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Yo Tillie Lands Return Victory in KYSS at Oak Grove

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:16:41 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Trainer Andrew Harris brought his star trotting mare Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie back to her old stomping grounds of Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel for her 4-year-old bow and comfortably found the winner’s circle as the 2-5 favorite in the lone $50,000 dash of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) for trotting mares on Monday (April 27).

R Dutchess (driven by Tim Tetrick) fired for the lead inside of Yo Tillie (Todd McCarthy) and relinquished controls to the favorite past a :27.1 first quarter. Yo Tillie coasted to a :57.4 half and gradually upped the tempo into the backstretch as Winnpanzee (Yannick Gingras) advanced uncovered out of fourth. Winnpanzee reached for the leader passing three-quarters in 1:25.4 and remained at her throat into the stretch, but Yo Tillie easily staved off the pressure in a sprint to the finish of a 1:53.2 mile for the win by a half length. Voguish (Dexter Dunn) saved ground for third and R Dutchess settled for fourth.

Yo Tillie, a winner in a KYSS series at Oak Grove as a 2-year-old when campaigned by Verlin Yoder, competes for owners William Pollock, Bruce Areman and Andrew Harris. The daughter of Tactical Landing won her 20th race from 25 starts, has now earned $1,309,495 and paid $2.94 to win.

Team Harris also opened the day’s KYSS action with a victory by recent acquisition Unreasonable, who also won in a KYSS series at Oak Grove, but as a 3-year-old. The now 4-year-old daughter of Huntsville ground uncovered on the rim after steep fractions of :26 and :54.1 cut by Duration (David Miller) and into a sprint to three-quarters in 1:21.1 before surging to the front and holding her ground for a 1:49.2 win as the 2-5 favorite. Rose (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) burst free from a pocket trip to finish a fast-closing second with Odds On Chesapeake (Todd McCarthy) rallying from second over for third. Pacesetter Duration tired to fourth.

Unreasonable won her 12th race from 27 starts and added to her bankroll now worth $726,634. She’s owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman and Andrew Harris and paid $2.86 to win.

Brett Pelling pupil Three Times Bettor (Dexter Dunn) scored in the other KYSS division for 4-year-old pacing mares. Dunn circled his charge to the lead after a :26.2 first quarter and comfortably cut middle fractions of :55.3 and 1:22 in progress to a 1:49.1 victory by 2-1/4 lengths over pocket-chaser Champagne Room (Yannick Gingras). Caviart Delight (Todd McCarthy) followed in third and The Last Martini (Doug McNair) finished best of the rest in fourth.

Three Times Bettor, a daughter of Bettor’s Delight, won her 10th race from 18 starts for owner Thaddeus Wier and has now earned $198,814. She paid $4.38 to win.

Higher Ground (David Miller) foiled a potential Ron Burke sweep of the KYSS events for 4-year-old pacing horses and geldings when downing 6-5 favorite Harrisburg Heist (Yannick Gingras) in the closing strides of a 1:50.3 mile in the first division. After Harrisburg Heist posted splits of :27.1 and :56.1 on the lead, Miller lifted Higher Ground out of fourth and fired forward to press the leader to three-quarters in 1:22.3. Higher Ground persisted against the pacesetter spinning for home and eventually edged past in the closing strides for a half-length win. Harrisburg Heist held second while Fusion (Todd McCarthy) rallied from second over for third and Bourbon County (Doug McNair) gave chase in fourth.

Michael Hitchcock trains Higher Ground, a gelding by Always B Miki , for owners William Hartt and H & H Stable. He won his fifth race from nine starts this season and his ninth race from 31 starts in his career, earning $199,107. He paid $11.12 to win.

Burke trainee Banderas (Yannick Gingras) later delivered with authority in the second KYSS split for 4-year-old pacing males in a 1:50 mile as the 1-5 favorite. Gingras looped the chalk to the point after a :26.2 first quarter cut by Delray Beach (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and carried his speed to a :54.3 half and 1:22.2 three-quarters. Confronted by first-over Handsome Stranger (Andy McCarthy) moving to the last turn, Gingras gave Banderas the cue to sprint and he promptly peeled away from the competition to register a 3-1/2-length win. Delray Beach held second with Somelousomewhere (Tim Tetrick) rallying from second over for third and Handsome Stranger settled for fourth.

A son of Tall Dark Stranger , Banderas bagged his fourth win from five starts this season and his ninth win from 36 starts in his career, earning $258,634. He’s owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Frank Canzone, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Joe Di Scala Jr. and paid $2.28 to win.

Carter Pinske’s speedy son of Greenshoe , Go Dog Go (Todd McCarthy), took top honors of the two KYSS splits for 4-year-old trotting horses and geldings with a game 1:52.4 win in his seasonal debut. McCarthy floated forward and took the lead briefly past a :28 first quarter and soon got looped by longshot Youngblood (Archie Buford) heading past three-eighths, prompting McCarthy to slip off the pylons and retake the lead heading to a :57 half. Once back in front, Go Dog Go strode comfortably to three-quarters in 1:24.2 and to a 2-1/4-length victory in a 1:52.4 mile chased by Gimpanzee Dancer (David Miller), who made a big three-wide brush up the backstretch and settled for second. Royal Comet (Marvin Luna) closed for third and Boots N Beer (Joey Putnam) rallied for fourth.

Go Dog Go, an eight-time winner from 23 starts, has now earned $636,234 for owners Wiesman Farms LLC and Al Libfeld. He paid $3.42 to win.

My Degenerate (Tyler Miller) went down the road from the widest draw in the other KYSS split for 4-year-old trotting horses and geldings to pull a slight upset in 1:53.3. He crossed to the lead after a :27 first quarter and faced little threat through middle sectionals of :56.2 and 1:24.2 before sealing the win by three lengths. Vugoo (David Miller) charged furiously from last to take second while pocket-sitter Onemore Volo (Todd McCarthy) held third and Herecomesdajudge (Andy McCarthy) took fourth.

Julie Miller trains My Degenerate, a gelding by Muscle Hill , for owners Knutsson Trotting Inc., Little E LLC, Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Andy Miller Stable Inc. He won his eighth race from 29 starts, earning $362,006, and paid $14.06 to win.

The Monday card at Oak Grove also featured a pair of $25,000 prep races for the Oak Grove Trotting Oaks, which will have eliminations alongside the inaugural Oak Grove Trotting Derby next Monday (May 4). Anthony MacDonald and Eric Patalan swept the pair of preps with Jailbird Jog (1:54 winning mile, $2.52 to win) and Degas (1:53.4, $27.62) winning. Jailbird Jog, a daughter of Tactical Landing , races for owners Thestable Jailbird Jog, P23 Bloodstock and Hutchison Harness LCC, and Degas competes for owner Thestable Degas Group.

Racing at Oak Grove resumes on Tuesday (April 28) with a 14-race card headlined by a $30,000 Open Handicap Trot, carded as Race 6. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:10 p.m. (CDT). For more information, visit oakgrovegaming.com. And for more information on the upcoming Oak Grove Festival of Racing, visit oakgrovederby.com .

Yo Tillie heads Kentucky Sire Stakes opener

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:19:07 GMT

Oak Grove, KY – Breeders Crown and Dan Patch Award winner Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie is slated to make her 4-year-old debut on Monday (April 27) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in one of seven $50,000 first-round Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) events on the 14-race program.

Yo Tillie won 11 of 12 starts and racked up $979,195 in purses in her sophomore season for trainer Andrew Harris, who shares ownership with William Pollock and Bruce Areman. Among those wins were her lifetime-best 1:50.2 score in the $250,000 New Jersey Classic final at the Meadowlands, a 1:51 win in the $400,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship Series final at the Red Mile, and her season-ending 1:51.3 victory in the $664,500 Grade 1 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator has been installed as the 4-5 morning line favorite in the lone KYSS preliminary for 4-year-old trotting mares, which is carded as Race 11, and usual driver Todd McCarthy will line up behind her from post 6 in the nine-horse field.

Among the eight mares Yo Tillie will face are 2025 Grade 3 Simcoe winner and Grade 1 Kentucky Filly Futurity runner-up R Dutchess (post 5, Tim Tetrick, 5-1) and 2025 fall Kentucky Sire Stakes series champ Winnpanzee (post 4, Yannick Gingras, 6-1).

Another millionaire will make her 4-year-old stakes debut in Race 7 when Glenview Livestock’s The Last Martini will line up as the 2-1 morning line favorite in the second of two KYSS prelims for 4-year-old pacing mares.

The Huntsville -Martinique mare won six times as a sophomore, including her dead-heat 1:49.2 triumph with Dan Patch Award winner Miki And Minnie in the $600,000 Grade 1 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Pace and her front-stepping 1:55 score in the $300,000 New York Sire Stakes championship. Doug McNair will drive The Last Martini from post 3 for trainer Jared Bako.

In addition to the first round of the spring Kentucky Sire Stakes series, 13 sophomore trotting fillies will contest a pair of $25,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks prep races — carded as Races 6 and 9 — in advance of next Monday’s (May 4) eliminations for both the Oaks and the Oak Grove Trotting Derby. The finals, worth a combined $800,000, head a blockbuster card of harness racing at the southwest Kentucky venue on Saturday, May 16.

First-race post time for this week’s pair of 14-race cards, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday (April 28), is 1:10 p.m. (CDT). For more information on racing at Oak Grove, including free past performance pages and race-by-race analysis from Ray Cotolo, visit oakgrovegaming.com . And for more information on the upcoming Oak Grove Festival of Racing, visit oakgrovederby.com .

Always B Naughty takes Open Mares Pace

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:14:07 GMT

Milton, ON — Hunterton bred , Always B Naughty rocketed to victory in the Grade 1 $400,000 Breeders Crown Open Mares Pace, stopping the timer in a new stakes record of 1:48.1 for driver Austin Hanners.

Trained by Todd Luther for owner Greg Luther Racing of Blacklick, OH, the 5-year-old daughter by Always B Miki—Ooh Shesa Badlands was bred by Steve Stewart, Conquest Acres Lp, and Oakwood Farms.

Always B Naughty left the gate well, taking command immediately, and was never headed through quarter time fractions of :26.2, :54.3, and 1:22, before opening up lengths on the field in the late going. Sylvia Hanover made a mile bid and was the first to pull around the final turn, but was no match for the winner.

“She’s a great mare and was a great mare before we bought her,” said winning owner Greg Luther. “Nancy Takter did a great

job with her when she had her. Honestly, going down thebackside, I felt we were a winner, because this mare never gets tired and she can take a lot of air. Everything just worked out perfectly for us on this big track. It’s always great to be able to celebrate with family and this has been just a wonderful experience for us.”

Always B Naughty’s winning time was just a tick faster than her Breeders Crown elimination clocking just a week prior. The brown mare now has 18 wins, 11 seconds, and 11 thirds in 61 career starts and upped her lifetime earnings to $893,334 (USD) with this most recent triumph.

Watch the race replay

Yo Tillie amazes again in Breeders Crown 3-year-old filly trot

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:15:22 GMT

Milton, ON — Todd McCarthy guided Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie to the lead on the backstretch and remained on top the rest of the way on their way to a one-length win over Stormont Beautiful in 1:51.3 in Saturday’s (Oct. 25) $664,500 (USD) Grade 1 Breeders Crown final for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Monalishi nipped Delaney Hanover for third.

The triumph was the second in a Breeders Crown final for McCarthy and first for trainer Andrew Harris, who shares ownership of Yo Tillie with Bill Pollock and Bruce Areman. The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator was bred by GBW Breeding Farms and Black Creek Farm.

“It’s just amazing to have a filly like this and to have her be almost perfect all season and never ever disappoint me,” Harris said. “I’m just blessed to have a filly like this, and just thanks to Bill and Billy and Karen and Bruce for supporting me with a filly like this, because it’s amazing.

“You know, they’ve been a huge support for me, and obviously they’ve been buying me really nice horses, so it’s nice to be able to deliver on the big stage for them and get it done.”

Said Areman, “It’s special. We started this about three years ago with Abuckabett Hanover and, you know, went into the babies a little bit, and there’s ups and downs, and we’re learning along the way. But getting this filly right here was just unbelievable for us, and we love her so much. You don’t know, it’s a good group, strong group, so you hope for the best. Todd gave her just a beautiful trip, and she hung on. She had a lot of guts. So, it was fun to watch.

“I think it’s the start of something big. We have big ambitions for where we want to go in this industry. And I think this is the start of it, in a lot of ways.”

Walspea (Doug McNair) took the lead in a :26.4 opening quarter, with Yo Tillie trotting in third. R Dutchess (Tim Tetrick) moved to the lead from second, but her time in front was short-lived as McCarthy guided Yo Tillie to the front on the way to a :56.2 half. She reached three-quarters in 1:24 and held off Stormont Beautiful (Bob McClure), a $72,000 (USD) supplement, as she tried to rally from the back of the field.

“I just wanted to kind of get away close with her,” McCarthy said. “She’s so talented off the gate, she’s able to kind of make her own luck there. That was just a great way to cap off the year for her. She’s been so good all year, and full credit to Andrew, the job he’s done managing her here. That was pretty awesome.

“She doesn’t mind it when a horse gets close to her. She kind of likes to fight them off, but I don’t necessarily like that so much. It makes me a little nervous, but I just have so much faith in her, and I just keep talking to her down by the wire there, and she just keeps digging.”

Yo Tillie has 11 wins and a second in 12 races this year. For her career, she has 19 victories in 24 starts, with $1.2 million (USD) in purses.

Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Yo Tillie paid $4.40 to win.

Miki And Minnie, The Last Martini dead-heat in Breeders Crown Filly Pace

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:07:13 GMT

Milton, ON — For just the second time in the 41-year history of the Breeders Crown, a pair of horses hit the finish line in a dead-heat for win. Hunteron Born Miki And Minnie and The Last Martini, after finishing one-two in last year’s 2-Year-Old Filly Pace, matched strides crossing the beam in a 1:49.2 mile to tie for the victory in the $822,000 (CDN) Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Pace on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The Last Martini (Doug McNair), off at 68-1, pushed from post four and secured a pocket seat with Chantilly (James MacDonald) launching for the lead from post ten heading to a :27 first quarter. Miki And Minnie, the 1-5 favorite, landed in midfield and floated off the pylons through the first turn before advancing up the rim. She brushed towards Chantilly up the backside but stalled once in front, passing a :56.2 half, and eventually cleared control, moving for the final turn.

Miki And Minnie (Dexter Dunn) motored through the final turn as Unreasonable, who tracked the favorite’s cover, pressed the leader with Chantilly in the pocket, and The Last Martini shuffled to third at the inside. Unreasonable gave way after three-quarters in 1:23.1 while Miki And Minnie straightened and quickened for the finish. The Last Martini shook off the pylons and thrusted forward to narrow on Miki And Minnie’s advantage in the final eighth. Miki And Minnie reached for the line while The Last Martini surged in the closing strides, and the two crossed the finish inseparable by photograph. Skywalker Sea (Austin Hanners) emerged from off the speed to take third, beaten three-quarter lengths, and Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) rallied from the back for fourth.

“I thought we’re guaranteed second there late, and she just lunged right at the wire,” said Doug McNair, winning driver behind The Last Martini. “I wasn’t sure. Dexter thought I got her, but it’s a little anxious moments there. I said earlier, I’d take a dead heat if we get one, and we got one.”

“I knew it was tight,” said Chris Ryder, winning trainer of Miki And Minnie, “and it’s a long stretch when you’re in front, and I could see the ‘Martini’ filly coming. As a trainer, it’s a little nerve racking. I had an idea there may have been a dead heat. I was hoping for a dead heat. So we’re just thrilled here.”

The dead-heat for win between Miki And Minnie and The Last Martini came five years after the first dead-heat for win in the history of the Breeders Crown occurred when favorite Perfect Sting and 21-1 shot Summa Cum Laude hit the finish together in the 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

“To be honest, I don’t generally get very emotional watching the race. And that one I did,” said Jared Bako, trainer of The Last Martini, of winning his first Breeders Crown. “It’s a dream, like people dream of doing this, and I’m just fortunate enough that I’ve had the ability to train a horse like this.

“I thought she’d be very good,” Bako also said. “She drew a good spot, and we prepared her well in Lexington. Dougie’s [McNair] done a good job managing her, along with Jason [Bartlett]. Dougie set her up great for this in Lexington, and just worked out.”

Miki And Minnie added a second Breeders Crown trophy to her resume and became the 57th horse, as well as the 27th pacer, in the history of the series to win two titles. She won the 2024 2-Year-Old Filly Pace at The Meadowlands with a powerful first-over bid to beat The Last Martini by 1-3/4 lengths in a 1:50.2 mile.

“Sometimes she’s just awful lazy and doesn’t want to go, and then when she decides to go like when she did clear, she grabbed the bit and was away again,” Chris Ryder said after the race. “So, you know, it’s a little frustrating, but she picked it up, and it’s just great to have back to back to back Breeders Crowns in her 2 and 3-year-old year.”

Chris Ryder added a third victory in this event, winning in 2010 with Put On A Show and in 2013 with I Luv The Nitelife. Dexter Dunn, winning driver of Miki And Minnie, registered back-to-back victories in the 3-Year-Old Filly Pace after taking last year’s renewal with My Girl EJ for trainer Ron Burke.

Doug McNair won for the first time in this event and collected his third Breeders Crown trophy. He won his first in 2017 in the 3-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace with Stay Hungry and piloted Grace Hill to a stakes-record-equaling 1:48.4 win in the 2022 Mare Pace.

A homebred for Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo and Lawrence Minowitz, Miki And Minnie won her 12th race from 14 starts this season and her 18th race from 25 starts in her career, earning $2,490,270. The filly by Always B Miki -Thats The Ticket paid $2.10 to win.

The Last Martini, a filly by Huntsville -Martinique bred by Crawford Farms LLC, won her sixth race from 14 starts this season and her 10th race from 24 starts in her career, earning $1,506,872 for owner Glenview Livestock Ltd. She paid $26 to win.

