Disaff Open heads Tuesday Cal Expo program

By Mark Ratzky, publicity - Cal Expo Harness

Watch and Wager LLC will now conduct harness racing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Cal Expo.  

There will be 10-race cards both days this week with a first post of 3:30 p.m. Pacific.

Tuesday's card features a carryover of $54,068 in the 10-cent Single 6, which begins on the fifth race.

There are also two wagers offered with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate - the 20-cent Pick 5 and 20-cent Pick 4 - with a $50,000-guaranteed pool in the Pick 4 on both days.

Free past performances can be found at https://www.trackmaster.com/usta

Tuesday's main event is a $7,200 Filly and Mare Open Pace.

Assigned the outside three posts in that contest are Bertha Vanation with Nick Roland; Alwaysaliitlemore, who will have services of Luke Plano and Velocity Mcsweets with James Kennedy.

Looking ahead to Wednesday's action, there will be a pair of $14,000 California Sire Stakes headed by Prom Queen and Its Pointless, respectively; and a $7,400 Open Trot featuring Mandeville.

Free past performances for Cal Expo

by Mark Ratzky, publicity - Cal Expo Harness

Watch and Wager LLC.com, operator of California Expo Harness, has reached an agreement with Trackmaster and the USTA for free past performances for the upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday programs.

First post for the Tuesday and Wednesday cards is 3:30 Pacific.

Past performances can be found at the USTA strategic wagering page at https://www.trackmaster.com/usta

Saturday Cal Expo feature lures pacing distaffers

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Capitol Hill and Virgin Eyes, two hard-knocking performers, get top billing in Saturday night’s $5,400 filly and mare pacing feature.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 10 races with first post set for 6:10 p.m.

Capitol Hill is a 9-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover who goes about her business for George McChrystal and Kathie Plested with Steve Wiseman training and Jacob Cutting in the sulky.

A lifetime winner of $143,000 with 25 wins from her 164 starts and a 1:53 2/5 mark that was set here three years ago, Capitol Hill is coming off a solid runner-up finish where she ignited late but was unable to catch upsetter Surprisingly Sweet under these conditions.

Virgin Eyes has been doing all her work in the Open ranks and should appreciate the class relief in the headliner. Her most recent trip to the charmed enclosure came on February 29 at the top level.

The Always A Virgin mare carries the banner of Aleksandra Karl, is conditioned by Robert Corbin and will once again be guided by Dean Magee while departed from the No. 5 slot in the cast of six.

Rounding out the field are Along Came Jane, Relentless Dancer, Brian’s Magic Girl and Place At The Beach.

Heza Real Diamond continues to shine

Heza Real Diamond recorded his fourth straight victory at the head of the class last weekend, with all of those victories coming from the demanding No. 10 post position.

The 4-year-old son of All American, who is owned by Orlando Nevarez and conditioned by Edwin Quevedo, has been sensational with Nick Roland giving directions with all of those victories coming in handy fashion.

In last week’s score, he was parked to the lead by the quarter, took complete control of things from that point and came to the line with two and three-quarrter lengths to spare. His 1:51 1/5 clocking in his previous tally equaled his lifetime standard.

                                                 ***

There are two wagers offered here each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 20-cebnt Pick 5 and the 20-cent Pick 4.

The Pick 5 starts with the opening race, while the Pick 4 is decided over the final four races on Saturday’s program.

The Pick 4 features a $40,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturday and a $30,000 guarantee on Friday. 

To give an example of the value added with the lower takeout, last Friday night’s Pick 4 returned $988 for each correct 20-cent investment. That would have been $895 using the regular rate, a difference of $93 for each winning ticket.

MONTICELLO HARNESS HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION LOOKS OUT FOR THEIR MEMBERS

   from the  Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association

Alan Schwartz president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association, said that we were informed that racing at Monticello Raceway was going to cease on March 16th

.

"Our family of drivers, trainers, grooms was devastated, Schwartz noted. "Not only did they fear for themselves being unable to eat but what was going to happen to the horses at the track. They need care on a day- to- day basis so abandoning them was definitely not an option."

So Schwartz got things moving. He reached out to the track's parent company, Resorts World Catskills,  and with their financial help, every horse stabled at the track would be provided with feed, hay and straw. Each driver, trainer and groom would get a monetary subsidy for two weeks based on their prior 2 weeks of income. 

After meeting with track's parent management Schwartz negotiated that horses would be able to jog every day and  it was agreed that the track  would provide a maintenance crew that would come every other day.

"Seems this is extraordinary to have been accomplished when none of the other race tracks has gone the extra mile to take care of those people and animals that support their track all year long," Schwartz said. "Where are the owners of these tracks hiding ? Don't they have some responsibility as well?"

Perhaps this should be known throughout the industry as a prime example of helping when help is truly needed. 

.

Cal Expo approved for Tuesday/Wednesday schedule

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

At Thursday’s special meeting of the California Horse Racing Board, Watch and Wager LLC received approval to race on Tuesday and Wednesday beginning next week.

