Allmyx’sliventexas, Heza Real Diamond duel at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Allmyx’sliventexas and Heza Real Diamond, who have been putting on some great battles at the head of the class, get another chance to settle the score in Friday night’s featured $6,700 Open Pace.

A 12-race card is on tap with first post set for 6:10 p.m. The headliner goes as the fourth contest on the evening with Allmyx’sliventexas leaving from the No. 9 slot and Heza Real Diamond from the 10 post in the field of six.

Allmyx’sliventexas is a 7-year-old son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s who is owned and was bred by Wayne and Rod Knittel, takes his lessons from Bob Johnson and once again has Mooney Svendsen giving directions.

The hard-hitting bay performer comes into this assignment with 36 wins from his 116 trips to the post with over $210,000 in his bank account and a 1:50 flat career standard that was established two years ago at Hoosier Park.

Allmyx’sliventexas has posed for pictures following three of the last four top dances for the division, including last week when he sat the pocket behind Heza Real Diamond and was up by a nostril in a 1:50 2/5 tour.

Heza Real Diamond is having a great meet with three snapshots from the last half-dozen starts for owner Orlando Nevarez and trainer Edwin Quevedo and Nick Roland will have a return assignment in the sulky.

The Nevarez colorbearer has traded decisions with Allmyx’sliventexas in his last two starts, and on both occasions the horse who sat the two-hole behind the pacesetter has surged to get the victory in the final strides. Mr. Varsity, Part Time, King Of The Crop and Fox Valley Hoss complete the field.

Key Word sparks low takeout wager

There are two wagers here offered each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 20-cent Pick 5 and 20-cent Pick 4 – and taking a look at last Saturday’s Pick 5 is a good example of the value added.

Despite the sequence featuring winners that were 6-5, 7-5 and a pair of 2-1 shots, you toss in an 11-1 shot to kick off the proceedings and there is a nice $134 payoff for each correct 20-cent investment.

Key Word was the catalyst in the evening’s opener for veteran owner/driver/trainer Gerry Longo, as the 9-year-old pacer did the perfect track-and-attack from a cozy rail draw to pick up his first snapshot of the season.

In the night’s third race it was Allmyx’sliventexas for the Knittel/Johnson/Svendsen team returning to his winning ways in the Open Pace, hanging a nose decision on arch-rival Heza Real Diamond after being collared by that rival in their previous meeting.

That was followed by another dynamite performance by Alwaysalittle more in the Filly and Mare Open as this gal seems to have really found her stride for owners Maria Alvarez and Terrence Smith, trainer Edwin Hernandez and pilot Luke Plano.

The Pick 5 was rounded out by Bunkerhill Bill’s virtual coast-to-coast tally in the Shelly Goudreau Final. The 9-year-old Michigan-bred goes about his business for the Haness Family and co-owner/trainer George Reider and has found a great partner in driver Dean Magee.

By the way, the Pick 4 comes with a $40,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturdays and a $30,000 pool on Fridays. Jump right in, the water’s fine.

POST TIME, BETTING MENU CHANGES COMING TO BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Management at the Meadowlands is never afraid to shake things up, and starting on Friday, February 7, Big M fans will see an earlier start to the races with a 6:55 p.m. post time, and once the card begins, they’ll have a new array of wagers to titillate their wagering palates.

“As the popularity of multi-race wagers continues to grow,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We at the Meadowlands have chosen to expand our wagering menu to now include two Pick-4s, a new 20-cent Pick-5 and a new straight 20-cent Pick-6.

“All four of these wagers will offer a low 15 percent takeout, which keeps more money in players’ pockets. We are also going back to rolling Pick-3s, which will give bettors a vast assortment of multi-race wagers to play throughout the course of the evening. There is no doubt that this is one of our most ambitious and value-conscious wagering menus ever implemented at the Meadowlands.”

These are the pertinent facts:

·         20-cent Pick-5 (Race 1): The wager – which will continue to offer a $25,000 guaranteed pool – still begins with the first race of the night, but now has a 20-cent minimum and can be played in 20-cent denominations (such as 20 cents, 40 cents, 60 cents, etc.).

·         20-cent Pick-6 (Race 4): A “traditional” Pick-6. Should no player select all six winners, there will be a carryover to the next racing program. The 20-cent minimum will enable bettors to “spread” further without a big investment.

·         Early 50-cent Pick-4 (Race 6): The “signature” wager at the Meadowlands now moves from the eighth race to the sixth, which immediately follows the cashing out of the Pick-5. The $50,000 guaranteed pool remains, as does the 50-cent minimum. Free program pages for this wager are available at ustrotting.com and playmeadowlands.com.

·         Late 50-cent Pick-4 (Race 10): Immediately following the payoff leg of both the Pick-6 and Early Pick-4, this additional Pick-4 will give Meadowlands’ fans another big multi-race pool to shoot for before the end of the program.

·         20-cent Can-Am Pick-4: This wager – which is on Saturday nights – will see a shift once the earlier post time takes effect. The bet, which challenges players to select the winners of two races at the Meadowlands and Woodbine Mohawk Park, will still begin with WMP’s 10^th race, but from there the sequence will be Meadowlands 11, WMP 11 and Meadowlands 12.

·         The Pick-5, Pick-6, both Pick-4s and Can-Am Pick-4 will all offer a low 15 percent takeout.

·         Rolling Pick-3s are returning: All races that do not have a Pick-4, Pick-5 or Pick-6 will offer a $1 Pick-3. On a typical 13-race card, the Pick-3s will be available on races 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11.

·         Daily Double players will get the same opportunities they had for many years as the traditional format of the first two and last two races will go back into effect.

·         The 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 will be dropped.

·         With the new earlier post time of 6:55 p.m., simulcast fans can now look for the “Racing from the Meadowlands” live in-house pre-game show to begin nightly at 6:22 p.m.