Miki And Minnie impressive in Breeders Crown eliminations

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:11:26 GMT

Hunterton Born Miki And Minnie , last season’s Dan Patch winning divisional honoree, left no doubt she was clearly the best in her $34,250 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Pace elimination on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park, pacing strongly to the wire for driver Dexter Dunn in a lifetime best 1:48.2, which was also a track and Canadian-equaling mile record. This gutsy filly captured the $700,000 Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Filly Pace Final at The Meadowlands last season in 1:50.2 for these same connections.

The daughter of Always B Miki , out of the Roll With Joe mare That’s The Ticket, notched her 11th victory in 13 starts this season and her 17th win in 24 lifetime starts for owners Craig Henderson of Chicago, IL; Robert Mondillo of Delaware, OH; and Lawrence Minowitz of Greenwich, CT.

“We turned down the bye because I wanted to race her as otherwise it would have been five or six weeks before going into the final. She needed a race, and it was super that it worked the way out the way it did,” said trainer Chris Ryder. “She’s easy to train, she’s just a super filly and she’s tough. She doesn’t seem to have an end to her run and is beautiful to have around.”

Miki And Minnie got away third behind the pacesetting Faze (Tim Tetrick) who led the first to a :27 opening panel, with Looksgoodinloulou (Yannick Gingras) sitting in the two-hole, but by the half-mile :55.4 mark, it was Miki And Minnie who was sitting on Tetrick’s helmet. As the pacers neared the three-quarter mile post, Miki And Minnie was on the move, stopped the timer at that marker in 1:22.3 on the outside of Faze. From there, driver Dexter Dunn chirped to his filly and she responded by easily pacing to the wire in a new career best as the 1-2 choice.

“I got away through the first turn and the trip worked out after that,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn. “This run will do her a lot of good after the month off. She’s an extremely competitive filly and I knew it was going to be a battle down to the wire, but I had all the faith in the world because my filly is a true fighter.”

Unreasonable was second for Marcus Miller at 5-1 odds, while Skywalker Sea notched third-place honors for Austin Hanners at 76-1, with 59-1 Faze holding on for fourth.

Miki And Minnie’s last start saw her finish a strong second to Looksgoodinloulou in the Kentucky Sires Stakes Final on Sept. 14 at The Red Mile. She had previously captured the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes Final at The Meadows on Sept. 6 in 1:49.4; a Kentucky Sires Stakes on Aug. 25; and the $250,000 Lynch Final at Pocono Downs on Aug. 16, timed in 1:49.1; The Shady Daisy at The Meadowlands in 1:48.3; the Tompkins Geers in 1:49.4; and the Jerry Silverman in 1:48.4 in mid-July.

Miki And Minnie is the third foal out of That’s The Ticket p, 2, 1:52s, and has half-siblings in Great Seats (by Sweet Lou ) p, 5, 1:49.2 and Dance Ticket (A Rocknroll Dance) p, 5, 1:54.2h.

Yo Tillie brilliant in Breeders Crown Eliminations

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:18:14 GMT

Milton, ON – If the eliminations for the Breeders Crown 3-year-old trotting fillies are a sign of what is to come in next week’s final, it should be a stirring sophomore showdown at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A pair of C$34,250 eliminations featuring top-tier trotting fillies yielded two impressive performances – specifically, stellar scores by Delaney Hanover and Yo Tillie, who went one-two, respectively, in a heavyweight clash in a division of the $294,200 Bluegrass 3-Year-Old Filly Trot in late September.

Three races later, in the sixth dash of the evening, it was Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie’s time to shine.

After having her 12-race win streak broken last time out, the millionaire miss was back in a big way – and back in the winner’s circle – courtesy of a dominant display.

Royal Mission blasted off the wings from post eight and secured early bragging rights, as Stormont Beautiful settled into second, with Yo Tillie finding a seat in third.

It was Royal Mission, at 101-1, who led the way through an opening panel in :26.4, but that lead would be short-lived when Todd McCarthy gave Yo Tillie her cue and the Andrew Harris trainee responded with a confident brush to the front just before a half in :56.

The daughter of Tactical Landing out of the Triumphant Caviar mare Consolidator was in full control navigating the turn for home, stretching her lead through three quarters and straightening for the wire with plenty left in the tank.

Midway down the lane it was only a question of what the margin of victory would be. The answer came in the form of an 2-1/4 length score in 1:51.1. Stormont Beautiful was second, Royal Mission third, Miss Belmar finished fourth and was followed by R Dutchess.

“She likes to have a horse there she can fight off,” said McCarthy. “So, when she’s out on the lead there, sometimes she’s kind of looking around waiting for one but when I asked her at the top of the stretch there, she shifted gears and took right off for me.”

Owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman and Andrew Harri, the bay filly, bred by Gbw Breeding Farms Inc. and Black Creek Farm, Yo Tillie has been a force throughout her 2025 campaign. Sporting a mark of 10-1-0 from 11 starts on the year, she is 18-2-1 from 23 lifetime dashes, accompanied by over $1.3 million in career purse earnings.

McCarthy, who came into the card with 1,355 wins, was thrilled to see the $25,000 purchase (Hip #819) at the 2023 Lexington Select Sale back in winning form.

“She wasn’t quite herself there that last start, but she’s had such a phenomenal year, and Andrew (trainer, Harris) has done a great job managing this filly. So. that was good to get her back to the winner’s circle again tonight, and she was pretty strong finishing there. I was very happy with her.”

A multiple stakes winner, Yo Tillie launched her career with five consecutive victories.

After the evening’s sixth race, Woodbine Mohawk Park conducted the post-position draw for the $600,000 Grade 1 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Trot. The two elimination winners earned draw protection from posts 1 through 6.

Unreasonable upsets in Glen Garnsey Memorial

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:23:09 GMT

Lexington, KY — Erv Miller pupil Unreasonable emerged from a shuffle with a charge down the center of the track to score an 11-1 upset in the $241,000 Grade 3 Glen Garnsey Memorial, sponsored by Diamond Creek Farm, on Sunday (Oct. 5) at The Red Mile.

Driver Marcus Miller found a stalking seat for Unreasonable behind Champagne Room (driven by Andy McCarthy) in progress to a :27.1 first quarter. Looksgoodinloulou (Yannick Gingras), launching from post 10, ditched a pylon seat and pushed uncovered on the outside with stablemate and 3-5 favorite Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) tracking her cover up the backstretch. Rodeo Drive Deo then slid past Looksgoodinloulou through a :53.4 half to take over the lead, at which point Unreasonable sat locked in the pylons towards the middle of the pack.

Rodeo Drive Deo chugged through the last turn to three-quarters in 1:20.1 but hit the ropes as her peers loomed to strike once straightening for home. Looksgoodinloulou darted through a seam at the inside to take the lead while Marcus Miller veered Unreasonable to the center of the track and found clearance nearing the final eighth. Unreasonable gathered momentum and zipped for the finish to clinch a half-length win over Looksgoodinloulou while Found (Todd McCarthy) closed for third and Faze held fourth.

“She’s just a really good horse,” Marcus Miller said after the race. “She hasn’t raced bad once this year, really. She’s got a huge kick turning for home if you don’t have to use her. I didn’t think I’d get away that close going into the first turn, period. There was a big shuffle – I was pretty nervous in the last turn. [But I] got lucky and she was here today.”

Unreasonable, a 3-year-old filly by Huntsville -Roaring To Go, won her seventh race from 12 starts this season and her 10th race from 23 starts in her career, earning $623,367 for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc. and David J. Miller. She paid $24.26 to win.

Topville Lucky struts in Bluegrass filly pace

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:41:25 GMT

Lexington, KY — The Sweet Lou -Warrawee Winx filly Topville Lucky added another win to her nearly perfect record with a 1:50.4 performance to take the second of three divisions of the $246,000 Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Filly Pace – a division sponsored by the Beach Glass Syndicate and Winbak Farm – on Thursday (Sept. 25) at the Red Mile.

Leaving from the pylon post, Topville Lucky (driven by Dexter Dunn) cruised into fourth approaching a :28.1 first quarter and sat patiently behind a shuffle up the backside, in which Bettor Be A Star (David Miller) emerged on top after pulling off the pylons from third. Bettor Be A Star hoisted the field by a :56.1 half, at which point Dunn tipped outside and advanced towards the front with Topville Lucky, who loomed nearer passing three-quarters in 1:24.1 and edged to a narrow lead in a three-high battle to the line. Topville Lucky held firmly for the win by a neck over Gracious (Todd McCarthy), who slipped through a seam at the pylons off a pocket trip but settled for second. Bettor Be A Star finished between horses in third, and Carnation (Tim Tetrick) checked in fourth.

“I was nervous when we saw the three-quarter pole in 1:24 and you know that they’re going to go in [1:]50 and change,” said trainer Andrew Harris, who obtained the filly from trainer Erv Miller and co-owner Doug Overhiser ahead of her win in the $400,000 Kentucky Championship Series final on Sept. 14. “It’s a little bit iffy when you see those kinds of fractions, but she showed she’s got some guts.”

Harris shares ownership of Topville Lucky, a five-time winner from six tries with $336,000 banked, alongside Bill Pollock and Bruce Areman. Off the 1-9 chalk, she paid $2.26 to win.

Tony Dinges’ Tall Dark Stranger -Nashville Elgenna pupil Nash (Marvin Luna) broke her maiden by registering the fastest mile of the three Bluegrass filly pace divisions with a 1:50.1 effort while pulling a 14-1 upset in a division sponsored by the Beach Glass Syndicate and Winbak Farm.

Luna laid back in third with Nash as 3-2 second choice Hope Hill (Dunn) brushed by 4-5 favorite On Heir (Andy McCarthy) to take the lead passing a :28 first quarter. Hope Hill carried the field up the backstretch to a :56.1 half and pushed the pedal into the last turn with On Heir giving the closest chase rushing by three-quarters in 1:23.4. McCarthy angled outside with On Heir and downed Hope Hill turning for home but wavered once in front and nearing the final eighth of a mile. Luna fanned to the center of the track with Nash off a ground-saving trip and gathered momentum to make a late attack. Nash overpowered On Heir in the last strides to win by a neck while Hope Hill tired to third and JK Sassy Lady (Todd McCarthy) checked in fourth after a mild first-over push.

Nash, winning her first race from seven starts and increasing her career earnings to $65,550, competes for owner Jerry Glantz. She paid $30.62 to win.

Amira Hanover (Joe Bongiorno) intently tracked pacesetter and odds-on favorite Big Weekend (Tetrick) for most of the mile before surging outside and wading off closing rivals for a 1:51.2 win in the first Bluegrass filly pace division, sponsored by Brittany Farms.

Bongiorno planted Amira Hanover on the point heading to a :28.4 first quarter but yielded control once confronted by Big Weekend into the backstretch. Big Weekend grabbed the lead and coasted to a :56.3 half all while Amira Hanover followed locked on Tetrick’s helmet moving into the turn. After three-quarters in 1:24.2, Big Weekend hit the ropes and started shortening in stride heading for home. Bongiorno swung outside with Amira Hanover and cajoled his charge to hold sway to the finish, successfully doing so by 1-1/4 lengths. Rocksy (Andy McCarthy) closed from last for second with Kissedbyastranger (Yannick Gingras) rallying in the two-path for third and Interstellar (Marvin Luna) also closing ground but taking fourth.

“I was just glad to have Joey back in the bike,” said John Fodera, who shares ownership on Amira Hanover through In The Gym Partners. “The other guys have done a great job with her, [but] Joe knows her so well and has really had a lot of patience with her. We’re prepping her for the Kindergarten at the Meadowlands and just spreading out her races. That’s the kind of trip she likes – she likes to sit the pocket and pull at the end.”

A filly by Papi Rob Hanover -Ameraway, Amira Hanover collected her second win from six starts and has now earned $68,650 for owners Let It Ride-Chodash, Patrick O’Brien, Joe Sbrocco and In The Gym Partners. Joe Bongiorno conditions the filly who paid $10.72 to win.

Apex Comes Out On Top In Mohawk Million

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:37:00 GMT

Hunterton's Sold Apex , with Dexter Dunn in the race bike for trainer Marcus Melander, put on a show in the Grade 1 Mohawk Million on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The sixth edition of the $1 million slot race boasted the deepest field the race has ever seen – and the two-year-old trot battle did not disappoint.

Strobe Lite (James MacDonald), leaving from post eight, blasted off the wings and assumed early control, followed by Dublin Hanover (Ake Svanstedt), Silverstein (David Miller) and 1-5 choice Endurance (Andrew McCarthy), while Dunn, navigating a tricky trip from post one, clung to the rail and settled his charge into fifth heading into the first turn.

A break in stride by Strobe Lite opened the doors for Silverstein to then take a nose lead after an opening panel in :27.4, but his lead was short lived as Endurance glided to the front, with Dublin Hanover third and Apex nestled in fourth.

Endurance, riding a six-race win streak, continued to call the shots through a half in :57, but Dunn and Apex, ranging up on the outside, were turning up the heat on the tempo-setter, who reached three-quarters in 1:24.4 with a one-length advantage.

Apex dialed up the pressure as Endurance dug down deep along the inside and looked to fend off the 5-2 second choice with the finish line drawing closer. Apex finally drew clear late as Dunn took a quick glance over his right shoulder to see if he had any closers to contend with. Seconds later, he pumped his fist when he realized there was no threat.

At the wire, Apex was a 1-1/2-length winner in 1:51.4. Endurance held second and Silverstein was third.

“There was a bit of action going into that first turn, but he just handled like a true professional, and, you know, we got away not too far back,” said Dunn. “He handled really good today.

“He got a little excited there earlier on, but now he's beautiful and relaxed. He seems so intelligent, too. He knows his job and he's only two. So, I moved him down past the half there and he was travelling so strongly around the last turn. I just wanted to make sure he got around it in one piece, and once I asked him, he really put his muscle into it.”

The final time of 1:51.4 was a stakes, track and Canadian record for two-year-old male trotters. The previous record was 1:52.3, set in last year's Mohawk Million by Maryland with Dunn driving for Melander.

Apex's trainer also won the Mohawk Million in 2022 with the Tim Tetrick-driven Oh Well.

“He did it so easily last weekend at Hoosier,” said Melander, referring to Apex's victory in the Grade 1 Peter Haughton Memorial at Hoosier Park on Sept. 12. “You know, he came out of the race good. But I asked Dexter on Sunday there at The Red Mile what his thoughts were, if he thought he had it in him to go another week. And he said he did.”

Prior to the Mohawk Million, Apex’s highest profile score was in the $512,431 Haughton, which also secured him an automatic entry in the Breeders Crown. His other victories include the $312,500 New Jersey Sire Stakes final on Aug. 2 and the $342,466 New Jersey Classic on Sept. 5, both at The Meadowlands.

Apex is owned by Jeff Snyder of New York City, New York, S R F Stable of Del Ray Beach, Florida and Steve Stewart of Paris, Kentucky. He entered the Mohawk Million for his Canadian debut courtesy of the slot held by Hunterton Farms.

Bred by Mission Brief Stable, the son of Walner out of the world champion Muscle Hill mare Mission Brief was a $729,167 yearling purchase at the 2024 Standardbred Horse Sale.

“We always felt like he was extremely special, very intelligent and you can almost see it in his eye,” said Stewart.

Apex now sports a record reading 6-1-1 from eight starts with more than $1.1 million in purse earnings.

A winner of his past four starts, he paid $7.40 for the win.

The sixth edition of the Mohawk Million generated an event record all-sources handle of $4,662,789, surpassing the previous record of $3.9 million set in 2022.

While multiple stakes winner Strobe Lite's miscue took him out of contention in the Mohawk Million, his participation secured him a $10,000 cheque that helped his trainer, Ben Baillargeon , reach a career milestone. The Guelph, Ont. resident went over $50 million in career earnings.

To view Saturday's complete harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

(With files from Woodbine)

Nezuko Kamado S trots to track record in Kentuckiana

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:43:11 GMT

Hunterton Raised Nezuko Kamado S (30-1) kicked off the Grand Circuit action with a dead-game track-record performance in the $259,800Kentuckiana Stallion Management for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

Scott Zeron wheeled the eventual longshot winner to the leadafter an opening quarter of :26.4 around her stablemate Creator (Dexter Dunn). After middle half fractions of :55.3 and 1:24.4, Nezuko Kamado S was headed by Creator in the lane, before battling back to win by a half-length in 1:52.4 while Emmas Mystery CCL (Andy McCarthy) rallied for third.

Trained by Marcus Melander, the winning daughter of Chapter Seven—Zefira Kronos IR has won three of six on the year. The Courant Inc. homebred has banked $217,735 on the season.

The 1:52.4 clocking lowered the previous track record of 1:53.1 established by R Melina in the same event in 2023.

Yo Tillie wins Kentucky Championship Series Final

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:04:03 GMT

The Bluegrass State’s best clashed in eight $555,556 Kentucky Championship Series finals on Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Red Mile.

Yo Tillie , ranked number three in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Poll, won her 12th straight race and stayed perfect this year in the sophomore filly trot final. She was away fourth from the rail for Todd McCarthy but quickly glided to the front before the half, and that move proved to be game over for her rivals as she cruised home under wraps to a 1-1/2-length victory in 1:51. Stash Some Cash (Dunn) was best of the rest, followed by Torrisi (Tetrick). Yo Tillie is eight-for-eight this year for trainer Andrew Harris, who co-owns the daughter of Tactical Landing-Consolidator with William Pollock and Bruce Areman. The filly hasn’t lost since last September. She was sent off at 1-9 on Sunday.

Endurance wins Kentucky Championship Series Final

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:02:33 GMT

The Bluegrass State’s best clashed in eight $555,556 Kentucky Championship Series finals on Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Red Mile.

Endurance extended his winning streak to six and finished the Kentucky Championship Series undefeated with a dominant front-end victory in 1:52.3 in the final for rookie male trotters. The 2-5 favourite was 2-3/4 lengths the best for Andrew McCarthy over It Could Be Worse (Scott Zeron), who held second over Silverstein (Dave Miller). The Chris Beaver-trained son of Captain Corey-Love Session went four-for-four in the series. He is owned by Super Endurance Stable, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming, and Mark Moger.

Topville Lucky wins Kentucky Championship Series Final

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:12:58 GMT

The Bluegrass State’s best clashed in eight $555,556 Kentucky Championship Series finals on Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Red Mile.