First post for these programs will be 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Meanwhile, this week will find the trotters and pacers in action at Cal Expo on Friday and Saturday night, with 10-race cards and a first post of 6:10 p.m.

Friday Cal Expo card brings out Royal Mistress

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Royal Mistress figures to get plenty of support in Friday night’s feature at Cal Expo, a $5,400 conditioned event for pacing fillies and mares.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 10-race cards on both Friday and Saturday this week with first post set for 6:10 p.m.

Royal Mistress is the 9-5 favorite on Trackman Marty Bridges’ morning line.

A 6-year-old daughter of Jk Royal Flush, the bay miss is owned by Kevin Anderson, hails from the Gordie Graham barn and will have the services of James Kennedy while leaving from No. 6 slot in a field of seven.

Royal Mistress has four wins from her 10 starts on the season, with the most recent coming in a February 7 Distaff Open where she sat the pocket journey for Kennedy and ignited when it counted to be up by a neck.

Sing Along is listed as the 7-2 second choice and her best effort will certainly make her dangerous. Edwin Quevedo owns and trains and Luke Plano pilots the Rock N Roll Hanover mare, who is coming off back-to-back sharp efforts.

Taking them on will be Lookslikewemadeit with Mooney Svendsen; Velocity Layla, Jacob Cutting; Hi Fidelity, Braxten Boyd; Getter Queen Flush, John Roberts; and Kiss On The Lips with Nick Roland at the controls.

Single 6 carryover, low takeout bets featured

There will be a $40,644 carryover in the 10-cent Single 6 wager on Friday night at Cal Expo.

The sequence begins with the fifth race on the program.

A single (unique) winner in the wager receives 100 percent of the net pool plus the carryover. Otherwise the pool is divided equally into the minor share and the carryover.

In addition, there is a reduced 16 percent takeout rate in both the 20-cent Pick 5 and 20-cent Pick 4.

The Pick 5 starts with the opening race, while the Pick 4 is decided over the final four races on Friday’s program.

The Pick 4 features a $40,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturday and a $30,000 guarantee on Friday.

To give an example of the value added with the lower takeout, last Friday night’s Pick 4 returned $988 for each correct 20-cent investment. That would have been $895 using the regular rate, a difference of $93 for each winning ticket.

Harness racing Friday and Saturday at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Harness racing will be conducted this Friday and Saturday at Cal Expo, with first post at 6:10 p.m. and 10-race cards presented each night.

There is a $40,644 carryover in the 10-cent Single 6 on Friday, and there are two wagers offered with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 20-cent Pick 5 and 20-cent Pick 4.

The Pick 4 features a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool on Friday and $40,000 on Saturday.

The California Horse Racing Board denied Watch and Wager LLC’s request to run cards on Tuesday and Wednesday with a 3:30 p.m. post and those programs were switched to the usual Friday and Saturday evening slots.

Cal Expo Request to Change Racing Dates Denied

Cal Expo in California, which had asked for approval to alter its race schedule, posted the following Monday night: Our request to move to a Tuesday/ Wednesday schedule has been denied. Stay tuned for more details.

New Date for 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship (WHHC) presented by DerbyWars.com

Meadowlands Racetrack Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ - Due to the COVID-19 virus and the indefinite shutdown of harness racing at the Meadowlands Racetrack, the 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com has been rescheduled to July 25^th, 2020.  

The Meadowlands will look to add an additional qualifier or two once it reopens for live racing.

DerbyWars will host regular online Qualifiers for the WHHC through July.  Players can qualify for as little as $22.    Complete DerbyWars Qualifier information can be found at DerbyWars.com.

The World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament (now Saturday, July 25^th) with a welcome reception the evening prior.  Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,300.  The $1,300 entry fee includes a $300 bankroll, with the remaining $1,000 going to the prize pool.  The $150,000 prize pool is based on an estimated 150 entries.  The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of seven Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races.  Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings.  Prize payouts are to the Top 10. 

For more information on how to become a WHHC partner outlet or sponsor, contact Rachel Ryan, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (raryan@playmeadowlands.com) or 201-842-5015.  For online qualifying on DerbyWars.com, players may contact support@derbywars.com.

All WHHC details can be found at http://www.meadowlandsracetrack.com/contest_detail.aspx?id=8240

Cal Expo Conditionally Alters Schedule

CAL EXPO HARNESS, SACRAMENTO… Watch and Wager LLC operator of Cal Expo Harness has received conditional approval from the California Horse Racing Board to move to a Tuesday and Wednesday schedule effective this Tuesday March24th. The condition is a legal review from the Board that will be issued on Monday.

The racing office is double drawing today with 158 entries. Post time for the Tuesday and Wednesday cards is scheduled for 3:05 Pacific.

The Racetrack will remain closed to the public. The Simulcast center is closed.

More details will be announced as soon as available.

Open Trot getting the Saturday Cal Expo marque treatment

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Pridecrest, Mandeville and Its a Horse, who have each had victories at the top rung at this meet, square off in Saturday night’s featured $6,700 Open Trot.