DRIVER COLONY DEEPENS: Last weekend (Jan. 24-25), Corey Callahan (six winners), Vinny Ginsburg (five) and Tim Tetrick (five) led the driver’s colony, combining to win 16 of the 26 races contested over the two race cards.

For the upcoming Friday and Saturday racing programs, things will get tougher for drivers – not to mention bettors.

Yannick Gingras and Dexter Dunn, who combined to win 18 of the 28 races Jan. 17-18, are both back on the mile oval this weekend. In addition, back from his native Australia is Andy McCarthy, making the driver colony as deep as it’s been in some time.

With just one race card left in the month, Dunn leads the January driver standings with 23 victories. Rounding out the top four are Callahan (16), Gingras (12) and Ginsburg (10).

Trainer Andrew Harris’ barn stayed hot last week, sending out three to victory lane.

Ron Burke is the top January trainer with 10 wins. He is followed by Harris, who has nine victories.

Racing takes place this Friday and Saturday, with post time – for the last time for the foreseeable future – slated for 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY NIGHT’S ALL RIGHT: It was a typical Saturday (Jan. 25) business-wise at the industry’s handle leader, as wagering on the Meadowlands’ 13-race card totaled $2,696,394. Betting for the weekend came just $13,000 short of $5 million.

A total of $270,747 was wagered on Saturday’s eighth race, which included $85,070 in 50-cent Pick-4 wagers.

TIME FOR THE BIG GAME: On Sunday (Feb. 2), professional football’s championship game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. In what looks like a highly competitive matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs are a slight favorite over the San Francisco 49ers.

Why not skip your usual gathering and come out to the Meadowlands? You can watch and wager on the game in the Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook, where you can sit in comfort and enjoy many food and drink options in the Victory Sports Bar & Club.

COMING UP….

·         On Jan. 31, card players who are 21 or older can play Texas Hold’em on “Free Poker Friday”, hosted by World Free Poker.

·         On Feb. 7, come to the track and enjoy a “Brunch for Love” from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The event benefits non-profits from the Meadowlands Chamber.

·         On Feb. 14, bring your sweetheart to the races and enjoy a fabulous Valentine’s Day dinner in the Big M’s Pink Restaurant. You might be one of three couples to win a gift certificate for a bed and breakfast stay in Cape May, NJ. For reservations, call 201-THE-BIGM.

·         On Feb. 22, The Big M will host its February World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier. The top two finishers will qualify for the WHHC Final. It’s only $200 to play ($100 to enter; $100 bankroll). For complete information, check out the brochure at http://playmeadowlands.com/uploadedFiles/2020%20February%20WHHC%20qualifier.pdf.

·         Last Saturday’s annual Chili Cook Off was a huge success. A pair of chili experts took home $1,000 prizes, as Nathan Gramm won the homestyle division and Gregory Farm the chili verde division. A record-number 36 contestants entered the contest.

Rockefeller Lindy Surprises In Buffalo Open Trot

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Rockefeller Lindy ($17.60) and driver David McNeight III watched the favored Wilberforce do all the dirty work but then cleaned up in the end to take Buffalo Raceway's featured $13,000 Open Trot on Wednesday night (Jan. 29) in 1:58.0 over the good track.

McNeight III started the 2020 campaign on a memorable note as he had four driving victories including the feature win and a $115.50 decision aboard Won Sweet Dream in the nightcap. He also had a training score.

It was the first night of the 66-day season at Buffalo Raceway. Director of Operations Jon Cramer said, "It was a good night. The clubhouse was busy, the weather cooperated, the track crew did a great job in getting the track ready and people were excited to be back."

In the feature, after briefly getting the lead, Rockefeller Lindy (David McNeight III) relinquished the advantage as Wilberforce (John Cummings Jr.) muscled his way to the top. 

Posting fractions of :29.1, :49.2 and 1:29.1, Wilberforce was bracing for challengers in the stretch. The closers didn't disappoint. The pocket-sitting Rockefeller Lindy found plenty of racing room through the passing lane to collect the half length win over Wilberforce while the late-charging Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) picked up the show check. 

Co-owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, the 6-year-old gelded Rockefeller Lindy (Lucky Chucky-Touch Of Lindy) was now earned $154,617 lifetime. James Clouser Jr., Buffalo Raceway's defending training champion, conditioned the winner.

Daylon Phantom (Renaldo Morales III) didn't look like he had a ghost of a chance until the top of the home stretch but then unleashed a powerful kick to roll past a surprised Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) and Some Royalty (Shawn McDonough) in winning the $10,000 Class A trot.

Sitting third with a quarter mile to trot, it appeared that Noble Legend and Some Royalty were going to duke it out to the wire but Daylon Phantom ($17.80) came from way back to steal a neck victory in 1:58.3.

Owned by Franklin Meier and Super Mile LLC, it was the first triumph of the season for the 5-year-old gelded Daylon Phantom (Kadabra-Daylon Marvel). Conditioned by Angelo Nappo, the victory moved his career bankroll to $64,949.

Protect Blue Chip ($2.40) paced right off the gate and never looked back in taking the $10,000 Class A pace for the filly and mares in the season opening event. She beat Who's Got The Move by 3-3/4 lengths in a snappy 1:57.0.

As the wings opened, Protect Blue Chip (Davis Jr.) set the splits with panels of :29.2, :58.2 and 1:28.2. A 28.3 last quarter mile sealed the deal for Protect Blue Chip as Who's Got The Move and Mean Pauline (McDonough) had to settle for second and third respectively.

Owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock, it was the first win in two tries this season for the 5-year-old mare Protect Blue Chip (American Ideal-Lucky Turn). Trained by Maria Rice, it upped her seasonal winnings to $5,000 and $92,004 lifetime.

Davis Jr. and Drew Monti had three wins apiece with Denny Bucceri doubling. Rice had three training victories.

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 12-race card set for 6 p.m. It will be 'Lucky Exacta Night' with customers receiving a pair of ceramic Buffalo Raceway coasters and a lucky exacta combination which could win you free wagers.