The Harris-Pollock-Areman connections went back-to-back as Topville Lucky took the freshman filly pacing championship. She claimed the front after the quarter and was strong on top, holding off Gala (Todd McCarthy) by three-quarters of a length under measured handling from Dunn to prevail in 1:50.4. Seaside Shuffle (Gingras) completed the triactor. Topville Lucky won her third straight race while debuting for her new connections. Harris trains the daughter of Sweet Lou-Warrawee Winx, who returned $4.56.

Apex wins Grade 1 stakes at Hoosier

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:35:38 GMT

Anderson, IN – Apex and driver Dexter Dunn proved to be top dogs in the $368,950 Grade 1 Peter Haughton Memorial, for 2-year-old male trotters, at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday (Sept. 12). The “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders Crown highlighted a 15-race card with nearly $1.5 million in purses and also featured the $464,400 Grade 1 Jim Doherty Memorial, for freshman female trotters, won by Atlantic Summer by the narrowest of margins on the stakes-filled night.

Apex was made the 2-5 favorite by the bettors, leaving from post two in a scratched-down field of nine rookie male trotters. Dunn landed Apex in the third position on the first turn while Magic Punk (Ake Svanstedt) hustled off the wings to grab command with Mr Big Spender (Mike Wilder) in the pocket through a quarter of :27.2. The tempo slowed on the backstretch with Magic Punk left alone to a half of :57.1 when Dunn had seen enough and tipped his Marcus Melander trainee off the cones. Apex moved into second on the final turn, racing at the leader’s wheel as Magic Punk got to three-quarters first in 1:26.1.

The sprint was on, with Magic Punk briefly getting away from Apex at the top of the stretch, allowing Apex to tuck back into the pocket briefly before looking to slingshot by late. Motoring home in :27.1, a refreshed Apex took aim late and surged in front of Magic Punk in the final stages by a half-length to score in 1:53.3. Mr Big Spender held for the show position, with Hawt Yoga (Ricky Macomber Jr.) rounding out the super at 99-1.

“He really couldn’t have done it any easier,” Dunn said in the winner’s circle. “He just keeps getting better and better through experiences like this. He got out of the gate really well, took a helmet, moved out, was able to tuck back in, and then he finishes the miles so impressively.”

A winner now in five of seven lifetime races, Apex has yet to miss the board in his career while banking $456,575 for owners Jeffrey Snyder, S R F Stable, and Steve Stewart. The royally bred colt by Walner out of the world champion mare Mission Brief was bred by Mission Brief Stable and sold for $525,000 at last fall’s Standardbred Horse Sale.

The victory was the second consecutive for Dunn and Melander in the Peter Haughton Memorial, having teamed up with Maryland to take the 2024 edition.

Crack Shot to a commanding victory in the $80,062 Simcoe Stakes first division

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 17:43:55 GMT

Driver Doug McNair got longshot Windor home in the $159,745 Champlain Stakes and teamed Crack Shot to a commanding victory in the $80,062 Simcoe Stakes first division, the highlights of a five-win evening for the reinsman on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Windor scored a 29-1 upset in the lone dash of the Grade 3 Champlain Stakes as the third-longest shot on the board when persevering through a first-over trip to clinch the win in a 1:51.2 mile.

Odds-on favourite Tilthecowscomehome (Jody Jamieson) swooped for the lead out of post six as Sweet Lovin Lou (James MacDonald) grinded forward on the outside to take point past a :27.1 first quarter. Tilthecowscomehome circled back to the front on the backstretch and took the field by the half in :55.4, where Doug McNair readied Windor for a first-up blitz on the far turn.

Windor steadily gained ground on the march to three-quarters in 1:24.2. Tilthecowscomehome quickened in the lane, but Windor kept clawing to the outside and successfully powered by for a neck win in the closing strides. Sweet Lovin Lou gave pursuit from a locked pocket in third.

“He’s been top three with [Tilthecowscomehome and Beau Jangles] all year and never had any luck,” trainer Mike Vanderkemp said after the race. “He’s been first-up, he got his wheel hooked one night, and he had a tough first quarter last week and still had go on the end.

"I was happy we got a clear run at them. I wasn’t worried about the first-over; he doesn’t really get tired.”

A homebred colt by Bulldog Hanover-Winx for owner Dianna Secord of Fergus, Ont., Windor collected his second win from eight starts and has now earned $141,930. Windor returned $61.30 to win.

McNair teamed up with his father, trainer Gregg McNair, to win with Crack Shot, who cruised as the 1-9 choice to a 1:51 win in the first division of the Simcoe.

Doug McNair gathered speed from post seven with Crack Shot and fired him past Sterling Choice to take the lead into a :26.2 first quarter. Crack Shot coasted up the backside with no challengers incoming and snagged a breather to a :55.4 half, at which point Welcometotheshow (Josert Fonseca) began an uncovered bid out of fifth and pushed forward through the turn to reach the leader’s wheel passing three-quarters in 1:24. McNair gave the chalk his cue to sprint spinning for home, and Crack Shot easily peeled away from the competition while drifting off the pylons to register a 4-1/2-length win over pocket-sitter Sterling Choice (Billy Davis Jr.) in second. Control Rocks (Tyler Borth) was third.

Gregg McNair of Guelph, Ont. co-owns Crack Shot , a son of Bettors Delight-Beautyonthebeach, alongside Dale Hunter of London, Ont., Frank Brundle of East Garafraxa, Ont. and George Kerr of Gowanstown, Ont. The colt won his fourth race from 12 starts this season and his ninth race from 20 starts in his career, good for $514,160 in earnings. He paid $2.30 to win.

Yo Tillie goes to 11 in NJ Classic filly trots

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:26:20 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie dug in through the stretch and overtook a game Champagne Problems in the final strides to extend her winning streak to 11 by capturing Friday’s (Sept. 5) $250,000 New Jersey Classic for 3-year-old female trotters by a neck in 1:50.2 at The Meadowlands. Walspea finished third and Conversano was fourth.

The winning time was a career best for Yo Tillie, who is 8-for-8 this season for trainer Andrew Harris after finishing her 2-year-old campaign with three consecutive victories for then owner-trainer-driver Verlin Yoder.

“I think she would exceed almost anybody’s expectations,” said Harris, who joined with Bill Pollock and Bruce Areman to buy Yo Tillie in mid-November. “You don’t ever expect a filly to go out there and do what she’s doing.

“She just does it, she just wants to win. When you get about 10 feet from the wire, she’s trying to put her nose out in front. That’s all class. You can’t teach that, you just have it, or you don’t.”

Yo Tillie and driver Todd McCarthy found themselves in third as Walspea, with Yannick Gingras in the sulky, led to the opening quarter in :26.3 while keeping Champagne Problems and driver Dexter Dunn a parked-out second until past that marker.

Champagne Problems got the lead on her way to the half in :55.3, then faced a first-over challenge from Yo Tillie as they raced to three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Champagne Problems and Yo Tillie matched strides for much of the stretch drive, with Yo Tillie’s race-best :26.3 last quarter proving decisive at the wire.

“I know all these horses are getting better, and every horse is good right now,” Harris said. “I respect every horse. The second you don’t respect one of them, they’re going to come up and beat you. They’re all super athletes.

“That was the fastest mile of (Yo Tillie’s) life, so she’s not running out of steam, horses are getting better. Kudos to (trainer) Nancy Takter. She’s got Champagne Problems 10 times better than what she was, and she was really impressive tonight. It’s just kudos to the competition she’s racing, and I think it says more about Yo Tillie that she’s actually beating these guys when these guys are all trotting in (1):50.”

Yo Tillie has won 16 of 20 career races and increased her earnings to more than $700,000. The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator was bred by GBW Breeding Farms and Black Creek Farm. She is the No. 3-ranked horse in North America in this week’s Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll.

“It’s unbelievable,” co-owner Pollock said. “This is what everybody dreams of, having a horse that wins pretty much week after week.”

Yo Tillie paid $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite.

Apex atop his game in New Jersey Classic rookie trot

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:37:52 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – Apex took full advantage of a pocket trip behind rival Diabolic Hill before lifting in mid-stretch en route to a dominant 1:52.2 score — his fourth in a row in New Jersey — in the $250,000 New Jersey Classic for 2-year-old male trotters on Friday (Sept. 5) at the Meadowlands.

Dexter Dunn kept Apex out of trouble on the first turn as both Maga Hill (driven by Yannick Gingras) and Practical Man (Todd McCarthy) broke stride in pursuit of the early lead. Captain Jordan (Tim Tetrick) inherited that lead from the pole nearing the completion of a :29 first quarter before yielding to Apex, who in turn yielded control to Diabolic Hill (Andy McCarthy) upon reaching the backstretch.

“We had enough room on the first turn when they both made the breaks to handle it,” said Dunn of Apex, who had floated just behind the front flight in the race’s initial stages. “To the horse’s credit, he handled it like a professional.”

After ceding the lead to Diabolic Hill, who was unopposed for the entire middle half, Apex drafted through splits of :56.4 and 1:25.2 before angling off the pegs turning for home. And while McCarthy had to ask Diabolic Hill for his best stretch effort, Apex’s mind was already on business, and the Walner -Mission Brief colt rolled to the lead with 150 yards to go and drew clear handily by 5-3/4 lengths while also shaving a full second off his previous lifetime best. Captain Jordan and Southwind Alamo (Johnathan Ahle) overtook a breaking Diabolic Hill in deep stretch and rallied to finish second and third, respectively.

“He felt super tonight; he traveled terrific throughout the mile,” continued Dunn. “When I moved him at the top of the straight, he was doing it easy at the end. He seems to be learning all the time; I couldn’t be more pleased with how he’s progressing.”

As the 2-5 favorite, Apex returned $2.80 to win. Marcus Melander trains the four-time winner, who has earned $272,100 for the partnership of Jeffrey Snyder, SRF Stable and Steve Stewart.

The $250,000 New Jersey Classic for 3-year-old male trotters proved markedly more eventful: Second choice The Rogue Prince broke behind the gate, 1-2 favorite Onajetplane stalled turning for home after a long first-over grind, and first-place finisher Mountcastle switched to a pacing gait four strides before the winning post, all leading to unofficial runner-up Camera Man being elevated to a 21-1 upset.

Jason Bartlett spotted Camera Man in seventh early as 50-1 pacesetter Go Boom (Dunn) controlled early splits of :27.1 and :55.3. As Onajetplane and Andy McCarthy began their first-over ascent out of fifth midway up the backstretch, Mountcastle (Scott Zeron) angled second-over and Bartlett landed Camera Man third-over into a live tow that picked up considerably through the far turn.

Onajetplane worked forward steadily to offer mild pressure to Go Boom past three-quarters in 1:23.2 but stalled upon cornering for home, prompting Zeron to slingshot Mountcastle three-deep in the final furlong. But as Mountcastle struck the front and picked up speed nearing the winning post, he switched into a pace, resulting in his demotion to second behind Camera Man, who slipstreamed his bold mid-stretch move and finished two lengths in arrears before being promoted to victory. Go Ahead Makemyday (Gingras) emerged from traffic to save third over an engulfed Go Boom.

Onajetplane faded to finish ninth in the 10-horse field.

Camera Man, a Six Pack -Cameron Hill colt with five career wins and $201,927 in total purses earned, is trained by Bruce Saunders for Randy Zane. He paid $44 to win, and his race time of 1:51.2 knocked over two seconds off his previous lifetime mark.

“We got multiple breaks in there,” admitted Saunders. “We were lucky two times, and you’ve got to be lucky in this game. He got a very good trip tonight. The flow was perfect, and Jason did a great job with him.

“He’s improved each start. He’s a happy horse; we couldn’t be any happier for him. Great owner, great caretaker — that’s what’s necessary to be successful in this game.”

Fragment shatters Batavia track record; Bartlett wins four at NY Night of Champions

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:30:49 GMT

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs hosted the $2.4 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday (Sept. 6) with eight divisions vying for $300,000 each. The competition was solid across the board, but two stars rose above the rest when the dust settled.

Per Engblom’s Hunterton's Bred, Born & Sold Fragment turned a lot of heads when he scorched the Batavia oval in 1:52.1 for driver Jason Bartlett and shattered the track record for 2-year-old pacing colts by 1-2/5 seconds. And it was only one of four wins for Bartlett, who also had one second and one third in his seven NYSS drives.

Here is a recap of all the night’s action.

2-year-old Colt and Gelding Pace sponsored by the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund

Champion – Fragment (Hunstville-The Show Returns) 1:52.1 (Track Record) – $2.42

Driver – Jason Bartlett

Trainer – Per Engblom

Owner – Engblom Stable and Douglas Sipple

Breeders – Steve Stewart, Black Creek Farm, Michael Robinson and South Mountain Stables

Knoxville (Mark MacDonald) was first to the front as the heavily favored Fragment was content to take the trip. The pace was good with quarters of :27.1 and :56, and the top two horses began to separate heading to three-quarters. Knoxville still had the lead, but Fragment pulled and just blew right by, opening up a three-length advantage entering the stretch. From there, Bartlett sat chilly as Fragment tugged him to the line on top by 6-3/4 lengths in 1:52.1, which was also just one-fifth of a second off his lifetime mark.

“He’s so quick when he gets a trip like that. He’s a real professional off a half like that. I was feeling pretty confident when I saw the half time come up and the other ones were kind of struggling to keep up, it was our race to win. I knew he was fast enough and he did it with plugs in, so we had a little bit left,” said trainer Per Engblom.

It was the sixth win in eight starts this year for Fragment, who has now earned $336,475 this year.

Topville Lucky holds Gala at bay at The Red Mile

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:00:02 GMT

Lexington, KY – On another beautiful evening for Sunday Night Lights sponsored by Crawford Farms, Hunterton Sold Topville Lucky secured the victory in a lifetime best 1:50.2 in the $80,000 fourth round leg of the Kentucky Championship Series at The Red Mile for freshman pacing fillies.

The 12-race card included two $30,000 fourth round divisions of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series, three $15,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series and two $10,000 fourth round divisions of the Kentucky Wildcat Series for 2-year-old female pacers.

Topville Lucky comes out on top in Championship Series

Atlee Bender made the most of his inside draw to guide second choice Topville Lucky home in front of favored Gala (Todd McCarthy) in the field of eight after the scratch of Beautiful Memory. Caviart Daisy (Andrew McCarthy) closed for third but was nearly a full second behind the top pair.

Leaving from post position one, Topville Lucky allowed 72-1 shot She’s A Rich Girl (David Miller) to cut out the first split of :28.1. Dexter Dunn, however, decided Seaside Shuffle needed to be involved in the early action and steered his filly to the half in :56.2.

But Bender decided it was time to move from second position and placed Topville Lucky on the lead through three quarters in 1:24.2. It was a lead she would not relinquish despite the concerted effort of Gala, who had the outermost post, to record her third win in four starts. The top two fillies came home in :26.

A daughter of Sweet Lou and Warrawee Winx, Topville Lucky is trained by Erv Miller. The only blemish on her record is when she broke stride in the second leg of this series after breaking her maiden in the first leg of the Commonwealth Series.

The filly was bred by Jeremy Yoder and went through the ring at last year’s Standardbred Horse Sale for $27,000 to her trainer Douglas Overhiser, Michael Ternisky and Scott Leaf.

Topville Lucky has now amassed $95,000 from four starts. She paid $7.24 to win to her supporters.

Endurance cruises home to make it five in a row at The Red Mile

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:50:59 GMT

Lexington, KY – On Wednesday (Aug. 27) Hunterton's Bred, Born & Sold Endurance made it look effortless as he stopped the clock in a lifetime best 1:52.3 in the $80,000 fourth round leg of the Kentucky Championship Series at The Red Mile for his fifth consecutive victory. The 13-race card also included two $30,000 divisions of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series, three $15,000 divisions of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series and two $10,000 divisions of the Kentucky Wildcat Series for freshman male trotters.

Endurance makes quick work of his foes in Championship Series

Assigned post position six, Andrew McCarthy and Endurance left the gate in second position in the field of seven and that is where they remained for the majority of the mile. It Could Be Worse (Scott Zeron) took command at the outset and set splits of :28.4, :56.4 and 1:25.3 with the favored Endurance content to follow.

By the three-quarter pole, Endurance was only behind the leader by a nose and from there on it was really witnessing a talented colt come home in :27. Silverstein (David Miller) closed from fourth with a last quarter panel in :26.4, but Endurance refused to be denied. Neighver Punt (Dexter Dunn) was overtaken by Silverstein in the lane but held for third.

Trained by Chris Beaver, Endurance is a son of Captain Corey -Love Session. He has banked $193,200 with his only loss in six starts a fourth-place finish in his debut at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel in June.

The colt was bred by Steve Stewart and Marti S Ala Seppala. He is the third foal out of his dam, a half sibling to world champions Triumphant Caviar and Centurion ATM , and by far her most prolific, which is ironic considering his price tag.

Super Endurance Stable, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Mark Moger signed the check at last year’s Standardbred Horse Sale for $14,000 and sent him to Beaver, who also trained Triumphant Caviar .

Endurance paid $4.15 to those that wagered on him as the public’s top selection.

Unreasonable wins EBC at Tioga

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:48:02 GMT

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs played host to the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for sophomore pacers on Sunday (Aug. 24).

Unreasonable (Marcus Miller) charged late to capture the $200,650 EBC for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

Shes A Streaker (Tyler Buter) was first to the quarter in :26.2. She slowed things down with a :29.2 second quarter and led to the half in :55.4. The Last Martini (Jason Bartlett) came first-up to challenge as they headed for the final turn. Shes A Streaker was first to three-quarters in 1:22.4.

As they made the turn for home, second-place finisher The Last Martini took over the lead. Then Unreasonable ($3.00) made her move heading down the stretch. The Last Martini dug in, but Unreasonable kept coming and got by just in time to win in 1:50.2. Shes A Streaker finished third.

Unreasonable is a 3-year-old filly by Huntsville . She is owned by David Miller and trainer Erv Miller. It was he sixth win this year. She now has nine career victories.