The headliner will go as the fifth contest on an 11-race Watch and Wager LLC program and things will underway at 6:10 p.m.

Pridecrest scored three straight Open victories between January 24 and February 15, then had to settle for third after a first-over trip while leaving from the demanding No. 10 slot in last week’s get-together at the head of the class.

An 8-year-old son of Angus Hall, Pridecrest is owned by Heather Mathews, is conditioned by Steve Wiseman and has Mooney Svendsen guiding from the outside post in the field of seven.

He comes into this assignment with 38 wins from his 150 lifetime trips to the post, with $318,000 in his bank account and a 1:53 2/5 standard that was established here three years ago.

Mandeville got the job done with these last week in coast-to-coast fashion with Gerry Longo in what marked his third start back since a slight vacation. Longo owns and trains and Nick Roland will drive the Majestic Son gelding this weekend.

Its a Horse packs a big punch in the stretch and deserves plenty of respect for owner Ray Alan Miller, trainer Marco Rios and pilot Dean Magee. His most recent victory came in the Joe Lighthill Trot on December 13 over a sloppy track. Dougs Hobby Horse, Majestic Lady Jo, Windsun Galaxie and Big Hero complete the field.

Veteran Mandeville back in the spotlight

After a couple of runner-up finishes following some time off, Mandeville returned to his winning ways last week in the Open Trot.

With his owner/trainer Gerry Longo in the sulky, Mandeville went right to the top, withstood a strong challenge from Pridecrest turning for home and went on to a length victory over the sloppy track. He will be guided by Nick Roland for this weekend’s assignment.

It was the 24^th lifetime tally for the Majestic Son gelding and pushed his career earnings over $226,000. He set his 1:54 2/5 lifetime mark last season at Saratoga.

“I bought him in Kentucky late last year after he won back-to-back Opens at that new track,” Longo explained.

“When I first got him, his feet were in pretty bad shape and he was racing with glue-on shoes. Between myself, the blacksmith Louie and my groom Oscar, we did lots of work with him and his foot finally grew out.”

In addition to Its a Horse, who was runner-up in last week’s Open, Mandeville will have to deal with Pridecrest. That one peeled off three straight victories at this level going into last week’s tour, where he left from the challenging No. 10 post and did his work in first-over fashion.

Heza Real Diamond eyes fourth straight Friday at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Heza Real Diamond, who has rattled off an impressive hat trick at the head of the class, looks to add another score to the streak as heads the field for Friday night’s $6,700 Open Pace.

There will also be a $6,700 Filly and Mare Open Pace that finds a rematch between Alwaysalittlemore and the mare who upset her last week in Bertha Vanation.

There will be 11 races contested under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:10 p.m.

Heza Real Diamond is a 4-year-old son of Allamerican Native who is owned by Orlando Nevarez, takes his lessons from Edwin Quevedo and will once again have the services of Nick Roland while leaving from the assigned No. 10 post position.

The hard-knocking performer has posed for pictures following five of his last six outings, with the only setback being a nose defeat at the hands of Allmyx’sliventexas, who will be among his rivals on Friday.

In his most recent appearance two weeks ago, Heza Real Diamond also did his work from that demanding No. 10 slot and proved a punctual 2-5 favorite as he made two moves to the lead at the half and took complete control of things from that point.

The Nevarez colorbearer had three and three quarter lengths on runner-up Bestinthebusiness that night and equaled his lifetime standard with the 1:51 1/5 clocking. In addition to Allmyx’sliventexas and Bestinthebusiness, Heza Real Diamond will line up against Queenace Blue Chip, Almost Cut My Hair and Bettor’s Promise.

$31,188 Single 6 carryover spices the Friday action

There is a $31,188 carryover going into Friday night’s 10-cent Single 6 wager, with the sequence getting underway in the fifth race.

There are also two wagers offered here each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 20-cent Pick 5 and the 20-cent Pick 4.

The Pick 4 comes with a $40,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturdays and a $30,000 guarantee on Fridays.

To show the added value of the low takeout bets, two weeks ago there was a Pick 4 sequence that returned $1,008 for each correct 20-cent ticket.

Using the old takeout, it would have returned $907, a difference of $101 for each winning prognostication.

                                              ***

In addition to the 11-race program on Friday, there will be a pair of California Sire Stakes for 3-year-olds going as non-betting affairs prior to the regular card.

Both Its Pointless among the males and Prom Queen with the fillies have swept their respective divisions to this point and will look to continue their dominance for trainers Gordie Graham and Robin Clements, respectively.

Buffalo Raceway Dark For 45 Days

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Based on the changing circumstances and in the interest of public health, Buffalo Raceway announced on Monday (March 16) that live harness racing will be cancelled for 45 days due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

An expected restart date is Saturday, May 2.

Buffalo Raceway COO James Mango stated, "We will continue to monitor the recommendations of health professionals and abide by the regulatory direction from our local. state and federal officials.

For updates and current news from Buffalo Raceway, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Bayonne Closing

Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ - Based on the new CDC guidelines limiting public gatherings of 50 or more to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Bayonne will be closing beginning at 8 p.m. today, Monday March 16.