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

BIRCH ISLAND BETTY LIGHTS UP YONKERS’ TUESDAY

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

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, January 28, 2020—Birch Island Betty (Jim Marohn Jr., $136) and her 67-1 self charged from next-to-last Tuesday night (Jan. 28^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $18,000, 10^th-race pace in rather surprising fashion.

From post position No. 7, ‘Betty’ closed widest and fastest, nipping 11-10 favorite Betcha Baby (Brent Holland) by a neck in 1:55. Sezana N (Eric Goodell) was third, with Take Abit of Life (Matt Kakaley) fourth.  

For seventh choice Birch Island Betty, a 5-year-old daughter of Big Jim co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard and Carmen Carson, it was her first win a pair of seasonal starts. The exacta paid $471, with the triple returning $2,135 and the superfecta paid $13,106 (base $2 payout). The $2 multi-race payouts ending with Birch Island Betty were $6,035 (Pick 3) and $10,200 (Pick 4), respectively.  

Earlier in the evening, the Pick 5 wager easily surpassed its $15,000 guaranteed pool when $19,503 was added to a carryover in excess of $4,400.

The winning combination of 4/1/6/2/3 returned $1,810 for each correct half-a-buck wager, which concluded a race before ‘Betty’ threw down her gauntlet.

Total handle for the dozen-race card was a season-high $918,830.

Meadowlands Racetrack Crowns 2020 Chili Champions

Meadowlands Racetrack Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 28, 2020) –  Thirty-six cooks entered Meadowlands Racetrack’s 5^th Annual Homestyle Chili Cookoff last Saturday night, all vying for the grand prize of $1,000 and a spot in the International Chili Society’s 2020 World Championship.

Nathan Gramm of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, took home the $1,000 prize for his homestyle chili. 

Gramm is an ICS competition veteran and flies all around the United States to compete in chili cook-offs.

Chili cook-off veteran, Chris Johnson took home $500 for her second place finish.  Meadowlands chili cook-off veteran Laura Stoessel, took the $250 third place prize. 

Gregory Farm of Rosyln, PA, took home the $1,000 grand prize for his chili verde beating out 18 other competitors in the category.  This was Farm’s first time competing at the Meadowlands. His win also qualifies him for the 2020 World Chili Verde Championship.

“This was an awesome event, said Farm. “ It was lots of fun. I’m excited to compete again next year!” 

Robert Quinones, the 2018 & 2019 People’s Choice champ, finished in second place for his chili verde and took home $500 while first time competitor Jarron Smith walked away with $250 for his third place finish.

It was a record number of participants and a record number of patrons on hand to sample and vote for their favorite chili throughout the evening.

The $250 People’s Choice prize went to Brian Walker. 

“This has become a major event for us at the track,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “Each year the number of participants grows and exceeds our expectations.  We are looking forward to next year’s event!”

For upcoming events and promotions, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

Buffalo Raceway Season Begins Wednesday

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Buffalo Raceway will open the 2020 season on Wednesday night (Jan. 29) with a 13-race program that gets underway at 5 p.m. 

It will be a busy week at the half-mile oval located at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg as there will be lots for the fans to look forward to during opening week.

Wednesday's opener will feature a $2,500 Guaranteed Pick-5 which begins in the second race. There will also be free programs and a 2020 season magnet giveaway.

In the Winner's Circle Cafe, personal pan pizzas will just be $5 and patrons can also taste the new philly cheese steak and meatball hoagies.

When the action returns on Saturday (Feb. 1) with a 6 p.m. start time, the popular 'Lucky Exacta' contest returns as each fan will receive two ceramic Buffalo Raceway coasters along with an exacta combination. Should your exacta come in, you'll spin the prize wheel to win free wagers on the last race of the night. The coasters will also have $5 in free play from Hamburg Gaming.

While the fans will be treated off track, it's back to business for drivers and trainers.

Billy Davis Jr., who swept the driving titles last season at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs with 119 and 131 victories respectively, will be busy as he is scheduled to drive in 12 of the 13 events.

"I had a very good meet last year," Davis Jr. said in looking back on 2019. "I am hoping to build off that and have another good run." 

He went on to say about the early part of the season stating, "It's always difficult to know how the opening days of racing meets can go but I am very confident in my trainers and their horses. It would be great to start the season off with a bang."

James Clouser Jr. returns after he claimed the training crowns at both Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs in 2019. He had 56 winners at Buffalo Raceway last season and added 51 more at Batavia Downs. He'll send a pair out on the opening night program.

Maria Rice, who was the runner up behind Clouser Jr. in both Western New York meets last year, hopes to jump start her season as she drew into six races on the Wednesday night card.

The main event on the slate is the $13,000 Open Trot that drew the likes of 2019 Buffalo Raceway 'Trotter of the Year' Wheels A Turning and Lougazi. The sub features include the $10,000 Class A Trot and the $10,000 Class A Pace for the filly and mares.

Racing will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning at 5 p.m. while Saturday nights will have a 6 p.m. post. Action returns on Friday starting on April and will have a 5 p.m. start time.

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

SMALLTTOWNTHROWDOWN WINS SATURDAY NIGHT 40G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, January 25, 2020—Millionaire-in-waiting Smalltownthrowdown (Dan Dube, $28.20) parlayed from the pocket Saturday night (Jan. 25^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Open Handicap Trot.

In the game from assigned post position No. 3, Smalltownthrowdown sat behind Now’s the Moment (Jason Bartlett as that one made the lead before a :27.4 opening quarter-mile and after a nasty break by Yes (Brent  Holland).

It was between a :58.1 intermission and 1:27 three-quarters when 7-10 favorite Melady’s Monet (George Brennan) commenced and concluded a weak, first-over bid. With the fave done, Now’s the Moment opened a pair of lengths in and out of the final turn. However, he couldn’t close the sale as Smalltownthrowdown edged out and by.

The final margin was a length-and-a-quarter in a season’s-best 1:56, with eight-holer Swansea (Austin Siegelman) closing for third. Melady’s Monet and Lean Hanover (Jim Marohn Jr.) settled for the minors.    