Topville Lucky surprises at Red Mile

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:23:50 GMT

Lexington, KY — As the heat in the Midwest continued on Tuesday (Aug. 19), so did the competition of beautifully-bred individuals at the Red Mile. Topville Lucky rebounded in a big way in the $80,000 third-round leg of the Kentucky Championship Series for freshman filly pacers in a new mark of 1:50.2 while Gala paced a big mile of her own.

The 15-race card also included two $35,000 second-round Kentucky Sire Stakes legs for older trotters, two $30,000 third-round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series, three $15,000 third-round divisions of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series, and two $10,000 third-round legs of the Kentucky Wildcat Series. The last three series were exclusive to 2-year-old filly pacers.

Topville Lucky demonstrates her class in Kentucky Championship Series

Slightly overlooked at odds of 8-1, Topville Lucky and driver Atlee Bender finished best to win for the second time in three starts for trainer Erv Miller. Favored Bahama Momma (Scott Zeron) was second with Seaside Shuffle (Dexter Dunn) rounding out the trifecta.

The daughter of Sweet Lou -Warrawee Winx drew the rail in the contentious field of eight and settled in fifth through the first quarter while first-leg winner Beautiful Memory (Marvin Luna) established the first split of :27.4. That is when Andy McCarthy and second choice Caviart Daisy went to the top to set fractions of :55.4 and 1:23.3.

As Caviart Daisy lost her head of steam, Topville Lucky and Seaside Shuffle were advancing to make their final bids to the wire and were a nose apart going into the homestretch with the latter in charge. Bahama Momma, however, was launching her own bid from fourth.

Bahama Momma was valiant in defeat after overcoming post position eight and pacing her final quarter mile in :26.4. On this day, though, it just was not good enough to catch Topville Lucky, who uncorked her own :26.2 last panel.

Bred by Jeremy Yoder, Topville Lucky broke her maiden in her first attempt in the first leg of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series on July 29. Her connections were pleased enough with that effort, in which she came home in :25.3, to move her up in class to the Championship Series on Aug. 10. The filly was last after drawing outside and breaking prior to the half-mile marker.

She was a different animal today with an inside assignment.

Topville Lucky is the first foal out of her unraced dam and was selected for $27,000 at last year’s Standardbred Horse Sale by her trainer in partnership with Douglas Overhiser, Michael Ternisky and Scott Leaf.

The filly paid $19.18 to win. She has earned $55,000.

Miki And Minnie captures showdown in Lynch

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 20:35:30 GMT

Dexter Dunn pulled Miki And Minnie out of the pocket in the stretch and overtook pacesetter Chantilly nearing the finish line to capture Saturday’s (June 16) $250,000 Grade 1 James M. Lynch Memorial, for 3-year-old female pacers, by three-quarters of a length in 1:49.1. Rodeo Drive Deo was third.

It was the long-awaiting first meeting between Miki And Minnie, the 2024 Dan Patch Award winner for best 2-year-old filly pacer, and Chantilly, Canada’s 2024 Horse of the Year. They were supposed to meet in the Fan Hanover Stakes at Ontario’s Woodbine Mohawk Park in June, but Chantilly was scratched due to sickness.

On Saturday, Chantilly and driver James MacDonald left quickly from post six and rolled to a :25.4 opening quarter on the lead. Miki And Minnie, who started from post two, took up the pocket position behind Chantilly, followed by Rodeo Drive Deo.

The order remained unchanged as Chantilly reached the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:22.1. Dunn tipped Miki And Minnie to the outside momentarily on the last turn but then returned to the pocket until the head of the stretch.

Once Dunn asked Miki And Minnie to go from there, she worked her way to the front as part of a :26.4 last quarter to earn her eighth victory in nine races this season.

“Yes, I was a little nervous,” Miki And Minnie’s trainer, Chris Ryder, said about the matchup. “I figured she might beat us out of the gate, and what would happen after that was up to Dexter. But (Miki And Minnie) got out of the gate well enough to get a good spot, and she’s just got a lot of heart.

“I think I know my filly fairly well; she’s a grinder. She’s not the fastest filly, maybe, for actual quick speed, but she can hold whatever speed she’s got. She just keeps it going. She’s got a big heart and a great set of lungs, and she always finds the wire. She’s fantastic. It’s just a great result. It’s a real thrill.”

Miki And Minnie has hit the board in all 20 of her career races, with 14 wins and $1.35 million in earnings. The daughter of Always B Miki -That’s The Ticket is owned by breeders Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo, and Lawrence Minowitz.

Ranked No. 1 in the current Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, Miki And Minnie has won nine of her past 10 starts dating back to her Breeders Crown triumph in October. Her only defeat was by a head in June.

Chantilly, who was unbeaten in nine races last season, has won 13 of 15 lifetime.

“Chantilly went a great race,” Ryder said. “It was a matchup we were looking for, I believe. Let’s do it again.”

Miki And Minnie, the 1-2 favorite, paid $3 to win.

Yo Tillie stays perfect Delmonica Hanover victory

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 20:27:00 GMT

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Tactical Landing filly Yo Tillie survived a rough early journey, limbed three-wide past the eighth pole, not crossing over to the inside and the lead until past the three-eighths, but kept trotting strongly to win her sixth race in an undefeated season by taking the $250,000 Grade 1 Delmonica Hanover, for 3-year-old trotting fillies, in a stakes- and track-record 1:51.2.

Hambletonian Oaks winner Conversano left well as did Delaney Hanover; the latter hit the top before a :27.2 quarter, then kept the winner out in the air for most of the next quarter, with Yo Tillie reaching the half in :55.4.

Conversano came first-over before the 1:23.2 three quarters, but the overland route took its toll, and Delaney Hanover provided the major stretch danger. That filly picked up a few inches on the winner, but Yo Tillie appeared to be in control, winning by three parts of a length while making driver Todd McCarthy the first two-time winner in the Delmonica Hanover’s five-year history.

“I was actually glad when I heard that she would be starting from post six (after What A Bid Hanover was scratched) – six is a lot easier than seven,” winning trainer Andrew Harris, also co-owner with William Pollock and Bruce Areman, said after the race. “She’s a professional now. She used to get a little fired-up before the race, but she’s learned and is easier that way now.”

The 1:51.2 clocking shaved a tick off the stakes record first set by Joviality S in 2022 and tied by Warrawee Michelle last year. Those two had also shared the track record with Check Me Out (2012), Designed To Be (2014), and Lasting Dream (who won a consolation earlier in the day).

“She’s a really special filly, and Andrew is doing a phenomenal job with her,” said winning driver Todd McCarthy. “She’s matured a little bit, and she’s quite smart at the moment. We can race her anyway we want. She’s just been an absolute pleasure to drive every single time.”

Yo Tillie now has career earnings of $592,383, with 14 wins in 18 starts.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, Yo Tillie paid $2.80 to win.

Yo Tillie looks to continue streak in Delmonica Hanover

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:25:01 GMT

Hightstown, NJ — Yo Tillie was not eligible to the Hambletonian Oaks earlier this month, but she will meet four horses from that event’s final – including champ Conversano – when she brings an eight-race win streak to Saturday’s (Aug. 16) $250,000 Grade 1 Delmonica Hanover Stakes, for 3-year-old female trotters, at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Purchased this past November by Bill Pollock, Bruce Areman and trainer Andrew Harris following the completion of her 2-year-old season, Yo Tillie is unbeaten in five starts this year. The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator finished her rookie campaign with three consecutive victories for then owner/trainer/driver Verlin Yoder as part of an eight-win season that included Kentucky Sire Stakes titles at Oak Grove and Cumberland Run.

Over her past four starts, Yo Tillie has won twice in 1:51 and once in 1:51.1. The next fastest victory time this season by a sophomore trotting filly is 1:51.2, set by Conversano when she captured the Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands on Aug 2.

Conversano, trained by Juan Cano, and driver James MacDonald will leave from post three in the Delmonica Hanover and get the 5-2 nod as morning-line favorite. Yo Tillie, the 3-1 second choice, and driver Todd McCarthy will start from post seven in the field of eight.

“She’s been doing great, and she’s coming into the race good,” Harris said about Yo Tillie, who is ranked No. 6 in the current Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, four spots ahead of Conversano. “Obviously, we respect the heck out of Conversano; she’s a very nice filly. I’m just like the fans; I get to watch this and see what happens.”

Yo Tillie heads to the Delmonica Hanover, which is part of Pocono’s Sun Stakes Saturday card, off a three-length, 1:51.1 win in the first round of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship Series at the Red Mile. Her remaining four victories this year have all been by more than three lengths, including her 1:51 score in a division of the Grade 2 Del Miller Memorial at the Meadowlands on July 12.

Her other triumphs this season came in divisions of the Tompkins-Geers Stakes, Reynolds Memorial and Garden State Trot for 3-year-old trotting fillies. All were at the Meadowlands.

“Did I expect her to be as good as she is? No,” Harris said. “But at the same time, nothing she does surprises me. I had a feeling she was the real deal, and that’s what attracted us to try to buy her.”

So, what has been the key to her success?

“I think it’s just that she has such a big set of lungs,” Harris said. “She’s obviously fast, but there are a lot of fast horses. I think it’s the lungs. She can just take so much more air than most horses. And she’s doing it any way Todd wants to do it right now, so she’s not trip dependent. I think her lungs allow her to do that. She can make a sweeping move and just keep going.”

For her career, Yo Tillie has won 13 of 17 races and banked $467,383.

Conversano will make her first start since winning the Hambletonian Oaks. The daughter of Muscle Hill -Celebrity Ruth has hit the board in all nine of her starts this season, with seven wins, one second and a third. In addition to the Oaks, her victories include the New Jersey Sire Stakes championship and a division of the Reynolds.

The remaining Hambletonian Oaks finalists heading to the Delmonica Hanover are third-place finisher Delaney Hanover, fifth-place finisher R Charm, and seventh-place finisher Torrisi. Delaney Hanover, who came home in :26.3 as she rallied from eighth in the Oaks, leads the trio at 5-1 on the morning line. She leaves from post six with Scott Zeron in the sulky for trainer Lucas Wallin.

Also among the field, at 4-1 on the morning line, is 2024 Goldsmith Maid winner What A Bid Hanover. She will start from post two with trainer Åke Svanstedt doing the driving. She was a 1:51.4 winner in her Del Miller Memorial division last month but went off stride in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination and failed to reach the final.

The Sun Stakes Saturday card at Pocono also features the $250,000 Grade 1 James M. Lynch Memorial, for 3-year-old female pacers; $300,000 Grade 2 Max C. Hempt Memorial, for 3-year-old male pacers; and $300,000 Grade 2 Earl Beal Jr. Memorial, for 3-year-old male trotters.

Miki And Minnie, the sport’s No. 1-ranked horse, is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the Lynch, which also includes Canada’s 2024 Horse of the Year, Chantilly, in her first trip away from Ontario’s Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Prince Hal Hanover, coming off victories in the Adios and Carl Milstein Memorial, is the 5-2 morning-line favorite in the Hempt while multiple graded-stakes winner and Hambletonian runner-up Super Chapter gets the 5-2 nod in the Beal.

Kadena wins Commonwealth Series splits

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:46:02 GMT

Favored Hunterton Born & Sold Kadena (Andrew McCarthy) wired the field in 1:52.3 to win the first $30,000 division of this series by a head over My Honor (Gingras) and Grand Reserve (Zeron).

The sophomore daughter of Gimpanzee and world champion Mission Brief is trained by Melander.

Kadena was bred by Mission Brief Stables and was the sales topper at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale at $800,000 for owners Jeffrey Snyder and S R F Stable.

The filly paid $4.18 to win. She has now collected $158,017 and her record is 14-5-3-1.

Miki And Minnie scores in Philly PASS

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:00:03 GMT

Sophomore pacing filly Hunterton Born Miki And Minnie , just named No. 1 in the North American Top 10 polls, didn’t take long to show the talent that earned her that spot, winning the single third-round Pennsylvania Sire Stakes event held Thursday (Aug. 7) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Going for $109,440, the richest harness purse in eastern Pennsylvania so far this year, the daughter of Always B Miki drew the outside in a field of seven, and driver Dexter Dunn elected to get a seat with Miki And Minnie early as Asphalt took over from Lily White Hanover by the :27.1 first quarter.

There was no movement as the field reached the half in :55, but then Time Of The Season came outside with Rodeo Drive Deo — the only horse to beat Miki And Minnie this year — on her helmet, and Dunn’s hand was forced. His filly was able to launch a giant third-quarter uncovered charge to take the lead by the 1:22.2 station near the far turn. From there, the race was for place, as neither Dunn nor Miki And Minnie looked at all unruffled as they won by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:49.4. Rodeo Drive Deo finished strongly to edge Time Of The Season for second.

Miki And Minnie is now six-for-seven with $348,222 earned this year and 12-for-18 with $1,182,308 earned lifetime for newly-minted Hall Of Fame trainer Chris Ryder and the partnership of Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo, and Lawrence Minowitz.

Possibilities for her upcoming schedule include the Lynch Memorial at Pocono on Aug. 16, a Sire Stakes prelim at The Meadows on Aug. 29 if needed or desired, and her $300,000 PASS Championship on Sept. 6, also at The Meadows.

Fragment wins NYSS at Batavia

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:54:19 GMT

Two $52,500 divisions of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings went postward at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Aug. 7) evening and there were no surprises as to who won those events as chalk bettors all went home happy. And between stakes and overnight victories, Jason Bartlett won a total of six races on Thursday.

In the first of the two splits, Hunterton's Bred, Born & Sold Fragment ( Huntsville -The Show Returns) controlled the field from the lead before pulling away late at 1-9.

Jason Bartlett put Fragment on the point and set soft fractions of :29.4, 1:00 and 1:29.2 while the rest of the field stayed on the pegs and tried to keep pace. As the race rounded turn four, Fragment started to pull away and he was clear by three entering the stretch. From there, Fragment was completely unchallenged and pulled away by 4-1/2 lengths at the light in 1:56.2.

It was the fourth win in five starts for Fragment ($2.10) who is owned by Engblom Stable and Douglas Sipple and trained by Per Engblom.

Deuce Pop wins Golden Series leg

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:48:59 GMT

On Wednesday (Aug. 6), The Red Mile conducted two cards of contests due to an intense thunderstorm in the area. Endurance collected his fourth consecutive victory in the second round of the $80,000 Kentucky Championship Series. The 14-race card also included three $30,000 second round Kentucky Commonwealth Series legs, three $15,000 second round divisions of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series and two $10,000 second round legs of the Kentucky Wildcat Series. All events were for 2-year-old male trotters.

Favored Deuce Pop (Todd McCarthy) took the second division of this series in 1:55.2 for trainer Randal Jerrell. The son of Tactical Landing -Atlantic Crest paid $3.82 to win.

He was bred by Atlantic Trot Inc. and is owned by his trainer, breeder and Steve Stewart.

Endurance Shines In Kentucky Sire Stakes

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:39:30 GMT

Hunterton's Bred, Born & Sold Endurance and Brandon Blvd won their $111,111 Kentucky Sire Stakes divisions to star on a two-card day of freshman stakes action at The Red Mile on Wednesday Aug. 6 as the track hosted a rescheduled program in the morning, followed by its regular afternoon racing.

The two-year-old male pacers contested stakes events on the early non-wagering slate, which was postponed by a day due to thunderstorms, and the rookie trotting colts and geldings went to battle on the later card.

Endurance won his fourth straight KYSS event with a commanding performance in the sole Kentucky Championship Series contest for trotters. Leaving from post five in the field of nine, the son of Captain Corey-Love Session set fractions of :28.4, :57.2 and 1:25.3 while Silverstein (Dave Miller) gave chase in second the entire mile. Endurance simply had too much on this day, crossing the line a length in front in 1:53.1. Lindy Living (Yannick Gingras) closed from seventh at three-quarters to finish third.

Bred by Steve Stewart and Martti Ala, Endurance 's record is now four-for-five, and he has earned $210,255. Chris Beaver trains him and shares ownership with Bill Manes, Leo Fleming, and Mark Moger. Endurance is the third foal out of his dam and was a $19,444 yearling purchase. His dam (Muscle Massive, $28,643) is a half-sibling to Triumphant Caviar (Sjs Caviar, $811,547), Prayer Session (Like A Prayer, $777,990), Theatrical Session (Broadway Hall, $192,637), and Centurion ATM (Sjs Caviar, $731,374). The colt paid $3.40 to win as the favourite.

Inexpressable wins Kentucky Commonwealth Series division at the Red Mile

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:34:51 GMT

There were three $41,667 Kentucky Commonwealth Series divisions for trotters and a pair for pacers at The Red Mile.

In the first trotting division, Scott Zeron and Hunterton's Born & Sold Inexpressable hit the finish line a length in front in 1:56 for trainer Lucas Wallin. Gorilla Sighting (Andrew McCarthy) was second, and An Honest Buck (Tim Tetrick) took the show spot. Inexpressable is by Walner and out of Ineffable. He broke his maiden in his second start for owners Wallin Racing Stable Inc. and Karin Walter. Inexpressable paid $2.96 to win as the public’s top selection.

Unreasonable makes it four in a row at The Red Mile

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:48:36 GMT

Lexington, KY — On Monday (Aug. 2) under hazy skies, Hunterton's Bred, Born & Sold Unreasonable and Mr Mouton, captured the two $80,000 first round legs of the $80,000 Kentucky Championship Series for sophomore filly pacers and 3-year-old male trotters. There were also three $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series contests, five $15,000 Kentucky Golden Rod Series legs and two $10,000 Kentucky Wildcat Series legs.

Unreasonable soars in Kentucky Championship Series

Marcus Miller and Unreasonable were simply to strong for their competition in the field of seven and stopped the clock in 1:48.4 to tally the fourth consecutive victory for the daughter of Huntsville -Roaring To Go. Reckless Abandon (Todd McCarthy) was second and Caviart Delight (Scott Zeron) was third.

Trained by Erv Miller, Unreasonable was assigned the rail and settled in fourth while Champagne Problems (Andrew McCarthy) went straight to front. That filly set the first split of :26.3, then relinquished control to the public’s second choice Looksgoodinloulou (Yannick Gingras). That filly took the field through a half in :54 and three-quarters in 1:21.3.

