Hey Kobe Up To The Challenge At Buffalo Raceway

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- On paper in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,500 Open II Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday night (May 16), it appeared that it was going to be a battle to see if anyone could knock off the front running Sgt Molly Pitcher. Hey Kobe showed she was up to the challenge.

After stalking the slightly favored Sgt Molly Pitcher for more than three quarters of a mile, the second choice in the wagering Hey Kobe (Drew Monti) used the 'lightning lane' to nudge past the pace setter by a neck in a seasonal best 1:55.2 over the fast track.

Sgt Molly Pitcher (Jim Morrill Jr.) was in charge early with fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.0. But turning for home it appeared the major danger to her was going to come from the first-over Rock My World (John Cummings Jr.). That threat never materialized but Hey Kobe was ready to take her turn.

Midway down the lane, Hey Kobe ($4.00) snuck up the passing lane and eventually got past Sgt Molly Pitcher just before the wire. Double Down Jo (Kevin Cummings) rallied late for third.

Owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., it was the fourth victory in 17 attempts this season for the 6-year-old mare Hey Kobe (Bettor's Delight-American West). The victory pushed her seasonal bankroll to $26,681 and $286,730 lifetime.

The amazing Quicksilvercandy A, a 14-year mare that produced 22 wins in 47 starts last season, continued to make her final year of racing a memorable one as she notched her 11th win in just 14 tries on the campaign with a 1-1/2 length decision over Tymal Luckynpink in 1:57.1.

Owned and trained by Riley Asher-Stalbaum, Quicksilvercandy A (Bad Bert-Forzett) has won four straight races now, putting $36,875 in the bank in 2018 and $717,103 in her career.

Ray Fisher Jr. completed the night with four victories in the bike while Kevin Cummings tripled.

Racing will resume on Saturday night with a 13-race card scheduled for a special 7 p.m. post to accommodate the running of the Preakness Stakes.

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

STANDARDBRED HORSEMEN ARE GUARDEDLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE COMMENCEMENT OF SPORTS BETTING

MANALAPAN, NJ -- May 16, 2018 -- Mark Ford, President of The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that New Jersey can implement legalized sports betting:

  “Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the state’s rights to permit sports betting is important to New Jersey’s harness racing industry. We thank all of those who pursued this lengthy litigation, which was designed to help the state’s horse racing and casino industries.

“The Standardbred breeding and racing industry has a long and important history in New Jersey and has been a vital part of the state’s economy, maintaining farms and open spaces and providing jobs. We believe that a fair division of profits from sports betting can benefit the state and our industry, and that this new addition to the gambling menu can have a positive impact on the handle on harness races.”

“We look forward to working with the state of New Jersey, legislators, and horse racing leadership, to ensure that sports betting is a plus for New Jersey’s horse racing industry.”

3rd Annual Meadowlands Racetrack Beerfest Only Four Days Away

Sixty-Three Participating Breweries on Saturday, May 19^th

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – On Saturday May 19^th, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment hosts its 3^rd Annual Spring Beer Fest.  Doors open for VIP at 4:30 pm with General Admission at 5:30 pm and beer is poured until 9:30pm. It is an evening of great craft beer and horse racing.  The event is rain or shine, all beers will be served under large tents or covered bars and festival goers are encouraged to bring umbrellas and ponchos.  Ponchos will also be available for sale during the event.

Sixty-three breweries and cideries are participating including a number of local New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York craft brewers.   NJ favorites 7 Mile Brewery, Flying Fish, Beach Haus,  River Horse, 902 Brewing Company, Lone Eagle, Forgotten Boardwalk, Bolero Snort, Ironbound Cider and Melick’s Hard Cider will be at the festival.  PA favorites including Sly Fox, Victory, Neshaminy Creek, and Yards will also be onsite.  Brooklyn, Defiant, Saranac, Cooperstown, Harlem Brewing, Bronx, Captain Lawrence, Southern Tier, Northway Brewing Co, and Ommegang are just a few New York based companies that will be attending.  Other breweries and cideries attending the festival include: Breckenridge, Red Hook, Elysian Brewery, Golden Road, Virtue Cider, Goose Island, Devil’s Backbone, Kona, 10 Barrel Brewing, Terrapin, Lord Hobo, Left Hand, Sweetwater Brewing, Boulevard Brewing, Austin East Cider, Two Roads, Epic, Cigar City, and Dogfish Head.  The complete list of breweries and the full beer lineup is at posted https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2018-meadowlands-racetrack-beer-festival/details

Special VIP only tastings include a Blue Point cask of Mosaic IPA with cucumber, Devil’s Backbone Oso Muerte, an Imperial  Stout with chili peppers, Neshaminy Creek’s Leon, a Russian Imperial Stout,  7 Mile’s Walter White, Bolero Snort’s Pina Bullada and Lone Eagle’s Bourbon Barrel GOLDEN Stout.

Johnny Checo from Neshaminy Creek will be the featured speaker providing festival goers the chance to learn about the brewing process and about Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company.

The 3^rd Annual Beer Fest will be held in the Backyard and on the East Apron rain or shine and will open to the public at 4:30 pm for VIP admission.  The VIP ticket is $75 and includes an additional 1 hour of sampling, exclusive VIP Tent beer samplings, and food.  General Admission begins at 5:30 pm and is available in advance for $35 or at the door for $45.  Live harness racing will commence at 7:15 pm.

To purchase tickets : https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/2018-meadowlands-racetrack-beer-festival/

ABOUT MEADOWLANDS RACING & ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1976, the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, NJ, has been a staple in North American racing, known for events like the Hambletonian and Meadowlands Pace. In November 2013, managing partner Jeffrey Gural and The Hard Rock unveiled the newly constructed Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. The state of the art complex features racing, entertainment, dining and more. Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment boasts year-round horse racing & simulcasting, Victory Sports Bar that doubles as an event space, a tiered dining restaurant Pink, corporate and private event spaces, as well as family-friendly Backyard activities. Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment creates an exciting environment that both racing and non-racing fans can enjoy. For more information on schedules and events, please visit: www.playmeadowlands.com or call 201-THE-BIG-M (201-843-2446).