping we could get the mark he deserved and it worked out tonight; he got his [1]:47-and-change mark. We couldn’t be more pleased with him.”

“He came down here, he was undefeated, and when I warmed him up the second week, the track was wet,” Alagna also said regarding bringing Artspeak to Lexington last year. “It [the track] was real punchy underneath, and, of course, hindsight’s never wrong: I should’ve pulled his back shoes that day because he had stifled joints and cords were getting to him late in the mile; that’s why he got rough. Today was a nice redemption for the horse because he deserves it. I’ve been telling people all year that this horse is racing a lot better than people realize, and he showed that today.”

“With the support of my customers, we bought some really nice stuff [yearlings] this year. I’ve got a great staff. They give me the ability to go out and look at horses and do what I need to do. They do a great job for me here at The Red Mile when I’m out doing what I need to do in the days and the nights. It’s been a great meet.” 

Wild Honey pounces by Mission Brief to win $262,500 Filly Futurity

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Sitting behind Mission Brief as she blazed around the Lexington oval, Wild Honey made her move in the stretch drive, sliding by Mission Brief to win the $262,500 Kentucky Filly Futurity in 1:50.4 on Saturday, October 10 at The Red Mile.

Mission Brief set the tempo of :27.2, :54.4, and 1:23.2, with Wild Honey drafting behind her the entire time. John Campbell sent Wild Honey to confront Mission Brief after sitting behind her for a brief point of the stretch drive. By the eighth pole, Wild Honey got her nose in front of Mission Brief, who began to stiffen in gait and shy away from the Jimmy Takter-trained filly. From there, Wild Honey extended her lead and won by about two lengths over Mission Brief, with Bright Baby Blues securing third off a first-over grind.

Racing for the connections of Christina Takter, John and Jim Fielding, and Herb Liverman, the filly by Cantab Hall out of the S J’s Photo mare U Wanna Lindy paid $11.40 in her upset. This was her sixth win in 13 starts this season, as well as her 16^th win in 25 overall starts.

“I was hoping to follow Mission Brief; there was no question about it,” John Campbell said. “I had my spot picked out when she [Mission Brief] came out to try and get on her back. Once she got on her back, you don’t really have to move. In the lane, when I asked this filly, she just dug in and really trotted down through the wire strong.”

“I think anybody [driver-wise] can get along with her,” Campbell also said. “She’s very easy to drive. She’s just a professional out there, and she’s got a great attitude and tremendous gait. I can’t take much credit for that because I believe anybody could drive her.”

“She’s just a tremendous horse,” Jimmy Takter said. “To beat a great horse like Mission Brief like that, that tells you a lot. This filly has been running in the shadow of Mission Brief her whole campaign. She never gives up; this was the race I was hoping she would get, sitting right behind her. I know how game she is and that she never gives up; it takes a heck of a horse to fight her off. She’s just a fantastic animal.”

“I was very happy also because John [Campbell] was driving her and got hurt going into the Hambletonian, and he missed his drive there, so it was sweet for him to come back here and win the Futurity here,” Takter also said. 

Jk Endofanera, Il Sogno Dream power to Allerage victories

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY—The aged racing divisions were in the spotlight on closing day at The Red Mile, competing in the $79,000 Allerage Mare Pace, $66,000 Allerage Mare Trot, $134,000 Allerage Trot, and $148,000 Allerage Pace on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The Jimmy Takter-trained Jk Endofanera tracked the cover of Foiled Again while State Treasurer blazed on the lead to rally by the tiring leader and the rest of the field in a 1:48.3 win in the Allerage Pace.

On the lead, State Treasurer set splits of :26.4, :53.1, and 1:20.4 with about two-lengths separation on pocket-sitter Doo Wop Hanover. He was the first to challenge State Treasurer in the stretch, attempting to sling shot to control, but the back field crept towards the top two by the eighth pole, manned by Jk Endofanera towards the center of the course. Under the guidance of Brett Miller, he stormed by State Treasurer and Doo Wop Hanover to claim the top spot. Mcwicked charged home for second, while Bettor’s Edge slid up the pylons for third.