As the fillies reached the final bend, Looksgoodinloulou and Champagne Problems began to fade from their efforts while Unreasonable was ready to roll. She went to the front at the top of the lane and uncorked a :26.3 last panel to have her picture taken.

Bred by Steve Stewart and Frank Chick, Unreasonable improved her career resume to 17-8-2-3 and has banked $308,582. The filly is 6-5-1- this season and is on a four-race win streak. Her only loss was on June 24 in a sire stakes leg at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel by a head.

Unreasonable is third foal out of Roaring To Go (Art Major, $431,999), who is a half-sibling to Well Lets See ( Well Said , $122,124), Queen Of The Pride (McArdle, $787,211) and Cold Decked ( Racing Hill , $107,389).

Purchased for $55,000 at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale by her trainer’s stable and David J. Miller, Unreasonable’s final time was a new lifetime best.

The filly paid $4.50 to win as the favorite.

Yo Tillie extends win streak to eight with Red Mile victory

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:16:40 GMT

Lexington, KY – On one of the most beautiful evenings of The Red Mile meet to date, fans turned out to enjoy Sunday Night Lights (Aug. 3), sponsored by Crawford Farms. Those in attendance witnessed Yo Tillie and Sippinonsearoc display their prowess over the red clay in $80,000 Kentucky Championship Series events for sophomore female trotters and male pacers.

The 16-race card also included three $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series first-round legs, five $15,000 Kentucky Golden Rod Series legs and three $10,000 Kentucky Wildcat Series legs.

Yo Tillie shines in Kentucky Championship Series

Todd McCarthy steered Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie to her eighth consecutive triumph dating back to last October from post position five in a field of seven 3-year-old trotting fillies. The heavily favored Andrew Harris-trained daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator allowed Pink Bomb (Andrew McCarthy) to establish splits of :28.3, :55.1 and 1:23.3 while trotting in third.

Her pilot decided to give the talented filly her cue heading into the drive for home and she responded with a final quarter in :27.2 to hit the line in 1:51.1. Stash Some Cash (Yannick Gingras) raced well to finish second with R Lady W (Scott Zeron) closing from last at the half-mile marker to come home third.

Bred by Gbw Breeding Farms Inc. and Black Creek Farm, Yo Tillie improved her career record to 17-13-1-1 and boosted her bankroll to $467,383.

The filly was purchased privately by her trainer, William Pollock and Bruce Areman from Verlin Yoder after completing her freshman campaign. She is a perfect five-for-five for her new connections.

Cher Hill victorious at Woodbine Mohawk!

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:43:47 GMT

In the second Gold division at Woodbine, Doug McNair drove Hunterton Born Cher Hill to a two-length victory over Lo An Behold (Louis-Philippe Roy) in a career-best 1:55.4. It was the first career win for the homebred daughter of Muscle Mass-Lauramarie Hill owned and bred by Tom Hill of England and trained by McNair’s father, Gregg.

Doug McNair had Cher Hill on the front before the :59 half and cruised from there. Timeless (Todd Ratchford) was second, followed by Figuratively (Tyler Jones) and the favourite, A Splash Of Green (James MacDonald), who made a break near the half and recovered to pick up the final cheque.

“I wanted to leave out of there, take a look at things and probably follow one or two of them, if I could,” said McNair. “I was just happy she drew away from a couple of the other bearcats [Bingo Night and Flowing Tribute].

“It’s just funny how you get a couple of nice fillies dad trains and then, this year, there are a couple of really special ones that were in the other division.

“[Cher Hill’s] attitude is her best attribute. She relaxes in the barn and is easy to drive and she usually trots perfectly. Last week, it really surprised me. I was leaving a little bit with her and she made a miscue on me. That’s a two-year-old trotting filly for you.”

Cher Hill paid $9 to win.

Cher Hill now has a record of 1-0-2 in four starts and earnings of $57,504.

Kadena wins one of three $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series at The Red Mile

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:23:49 GMT

On one of the most beautiful evenings of The Red Mile meet to date, fans turned out to enjoy Sunday Night Lights (Aug. 3), sponsored by Crawford Farms.

The 16-race card also included three $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series first-round legs, five $15,000 Kentucky Golden Rod Series legs and three $10,000 Kentucky Wildcat Series legs.

In the first Commonwealth Series division for 3-year-old trotting fillies Hunterton Born & Sold Kadena (A. McCarthy) put on a show from the nine-hole in the field of 10 for trainer Marcus Melander. The royally bred daughter of Gimpanzee -Mission Brief defeated Tactical Moni (Dexter Dunn) and Ms Prada (Gingras) in a new lifetime mark of 1:52.1.

Rebounding from a fourth-place finish in her $50,000 Hambletonian Oaks elimination at The Meadowlands on July 26, the filly went straight to the lead and clicked off fractions of :27.3, :56.3 and 1:24.1. Tactical Moni gave chase throughout but could not head the winner while Ms Prada closed but ran out of real estate.

Bred by Mission Brief Stable, Kadena is owned by Jeff Snyder and S R F Stables.

Kadena’s career record now stands at 13-4-3-1 with $108,017 in earnings.

Miki And Minnie magnificent in Shady Daisy

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 18:36:07 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – Following odds-on triumphs in the Jerry Silverman Memorial and Tompkins-Geers Stakes, 1-9 favorite Hunterton Born Miki And Minnie made easy work of her six foes in the $95,650 Grade 3 Shady Daisy, for 3-year-old pacing fillies, on Saturday (Aug. 2) at the Meadowlands, equaling her 1:48.3 lifetime mark and scoring her third consecutive Big M stakes win in the act.

Driver Dexter Dunn floated Miki And Minnie forward into midfield on the first turn as Beach Babe (driven by Yannick Gingras) split Thebeautifulthings (Kyle Husted) and Gigglingonthebeach (James MacDonald) to control a punishing :25.4 first quarter. Upon straightening up the backstretch, Dunn angled Miki And Minnie off the pegs, and the Always B Miki -That’s The Ticket filly steadily advanced to clear Beach Babe at the completion of a :54.1 half.

Miki And Minnie faced her lone true test of the race midway around the far turn when Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) advanced first-over from fifth and took aim at her nearing three-quarters in 1:22.2, but the 2024 Dan Patch Award winner parried her outside challenger with a :26.1 sprint home to keep Rodeo Drive Deo 1-3/4 lengths at bay while measured to the winning post. Jordanna Hanover (Jason Bartlett) chased Rodeo Drive Deo’s cover to finish third, another 5-1/2 lengths behind.

“She’s a little bit of a lazy filly, and she’s starting to learn to race on the front,” admitted Chris Ryder, who trains Miki And Minnie for the partnership of Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo and Lawrence Minowitz, who also bred the filly. “She’s just a such a special horse; it’s great to have her.”

The Shady Daisy marked Miki And Minnie’s 12th win from 18 career starts, and it lifted her lifetime earnings to $1,174,457. She paid $2.10 to win.

Apex on top in NJSS

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 16:40:09 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – Royally bred Hunterton Apex notched a hard-fought win as the second betting choice while Emmas Mystery CCL ripped to victory at long odds in their respective $225,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes finals, for trotting 2-year-olds, on Saturday (Aug. 2) at The Meadowlands.

Apex seized the lead late and kept his head in front to the finish of a 1:53.2 mile to win the New Jersey Sire Stakes Final for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

Driver Dexter Dunn landed in fourth out of post 2, directly behind 3-5 favorite Diabolic Hill, and bided his time as Ardonne cleared the front in a :28 first quarter. Pocket-sitter Maga Hill soon tipped outside to challenge and then took over the lead before a :56.4 half, all while Dunn pressured Diabolic Hill to flush outside moving for the final turn.

Diabolic Hill obliged out of third and lunged uncovered to blitz Maga Hill to three-quarters in 1:25 with Apex in tow on the turn for home. Dunn fanned off cover in the stretch and overhauled Diabolic Hill in mid-stretch but had more competition coming with Ardonne zipping off a ground-saving trip and after the leader late. Apex reached for the finish and staved off Ardonne by a head while Diabolic Hill settled for third and Kingmen took fourth.

Apex, a colt by Walner out of the world champion trotting mare and 2015 Hambletonian runner-up Mission Brief, scored his second win from three starts and did so in a lifetime-best time.

“We’ve spent about $2 million on Mission Brief’s offspring so far – and this is the third, fourth one we’ve got – and he definitely showed right away that he was the best one,” trainer Marcus Melander said. “He had such a bound in his gait and was training down great, but you never really know until you start racing them.”

Jeff Snyder, S R F Stable and Steve Stewart share ownership on Apex, who has now banked $131,250 in his career. He paid $5.40 to win.

Calgary Sun wins the Wildcat Series in 1:57.2

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:20:47 GMT

The Bob Stewart conditioned Hunterton Born & Sold Calgary Sun (A. McCarthy) won the third division of the Wildcat Series in 1:57.2 as the second longest shot in the field of seven. The daughter of Calgary Games-Sansuna Hanover was bred by Vet Performance Therapy Ab.

Calgary Sun is owned by Myfab Inc. She paid $34.98 at the windows.

Naughty Beauty Rules in Golden Rod at The Red Mile

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:05:57 GMT

As the oppressive heat continues, so do the appearances of talented freshman filly pacers at the Red Mile, which hosted a 16-race card on Tuesday (July 29) with one $80,000 first-round division of the Kentucky Championship Series, two $30,000 first-round divisions of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series, three $15,000 divisions of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series and two $10,000 first-round divisions of the Kentucky Wildcat Series.

Hunterton Born & Sold Naughty Beauty (Todd McCarthy) broke her maiden in her first attempt for trainer Andrew Harris in the first division of the Kentucky Golden Rod Series. The daughter of Bettor’s Delight-Beautyonthebeach was bred by James Avritt Sr. and is owned by Bill Pollock, Bruce Areman and her trainer.

The filly paid $5.28 to win and tripped the timer in 1:51.2.

Topville Lucky springs upset in Commonwealth Series

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:59:32 GMT

Hunterton Sold Topville Lucky (Atlee Bender) came from off the pace to break her maiden in her first attempt, defeating heavily favored Bettor Be A Star (Ryder) and Tan Lines Hanover (Zeron) in 1:53 at odds of 18-1.

The daughter of Sweet Lou -Warrawee Winx commenced her journey from post position seven in the field of eight as Easy Station (David Miller) established the first quarter-mile fraction of :29.1. Bettor Be A Star, sitting in second, could wait not longer and went to the top in a half of :58.4. On the lead is where the favorite continued through three-quarters in 1:26.1.

Topville Lucky, however, would not be denied and placed herself in fourth position at the top of the stretch. The filly then tossed down a blistering :25.3 final quarter mile to leave Bettor Be A Star and the rest of the field in her wake.

Bred by Jeremy Yoder, Topville Lucky is trained by Erv Miller, who also co-owns her with Douglas Overhiser, Dr. Michael Ternisky and Dr. Scott Leaf.

The filly is the first foal out of her unraced dam and fetched $27,000 at the 2024 Standardbred Horse Sale.

Topville Lucky’s dam is a half sibling to Warrawee Unique ( Sweet Lou , $287,849), Warrawee Xtreme ( Sweet Lou , $139,823) and Warrawee Yale ( Captaintreacherous , $138,069).

The filly returned $38.22 at the windows and collected $15,000 in purse money from her career debut.

Endurance led the way in Championship events at The Red Mile

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:47:43 GMT

Although weather caused an adjustment to post times on Monday (July 28), Kentucky Sire Stakes action is only turning up the heat at The Red Mile. Endurance delivered as the favorite in their respective $80,000 first round leg of the Kentucky Championship Series for freshman male trotters.

Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Endurance (Andrew McCarthy) powered away from It Could Be Worse (Scott Zeron) in deep stretch to capture the second division of the Kentucky Championship Series in a lifetime best 1:52.3. Yo Billie (Verlin Yoder) rounded out the trifecta.

Conditioned by Christopher Beaver, Endurance is a son of Captain Corey -Love Session. The colt began his mile journey from post position one and sat in third while Royal Captain (Tyler Jones) set the initial split of :28.1., followed that up with a half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:24.4.

When they rounded the final turn for home, Endurance decided it was time for him to assert his authority and took the lead by a head. It Could Be Worse closed from fifth and Yo Billie from sixth but neither horse possessed enough momentum to hit the wire first.

Bred by Steve Stewart and Martti Ala-Seppala, Endurance improved his record to 4-3-0-0 and has amassed $113,200 in purse money.

He was purchased by his trainer, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Mark Moger for $14,000 at last year’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Endurance paid $4.10 to those that placed him on their tickets.

Requiem wins Commonwealth Series at The Red Mile

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:43:29 GMT

Although weather caused an adjustment to post times on Monday (July 28), Kentucky Sire Stakes action is only turning up the heat at The Red Mile. Silverstein and Endurance delivered as the favorites in their respective $80,000 first round legs of the Kentucky Championship Series for freshman male trotters.

The Lexington oval also hosted three $30,000 first round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series for the same age, gait and gender, in addition to two first $15,000 legs of Kentucky Golden Rod Series and two $10,000 first round divisions of the Kentucky Wildcat Series.

Hunterton Born & Sold Requiem (D. Miller) pulled a mild upset in the third division of this series defeating An Honest Buck (Tetrick) and favorite Stormy Seas (Dunn) in 1:55.1 for his first win in his third start.

The colt, who was bred by John Schmucker, Sunset Stables LLC and Whiskeyontherocks Racing, was taken home for $45,000 by Dark Horse Farm LLC. He is conditioned by Mathew Burkholder.

Requiem has now amassed $24,600 in purse money with a record of 3-1-0-2.

He paid $17.70 to win as the fifth longest shot in the eight-horse field.

Show Me Your Ace wins Commonwealth at The Red Mile

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 15:47:15 GMT

Lexington, KY – On yet another sweltering Sunday evening infringed upon by some intriguing pop-up storms, The Red Mile hosted a preview of future stars of tomorrow as freshman pacing colts demonstrated their talents over the historic mile oval.

Hunterton Sold Show Me Your Ace (Dunn), Hurrikanelouexiii (Andrew McCarthy) and Papi Rick (A. McCarthy) captured their respective divisions of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series by a head, neck and nose, respectively.

Trained by Chris Ryder, Show Me Your Ace was the public’s second selection in the field of seven at odds of nearly 3-1. The son of American Ideal-Trip Aces Hanover is owned by his trainer, Anne Demers, Lawrence Minowitz and Ake Svanstedt.

Bred by In The Dark Racing LLC, Show Me Your Ace broke his maiden in his first trip to the gate and has now earned $15,000. The colt was a $150,000 purchase at last year’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
Show Me Your Ace provided $7.78 to those who selected him on their tickets and stopped the clock in 1:52.2.

Fletchers Field wins Golden Rod at The Red Mile

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 15:43:05 GMT

Hunterton Born & Sold Fletchers Field (Geremy Bobbitt) was the only non-favored horse to win his Golden Rod division in 1:52.3. He is trained by Rodney De Beck and owned by his trainer with Randy Donahue. The son of Tall Dark Stranger -Coronet paid $9.94 to win.

Seaside Angel wins Buckeye Stallion Series division at Northfield

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:34:55 GMT

There were five $27,397 Buckeye Stallion Series divisions for two-year-old pacing fillies at Northfield Park. Queen Valerie (1:57; $4.60) kicked off the winners for driver Chris Page and trainer Ron Burke, Hunterton Sold Seaside Angel (1:55.1; $4.80) then connected for Page and a different Ron -- trainer Ron Steck. Rhodena Blue (1:57; $16.80) was the longest priced winner of the group with Aaron Merriman up for trainer Neil MacInnis. Lil Keisha (1:57.1; $5.60) provided a double in BSS action for Page and Burke, with the stakes divisions capped by Eyes Up in the fastest split (1:54.4; $2.40) for driver Dan Noble and trainer Deborah Swartz.

Vic Zelenskyy sparkles at The Red Mile

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:21:53 GMT

Lexington, KY — On Tuesday (July 22), The Red Mile conducted two $35,000 first round legs of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Series for older male and female trotters. Vic Zelenskyy returned from a vacation as a victor and Black Velvet As collected her second consecutive triumph in sire stakes company.

The impeccably bred ( Hunterton Born & Sold) Vic Zelenskyy ( Greenshoe -Mission Brief) has experienced trouble staying flat throughout his career yet demonstrated his affinity for the red clay with his fifth triumph over the Lexington oval.

With Dexter Dunn at the controls for conditioner Marcus Melander, the stallion commenced trotting from post position five as Bargain (Marvin Luna) took control out of the gate from post position seven through a first quarter in :28.1.

Dunn, however, decided it was time to place Vic Zelenskyy in command prior to a half in :56.1. The stallion never relinquished that position through three-quarters in 1:24.2 and hit the line in 1:51. Bargain came on again with a drive in the lane, but Vic Zelenskyy was best. Mister Dad (David Miller) rounded out the trifecta.

Sent off as the favorite in the field of eight, the stallion is owned by S R F Stable as well as Holly Lane Stud East LTD. He was bred by Mission Brief Stable.

Vic Zelenskyy was a $550,000 purchase at the 2022 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and is the first foal out of world champion Mission Brief’s five offspring of racing age to break the $100,000 barrier after today’s win.

The 4-year-old’s stallion’s record now stands at 15-6-2 and he has banked $113,510.

He last competed in the 2024 Breeders Crown elimination where he broke in the final, but he did win an elimination of last year’s Kentucky Futurity.

Vic Zelenskyy paid $5.14 to his supporters.

Peace Talks wins Kentucky Sire Stakes at The Red Mile

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:11:16 GMT

On Monday (July 21) The Red Mile hosted two $35,000 first legs of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for 4-year-olds and older for male and female pacers.

Hunterton Bred, Born & Sold Peace Talks (Dunn) was content to allow heavily favored Bath Bomb (Andrew McCarthy) to lead the way right from the gate. Dunn sat in the garden spot while Bath Bomb reeled off splits of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:23.3 but he and his horse were prepared to pounce and did exactly that heading around the final turn.

Bath Bomb offered some resistance, but Peace Talks would not be denied and came home in a brisk :25.4. The daughter of American Ideal-Triple V Hanover stopped the clock in 1:49.3. Bath Bomb held second and Capytreach (Andy Miller), the longest shot in the field of five at 32-1, came on late to snatch the show spot.