For fifth choice Smalltownthrowdown, a 7-year-old statebred Cash Hall gelding co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard, Yves Sarazin, VIP Internet Stable and Bruce Soulsby, it was his second win in three seasonal starts (career 28-for-85, $998,223). The exacta paid $142.50, the triple returned $947 and the superfecta paid $3,015.

Allard didn’t do much wrong, winning with four of his six Saturday starters.    

The week’s marquee pace, a $35,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, was won by a down-the-road (:27.3, :57.3, 1:25.2, 1:53.2) Tookadiveoffdipper (Jordan Stratton, $16).

PAPPY GO GO CRUSHES IN BIG M PREFERRED

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – In the unlikely event you weren’t sure who the best trotter on the grounds at the Meadowlands was before Saturday night’s feature, there was positively no doubt after.

Despite taking two weeks off, the red-hot Pappy Go Go upped his winning streak to three after taking the $37,500 Preferred in 1:52.2 over a track rated ‘good’ with a -1 variant, missing his lifetime best by just two-fifths of a second.

The Andrew Harris trainee never had an anxious moment after being sent to the gate as the 8-5 favorite in the talented field of seven as driver Corey Callahan – who won five races on Friday’s card – hit the gas pedal early with the 6-year-old gelded son of Tad The Stud-Paging Willy from post seven and made the front while parked at the quarter after a headstrong Misslarose yielded the top in :27.2.

Pappy Go Go trotted easily through the second fraction while unpressured in :27.3 as Misslarose sat the pocket. Morairtime, who was so good winning eight days ago after going a first-over trip, was in gear making up ground while racing on the rim uncovered.

After three-quarters was reached in 1:23.4, Pappy Go Go accelerated, opening up a 3-length edge at the head of the stretch on the way to an easy 3½-length score. Morairtime was second with Misslarose third.

“I wasn’t worried about the layoff at all,” said Harris. “He’d been prepping every week in between. They just didn’t have a Preferred for him, so hopefully, horses start entering so I can race him a little more.”

Is Pappy Go Go the type of horse who can go with the game’s best? “I don’t have any big dreams for him,” said Harris. “He’s a nice open horse, but realistically, I can’t spend money staking him to go against the likes of Manchego and Atlanta. So, we’ll race in the Preferred and try to keep him happy and fresh and being the big fish in the pond until the floods come later.”

Pappy Go Go returned $5.40 to his fans and has now won 32 of 83 career outings, good for earnings of $249,547 for owners Michael Goldberg Racing.

ANOTHER GIANT MILE: The Robert Cleary-trained Harambe Deo went parked for a little more than the final half-mile and had no trouble blowing away his foes in the pacing feature, a high-end conditioned event with a $31,250 purse. The 5-year-old gelded son of Woodstock-Tea Time, who was the 8-5 favorite, stopped the clock in 1:50.4 with Tyler Buter in the bike to win for the third time in his last five starts. McThriller finished second, 1¼ lengths behind.

A LITTLE MORE: Tim Tetrick had the hot hand, leading the driver colony with four winners. Buter, Drew Monti and Vinny Ginsburg had two apiece. … The 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 failed to pay at least $3,000 for an eighth straight time, but it came close, as three players lasted eight legs and cashed in for $2,611.98. … The 20-cent Can-Am Pick-4 came back $175.32, the key to cashing being Leg One, when Heza Thrill N won at Woodbine Mohawk Park at odds of 7-1. … All-source handle totaled $2,667,043. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

ODDS ON ST LUCIE TAKES FEATURE, FIVE FOR CALLAHAN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Odds On St Lucie gave driver Vinny Ginsburg quite a workout Friday night. And that was just in the post parade.

Before the featured $31,250 high-end conditioned pace for fillies and mares at the Meadowlands, the 4-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Shes Some Treasure was rank in the pre-race lineup and would not calm down until the outrider intervened. “Headstrong doesn’t quite describe her,” joked Ginsburg.

Given how she raced, the amount of difficulty she brought was well worth it.

Odds On St Lucie saw her two-race win streak end last week at the hands of odds-on favorite Major Occasion A, but got back on the winning track Friday by beating a top-flight field in 1:50.2.

Wisdom Tree, the 4-5 favorite, made her way to the top while parked at the half in a demanding :54.4. Once Wisdom Tree cleared, Odds On St Lucie was left first-over, and while she did inch her way closer to the leader down the backstretch, she was still 2¼ lengths behind in third with just three-sixteenths to go.

But she was up to the task at hand.

“She’s wicked fast and becoming versatile and improving every time she goes on the track,” said Ginsburg.

Through the stretch, ‘Lucie’ kept on coming, and after having to swerve a bit to avoid contact with Sandy Win as that one vacated the pocket, went on to a neck victory. Sandy Win finished second with Wisdom Tree third.

“She really dug in tonight off a tough trip against some nice mares,” said Ginsburg. “I thought I’d be second-up but when Timmy (Tetrick, driving Wisdom Tree) went to the lead I just rode and she did the rest.”

Odds On St Lucie returned $8.00 to her backers as the 3-1 second choice in the betting. She races out of the Tony Alagna barn for owners Odds On Racing and has now won 10 of her 27 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $231,217.

ALL HAIL THE CAPTAIN: Corey Callahan had the hot hand among the drivers, steering five to the winner’s circle. ‘The Captain’ piloted the winners of four in a row beginning in the sixth race before taking the 13^th and final to cap his five-bagger. … Pat Berry had three winners, including 5-1 and 16-1 shots, respectively, in the 10^th and 11^th races, to complete the Pick-4, which paid $285.40 despite Callahan winning the first two legs at 3-5 and 3-2. … Ginsburg also handled three winners on the card, meaning Callahan, Berry and Ginsburg combined to win 11 of the 13 races on the program.