Competing for the 3 Brothers Stable and conditioner Jimmy Takter, Jk Endofanera, the son of Art Major from the Presidential Ball mare Presidential Lady, returned $10.80 to win. He scored his sixth victory in 13 starts this year, and also beat his lifetime best of 1:48.4 taken at Hoosier Park.

Powering by tempo-setter Magic Tonight at the top of the stretch, Il Sogno Dream hustled to a 1:50.2 victory over Master Of Law, Gural Hanover, and Flanagan Memory.

The male trotter by Cantab Hall out of the Fill V mare La Reve sat back as Magic Tonight brushed by Flanagan Memory through a :27.1 quarter to take the lead. Driver Scott Zeron pulled Il Sogno Dream first over through a :55 half and advanced towards Magic Tonight through a 1:23.2 third-quarter. He accelerated into the stretch, kicking away by three lengths from Gural Hanover and Master Of Law and sustaining that margin to the finish.

Owned by Bill & Dan Manes, and Leonard and Randy Christopher and trained by Christopher Beaver, Il Sogno Dream returned $13.20 to win in his fifth win in 15 attempts this season.

“Chris [Beaver] has done a heck of a good job with him,” Bill Manes said. “As a two-year-old he was racing good, and he [Beaver] wanted to race him late this year, and it seems to be paying off now.”

“We’re taking him back to Canada tomorrow morning,” Manes also said. “We’re going to race him up there this fall [at Woodbine Racetrack]; make a few starts in the Open. Then he’s heading to Florida for the first part of the year.”

“The instructions were simple,” Scott Zeron said. “They said ‘If you have to be first up, that’s probably his best spot because he’s got that grinding speed and he can just carry it to the end.’ He was a pleasure to drive; he did everything right, perfect gaited. When I cleared to the front, he just swelled up and took off all on his own.”

Color’s A Virgin, D’One victorious in Allerage Mare events

Trained by Brian Brown, Color’s A Virgin claimed the Allerage Mare Pace in a near-wire-to-wire effort of 1:50 over Skippin By and Show Runner.

Pulling to the outside from third through a :28.2 first quarter, driver David Miller charged Color’s A Virgin to the lead, leaving Initowinafortune in the pocket. Holding off a far-turn challenge from Show Runner and a stretch rally from Skippin By, Color’s A Virgin, off of fractions of :54.4 and 1:23.3, sprinted to a half-length victory.

Competing for the interests of Emerald Highlands Farm, Color’s A Virgin, an Always A Virgin mare out of the Allamerican Ingot mare Full Color, scored her seventh win of the season. She paid $2.60 to win.

European star D’One continued her American domination in the Allerage Mare Trot, gliding to a 1:51.3 win over Harley Momma and Bax Of Life.

A Donato Hanover mare from the Supergill mare Giant Diablo, D’One made her move for control after a :27.4 first quarter, clearing from Handover Belle and White Becomes Her. She dashed around the remaining part of the track, going fractions of :54.3 and 1:23.2 in progress to her 1:51.3 mile. Harley Momma slid by tiring rivals at the pylons to secure second, while Bax Of Life was third off a rally down the center of the course.

Obtaining her fifth win of the season, as well as her third in four American starts, D’One paid $2.40 to win. She’s owned by Stall Kenny 23, trained by Roger Walmann, and was driven by David Miller.

“I’ve been here with other horses [since Giant Diablo came in 2001], but this is the first horse I have trained and fathered,” Roger Walmann said. “Our plan was to bring her to The Red Mile in this good shape.”

When asked if a world record at The Red Mile was included in Walmann’s plans, he said “For me, it was first to win the race. If [she] can do that, then the record can go. Before the race, I think it was not a good enough combination [for a record to happen]. Giant Diablo was racing with the colts [older horses], so they’re much better.”

“She was like this [grabby] in the warm-up, too,” Walmann also said. “It was difficult for her to have a new driver [original is Örjan Kihlström] with a horse with small problems, but Dave [Miller] is a very good driver, so I had no problem with that.”

Rock Me Gently, Divine Caroline sweep by rivals in Garnsey Memorial

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Sophomore filly pacers were in competition at The Red Mile on Saturday, Oct. 10 with two divisions of the $232,000 Glen Garnsey Memorial.