Trained by Chris Ryder, Peace Talks is owned by Henderson Farms, Fac Racing LLC and Robert Mondillo.

The mare paid $9.64 for her efforts.

Peace Talks was bred by Donald Robinson, Michael Robinson, Steve Stewart and James Daut. The mare improved her resume to 40-5-10-11. This was her first triumph of the season from 12 trips to the post. Her time was a new lifetime mark. Peace Talks has collected the most purse money from her dam’s six foals with $536,329 in the bank. She is half-sibling to Fulsome ( Betting Line , $302,399) and Vici (Lazarus N, $327,261). The mare was a $87,000 purchase at the 2021 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Jasper Hill wins $25,000 Grassroots division at Woodbine

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:26:52 GMT

Two-year-old pacing colts stepped into the spotlight with a trio of $25,000 Grassroots divisions at Woodbine Mohawk Park on July 21.

Trainer Anthony Beaton picked up victories in a pair of Grassroots divisions, with Hunterton Born Jasper Hill overcoming post ten to score first-over in 1:54.1. Tom Hill's homebred son of Cattlewash-Pretty Katherine was driven to his first career victory in his second outing by Doug McNair as the even-money favourite.

Royal Captain Sets Sail In Millard Farms At Mohawk

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:16:21 GMT

Woodbine Mohawk Park played host to a pair of $20,000 divisions of the first leg of the Millard Farms Series for two-year-old trotters on Monday (July 21) seeing Hunterton Born and Sold Royal Captain cruise in 1:54.4 to stay perfect in his young career and Halton Hill breaking his maiden in 1:58.3 as the 1-2 choice in the second split.

Royal Captain and driver Tyler Jones made quick work of the outside post seven, blitzing to the top and trotting three-lengths clear to the quarter pole in a quick :27.1. Royal Captain remained a loose leader to the half in :57.1 over pocket-sitter Tymal Starstruck (Doug McNair) while Captain Code (Scott Young) advanced into third first-up. Captain Code continued to march to the leader's wheel on the final turn, with Royal Captain reaching three-quarters first in 1:26.3.

Under confident Jones handling, Royal Captain remained just out of reach in the lane of both Captain Code and Tymal Starstruck, reaching the wire a length clear in 1:54.4. Captain Code edged out Tymal Starstruck by three parts of a length to be second.

Trained by Dustin Jones, the winning son of Captain Corey-You Will Be Queen is now two-for-two to start his career. Bred by Dustin Jones Stables and Hebert Horses Inc., Royal Captain has bagged $18,000 for owners Royal Captain Group.

‘Tillie’ tough in Geers at Big M

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 18:08:36 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie maintained her current standing as the top horse in her division as a Hambletonian contender Saturday night at The Meadowlands when four divisions of the Tompkins-Geers Stake were contested for 3-year-old trotters of each sex.

Yo Tillie remained unbeaten in four tries this season after displaying an awesome closing kick rather than the dazzling early speed she showed in each of her first three starts this year.

“Her last couple of starts she’s been awesome,” said winning driver Todd McCarthy. “I’ve been racing her pretty aggressively and that was kind of the plan for tonight, but she’s come back so smart this year and she’s learned how to settle in. It’s an advantage when you can race them like that.”

The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator raced in fourth past the five-eighths in the $37,125 first dash for fillies, then moved to the outside on the far turn before unleashing a powerhouse final quarter of :26.3 to win by 3½ lengths over R Charm in 1:52.3. Jersey Slide was third.

“I knew when I tipped and asked her that she would give me a pretty good last quarter,” said McCarthy.

Not eligible for the Hambletonian Oaks, Yo Tillie, who returned $2.10 to win as the 1-9 favorite, is being pointed toward the Kentucky Filly Futurity and Breeders Crown, among other stakes events this year, according to trainer Andrew Harris.

Onajetplane wins the Tompkins-Geers Stake

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:25:07 GMT

Hunterton Sold Onajetplane threw his hat into the ring as a Hambletonian contender Saturday night at The Meadowlands when four divisions of the Tompkins-Geers Stake were contested for 3-year-old trotters of each sex.

Onajetplane used a quick brush to command down the backstretch to secure the top just after the half and then had to hold off a late-charging Hey Porter to take the first division for colts and geldings – which went for a purse of $39,125 – by a head in a lifetime-best equaling 1:52.1. Warrior was third.

“He doesn’t love being in front, he starts looking around a little,” said winning driver Andy McCarthy. “He got to wondering a little but once Scottie [Zeron, driving Hey Porter] came to us, he got back to business.”

In the opinion of his driver, the son of Walner -Noble Lover is a Hambletonian contender. “This horse is good enough [to compete in the Hambo]. He needs a good draw and a good trip and he’ll be right there.”

As the 4-5 public choice, Onajetplane, a Noel Daley trainee, paid $3.60 to win.

No Better Air Stars In Grassroots At Mohawk

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:46:33 GMT

Hunterton Born and Sold No Better Air was one of four Cattlewash freshman pacing filly winners in Ontario Sires Stakes action on Friday night, July 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Congratulations to owners Andrea Lea Racingstables Inc, Scott McEneny and Carlisle-Aristi Varsakis, trainer Scott McEneny and driver Trevor Henry.

Apex wins the NJSS at The Meadowlands

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:13:50 GMT

Hunterton Sold Apex ( Walner -Mission Brief) won the NJSS at the Meadowlands in 1:54.3, $2.40 as the 1-5 favorite. Congratulations to owners Jeffrey S Snyder and S R F Stables trainer Marcus Melander and driver Dexter Dunn.

Yannick G Kemp wins at Oak Grove KYSS Final Day

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:21:08 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — The near $1-million day of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) finals at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday (July 14) saw five track-record performances, the fastest of which came in a powerhouse romp by Erv Miller trainee Unreasonable to win the $100,000 final for 3-year-old pacing fillies in 1:49.4.

Hunterton Bron and Sold Yannick G Kemp (Todd McCarthy) won the first KYSS final of the day, the $100,000 KYSS 3-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, in a track-record time with a surprise front-stepping performance at odds of 17-1. Having to return to the paddock before the race for a shoe repair, Yannick G Kemp came back to the track, went behind the gate and uncorked great speed to land on the point out of post six through a :27.3 first quarter. With his competition just trying to find a rhythm in behind, Yannick G Kemp coasted by a :56.2 half and through three-quarters in 1:24.1 with a strong lead coming for home. My Degenerate (Dexter Dunn), the 4-5 favorite, tried to rush first up late before losing stride, which left Yannick G Kemp alone to coast in a two-length winner in 1:52.3. Te Quiero Lindy (Andy McCarthy) sat a pocket trip for second with Big Shoes (Yannick Gingras) closing for third and Grande Via (David Miller) in fourth.

Richard “Nifty” Norman trains Yannick G Kemp, a 3-year-old colt by Walner , for owners Melvin Hartman, ROjan Stables and Little E LLC. In winning his seventh race from 22 starts, Yannick G Kemp padded his bankroll to $214,889 while also lowering the track record for 3-year-old trotting colts of 1:53 set by Brodeur in 2023. He paid $36.04 to win.

Endurance KYSS finals at Oak Grove Racing

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:27:50 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — The near $1-million day of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) finals at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday (July 14) saw five track-record performances.

Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Endurance (Andy McCarthy) beat his own track record that he set one week ago in winning the $100,000 KYSS 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot at the end of the card. McCarthy plowed past San Patricio (Scott Zeron) through a :27 first quarter to lead the field through a :56.1 half and to three-quarters in 1:24.4. San Patricio trotted level for home, but Silverstein (David Miller) emerged out of third to take a shot at Endurance. McCarthy gave his charge a few taps of the whip and Endurance held by three-quarter lengths at the end of a 1:53.2 mile over Silverstein. San Patricio chased in third and Zephyr Kemp (Dexter Dunn) settled for fourth.

Chris Beaver trains Endurance, a colt by Captain Corey , for himself and co-owners Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Mark Moger. He collected his second win from three starts — his first win in 1:54.3 beat the previous track record for 2-year-old colts by a fifth of a second — and has now earned $73,200. He paid $3.36 to win.

Unreasonable Tops Five Track Records on Oak Grove KYSS Final Day

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:23:36 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — The near $1-million day of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) finals at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday (July 14) saw five track-record performances, the fastest of which came in a powerhouse romp by Erv Miller trainee Unreasonable to win the $100,000 final for 3-year-old pacing fillies in 1:49.4.

Driver Marcus Miller motored Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Unreasonable to the top through a :26 first quarter and pocketed Reckless Abandon (driven by Todd McCarthy) moving past the grandstand for the first time. Odds-on chalk Odds On Chesapeake (Dexter Dunn) abandoned her leave attempt and landed fourth out of post seven, but tried to claw first over after a :55 half. Miller accelerated with Unreasonable up the backstretch and started to peel away from the competition through three-quarters in 1:22.1. Odds On Chesapeake retreated as the others fought to hold position in behind widening winner Unreasonable. She crossed the line under wraps and 4-1/2 lengths better than Reckless Abandon in second. Accede (Yannick Gingras) grabbed third while Caviart Delight (Scott Zeron) closed widest of all for fourth.

Unreasonable, who matched the track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies of 1:49.4 set by Charleston in 2023, won her third race from four starts this season and her sixth race from 15 starts in her career. Erv Miller trains the daughter of Huntsville for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc. and David J. Miller. She has earned $260,582 and paid $6.52 to win.

Call Me Angelita wins in 1:53.4 at Pocono

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 19:58:31 GMT

Wilkes-Barre, PA — There were three $30,000 divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars event for two-year-old pacing fillies on the Sunday twilight card at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, and all three of the winners scored in identical times of 1:53.4.

Two of the fillies were sired by the hot Papi Rob Hanover , and one of them recorded her second straight win in 1:53.4, so we’ll lead with her. That would be Hunterton Born and Sold Call Me Angelita (Tim Tetrick), who was second in her purse debut while covering her own back half in :54.3, then won easily last week. Here driver Tetrick could sit third until the three-quarters, from where she made a wicked brush home to just get by the pacesetting Kissedbyastranger (Yannick Gingras) by a neck, coming her own back fractions in :55 – :26.3. Scott Di Domenico conditions the fleet filly for Triple D And Oompa Farm, Michael Rekoon, Craig Henderson, and Steve Stewart.

Miki And Minnie massive in Jerry Silverman Memorial

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:55:13 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Driver Dexter Dunn carved a path to the lead out of the second tier and uncorked a monumental 1:48.4 performance in the $172,650 Jerry Silverman Memorial on Saturday night (July 12) at The Meadowlands.

Outside starters Wickedpace (Jody Jamieson) and Thebeautifulthings (Kyle Husted) swooped down to the top into a :26.4 first quarter as Rodeo Drive Deo hustled outside on the rim towards the front with Miki And Minnie in tow. Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) brushed to the lead but Miki And Minnie emerged on top through the shuffle and carried the field to the half in :55.

Miki And Minnie cruised around the final turn while Rodeo Drive Deo angled out of the pocket to take a shot at the leader, but she began to waver spinning off three-quarters in 1:23. The whole field then straggled in the straightaway as Miki And Minnie motored through a :25.4 final quarter to win under wraps by five lengths in 1:48.4. Wickedpace, at long odds, held second with Thebeautifulthings, at even longer odds, taking third.

Looksgoodinloulou stormed down the center of the track for fourth.

“She’s unbelievable,” co-owner Criag Henderson said. “She never quits, she always goes. And there’s a reason Chris Ryder is in the Hall of Fame; this is another example of it. Chris said she’d been training great all week, and when you have Dexter Dunn behind the horse, it’s a good thing.”

Ryder trains Miki And Minnie, a homebred filly by Always B Miki out of the Roll With Joe mare That’s The Ticket, for owners Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo and Larry Minowitz. She won her fourth race from five starts this season and her 10th race from 16 starts overall, accruing $1,101,337 in earnings. She paid $3.40 to win.

Yo Tillie dazzles in Del Miller Memorial

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 21:08:04 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – Top betting choice Yo Tillie took top billing in their respective $141,600 Del Miller Memorial division, for 3-year-old trotting fillies, at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (July 12).

Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie landed on top of a half-mile shuffle and muscled to another dominant victory in trotting a 1:51 mile to win her $141,600 division of the Del Miller Memorial.

Driver Todd McCarthy accelerated off the wings with Yo Tillie but floated five wide into the first turn. Champagne Problems pushed hardest for the early lead, but relinquished control past a :27 first quarter to Best Friends Girl and Deja Blu then loomed forward on the rim with Yo Tillie on her back. Deja Blu took over the lead before Yo Tillie finally thrusted to the top past a :55.1 half.

Though Yo Tillie travelled wide for the entirety of the first half, she began peeling away from the competition on the march to three-quarters in 1:23.3 and spun for home on an open-length lead. Lady Landia encroached with a late burst of speed from the back of the pack to grab second, beaten 3-1/2 lengths, while Walspea also emerged from the backfield with an outside grind for third. R Charm closed for fourth.

“I figured there would be a bit of action in that first quarter,” winning driver Todd McCarthy said. “There was a little more than I was hoping, but I think everyone had the same game plan; they wanted to follow her. It just kind of worked out that we ended up finding the front past the half there.”

A daughter of Tactical Landing out of the Triumphant Caviar mare Consolidator, Yo Tillie stayed unbeaten from three tries this season while collecting her 11th victory from 15 starts, good for $408,539 in earnings.

Andrew Harris trains and shares ownership of Yo Tillie with Bill Pollock and Bruce Areman, all of whom acquired this filly from Verlin Yoder after her 2-year-old season. Ineligible to the Hambletonian Oaks, Harris said Yo Tillie’s next targets are the Kentucky Champion Series at The Red Mile followed by the Delmonica Hanover at Pocono Downs and other stakes to which she could supplement late in the year.

Sent off the 1-9 favorite, Yo Tillie paid $2.20 to win.

Rico Tubbs wins at The Meadows!

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 19:50:23 GMT

Washington, PA – Blue skies and high temperatures provided the classic midsummer afternoon for rookie trotters to take their first swings at the bigtime with four Stallions Series divisions and three divisions of the Hickory Pride Stakes at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows Saturday (July 12).

The Anthony Macdonald and Tim Twaddle connection struck early and fast as Hunterton Sold Rico Tubbs and Macdonald left the two hole just past the three quarters on their way to a four-length romp in the days first race. An $11,000 Lexington purchase for owner The Stable, Rico Tubbs and Hutchinson Harness LLC of Ohio, the 1:57.3 effort by the gelded son of Father Patrick was the fastest of the four divisions.

Green Mel wins PA Sire Stakes at Philly

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:02:15 GMT

Chester, PA – Greenshoe sired four out of the five stakes winners at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday (July 11) afternoon (unfortunately for future breeders, three of his quartet of winners are geldings, including both winners in the third preliminary leg of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for sophomore trotting males).

The fourth Greenshoe winner was Hunterton Sold Green Mel , and second-time Lasix he made every pole a winning one in 1:55.4 – :57 – :28.2 for driver Andy Miller, trainer Julie Miller, and the combine of Willow Oak Racing LLC, Michael Anderson, and Andy Miller Stable Inc.

Manoah wins PA Sire Stakes at Philly

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:57:51 GMT

All three winners in the Stallion Series action had raced in an All-Stars event at Pocono on May 18, but in the intervening 54 days, two had raced twice, and one once – yet the trio, with no previous StS victories among them, still beat seven other horses (one a doubler) who had previously won Stallion Series races. The Greenshoe that equaled the 1:54.2 quickest of these miles (and is the sole colt of the four winners for that sire), Hunterton Born and Sold Manoah , was hard-used but still tallied for trainer Anette Lorentzon, owner Courant Inc. and meet-leading driver Tim Tetrick, giving him a win in both of the stakes sections while coming home first four times overall on the day.

Fragment steals headlines in Buffalo NYSS

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:31:46 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Fragment ($2.70) stole the headlines in the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Wednesday afternoon (July 9) at Buffalo Raceway.

He showed that his victory in the New York Sire Stakes at Yonkers Raceway on June 16 was no fluke, as he made it two straight victories with a length win over Lakewood Nick in his $54,500 division.

Fragment won in his career debut at Yonkers with an easy four-length decision in 1:55.1. At Buffalo Raceway, he made it look just as easy.

Starting from post seven, Fragment was cautiously guided around the first turn by driver Jason Bartlett due to the early inside speed and the breaking Killing Joke. But once maneuvering through the opening turn, Bartlett stepped on the pedal and Fragment responded perfectly, hitting the opening panel in :28.2.

With fractions of :57.3 and 1:27 in the books, Fragment just had to deal with Lakewood Nick (Jody Jamieson) and Ideal Rebel (Tyler Buter) down the stretch. While the pair managed to cut slightly into the lead, they couldn’t mount a serious rally as Fragment safely crossed the wire in front.

Co-owned by the Engblom Stable LLC and Douglas Sipple, Fragment ( Huntsville -The Show Returns) is trained by Per Engblom and is a perfect two-for-two in his career, amassing $65,900 in earnings thanks to his NYSS victories.

Grande Via winner of the $40,000 KYSS Division for 3YOTC's

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:27:08 GMT

Hunterton, Bred, Born and Sold Grande Via (Yannick Gingras) blitzed 6-5 leader Te Quiero Lindy (Andy Miller) at an opportune point of the final turn to bag a wrapped-up win in the quickest mile of the three KYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings. Gingras secured the pocket to Te Quiero Lindy, who carved a tempo of :27.3, :57.1 and 1:25.3 while unfettered on the point. As Miller gave his charge a few taps of the whip to the final turn, Gingras fanned off the pegs and slid forward to put a head in front spinning for home. Grande Via held his advantage over Te Quiero Lindy in the sprint to the finish to cross the beam a half length better in a 1:54.3 mile while Sky Legacy (Dexter Dunn) took third and Beaujolais Breeze (David Miller) finished fourth.

Andrew Harris trains Grande Via, a colt by Muscle Hill , and shares ownership with William Pollock and Bruce Areman. He broke his maiden with the victory, his 16th outing in the career, and paid $21.76 to win.