A LITTLE MORE: One sharp player betting into the Kentucky hub was the only bettor to last eight legs in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 and collected a healthy payoff of $7,538.82. That makes seven straight SP10s that have paid $3,000 or more. … All-source handle totaled $2,290,954. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

ROBYN CAMDEN WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 35G DISTAFF FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 24, 2020—A season-debuting Robyn Camden (Jim Marohn Jr., $11) proved best Friday night (Jan. 24^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.

In play from post position No. 5, Robyn Camden was able to plotz into a early pocket after 11-10 favorite Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan) made a nasty break.  

From there, Robyn Camden was stalking Cay’s Blessing (Jason Bartlett) through the latter fractions of :27.2, :56.4 and 1:25.3.

It was an antsy two-hole for ‘Robyn,’ who edged out early to take her shot. Robyn Camden did go by mid-lane, the final margin a half-length in 1:54.2.

Rockin’ the Boys A (Jordan Stratton) was a three-hole third, with Made of Jewels AS (Eric Goodell) fourth around the oval. Misbehavers She’s Pukka N (Dan Dube) and the aforementioned Feelin’ Red Hot were fifth and last among  the half-dozen.    

For fourth choice Robyn Camden, a now-5-year-old daughter of Art Professor owned by James O’Sullivan and trained by Rene Allard, she’s off a 14-win, $192,000 season in 2019. The exacta paid $50, with the triple returning $178.

The Raceway’s mutuel windows open at 11 AM Saturday (Jan. 25^th) for Gulfstream Park’s Pegasus Day program, with first post of 11:30 AM. The $3 million Pegasus World Cup and $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf go as races 11 and 12, respectively.  

Shelly Goudreau Final lures contentious field at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Bunkerhill Bill and China King, winners of their respective elimination divisions last week, head the cast for Saturday night’s featured $8,700 Shelly Goudreau Final. 

First post for the Watch and Wager LLC 12-race program is 6:10 p.m.

Bunkerhill Bill looks like the Goudreau favorite after posting a coast-to-coast decision last weekend in a snappy 1:53 2/5. The 9-year-old son of Veracious Hanover is owned by Haness, Haness and Reider with George Reider the conditioner and Dean Magee back at the controls.

After facing tougher competition in his first two starts of 2020, Bunkerhill Bill was dispatched as the 7-5 choice in last week’s Goudreau elimination and made every pole a winning one, holding safe by a half-length over Mystery Dragon. He has the rail for this go-around.

Mystery Dragon sat the pocket journey and was trying hard to end in a solid effort last week. The 6-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Richard Schneider with Nick Roland once again doing the honors.

China King accounted for the other elimination last week and this classy veteran comes into the final with 36 wins, $341,000 in the bank and a 1:50 lifetime standard. Gary and Jennifer Sabot own, Jennifer trains and Luke Plano has the return assignment.

Completing the field are Murder Mystery with Braxten Boyd; Burntisland Billy, Gerry Longo; Ethan Hanover for Jacob Fox; Gene Eugene, James Kennedy; and Jazzmanian Devil, who leaves from the outside slot with Mooney Svendsen guiding.

Welcome USTA members; Race honors John Pawlak

Cal Expo welcomes all United States Trotting Association members, who are here for the joint USTA/ California Harness Horsemen’s Association meeting.

The meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the Cal Expo Clubhouse and all members are welcome with a free brunch being offered.

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Saturday night’s co-feature is named for John Pawlak, the former USTA Director of Publicity who passed away on December 27 at the age of 71.

Mr. Pawlak joined the USTA in 1985 as the director of publicity. For his work at the USTA, he was well known for both his writing and editing as well as his broadcasting. He retired in 2013.

He was responsible for compiling and editing The Trotting & Pacing Guide, the definitive annual f The Trotting and Pacing Guide act book on North American harness racing and the historical USTA Directors book.

With his television background, Mr. Pawlak was the face of the USTA and led the organization into the age of online video and served as the host of the USTA's popular "Eye on Harness Racing" series

Mr. Pawlak was ever present at many harness racing events including the Little Brown Jug, the annual USTA Board of Directors meetings, district meetings and county fairs. He also was known world-wide for his work coordinating the biennial World Driving Championship and the World Trotting Conference.

Hi-Five Carryover spices Friday Cal Expo action

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

With no winning tickets last Saturday night, there will be a carryover of $6,146 in Friday night’s 20-cent Hi-Five with a $20,000-guaranteed gross pool.

In addition, a reminder that both the 20-cent Pick 4 and 20-cent Pick 5 come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate each night. On Saturdays there is a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool, with a $40,000 guarantee on Fridays.

There are 12 races on tap Friday night under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:10 p.m. The main event is the $8,100 Open Trot headed by Mandeville and Its a Horse.

Mandeville is an 8-year-old son of Majestic Son who is owned, trained and driven by Gerry Longo. He comes into this assignment with 23 wins from his 120 lifetime appearances with $219,000 in the bank and a 1:54 2/5 standard.

After encountering tough journeys in his previous three outings, including the Joe Lighthill Trot, Mandeville had smoother sailing in the most recent mile and one-half clash at the top rung as he prevailed by a length over favored Its A Horse, who was doing his work from the demanding No. 10 slot.

Its A Horse is having an outstanding meet for owner Ray Alan Miller, trainer Marco Rios and pilot Dean Magee. He recorded a three-bagger between November 23 and December 13, including a convincing victory in the Lighthill and is always reliable for a strong finish.

Horsemen remember Shelly Goudreau

Saturday evening’s Shelly Goudreau Pace is named for one of the most talented drivers to ever ply the trade. He passed away in a racing accident at Hollywood Park in 1982 at the age of 34.

Steve Desomer drove with Goudreau during the six years that he raced in California and was competing with him in that fateful race at Hollywood Park. “I had the utmost respect for Shelly as both a great driver and a kind and personable man,” Desomer said. “His brilliant career was cut way too short.”

Trainer George Reider will send out likely favorite Bunkerhill Bill in Saturday’s headliner and recalls being impressed with Shelly Goudreau. “I was just a groom back then, but Shelly was a true gentleman and treated me as an equal.