The properties will remain closed for simulcasting and live racing indefinitely.

The health and safety of our employees, horsemen, patrons and community are our top priority.

Meadowlands Racetrack will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when possible.

Monticello Raceway to limit access to Barn Area

Monticello, NY - Effective immediately Monticello Raceway will limit all incoming traffic to the barn area until March 30, if horseman do not have horses on the grounds they are not permitted in the barn area.

Only horsemen, (trainers, drivers, grooms and owners) that have horses on the grounds and support staff such as veterinarian, blacksmiths, feed and supply vendors will be able to enter the barn area until March 30.

Mr Euroman N Successful In 2020 Buffalo Debut

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Mr Euroman N ($10.60) made his 2020 seasonal debut a successful one with a gate-to-wire win over Andy's Ideal in Buffalo Raceway's featured $11,000 Class AA-Open Handicap Pace on Saturday night (March 14).

The score by Mr Euroman N capped a stellar night for driver Billy Davis Jr. as Buffalo Raceway's leading driver put together a five-win evening while trainer Maria Rice and co-owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock enjoyed three victories on the 13-race program.

Starting from the rail, Mr Euroman N stomped out to the early advantage and posted fractions of :29.4, :58.2 and 1:27.2 over the fast track. In the stretch, Mr Euroman N found no takers and was in cruise control hitting the wire in 1:56.0. Andy's Ideal (Kyle Cummings) was second with Iluvtomakemoney (Ray Fisher Jr.) grabbing the show spot.

Mr Euroman N (Art Major-Little Big Sister), an 8-year-old gelding, saw his career winnings move to $164,055.

In the first of two $10,000 Class A paces, Drunkonaplane (Davis Jr.) made a big three-wide brush heading to the three-quarter marker and flew home a winner in 1:57.0. He beat Jim's Great (Kevin Cummings) by a diminishing neck while Myell's Rockstar (Shawn McDonough) was third.

Drunkonaplane ($3.60) is co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock. Trained by Rice, it was the third win in 10 tries for the 6-year-old gelded Drunkonaplane (Rock N Roll Heaven-Ali Badali). He has now earned $16,218 this season and $151,821 lifetime.

It was a cavalry charge down the stretch in the second division with a photo needed to decide the winner. In the end, Percy's Z Tam ($9.20) and driver Kevin Cummings held on by a nose in 1:56.4 with Blue On Black (McDonough) and Santana Beach (Aaron Byron) settling for the disappointing second and third place positions respectively.  

Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, the 6-year-old gelded Percy's Z Tam (American Ideal-Mintjulep Bluechip) has now scored three victories in eighth starts this year. The win upped his seasonal bankroll to $15,890 and $201,286 in his career.

Aaron Byron and Kevin Cummings had driving doubles on the evening.

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 13-race program scheduled. There will be a $5,000 guarantee in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

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

Open Trot, Filly and Mare Open Pace set Saturday at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

A pair of Opens headline the Saturday night action at Cal Expo, with Pridecrest leaving from the assigned No. 10 slot in the $7,000 Open Trot and Alwaysalittlemore doing her work from the same challenging post in the $6,700 Distaff Open.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 11 races with a first post of 6:10 p.m., with the Filly and Mare Open as the second race and the Open Trot occupying the third-race spot on the evening.

Alwaysalittlemore has posed for pictures following four of her last six trips to the post and is now being asked to keep the momentum going while leaving from the extreme outside post in the Distaff Open.

A 6-year-old daughter of Always A Virgin, Alwaysalittle more carries the banner of Maria Alvarez and Terrence Smith, hails from the Edward Hernandez shedrow and will once again have the services of Luke Plano.

The bay miss has actually crossed the finish line first in five of her last six starts, but was set back to second by the stewards on February 29 after racing inside two pylons.

Alwaysalittlemore rebounded last week with a victory as the 7-5 choice, opening a large lead turning for home and then holding safe by a head over a hard-charging Bertha Vanation that evening.

The latter is a Voracious Hanover mare who is coming off back-to-back big efforts for owner Cathy Dessert and driver/trainer Nick Roland. Bertha Vanation flew home to handle a conditioned crew two weeks ago, then came home smartly once again in last week’s Open to just fall short.

Low takeout wagers, Single 6 featured

There are two wagers offered here each night with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate in   the 20-cent Pick 5 and the 20-cent Pick 4.

In addition, the Pick 4 comes with a $40,000-guaranteed gross pool on Saturdays and a $30,000 guarantee on Fridays.

There was a Single 6 carryover of nearly $24,000 going into Friday’s program, so if that went unhit, it would be a worthwhile stab on Saturday at only 10 cents a ticket for the shot at a nice prize.

To show the value in the lower takeout, last Saturday night’s 20-cent Pick 4 returned $1,008 for each correct 20-cent ticket. Using the regular takeout rate, it would have paid $907, a difference of $101 for each winning prognostication.