Unreasonable roars in Oak Grove KYSS

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:18:08 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Sent the 1-5 favorite, Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Unreasonable journeyed first-up on the rim and easily ground down her competition to post the top mile of Tuesday afternoon’s (July 8) Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) events at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in winning her division for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

Driver Marcus Miller landed in fourth out of post three with Unreasonable as Duration (driven by Scott Zeron) ripped from the outermost post to the lead into a :26.1 first quarter. Duration continued on the muscle to a :54.3 half, where Miller readied Unreasonable for a move off the pylons approaching the backstretch. Unreasonable marched forward under wraps and zipped past Duration through three-quarters in 1:23 before then scooting away in the lane and win by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:52. Treacheryinthedark (Todd McCarthy) followed the winner’s move from second-over for second while Accede (Yannick Gingras) tipped out of a pocket ride to grab third and Baret (Andy McCarthy) closed for fourth.

A daughter of Huntsville , Unreasonable collected her fifth win from 14 starts and has now earned $210,582 for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc. and David J. Miller. She paid $2.46 to win.

Driver Geremy Bobbitt scored the biggest win of his young career when he steered owner-trainer Rod DeBeck’s Captain Arturovico to a 16-1 upset in the fastest division of the KYSS for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Bobbitt found a second-over ride after 3-5 favorite Ayeaye Captain Deo (Todd McCarthy) cut early fractions of :27.3 and :55.4. Falcon (Marcus Miller) pressed first-up on the rim and matched strides with Ayeaye Captain Deo through three-quarters in 1:25.1 while Bobbitt loomed three-wide for the stretch drive. Captain Arturovico built momentum in the stretch as Falcon jumped into a gallop, and he surged forward to collar Ayeaye Captain Deo by a head in the closing strides of a 1:53 mile. Bourbon County (Dexter Dunn) finished third and Handsome Stranger (Andy McCarthy) closed for fourth.

Captain Arturovico, a gelding by Captaintreacherous , has now won seven times from 10 starts this season and eight times from 19 starts in his career, earning $76,509. He paid $34.60 to win.

Grande Via (Yannick Gingras) blitzed 6-5 leader Te Quiero Lindy (Andy Miller) at an opportune point of the final turn to bag a wrapped-up win in the quickest mile of the three KYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings. Gingras secured the pocket to Te Quiero Lindy, who carved a tempo of :27.3, :57.1 and 1:25.3 while unfettered on the point. As Miller gave his charge a few taps of the whip to the final turn, Gingras fanned off the pegs and slid forward to put a head in front spinning for home. Grande Via held his advantage over Te Quiero Lindy in the sprint to the finish to cross the beam a half length better in a 1:54.3 mile while Sky Legacy (Dexter Dunn) took third and Beaujolais Breeze (David Miller) finished fourth.

Admiring (David Miller) put her rivals to sleep with a pillar-to-post win in the faster of the two KYSS division for 3-year-old trotting fillies. Despite starting from post seven, Miller crossed over to the lead just entering the first turn and posted fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:25.1 in progress to a widening victory by four lengths. Belmont (Dexter Dunn) gave futile chase from a pocket trip in second but did just hold off late-charging 1-2 favorite Ms Prada (Yannick Gingras), who took third. Get It All (Mattias Melander) finished another four lengths behind in fourth.

Richard “Nifty” Norman trains Admiring, a filly by Walner , for owners Tony Holmes and June Zent. She won her fourth race from 19 starts, has now earned $108,650 and paid $15.72 to win.

Racing at Oak Grove continues on Sunday (July 13) for closing week of the 2025 meet. Monday’s (July 14) card will feature the eight finals of KYSS for 2- and 3-year-olds of both gaits and sexes, with total purses for that day close to $1 million. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:25 p.m. (CDT). For free past performances and more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com .

Endurance Lowers Oak Grove Track Record with KYSS Win

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:14:20 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Chris Beaver trainee Hunterton Bred, Born and Sold Endurance finished with a flourish to grab fourth in his debut, but driver Andy McCarthy hustled the colt to the point to then strolled around the track under wraps to set a track record for 2-year-old trotting colts when winning his $40,000 split of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday afternoon (July 7).

Leaving from post six, McCarthy endured a three-wide brush through a :27.3 first quarter to place Endurance on the helm while Lethal Legacy (driven by Todd McCarthy) obliged for the pocket ride. Endurance carved a :56.4 half and cruised to three-quarters in 1:26 before receiving a few taps of the whip and accelerating for home. He pulled well clear of his competition in the lane and sailed to a 3-1/2-length win over longshot Silverstein (David Miller), who closed for second, with Lethal Legacy tiring to third and Negotiation (Scott Zeron) checking in fourth. Endurance stopped the clock in 1:54.3, which eclipsed the previous track record for 2-year-old trotting colts of 1:54.4 set by Overkill Hall in 2022.

A colt by Captain Corey , Endurance won his first race from two starts and has now earned $23,200 for owners Chris Beaver, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Mark Moger. He paid $6.06 to win.

Jailbird Jog (Anthony MacDonald) maintained her unbeaten record from two starts in posting the fastest mile of the two KYSS divisions for 2-year-old trotting fillies. The daughter of Tactical Landing hoisted herself forward from fifth off a :29 first quarter to take the lead into a :57.3 half while then withstanding a first-over push from 25-1 shot Country Glide (David Miller) through three-quarters in 1:27.1. She then coasted to the finish with the whip tucked away to register a measured win by three-quarter lengths in a 1:55.4 mile. Country Glide took second with Isotta Bi (Dexter Dunn) another six lengths behind in third and Lucky Lady Volo (Marcus Miller) another six lengths farther back in fourth.

Trained by Eric Patalan, Jailbird Jog has now banked $40,000 from her two wins for owners Thestable Jailbird Jog, P23 Bloodstock and Hutchison Harness LLC. She paid $2.26 to win.

In the following race, Funky Buddha (Todd McCarthy) capitalized off a torrid tempo to post the fastest mile of the two KYSS splits for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings. Funky Buddha sat fifth as Papi Rick (Andy McCarthy) uncorked an early clip of :27, :56 and 1:23.3 with 1-2 favorite What Nooo Waaay (Yannick Gingras) perched on his back. Todd McCarthy angled outside to the final turn with Funky Buddha and gradually reeled in tiring rivals through the stretch to cross the finish in a 1:52.4 mile, two-fifths of a second off the track record. Prolific Blend (Scott Zeron) also rallied to take second while What Nooo Waaay just grabbed third from Papi Rick in fourth.

A colt by Sweet Lou , Funky Buddha collected his second win from three starts and has now earned $36,000 for owner Rick Berks. Tony Dinges trains the colt, and he paid $13.18 to win.

Barbuda Belle (Yannick Gingras) emerged with the top mile of the three KYSS divisions for 2-year-old pacing fillies with her 1:53.4 front-stepping score. Gingras circled the Ron Burke trainee to the lead after a :28.3 first quarter set by Kissin In The Dark (Atlee Bender) and strode through middle fractions of :58.2 and 1:26.2 before shutting the door in a final-quarter sprint to peel clear by three lengths from Kissin In The Dark. Carolina (Todd McCarthy) finished third, another eight lengths behind, with Naughty Seastar (David Miller) checking in fourth.

A daughter of Captaintreacherous , Barbuda Belle won her first race from two starts and cashed a $20,000 check for owners Thomas Dillon, Scott Dillon and Craig Henderson. She paid $3.92 to win.

Racing continues at Oak Grove on Tuesday (July 8) with the second preliminary of Kentucky Sire Stakes for 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:25 p.m. For free past performances and more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com .

Later Dudes Lasts for Oak Grove Open Upset

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:40:20 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Driver Devon Tharps gave Later Dudes an aggressive front-stepping steer while never giving an inch in a back-half sprint to hold on for victory at odds of 8-1 in the $40,000 Open Handicap Pace at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday (June 30).

Leaving from post five, Later Dudes secured the lead through a :26.4 first quarter over Dale Yeah (driven by Marvin Luna) with Western Era (Atlee Bender) taking back to third and even-money favorite Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald) settling in fourth after firing from the outermost post. Later Dudes snagged a breather to a :56.1 half, where Bender made the move to send Western Era first up with Saulsbrook Victor on his back moving for the backstretch.

Western Era ranged forward to match strides with Later Dudes to three-quarters in 1:23.1 and stayed in lockstep with the leader through the final turn. Later Dudes cut the corner and regained control spinning for home while holding his ground in the final quarter mile to keep Western Era at bay by a neck in a 1:51 mile. Dale Yeah emerged from the pocket trip and split rivals late but settled for third while Saulsbrook Victor finished evenly from a second-over trip for fourth.

An 8-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou trained by Ron Burke, Later Dudes won his fifth race from 19 starts this season and his 38th from 171 starts overall, earning $743,265 in the process. He competes for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC and paid $19.80 to win.

Jada Caroline (Atlee Bender) took the top past the quarter and stayed game to post a 1:51.3 win earlier on the day in the $40,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace. Bender brushed Jada Caroline to the fore after a :26.2 first quarter cut by Yankee B Something (Marcus Miller). She kept the tempo hot to a :54.3 half and cruised up the backside while Lyin’ Eyes (Joey Putnam) marched uncovered from last to challenge the leader for the front. Lyin’ Eyes loomed into contention with Jada Caroline through three-quarters in 1:22.4 but lost ground off the final turn while Jada Caroline held firm on the helm to win by three-quarter lengths at the beam. Yankee B Something swung off a pocket ride to take second from Lyin’ Eyes in third while JK’s Shining Star (Marvin Luna) took fourth.

Erv Miller trains Jada Caroline, a 4-year-old mare by Tellitlikeitis , for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc., Louis Willinger and Never 2 Late Stable. She won her third race from seven starts this season and her ninth race from 37 starts in her career, good for $385,767 in earnings. She returned $5.10 to win.

Trainer Erv Miller, the reigning leading trainer at Oak Grove, recorded a hat trick on the Monday card. Aside from his victory with Jada Caroline, he found the winner’s circle in the first race on the day with Fox Valley Jasmine (Marcus Miller, 1:53 winning mile; $6.72 to win) and won in the penultimate race on the card in a 13-length romp with Number Cruncher (Marcus Miller, 1:50.2; $2.84).

Racing continues at Oak Grove on Tuesday (July 1) with a 14-race card headlined by the $40,000 Open Trot in Race 2. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:25 p.m. For free past performances and more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com .

Eternal Blush wins KYSS!

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:31:30 GMT

The dynamite team of trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras landed a natural hat trick early in the 15-race session of Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) action at Oak Grove on Monday (June 23) while Gingras added an additional visit to the winner’s circle later in the day to lead all drivers with four wins on the card.

Eternal Blush (Yannick Gingras) kicked off the hat trick for team Burke with a 1:57 stroll in the first of two KYSS divisions for 2-year-old pacing fillies, returning $3.22 to win as the 3-5 favorite. Gingras collected his fourth win of the day around the mid-point of the card when Spicy Nice ($3.02 to win) found the winner’s circle from a first-over grind to win in 1:54.2.

Racing continues at Oak Grove on Tuesday (June 24) at an earlier first post of 9 a.m., to avoid the extreme temperatures from the heat advisory later in the day. Tuesday’s card features KYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, 3-year-old pacing fillies as well as the four $150,000 finals of KYSS for 4-year-olds. The race card scheduled for Wednesday (June 25) also has an earlier post time of 11:25 a.m., in anticipation of extreme temperatures and to accommodate the Lasix schedule. For free past performances and more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com .

Zephyr Kemp wins KYSS!

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:57:26 GMT

Zephyr Kemp (Dexter Dunn) registered the top mile of the day for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings towards the tail of the card when winning the last of the three splits for his division with a 1:56.2 performance. Dunn put the Marcus Melander pupil on the point and held firmly in the stretch to win pulling away by 2-3/4 lengths over Lethal Legacy, who sat a pocket trip, in second. The son of Calgary Games, returning $3.38 to win, competes for owners Kemppi Stables Oy Inc., Suojalampi Stable I(June 24)nc., PCW Racing LLC and Sjoblom Racing Inc.

Fragment takes a win in the NYSS

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:33:28 GMT

The New York Sire Stakes circuit was at MGM Yonkers Raceway for the first time in 2025 on Thursday (June 19) with the first leg of action for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

Casper The Ghost (Ray Schnittker) cut the quarter in :28.3 in the other $77,300 flight and then yielded to a pocket-popping Ideal Rebel (Tyler Buter) beyond that marker. Ideal Rebel would go on to hit the half in :58.3 but Fragment (Bartlett) attacked first-over out of third after the half and went by Ideal Rebel to take command after three-quarters went on the board in 1:26.4. It was all Fragment to the finish as he scored by four lengths in 1:55.1 with Hunt Off The Press (Scott Zeron) up for second and Casper The Ghost third.

During the race, a two-horse accident occurred near three-quarters as Unmatched Wisdom (Jordan Stratton) fell and Knoxville (Mark MacDonald), who was following his cover, couldn’t avoid him. Both horses got up and returned to the paddock. Jordan Stratton was able to continue driving on the card but Mark MacDonald booked off the remainder of his drives.

Per Engblom trains Fragment, a colt by Huntsville and out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare The Show Returns, for owners Engblom Stable LLC and Douglas Sipple. Fragment, bred by Steve Stewart, Black Creek Farm, Michael Robinson and South Mountain Stables, won at first asking and returned $3.80 to win as the favorite. He keyed a $9 exacta and a $35.80 trifecta.

‘Ferrari’ displays big speed in Big M feature

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:58:03 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ – One week ago, Ari Ferrari J had no chance to catch Lexus Kody in the weekly feature at The Meadowlands, lacking room until very late after sitting a pocket trip.

This time around, driver Brett Beckwith left nothing to chance, putting the Tony Alagna trainee on the lead down the backstretch and lasting to the wire in the marquee event on the Friday night (June 6) program, a $27,500 Open Handicap for trotters.

“I kind of just wanted to let him do his own thing,” said Beckwith, who sits atop the driver standings at The Big M with 83 wins. “I thought that was the way the trip would go.”

Southwind Coors, Sir Pinocchio, Ari Ferrari J and Outside The Fire were all in the first-turn scrum in the seven-horse field (likely favorite Periculum scratched) with Sir Pinocchio on the lead at the quarter while parked in :27.1.

Beckwith and Ari Ferrari J kept digging on the outside, and did not make the top until shortly before reaching the half in :55. Ari Ferrari J hit three-quarters in 1:23.1, and despite late rallies from Sir Pinocchio (who finished second) and Southwind Coors (third), held on to the wire for a safe 1½-length score in a lifetime-best 1:50.1.

Owned by Ken Jacobs, Ari Ferrari J, a 5-year-old son of Walner -Dream Child, returned $3.20 to win as the 3-5 favorite. He now has 14 wins from 48 lifetime starts, good for earnings of $1,147,662.

Fields Set For North America Cup And Undercard Stakes

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:04:13 GMT

Lite Up The World rolls into next week's prestigious $1 million Pepsi North America Cup (Grade 1) at Woodbine Mohawk Park in top-tier form after winning their respective $50,000 eliminations on Saturday, June 7.

If Saturday night's performances are any indication of what’s to come on June 14, the 42nd edition of the premier event for three-year-old pacers is shaping up to be a classic.

Lite Up The World, still sitting eighth straightening for the stretch drive, then began to meticulously pick off his rivals one-by-one en route to a 2-1/2-length score in a career-best 1:48.3, punctuated by a final quarter in :26. Crack Shot dug in to finish second, while a game Madden Oaks hung on for third. Fallout was fourth.

“Last week, I thought I had a great horse and I was just trying to do too much and put him in a bad spot and didn't get the job done,” said MacDonald, of a runner-up finish in an $81,500 Somebeachsomewhere Stakes division. “And then tonight, it was such a competitive elim.

“I thought there were five, six or seven horses that could win it, so I was trying to just float and come with cover and hopefully they mixed it up. And I floated, but they were all leaving. There was nowhere for me to go and I had to take back. I knew once he got rolling, he went by one and he just took off. So, it was a good feeling."

Lite Up The World lit up the toteboard as he paid $18.30 for the mild upset.

Galen Erso wins Goodtimes at Woodbine Mohawk

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 16:58:20 GMT

Hunterton born Galen Erso scored a pillar-to-post 1:53 lifetime-best win in the first $30,000 Goodtimes elimination for three-year-old trotters at Woodbine Mohawk June 7.

Driver Doug McNair plugged out of post three with Galen Erso to seize the lead to a :27.2 first quarter and cooled on the engine up the backstretch to a :57 half. As half the field tipped off the pylons to the final turn, McNair slammed the pedal to clock three-quarters in 1:24.4 and braved the swarming herd late to hold onto the win by a length. Landing On Time (James MacDonald), the 3-5 favourite, kicked home from third-over for second while LMC Wagon Wheel (Tyler Borth) blasted from near last for third. P L Spencer (Bob McClure) and Gap Kronos S (Ake Svanstedt) took the remaining berths, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

“He was a little aggressive getting out of there – this was the first time he’s had the closed bridle on him this year," said McNair of the SBOA Stakes winner. "I figured one of the favourites, either Ake [driving Gap Kronos S] or James [driving Landing On Time], would’ve covered him up but they left him alone. I let him buzz the third quarter and he did the rest from there.”

McNair's father Gregg trains Galen Erso, a colt by Green Manalishi S out of Wygant Princess, for owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. Galen Erso, now two-for-four this year, collected his fifth win from 11 career starts and has now banked $291,604 in earnings.

He returned $61.60 to win.

Onajetplane wins the NYSS at The Meadowlands

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:30:34 GMT

Trainer Noel Daley's Hunterton sold Onajetplane (Walner-Noble Lover) won his sophomore debut in a lifetime-best 1:52.1 by more than four lengths, paying $9.40 as the 7-2 third choice. Andy McCarthy was the winning driver. Daley shares ownership of last season's New Jersey Classic champion with Sjoblom Racing Inc., L A Express Stable and Joonas Jarvinen. at The Meadowlands, Friday night, June 6.

Mountcastle wins the NYSS at The Meadowlands in 1:51.2!