“He drove one horse I was taking care of by the name of Dalmead who was trained by Chip Lackey, and he beat the best horses on the grounds by open lengths.”

George also has another story to tell that still brings tears to his eyes all these years later.

“The night before that terrible race, I had a horse racing named Kiwi Jane and I borrowed a piece of equipment from Joe Anderson called a jawbreaker, which goes through the bridle to help control the horse.

“After the race, I gave it back to Joe. It turns out (trainer) Frank Ferrante borrowed the same bit the next night and used it for Reagan’s Lad, which is the horse Shelly was driving. It broke and he fell off the back of the cart. It was so sad for everybody.”

RACING REGULATORY LAB FIRST TO UNCOVER MAJOR DOPING THREAT TO BOTH RACING AND HUMAN SPORT

The New York Equine Drug Testing Programs Director Dr. George Maylin has confirmed the presence of a major doping threat to both human and equine sport in two standardbred horses racing at Yonkers Raceway.

The New York horseracing lab is believed to be the first laboratory, in either horse racing or the worldwide WADA network of human testing labs, to screen for and confirm the presence of IOX-2.   

IOX-2 is both a blood and gene doping agent that is the type of emerging small molecule synthetic doping agent that Dr. Maylin warned about at last year’s ARCI annual conference in Arcadia, California.

Dr. Maylin, a member of the ARCI Scientific Advisory Group, has stressed that the more serious threat to the integrity of the sport lies in these types of doping agents rather than the misuse of therapeutic medications which have commanded the majority of attention by racing industry organizations and represent the majority of drug violations detected by racing commissions.   In human sport, athletes can receive permission to compete with substances in their system that are banned in horse racing.

All RCI member jurisdictions have been put on notice of the details of this development.

IOX-2 is an HIF stabilizer that can trigger EPO like effects as well as overall stimulation of an athlete.

“The New York Gaming Commission and Dr. Maylin specifically, should be commended for their work and focus on finding new and emerging threats to clean sport.    Dr. Maylin has worked long and hard looking for these type of substances and his work will benefit all ARCI member jurisdictions.

“Unfortunately IOX-2 is just one doping agent and we are not naive to believe that others are not finding their way into professional sport.  Whether it be a racing lab or a WADA lab, we share a common mission and can never let our guard down.  Today, it’s IOX-2, tomorrow it’s going to be something else,” said Ed Martin, ARCI President.  “Horse racing is blessed to have experts like Dr. Maylin in our regulatory network.”

Regulatory actions taken by the New York Gaming Commission are posted online at https://rulings.gaming.ny.gov

DUNN AND GINGRAS OFF AFTER MEMORABLE MEADOWLANDS WEEKEND

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Meadowlands is known as a track with a driver colony that’s got big-time talent from top to bottom, but last weekend, two standouts stood far above the rest of the crowd.

Over the course of the two-day race week at the Big M on Jan. 17-18, Dexter Dunn and Yannick Gingras were both at the top of their respective games, to say the least.

Of the 28 races contested, the prolific pair won 18 times, with each pilot hitting the winner’s circle four times Friday and five times Saturday.

Dunn, a 30-year-old New Zealand native, took both features with Down Under breds, winning Friday with Major Occasion A and then Saturday with Franco Totem N. His fans were especially thrilled with Dunn’s Friday success as the United States Harness Writers Association’s Driver of the Year scored with longshots Bold Goddess ($43.80) and Auteur Hanover ($54.60). In addition, DD swept the $348.20 daily double that covered races seven and eight.

Gingras, whose $13.4 million in earnings was good for second in North America during 2019, maintained his place as one of the most popular drivers at the Big M by scoring a half-dozen times over the weekend with non-favorites as both he and Dunn – not surprisingly – showed a flat-bet profit by the time the dust cleared Saturday night.

Racing fans won’t get the chance to play Gingras or Dunn this weekend, however, as neither is listed to drive. Gingras will be in France attending – not participating in – the Prix d’Amerique while Dunn has a previous commitment.

Racing fans can look forward to another ace being in the fold, however, as Tim Tetrick, the leading money-earning driver from 2019 with over $15.6 million, will be in the sulky at the Big M this Friday and Saturday night. Post time is the usual 7:15 p.m.

PICK-4 REPORT: The Meadowlands’ signature wager, the 50-cent Pick-4, saw its usual big play last weekend, as a total of $81,661 was bet Friday and $91,480 was in the pool Saturday. Friday’s final leg saw a 25-1 shot score, leading to a payoff of $3,155.05. Chalk players hit the $55.85 return Saturday as Dunn and Gingras each won twice during the sequence.

FREE PPs: When it comes to the 50-cent Pick-4, the Late 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five and the 20-cent Can-Am Pick-4, if you want to play, but prefer not to pay for past performances, all you have to do is go to playmeadowlands.com or ustrotting.com where you can access them for free.

GIANT SCORE: One sharp handicapper made the score a lifetime Friday. Betting into the Oregon Express hub, that player held the only 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five ticket with the winning combination of 1-7-3-6-4 and cashed in for $118,148.72.

The race was won by 2-1 favorite Lily Hammer and driver Corey Callahan. Finishing second through fifth, respectively, were Northern Swift (25-1), Moonshinecharleigh (8-1), Manhattan Play (3-1) and Justabitofcharm (30-1).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

·         On Jan. 24, card players who are 21 or older can play Texas Hold’em on “Free Poker Friday”, hosted by World Free Poker.

·         On Jan. 25, the Big M hosts it’s annual “Chili Cook Off”, which will have its usual “Homestyle Chili” division. This year, a “Chili Verde” contest has been added to the festivities. In addition, there will also be a competition for the best salsa. For complete information and registration, go to https://chilicookoff.com/cookoffs/list.

·         On Feb. 2, professional football’s championship game – that pits the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers – kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to watch and wager in the Big M’s FanDuel Sportsbook.