The only favorite in the aforementioned sequence was the victory by Blue Star Maverick at 7-5 odds. The Lorne Duffield-owned, Steve Wiseman-trained and Luke Plano-driven son of As Promised obviously enjoyed the class relief as he responded with a clear-cut score in coast-to-coast fashion.

Things got off to an auspicious start in that Pick 4 when the Gerry Longo owned/trained/driven Key Word posted a $30 upset, with Free Radical ($9) rounding out the sequence.

By the way, the victory behind Blue Star Maverick was the fourth on Saturday’s card for Plano, who had a triple on Friday and padded his lead in the driver standings.

Monticello Raceway Cancels Live Racing and Simulcasting until March 30

Monticello, NY – Ensuring the health and welfare of our patrons, horsemen and employees is our top priority and we therefore will cease live racing and simulcasting beginning Monday, March 16 as a result of the COVID-19 virus.  Our plan is to reopen Monday, March 30, but we will continue to closely monitor developments and rely on guidance from the CDC as well as state and local health officials.

During the down time, the Simulcasting Room, Racing Paddock, Race Office, and common areas will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization process.” 

Cal Expo to race this week; Closed to public

There will be harness racing Friday and Saturday night at Cal Expo with only essential employees and licensees allowed, and everyone will enter through Gate 12.

Buffalo Raceway Plans For COVID-19 Outbreak

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Buffalo Raceway announced on Thursday (March 12) that live harness racing will continue but only essential personnel and horsemen will be permitted on the grounds until further notice due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The track's clubhouse will be closed to all patrons wishing wager on the races live.

Wagering on Buffalo Raceway will be available throughout various off-track betting and simulcasting locations along with ADW outlets.

Simulcasting daily in the Buffalo Raceway clubhouse will be closed indefinitely as well.

Racing will be conducted on Saturday evening starting a 6 p.m. with a 13-race card scheduled.

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

ALAN SCHWARTZ WINS NAADA TROT AT MONTCELLO FOR HIS 621ST AMATEUR DRIVING VICTORY

by john manzi for NAADA

MONTICELLO, NY --- A short 5-horse field gathered at Monticello Raceway on Thursday,(March 12)  for a $5000 trot and when the judges reviewed the finish-line photo they declared Ladys Big Stormont the winner over a hard-charging Multitaskr Hanover (Dave Yarock) in the second leg of the NAADA 2020 spring trotting series.

Accomplished amateur Alan Schwartz  was at the controls and he guided the veteran 9-year-old Earl Of Stormont gelding to a wire to wire 2:02.2 neck victory, the horses first of the season and 44^th of his career.

Starting from the pole position after two late scratches, Schwartz sent his charge to the lead and when no one challenged he got his veteran trotter to the first stanza in :31.3 and left alone on the front-end Ladys Big Stormont had a length and a half lead over Multitaskr Hanover when the half mile timer lashed 1:02.2.

“He hadn't been racing well this year but today he felt strong and he went on to prove it,” Schwartz said of is trotter.

When the field headed up the backside the second time around Bob Davis moved Making Sparks from third position and charged at the leader but Ladys Big Stormont rebuffed that challenge. At the top of the lane Yarock tipped Multitaskr Hanover off the pylons and they took dead aim at Ladys Big Stormont but for them the finish line came up too soon and they had to settle for second money, a head behind the winner.

“I was pleasantly surprised that my horse was strong all the way to the wire,” Schwartz added. “This is the best race he's gone thus far this year.”

Schwartz, a longtime owner of harness horses, began his amateur driving career in 1988 and today he scored his 621^st driving victory which is tops in the amateur driving community. He owns and trains the winner who paid $9.40 for win.

Allmyx’sliventexas, Bestinthebusiness square off at Cal Expo Friday

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Allmyx’sliventexas and Bestintehbusiness, who have been chasing home the razor-sharp Heza Real Diamond of late, get away from that rival and head the cast in Friday night’s $5,100 Open II Pace.

There will also be a pair of $7,000 California Sire Stakes for the 3-year-old pacers, with Prom Queen getting top billing in the filly division, while Its Pointless is strictly the one to beat in the male section, with the latter race going as a non-betting affair prior to the regular card.

There are 11 races on tap under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post at 6:10 p.m.

Allmyx’sliventexas comes into the Friday assignment with some impressive credentials, as the 7-year-old son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s has won 36 of his 119 starts, has $214,000 in his bank account and sports a 1:50 lifetime standard that was established two years ago at Hoosier Park.

The hard-hitting veteran is owned and was bred by Wayne and Rod Knittel, he’s conditioned by Bob Johnson and Mooney Svendsen will be in his usual position in the sulky.

Allmyx’sliventexas recorded his most recent tally on January 25, when he sat the pocket behind the aforementioned Heza Real Diamond and nailed him right on the money in a 1:50 2/5 tour.

Bestinthebusiness is in fine form at the moment with a conditioned victory and back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Open level. He campaigns for Brett Boyd Racing Inc., hails from the Leon Smith barn and has Braxten Boyd once again giving direction. Almost Cut My Hair, Part Time and Queenace Blue Chip complete the field.