Rock Me Gently upset the first division at odds of 17-1 by springing from the back off a fast pace. The speed was established by Bettor Be Steppin, taking the lead through a :26.3 first quarter. Storm Point flushed first over from fourth and pressured the pace into splits of :54.1 and 1:22.1, remaining game in the stretch drive. Wicked Little Minx slid by from off cover and took the lead at mid stretch, losing it to Rock Me Gently who surged by easily to take the top spot. Wicked Little Minx finished second, Daut Full was third.

From the first crop of Rock N Roll Heaven out of the Cambest mare Cam Swifty, Rock Me Gently races for the interests of Old Block Stables Inc., The Fra Stables LLC, and Kenneth Klein and conditioner Steve Elliot. She was driven by David Miller to her fifth win in 15 starts this year. She paid $37.40 to win.

“She raced really good at Chester [Harrah’s Philadelphia] the last time I raced her,” David Miller said. “I wasn’t for sure that this was a big step up in class, but she raced very well; I had live cover right into the race and she did the rest.”

“The track’s in great shape today,” Miller also said.

The Joe Holloway-trained Divine Caroline was carried by cover towards the lead and maintained the front to win the second division of the Glen Garnsey Memorial in 1:49.2. After a quarter in :26.3 set by Moremercy Bluechip, Divine Caroline tracked Band Of Angels following a brief loss in stride on the backstretch. She followed Band Of Angels from second over past a :54 half and a 1:22.1 third-quarter before circling her to take the lead. Band Of Angels fought to her inside, but soon began to falter, while Devil Child roared from the back of the pack and down the center of the track to challenge Divine Caroline in the final stages of the mile, coming within a length of the winner.

Bedroomconfessions finished third.

Owned by Val D’Or Farms, Ted Gewertz, Rojan Stables and Michael Ouriel and driven by David Miller, Divine Caroline returned $4.00 to win in her fifth victory in 18 tries this year. She’s by Rock N Roll Heaven, out of the Art Major mare Loving Caroline.

“Overall, David [Miller] did a fantastic job [getting her a trip], and I don’t say that too often,” Joe Holloway said. “But he did a great job. The filly has had issues jumping shadows when she was younger, and then with this racetrack and the bright sunny day, we knew there was going to be some [shadows]. They got jammed up, and he had to tip her out. When he did it, there was a big shadow right there and then when he had her attention, it was fine.”

When asked about Bettor Be Steppin following her off-the-board finish in the first division, Holloway said “Yeah, she came out okay. She needs different racing tactics, so Corey [Callahan] will adjust, and we’ll try something different next time.”

“We’ll stay here until Wednesday and then head up to Canada,” Holloway also said. 

INTERNATIONAL TROT PROGRAM TO FEATURE $75,000 GUARANTEED PICK 5 POOL

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

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, October 8, 2015—All the cash associated with Yonkers Raceway’s million-dollar International Trot won’t be disbursed on the racetrack.  

Yonkers Raceway, in conjunction with the Standardbred Owners Association of New York and the U-S Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering, shall offer a $75,000 guaranteed Pick 5 pool for the special matinee Trot program (first post 2 PM) as this marquee event returns after a two-decade hiatus.

The wager includes $25,000 of “seed money” and encompasses races 2 through 6 on the card, with the 10-horse International scheduled as the fourth race (approximate post 3:10 PM). Yonkers’ Pick 5—a 50-cent base wager—usually goes from races 7 through 11.

“We are  all very excited to see the International come back,” Raceway president Tim Rooney said. “We’ve put together an excellent field and we invite all our fans to enjoy it and test their handicapping skills.”   

Some other notes regarding this special guarantee…

--though additional monies may be carried over should the gimmick not be hit before Saturday, the total guaranteed pool remains at $75,000;

--as always, the Pick 5 is not a “must-pay” wager, so if no one selects all five winners in the sequence, the entire pool (minus takeout) would move to the Monday, Oct. 12, program;

--program pages for this wager accompany this release and shall be available at www.yonkersraceway.com.

Again, please note the International is part of a matinee card, with first post at 2 PM and the race itself going at approximately 3:10 PM. Also note that a superfecta has been added to the International Trot wagering menu.