·         On Feb. 7, come to the track and enjoy a “Brunch for Love” from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The event benefits non-profits from the Meadowlands Chamber.

·         On Feb. 14, bring your sweetheart to the races and enjoy a fabulous Valentine’s Day dinner in the Big M’s Pink Restaurant. You might be one of three couples to win a gift certificate for a bed and breakfast in Cape May, NJ. For reservations, call 201-THE-BIGM.

USHWA JOURNALISM AWARDS ANNOUNCED

By Ken Weingartner, for the U.S. Harness Writers Association

Derick Giwner and Melissa Keith were named winners of the 2019 John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing journalism while Chris Gooden and Mark Hall were named recipients of the George Smallsreed Awards for photography and Woodbine Entertainment Group was selected winner of the Sam McKee Award for broadcasting, the U.S. Harness Writers Association announced Tuesday.

The winners will be recognized at the Dan Patch Awards banquet Feb. 23 at Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla. Meadowlands Racetrack Chairman Jeffrey Gural is continuing his longstanding sponsorship of the awards by providing banquet tickets for the winners.

Giwner won in the news or commentary category for his column, “Rolling the sport into the future,” which appeared in the Feb. 9 edition of DRF Harness Weekend. To read the piece, click here. It is Giwner’s first Hervey Award.

Keith won in the feature writing category for her two-part story on the death of Ron Graham that appeared in Harness Racing Update. The first part, “The tragic and mysterious death of a harness horseman,” appeared April 14 and can be read here. The second part, “A wanderer with an incredible heart,” appeared May 24 and can be read here. It is Keith’s third Hervey Award and second in this category.

Honorable mentions went to Mike Farrell (writing for the Hambletonian Society) and James Platz (Harness Racing Update) in news/commentary and to Platz, Brandon Valvo (writing for the Breeders Crown) and Gordon Waterstone (The Horseman and Fair World) in feature writing.

The writing categories were judged by NTRA Director of Communications Alicia Hughes, Eclipse Award-winning writer Joe Nevills, and former Philadelphia Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn.

In the Smallsreed competition, Gooden won in the race/action category for his photograph, “Noses on the Gate,” which appeared online Feb. 19 on The Meadows Racing website. Gooden is a three-time Smallsreed winner.

Hall won n the feature category for his photograph, “Shining Moment,” that appeared on the cover of the July issue of Hoof Beats. It is Hall’s seventh Smallsreed honor.

Honorable mentions went to Clive Cohen (Woodbine Mohawk Park Facebook and Instagram) in race/action and to Michael Burns (Woodbine Mohawk Park website) and Dave Landry (Harness Racing Update) in feature.

Judges for the photography categories were racetrack and newspaper photographer Bill Denver and former harness racing groom and longtime newspaper/magazine photographer Phil McAuliffe.

In the McKee competition, Woodbine Entertainment Group broadcast department was honored for its story on French trotter Bold Eagle’s appearance in the Breeders Crown, which aired Oct. 26 on the TSN4 television network. The producer was Phil McSween, director of photography was Gage Fletcher and David Syrie, and the editor was Jason Vanderzee. The win gave WEG its fourth award in the broadcast division. To watch the piece, click here.

Honorable mention went to True Nature Communications Inc.’s feature on Trevor Ritchie for the Breeders Crown.

Entries for the Sam McKee Award were judged by former longtime Thoroughbred Week host and co-producer John Henderson.

For more information about the Dan Patch Awards banquet, visit the U.S. Harness Writers Association’s website.

FRANCO TOTEM N SCORES IN BIG M PREFERRED

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – It figures the way things are going lately for Dexter Dunn that if he had a decision to make, it would be the right one.

And in Saturday night’s feature at the Meadowlands – the $37,500 Preferred for pacers – the red-hot driver naturally chose correctly.

The 30-year-old native of New Zealand had choice of three in the race: Effronte A, who became harness racing’s fastest performer of 2020 by virtue of a 1:48.3 clocking a week ago; Harambe Deo, an iron-tough winner of two of his last three; and Franco Totem N, who finished a close second in two of the last three weekly pacing features.

Dunn opted for Franco Totem N and the 7-year-old gelded son of Changeover-Treaty Franco responded with a huge mile, clearing the lead while parked to the half in :55.2, taking bitter pressure from McThriller to three-quarters in 1:23.4, and then finishing the job by kicking home in :27.3 to hit the finish in 1:51.2.

"He raced the way he looked.....great," said Dunn. "He's a very nice horse and doesn't take anything out of himself in the mile."

Endeavor, the 2-1 second choice in the betting, left the gate from post six, but with many leavers to his inside, had to take back to last in the field of six before sprinting home in :26.4 after swinging three-wide at three-quarters to claim second, just a half-length back of the winner. Harambe Deo rallied for third. Effronte A was scratched.

Franco Totem N scored as the 6-5 public choice and returned $4.40 to his backers. He is trained by Nifty Norman, owned by Enzed Racing Stable and Jerry Kovach and now has 21 wins from 64 lifetime starts and $163,189 in his bank account.

The remarkable Dunn, who took both features over the course of the weekend, kept winning at a torrid clip, recording five victories Saturday. Over the last three race cards, he’s visited the winner’s circle 16 times and now has a total of 23 victories to lead the Big M standings. Last Saturday, he hit victory lane on seven occasions to fall one win short of tying the Big M record.

Yannick Gingras went toe-to-toe with Dunn over the course of this weekend’s action, matching Dunn with four Friday winners and five Saturday scores, meaning the Dynamic Duo won 64 percent of the 28 races offered over the two-day race week. Trainer Ron Burke conditioned four of Gingras’ Saturday winners.