Prom Queen, Its Pointless look to continue dominance

Prom Queen and Its Pointless cemented their positions at the head of their respective sophomore California Sire Stakes divisions with clear-cut victories in last week’s second round of action and will be back seeking more trophies on Friday night.

Prom Queen is a daughter of Little Steven who has captured both of her stakes dances in impressive come-from-behind style while not being favored on either occasion, while Its Pointless has dominated his male rivals while going off the solid choice in both appearances.

Racing for owner/trainer Robin Clements and co-bred with Desomer Stables Inc, Prom Queen has shown a real affinity for coming home in a hurry with Nick Roland giving directions.

She had four and a quarter lengths on favored Debit Or Credit in last weekend’s tour while lowering her mark to 1:58 1/5 in the process. “I love this filly and she is fast,” pilot Roland related after the score.

“She is still green and learning to race,” added Clements, “but she’s getting there. She is a bit of a princess in that if you change her equipment and she doesn’t like it, she will throw a tantrum.”

It seems the name Prom Queen fits this 3-year-old filly perfectly and it also appears as though many more winner’s circle appearances are in her future.

As for her male counterpart, Its Pointless just goes to the front and widens from there, with the Mark Anderson-owned, Gordie Graham-trained, James Kennedy-driven son of Kent’s On Nuke currently too much for his rivals.

Bred For Greatness Still Great At Buffalo

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Bred For Greatness ($6.20) was certainly 'great' once again as he notched a length victory over Lougazi in Buffalo Raceway's $13,000 Class A-Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday evening (March 11). 

It was the fifth victory in six starts this year for Bred For Greatness and it was also his seasonal best with a 1:58.1 clocking.

Getting a perfect stalking trip behind the fraction-setting Cr Blazin Beauty, Bred For Greatness (Jim Morrill Jr.) tipped to the outside down the stretch and took command midway down the lane. Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) made his usual late charge but ran out of real estate and had to settle for second while Cr Blazin Beauty (Kevin Cummings).

Co-owned by trainer Mike Ohol and Steven Gross, the 6-year-old gelded Bred For Greatness (Federal Flex-Wendy Woo) now has produced $23,940 in earnings in 2020 and $116,221 in his career.

Noble Legend ($2.70) was no match in the $10,000 Class A-B Handicap Trot as the 8-year-old gelding put a 12-1/4 length pounding on the field in 1:58.3 over the fast track.

There race was never in doubt as Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) roared right off the gate and put up splits of :31.,1, 1:00.4 and 1:29.4 in going the mile in 1:58.3. The only battle in the event was for the place position as Are You In (Cummings) finished a distant second with Barn Winner (Fisher Jr.) taking third.

Co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock, it was the first win in seven tries for Noble Legend (Kadabra-Lovin It). The victory moved his seasonal earnings to $14,860 and $292,889 lifetime. 

Julio's Girl (David McNeight III) produced a :57 back half and that proved to be more than enough to capture the $10,000 Class A Handicap Pace for the filly and mares.

Getting a first over trip, Julio's Girl ($7.50) collared the pace-setting The Bay Front near the three-quarter marker and strutted away to the 3-1/2 length win in a season's best of 1:56.1. The Bay Front (Morrill Jr.) held on for the place position with Little Joke (Davis Jr.) rolling into third.

Trained by James Clouser Jr. and owned by William Emmons, Julio's Girl (Art Director-Prayer Answered) has now found the winner's circle four times in six tries. The 7-year-old mare now has a seasonal bankroll of $15,980 and $161,958 in her lifetime.

Davis Jr. completed the night with four driving victories while Morrill Jr. added a pair. Rice conditioned a pair winners.

Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 13-race program slated. There will be a $955 carryover in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

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

Irish-Themed Buffet this St. Patrick’s Weekend at the Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ - Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long with special buffet offerings and voucher drawings.  Live harness racing kicks off at 6:55 pm both Friday & Saturday night.

On Friday, March 13 guests can enjoy the $29.95 Irish themed buffet in Pink.  Potato & leek soup, Irish soda bread, corned beef & cabbage and pork chop murphy are menu highlights.  Homemade cupcakes and brownies with mint chocolate chip ice cream are perfect sweet ends to the night.

For those wanting more Irish –themed fare on Saturday, March 14, diners can enjoy the $39.95 Pink St. Patrick’s buffet.  The menu features hand-carved NY strip steak, Guinness battered cod & chips, corned beef & cabbage and creamy pesto fettuccini. 

On Saturday guests have a chance to leave with a little more green in their pockets in the “Go Green for Greenbacks” promotion.  Every time a driver with green in his colors wins two lucky fans win $50 betting vouchers. Entry forms are available in the live racing program and at the Players Club Desk.  

Reservations for dining can be made by calling 201-TheBigM.
For full menus, racing and event information visit http://playmeadowlands.com/dining/frimarch13-st-pats.html

Two More Qualify for the WHHC Final

Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ – James Sidor of Bloomfield, New Jersey, captured the March 7^th  World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier presented by DerbyWars.com at the Meadowlands Racetrack. 