A LITTLE MORE: JL Cruze, the first trotter ever to break the 1:50 barrier at the Big M, won a high-end conditioned trot in 1:53.4 as the 1-9 favorite to win his second straight. … Montrell Teague, who was the guest on the Big M’s in-house “In the Sulky” interview segment, guided Kid PK to victory in the Dr. Martin Luther King Remembrance Race, an event that featured African-American drivers. … Favorite players wore out a path to the windows as seven post-time choices scored. Twelve of the 14 races were won by horses whose odds were 5-2 or less. … The second edition of the Cam-Am Pick-4 returned $77.14, in sharp contrast to last week’s payoff of over $1,400. … All-source handle on the program totaled $2,395,435. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

SWANSEA WINS SATURDAY NIGHT 40G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, January 18, 2020—Favored Swansea (Austin Siegelman, $4.30) was left to his own devices Saturday night (Jan 18^th), easily winning Yonkers Raceway’s ‘sloppy’ $40,000 Open Handicap Trot.  

From assigned post position No. 5, Swansea found himself as the only leaver. With no issues, he worked around pole-sitting Mostinterestingman (George Brennan) before a :28.4 opening quarter-mile. From there, a :58.4 intermission before sharp interloper Now’s the Moment (Jason Bartlett) moved from third.

The invader was quite good this night, but Swansea had too many things (cheap lead, comfy teletimer) working to his advantage. After a 1:27.2 three-quarters, he had two lengths in and out of the final turn.

Swansea closed the sale, handily widening to 3½ lengths in 1:56.3. Now’s the Moment served notice holding second, with Yes (Brent Holland), Lean Hanover (Jim Marohn Jr.) and Will Take Charge (Jordan Stratton) settling for the small change after never factoring. Mostinterestingman backpedaled to sixth.

For Swansea, a now-5-year-old Swan for All gelding co-owned by Triple D Stables & Dana Parham and trained by Scott DiDomenico, it was his first win in a pair of seasonal starts (career 21-for-47). The exacta paid $28, with the triple returning $78.50.

Special Saturday props to season-debuting Ostro Hanover (Dan Dube, $8.70), wiring his foes in the $35,000 Preferred Handicap Pace (1:54). Also, the venerable 11-year-old gelding Melady’s Monet (Brennan, $3) made it 62-for-203 with his 1:55.2 win in the $27,000, second-race  trot.   

MAJOR OCCASION A TAKES BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Last Friday, Major Occasion A flew home in :25.3, but because she was eighth at three-quarters while three-wide, had to settle for second at the hands of rival Sandy Win, who would win a third straight start.

Driver Dexter Dunn made sure that wasn’t going to happen again.

Major Occasion A, instead of racing from well off the pace as she had in her first two North American outings, was hustled to the top at the half this time around and had little trouble from there, recording an easy score in the Friday night feature at the Meadowlands, a $25,000 high-end conditioned pace for fillies and mares.

Dunn, who would go on to win four times on the program after his incredible seven-winner night last Saturday, had Major Occasion A in the four-hole early before brushing up to take command at the half while parked before settling in on the point.

Ideal Lifestyle A was left first-over at this point while applying token pressure as Major Occasion A used a :27.1 third quarter to maintain a safe 1½-length lead on the pocket-sitting Odds On St Lucie.

Through the stretch, no one threatened the 1-2 favorite, who reported home an easy 1¾-length winner in 1:51 after pacing her final half in 54.2. Odds On St Lucie held second with Wisdom Tree rallying for third. Sandy Win failed in her bid for a fourth straight score, settling for fourth after racing three-wide at three-quarters from mid-pack.

Major Occasion A, a 6-year-old daughter of Art Major-Fake Occasion who is trained by Nifty Norman, returned $3.00 to her backers and has now won 16 times from 51 lifetime starts for owners Enzed Racing Stable. Her earnings stand at $193,280.

For Dunn, it was merely another day at the salt mine, with one – make that two – exceptions. The 30-year-old New Zealand native did score with the heavy favorite in the feature and with 4-1 Hammer Time in a mid-range conditioned trot, but he also won with a pair of longshots.

The 2019 United States Harness Writers Association’s Driver of the Year guided 20-1 Bold Goddess to victory lane in a low-end conditioned trot and also scored with the night’s biggest price of the night with 26-1 chance Auteur Hanover, who hit the wire first in another low-end conditioned trot.

Dunn now has 18 winners at the winter meeting and is well in front of Corey Callahan, whose driving double gave him 10 victories, good for second in the driver standings.

A PAIR OF FOURS: Yannick Gingras is apparently not interested in Dunn running away with the driver’s title, as the Big M overall driver champ from 2019 also guided four to the winner’s circle.

A LITTLE MORE: One sharp player betting into the Oregon Express hub held the only ticket to last five legs in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 and walked away with $8,596.70. The wager has now paid at least $3,526.86 during each of the last five race cards. … Chalk players took it on the chin most of the night as only two favorites won over the first 12 races, which helped bolster the payouts of the 50-cent Pick-5 ($6,292.35) and 50-cent Pick-4 ($3,155.05). … All-source wagering on the card totaled $2,416,176. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

ITTY BITTY WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 35G DISTAFF FEATURE

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

YONKERS, NY, Friday, January 17, 2020—Itty Bitty (Dan Dube., $8.10) was the best after two moves Friday night (Jan 17^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.  

Away third from assigned post position No. 5, Itty Bitty watched as 3-5 favorite Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan) leapfrogged her quintet of inside rivals.  

After early intervals of :27 and :57, Itty Bitty was out and moving toward a 1:25.2 three-quarters. She then engaged the leader in and out of the final turn, with the people’s preference empty through the lane. Itty Bitty was able to close the sale, the final margin over two-hole Cay’s Blessing (Jason Bartlett) a neck in 1:54.2. Made of Jewels AS (Eric Goodell), Renaissance Lady K (Jordan Stratton) and Feelin’ Red Hot settling for the minors.

Tipp City (Brent Holland) was outrun.  

For second choice Itty Bitty, a now-6-year-old daughter of Always a Virgin co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard, B&I Stables, Stephen Klunowski and John Schmucker, it was a successful seasonal debut for a 24^th career victory. The exacta paid $51, with the triple returning $181