Sidor started out strong cashing for $235 in the Meadowlands’ first race with a $50 win wager on #3 Sports Vision.  He solidified his lead with a $440 score in race 5 with $40 to win on #2 Vettel N.  Sidor finished the contest with $674, $168 more than his closest competitor.  With this win he is qualified for the 2020 WHHC Final at the Meadowlands on April 18^th.

Joe Barre of Waretown, NJ, also qualified for the April 18^th Final with his second place finish in Saturday’s contest with $506.  His largest score was for $482 in race twelve with $10 to win on long-shot Barefoot Bluejeans.  

The $200 Qualifier required contestants to place a minimum of  ten $10 win, wagers on Meadowlands races. 

The top ten finishers from this qualifier were:

First	Last	Bankroll	Prize $
James	Sidor	$674	$945 + WHHC Seat
Joe	Barre	$506	$675 + WHHC Seat
Ira	Sobel	$399	$540
Mike	Petrucelli	$252	$270
Justin	Sobel	$219	$135
Guy	Gerber	$176	$27
E.	Howland	$126	$27
Alan	Hirschberg	$118	$27
H.	Frenkel	$112	$27
Michael	Kanter	$79	$27

The World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament [April 18, 2020], with a welcome reception the evening prior.  Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,300.  The $1,300 entry fee includes a $300 bankroll, with the remaining $1,000 going to the prize pool.  The $150,000 prize pool is based on an estimated 150 entries. 

DerbyWars hosts online Qualifiers for the WHHC every Saturday night.  Players can qualify for as little as $22.    Complete DerbyWars Qualifier information can be found at DerbyWars.com.

Buffalo Raceway’s qualifier with one spot into the Final will be held on Saturday, March 21^st.

For more information on how to become a WHHC partner outlet or sponsor, contact Rachel Ryan, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (raryan@playmeadowlands.com) or 201-842-5015.  For online qualifying on DerbyWars.com, players may contact support@derbywars.com.

All WHHC details can be found at http://www.meadowlandsracetrack.com/contest_detail.aspx?id=8240

POSTS DRAWN FOR OPENERS OF BLUE CHIP MATCHMAKER, BORGATA SERIES

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

YONKERS, NY, Monday, March 9, 2020—Post positions have been drawn for the opening rounds of Yonkers Raceway’s Blue Chip Matchmaker and MGM Borgata Pacing Series.

Friday night (March 13^th) offers three, $40,000 Matchmaker divisions (races 2, 4 and 6) for the premier mares…and it didn’t take long for Shartin N (Tim Tetrick, post 1) and Caviart Ally (Andrew McCarthy, post 5) to get acquainted, both drawing into the first grouping.

The two-time defending series champ---and current Horse of the Year—Shartin N returns to town for her first visit since winning last season’s finale, included in a 42-for-57, $2.1 million career resume.

The 7-year-old Down Under daughter of Tintin in America began her season with a 1:50 flat win at Dover.

‘Ally’ also wasted no time getting her picture taken in 2020, a 1:49.4 effort across the river. The 6-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight enters with 26 wins in 73 career starts ($1.8 million).

Friday night’s second division includes last season’s Matchmaker runner-up, Bettor Joy N (Tetrick, post 4) and Apple Bottom Jeans (Corey Callahan, post 6). Both ladies find their way back from Delaware for this series, having finished third (Apple Bottom Jeans) and fourth (Bettor Joy N), respectively, to Shartin N a week ago.

The final Matchmaker get-together is led by Seaswift Joy N (Jim Marohn Jr., post 2), a 7-year-old Down Under Bettor’s Delight miss fresh off a 10-win, $263,000 2019 season.

Saturday night (March 14^th) finds four consecutively-contested, $50,000 Borgata (nee George Morton Levy Memorial) divisions, going as races 5 through 8.

The opening event of Free-For-All lads features the rock-solid None Bettor A (Tetrick, post 2) meeting up with Rodeo Rock (Eric Goodell, post 4) and millionaire-in-waiting Sintra (George Brennan, post 7).

The second division is led by the series champ of a year ago, Western Fame (Dan Dube, post 7). The 7-year-old son of Western Ideal won seven races and in excess of $704,000 last season.

Saturday night’s third Borgata event includes weekly Local Open Handicap standout Jack’s Legend N (Jason Bartlett, post 4), Trump Nation (Brennan, post 6) and Lyons Steel (Pat Lachance, post 7).

The fourth and final grouping goes through the red-hot Backstreet Shadow (Tetrick, post 2), who eyes a fifth consecutive victory, the first four all down at Dover.    

Both the Blue Chip Matchmaker and Borgata offer five preliminary rounds leading to finals set for Saturday night, Apr. 18^th.

I’M SOME GRADUATE, ELYSIUM LINDY WIN SATURDAY NIGHT 44G OPEN HANDICAPS

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

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, March 7, 2020—Down-the-roaders I’m Some Graduate (George Brennan, $6) and Elysium Lindy (Dan Dube, $27.40) proved best Saturday night (March 7^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s pair of $44,000 Open Handicaps.

I’m Some Graduate, from assigned post position No. 5 in the adult-table pace, had few issues in maintaining huis current form. He worked around pole-sitting I’marocknrollegend N (Joe Bongiorno), then finished what he started (:27.1; :57, 1:24.2; 1:52.2) after a weak, first-over attempt by Tremendous Play  (Jason Bartlett). ‘Legend” chased in vain, beaten a couple of lengths, with Soho Lennon A (Jim Marohn Jr.) a non-threatening third.

Luciano N (Austin Siegelman) and Micky Gee N (Jordan Stratton) rounded out the payees.

For I’m Some Graduate, a 7-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke, Weaver Bruscemi, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby and Larry Karr, it was his fourth win in five seasonal starts (fourth in last five tries). The exacta (two wagering favorites) paid $18, with the triple returning $68.

Elysium Lindy also went the distance in a strange week’s marquee trot.

From the pole, he was seemingly content to sit behind Weslynn Dancer (Bartlett)…until the latter “wanted to go back to the paddock or something,” Bartlett said. At any rate, after two-moving to the lead, Weslynn Dancer found herself out in the air, serving as a fortuitous ‘pick’ for Elysium Lindy.

That one was more than accepting of the largesse, completing his appointed rounds (:27.1; 56.4; 1:25.1; 1:55) a length in front of cone-skimming Mostinterestingman (Siegelman). Third went to Stormy Kromer (catch-driver Bongiorno), with even-money choice Melady’s Monet (Brennan) fourth after having to go wide early around Weslynn Dancer.

Arabella’s Cadet (Stratton) picked off the final envelope, ahead of the self-imposed grief of Weslynn Dancer.

For fifth choice Elysium Lindy, a 7-year-old Cantab Hall gelding owned Panic Stable and trained by Andrew Harris, it was his fourth win in eight ’20 tries The exacta paid $178.50, with the triple returning $713.

COVERED BRIDGE STAYS PERFECT AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Covered Bridge has been so good early on in his 4-year-old campaign, he’s even surprised his trainer, Ron Burke.

“He has been even better than we had hoped,” said Burke of the gelded son of American Ideal-Stonebridge Kisses, who was a dominant winner of the Saturday night feature at the Meadowlands, a $27,500 high-end conditioned pace.

“We couldn’t be happier with him,” said winning driver Yannick Gingras. “He’s getting stronger every week.”

A scary thought for all the other 4-year-olds who will take him on this season.

Covered Bridge remained unbeaten in three starts this year – all at the Meadowlands – facing his toughest test of the season. He was in against Sintra, the “Terror from Toronto” who had won all four of his starts this season facing the best on the grounds at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and the super-formful Bell I No, who had finished second or better in seven straight Big M outings.

Unlike a week ago, Gingras opted to put Covered Bridge on the engine, making a second move to the top after yielding briefly to Sintra just after the quarter.

Given the caliber of the combatants, the half was reached in a lazy :56.1, and when one considers that Covered Bridge had won his first two outings of 2020 in 1:48.3 and 1:49.2, it was going to take a lot to catch him.

As it turned out, it could not be done.

After three-quarters was clocked in 1:24, Covered Bridge had a :26.3 kicker in his tank to easily beat Sintra, who is presumably on his way to Yonkers next week for the Borgata Series, by 1½ lengths in 1:50.3. Bell I No finished third.

“Mostly 4-year-old races,” said Burke when asked what the plan is for Covered Bridge. “But we will be re-evaluate soon.”

Is he the type of horse you’d put into the Graduate, which gets underway May 2 at the Meadowlands? “I think for sure.”

Covered Bridge, who is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby and Mortgage Boys Stable, returned $3.00 to his backers as the 1-2 favorite and has now won 10-of-36 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $273,837.

BOMBS AWAY! Pat Berry, aka “The Blue Berry Bomber”, put a big smile on his fans’ faces when he guided 47-1 shot Barefoot Bluejeans to victory lane in the 12^th race. The win price of $96.40 was the largest of 2020 at the Big M.

Apparently unsatisfied with one huge longshot, Berry came right back in the 13^th race and scored with 27-1 chance Jumping Jake, giving the 44-year-old pilot a sweep of the Late Double that paid $2,700.40. Berry scored earlier on the card with an 11-1 shot and his one Friday winner went off at 10-1.

With Berry’s bombs hitting their targets in the final two races, the Late Pick-4 returned $18,446.90 after driver Andy Miller and trainer Nick Surick teamed up to take legs one and two at odds of 5-1.

A LITTLE MORE: Betting surpassed the $2.5-million plateau for the 12^th time in the last 13 race cards, as a total of $2,845,232 was pushed through the windows on the 13 races. … Berry, Gingras and Andy McCarthy had driving triples on the program. After scoring in both co-features Friday, McCarthy finished the weekend with five winner’s circle trips. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:55 p.m.