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:24:23 GMT

Courant's Hunterton raised and sold Mountcastle (Muscle Hill-Gama Bourbon FR) scored his first lifetime win in 1:51.2, paying $11.60 as the 9-2 fourth choice. He defeated favourite Top Gun Hanover by a head for driver Scott Zeron and trainer Marcus Melander at The Meadowlands, Friday night, June 6.

Splendid $50,000 KYSS division winner in 1:52.4f

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:27:34 GMT

Bred, raised and sold by Hunterton Splendid and Tony Hall scored an upset in the $68,493 KYSS split for four-year-old trotting horses & geldings, winning in 1:52.4 at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday afternoon, June 2. Hall procured a pocket trip to Ordained (Yannick Gingras) after a :26.3 first quarter and coasted along while 6-5 favourite Convoy Hall (Todd McCarthy) attempted to push first over on the rim. The chalk floundered in his push through middle fractions of :55.4 and 1:24 while Splendid swelled from the pocket. Once Convoy Hall levelled off spinning for home, Hall angled outside and slid by Ordained to notch an 11-1 win by 1-1/2 lengths. Ordained held second while Pennteller Hanover (Brett MacDonald) kicked from last for third and Convoy Hall settled for fourth.

Todd Rooney trains Splendid , a stallion by Father Patrick, for his Rooney Racing and co-owner Trotting For Bourbon. The trotter won his 11th race from 29 starts and has now banked $311,523. He paid $24.58 to win.

Keg Stand soars in Oak Grove Open Trot

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:05:33 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Working a second-over trip, Keg Stand struck at the most opportune time to scoot away from his competition and notch a 1:53.3 win in the $33,000 Open Handicap Trot at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Tuesday afternoon (May 6).

Leaving from post four, Keg Stand (driven by Jeremy Indof) floated off the car to sit fifth while even-money favorite Railee Something (Joey Putnam) pushed forward and soon obliged for a pocket ride to DP Freedoms Chrome (Peter Wrenn) through a :26.3 first quarter. DP Freedoms Chrome slowed the tempo to a :55.4 half, but Oh Look Magic (Trace Tetrick) swiftly angled out of third to charge forward on the rim after the leader in the second-quarter breather.

Indof caught cover from Oh Look Magic and cruised while perched on the helmet to three-quarters in 1:24.2. Oh Look Magic and DP Freedoms Chrome stayed locked in battle spinning for home as Indof launched Keg Stand three-wide and rolled by the embattled duo to post a 1-1/4-length win. Oh Look Magic held second from Railee Something, who shook free from a locked pocket and rallied down the center of the track for third. DP Freedoms Chrome faded to fourth.

A 6-year-old gelding by Bar Hopping, Keg Stand won his 24th race from 74 starts and has now earned $813,788. Tony Dinges trains the gelding for owners David Hamm and EVM Racing LLC. He paid $12.26 to win.

In the race before the Open, a pair of drivers were unseated from the bikes when hooking wheels in the stretch drive. Tony Hall and Jordan Patton were dumped from their sulkies, but both horses involved walked away without injuries. Hall, getting up from the incident on his own strength, booked off the remainder of his drives on the afternoon while Jordan Patton was taken to hospital for further evaluation. Oak Grove will share any updates on the accident as information becomes available.

Racing at Oak Grove continues on Sunday (May 11) with a 13-race card that includes four $100,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes finals for 4-year-olds. First-race post time on Sunday at Oak Grove is 1:45 p.m. (CDT), but starting on Monday (May 12), Oak Grove will shift to a first-race post time of 1:25 p.m. (CDT) for the remainder of the meet, with one exception for its race card on Sunday, May 25. For more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com .

Lite Up The World Tops Qualifying Cup Eligibles

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:42:37 GMT

North America Cup eligible Lite Up The World headlined the Monday, April 21 qualifying session at Woodbine Mohawk Park on a cloudy spring morning.

Making the second qualifying start of his sophomore season after going two-for-four as a rookie, Lite Up The World cut fractions of :29 and :59.1 before picking up the pace to three-quarters in 1:27.1 and sprinting his final quarter in :26.1 to keep 1-1/2 lengths clear of pocket pursuer Brigade in a 1:53.2 mile. It was another strong-looking finish for Lite Up The World, who paced home in 26 seconds in his April 14 qualifier. Quebec stakes champion The Magic Moment followed back in third in his season's debut while a pair of maidens, Pac Man Hanover and Wicked Express, completed the third race field. The top four finishers have been kept eligible to the mid-June North America Cup as of the second sustaining payment.

James MacDonald drove the winning American Ideal colt out of Turnoffthelights for trainer Anthony Beaton and owners Mac and Carol Nichol of Burlington, Ont. Grand Circuit stakes-placed at two, Lite Up The World won back-to-back races in 1:51.3 last July at Mohawk, including a leg of the Dream Maker Pacing Series, and earned just over $30,000. He's a full brother to millionaire mare Bedroomconfessions.

Lite Up The World was ranked just outside the top 15 at odds of 42-1 in TROT Magazine's 2025 North America Cup Spring Book. To view the complete Spring Book, click here .

His winning time was co-fastest of the morning qualifying session with the Chantal Mitchell-trained older pacer Uncle Shank A later romping to a 1:53.2 nine-length victory in the seventh race finale with Trevor Henry in the sulky.

A replay of the live Woodbine video stream from the qualifiers is available below.

Hunterton Farms: Birthplace of Champions

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:51:28 GMT

Allegiant
Tactical Landing - Too Good For You
2, 1:52.2; 3, 1:51.1f-’24 ($1,043,347)

Hunterton bred, raised and sold

Maryland
Chapter Seven - Crucial
2, 1:51.4 ($1,227,695)

Owned by Hunterton
and Partners

Jiggy Jog S
Walner - Hot Mess Hanover
5, 1:49.2 ($3,090,391)

Owned by Hun terton and Partners

Monserrate
Chapter Seven - Guinevere Hall
2 , 1:52.1 ($332,693)

Hunterton bred, raised and sold

Miki And Minnie
Always B Miki - That's The Ticket
P , 2 , 1:49.2 ($834,086)

Hunterton raised

Year after year, horses bred and raised at Hunterton Farm in Paris, Ky., have been winning harness racing’s biggest races. The list of 2024 champions with connections to Hunterton includes THREE Breeders Crown winners— Allegiant 3 Year Old Filly Trot), Maryland (2 Year Old Colt Trot), and Miki And Minnie (2 Year Old Filly Pace)—and Valley Victory Trot victor Monserrate .

The Stewarts, along with partner Atlantic Trot, bred Allegiant and Monserrate was bred by the Stewarts, Black Creek and Maumee River. Miki And Minnie was raised at Hunterton as a homebred for her owners. The Stewarts were brought into the ownership group of Maryland when Anders Strom purchased him last year at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Coincidentally, the Stewarts and partners bred the dam of Maryland, Crucial .

And the above horses weren’t the only big 2024 winners with a connection to Hunterton. In February of this year, the Stewarts put a group together to purchase the phenomenal trotting mare Jiggy Jog S , who holds a 1:49.2 mark and earned $3,095,467 before she was retired in the fall due to injury.

In the fall of 2023, Hunterton sold a sister in blood to Maryland, a filly named Voguish , for $535,000. She wrapped up her freshman season with a secondplace finish in the Goldsmith Maid at the Meadowlands, beaten only by a nose.

The drumbeat continued this year for Hunterton Sales Agency as one of the leading consignors. At the Lexington Selected Sale, Hunterton sold 94 yearlings for a gross of more than $9 million.

The Lexington consignment was highlighted by two yearling fillies that each sold for $550,000: Muffin Queen (Tactical Landing -Love Muffin) and Naughty Beauty (Bettor’s DelightBeautyonthebeach). Hunterton Sales Agency also takes a large consignment to Harrisburg every fall and this year sold the colt Apex (Walner Mission Brief) for $525,000, the third highest price at that auction.

Investing in bloodlines has been a cornerstone of Hunterton’s business. In addition to its acquisition of interests in the mare Jiggy Jog S and future stallion Maryland, Steve Stewart and partners purchased the following mares in 2024:

• On Your Tab (Cantab Hall Soutaine Hanover Donerail), dam of Buy A Round 3, 1:51.4 ($745,782)

• Pirouette Hanover p,3, 1:50.3 ($608,759) (Western Ideal Paula’s Best Pro Bono Best), dam of Nijinsky p,3, 1:47.3 ($1,287,445)

• Highland Top Hill 5, 1:52.4s ($148,624) (Muscle HillHighland ImageAndover Hall), dam of Highland Kismet 3, 1:51.1s ($529,006), runnerup in 2024 Hambletonian

• Miss I LA 3, 1:52.4 ($437,508) (WalnerSouthwind VenusMuscle Hill), half sister to 2024 fastest two year old filly and stakes winner Luna Lovegood 2, 1:51.4

• Special Talent 2,Q2:00.4 (Walner Special Hill Muscle Hill), full sister to Breeders Crown winner Special Way 3,1:51.2 ($1,296,815)

• Beach Cowgirl p,4, 1:49.1 ($484,330) (Captaintreacherous Stonebridge Sundae Camluck)

• Paulina Hanover 3, 1:52f ($336,209) (Father Patrick Personal Style Yankee Glide)

Hunterton has never stood a stallion, putting its faith and concentration in its broodmares. While the first review of its labors comes when foals are born, the initial public test is at the fall yearling sales, when buyers inspect and invest. In 2025, Hunterton Sales Agency will offer the following yearlings at auction:

• Walner filly—first foal—out of When Dovescry 3, 1:50 ($2,098,210)

• Walner colt—first foal—out of Selfie Queen 3, 1:51.1 ($479,882)

• Bulldog Hanover colt—first foal—out of Firestart Hanover p,3, 1:49 ($1,273,448)

• Gimpanzee colt out of Mission Brief 3, 1:50.2f ($1,599,587), the dam of 2024 stakes winner Kadena 2, 1:53.4

• Pebble Beach filly out of Rocknificent p,4, 1:48 ($1,153,822)

• Muscle Hill filly out of Woodside Charm 2,1:53f ($531,658)

• Gimpanzee filly out of Southwind Serena , dam of Mission Brief and Tactical Landing

• Chapter Seven filly out of Dream Child , dam of Ari Ferrari J 3, 1:50.3 ($1,115,431)

• Muscle Hill filly out of Guinevere Hall , dam of 2024 Valley Victory winner Monserrate 2, 1:52.1 ($332,693)

• Walner colt out of Sarcy , the dam of Hambo winner Tactical Approach 3, 1:50.1 ($1,544,489) and Double Deceiver 3, 1:50.2 ($770,954)

• Chapter Seven filly out of $2 million winner Maven , the dam of Pretender 3, 1:51.3 ($818,748).

Hunterton now consists of over 1,300 acres in the lush rolling hills of Bourbon County, Ky. This gives them the amazing opportunity to raise great racehorses each year. While broodmares wait to foal—or barren or new mares wait for the breeding season to officially commence, the everyday rhythms of a horse breeding farm continue at Hunterton Farms in Paris, Ky for Steve and Cindy Stewart.

Hunterton Bred, Born & Sold Allegiant almighty in Breeders Crown victory

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 17:50:12 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Breeders Crown elimination winner Allegiant, with Scott Zeron in the bike again, won the $600,000 Breeders Crown 3-year-old filly trot at The Meadowlands on Saturday (Oct. 26), crossing the finish in a personal-best and stakes-record-equaling 1:51.1.

Zeron fired his filly off the gate and took the lead easily enough, but R Melina was looking to avenge losing her elimination and overtook Allegiant for the lead in a soft :27.4 first panel. Willys Home Run took safe cover behind the first two with Elista Hanover behind them in fourth.

Nothing changed as R Melina guided the field to a :55.4 half, but Elista Hanover took to the outside to chase, giving cover to elim-winner Drawn Impression while the top two rolled towards three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Zeron’s filly had tons of trot saved from the catbird-seat journey when he sent her mid-track to use that saved energy for a convincing challenge to win and defeat R Melina by 2-1/4 lengths. Elista Hanover took the third spot with Drawn Impression in fourth and Warrawee Michelle closing from last for fifth.

Even though it was a smooth trip, Zeron said, “It shows how tough she really is.”

The win by the daughter of Tactical Landing , from the Yankee Glide mare Too Good For You, puts her on the edge of being a millionaire with $933,197 in her wallet lifetime. Bred by Atlantic Trot Inc. and Steve H. Stewart and owned by Ryan W. Smith, Allegiant scored her 10th win in 25 starts over two seasons.

Zeron scored his eighth Breeders Crown trophy with his second-straight win driving Allegiant.

“I was happy to sit in the second spot,” he said after the race. “She shows me no emotion (when we race).” He also praised trainer Linda Toscano, who won her ninth Breeders Crown trophy and first in this division, for how the filly has been handled.

Allegiant matched the stakes record set in 2022 by Jiggy Jog S with the win and paid $6.00 to win.

Steely Knife upsets, Better Is Nice delivers in Bluegrass colt pace

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:58:12 GMT

Steely Knife and Better Is Nice both powered first over and persevered to win in their respective divisions of the $197,000 Captaintreacherous Bluegrass Stakes, for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28) at The Red Mile.

Steely Knife (Dexter Dunn) built momentum from a first-over push and rolled home a 1:52.2 winner in the first division of the Captaintreacherous Bluegrass Stakes.

Dunn slid to the pylons to race fourth to a :28.3 first quarter cut by Cupid Shuffle (Yannick Gingras), who Gingras tried to wrangle back despite coasting to a :56 half. Steely Knife started to gather speed moving for the final turn and angled off the pylons, vaulting forward as Cupid Shuffle raced on fumes by three-quarters in 1:23.

Cupid Shuffle promptly folded while Steely Knife powered forward and held firm from late rallying Mccrunch (Andy McCarthy), who sat an antsy pocket and burst through an inside seam to challenge late. Mccrunch had to settle for second, beaten a neck, while Captain Luke (Scott Zeron) — the 3-2 favorite — saved ground throughout and held third.

Trained by Ron Burke, Steely Knife has now won six races from 29 career starts and banked $264,097 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Phil Collura and J&T Silva- Purnel & Libby. The Always B Miki colt paid $27.90 to win.

Jiggy Jog S romps at Hollywood Dayton

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:45:07 GMT

Jiggy Jog S headed to Saturday’s stakes action at Hollywood Dayton Raceway with top billing, and the sport’s highest-ranked stars did not disappoint.

In the Dayton Oaks, Dunn methodically guided Jiggy Jog S to the front as Call Me Goo and M-M’s Dream were part of a three-horse battle with Pioneer As for the lead in the opening quarter, which Call Me Goo reached in :27.1 by a nose over M-M’s Dream.

The Ake Svanstedt-trained Jiggy Jog S, though, was in front soon thereafter and never looked back, reaching the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23.3. Call Me Goo finished second and M-M’s Dream was third.

Unbeaten in six races this season, Jiggy Jog S has won 24 of 41 career starts and earned $3.1 million. The 5-year-old mare became the 16th trotter in history to exceed $3 million in North American purses with Saturday’s victory. She is ranked No. 2 in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll.

Jiggy Jog S is owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Steve Stewart, John Lengacher, and Hickory Hollow Stables. The daughter of Walner -Hot Mess Hanover was bred by Vestmarka AB.

Jiggy Jog S leads big Grand Circuit night in Dayton

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:49:05 GMT

Harness racing’s two highest ranked horses in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, No. 1 Twin B Joe Fresh and No. 2 Jiggy Jog S , will be in action Saturday at Hollywood Dayton Raceway and, as usual, Dexter Dunn will have a great seat to watch them go.

Jiggy Jog S, who is 5-for-5 this season, has been ranked no lower than No. 6 in the 15 weeks of this year’s poll. She has been No. 2 for three consecutive weeks. She enters the Dayton Oaks off a Sept. 7 win in the million-dollar MGM Yonkers International Trot, where she defeated Periculum by 3-1/2 lengths at the distance of 1-1/4 miles.

“She was awesome,” Dunn said. “She couldn’t have done it much easier. I know we got pretty good fractions, but she just felt awesome.”

A three-week layoff since the International Trot should not pose a problem for Jiggy Jog S, who is trained by Ake Svanstedt and accustomed to such a schedule. On Aug. 3, she won the John Cashman Memorial in a rainstorm at The Meadowlands in a stakes- and track-record 1:49.2 off a five-week respite. Only two female trotters in history, Manchego and Atlanta, have gone faster.

“She’s very athletic,” Dunn said. “It’s not like she needs a lot of racing to become fit. She’s pretty naturally fit, I think. That’s the way they train her.”

Jiggy Jog S, the 2023 Dan Patch Award winner for best older female trotter, has hit the board in 35 of 40 career races, winning 23 and earning $2.97 million. The daughter of Walner -Hot Mess Hanover is owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Steve Stewart, John Lengacher, and Hickory Hollow Stables.

Dunn and Jiggy Jog S will leave from post six in the nine-horse field, which also includes millionaires M-M’s Dream and Refined. Jiggy Jog S won last year’s edition of the Dayton Oaks, a victory that launched her current win streak.

Maryland romps to Mohawk Million Triumph

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:33:40 GMT

Maryland powered home to take all the spoils in the Mohawk Million, putting an exclamation point on a stellar Saturday stakes night at Woodbine Mohawk Park for driver Dexter Dunn.

After taking the inside track, literally, to impressive victories in the $347,000 Elegantimage (with three-year-old trotting filly French Champagne) and $713,000 Canadian Trotting Classic (with three-year-old trotting colt Amazing Catch), Dunn engineered a different trip, but produced the same result, in the $1 million Mohawk Million for two-year-old trotters.

Meshuggah (Scott Zeron) blasted off the wings and took the lead heading into the first turn, followed by Lookatmegoamigo (Jody Jamieson), Go Ahead Makemyday (David Miller) and Lasting Dream (Bob McClure), while Maryland sat an unfettered sixth through an opening panel in :27.1.

It was status quo on the front end through a half in a tepid :56.2, as Dunn continued to hold a patient hand on the 4-5 choice, positioned seventh at that point.

Meshuggah was still on top through three-quarters in 1:24.3, as Lasting Dream looked to ratchet up the pressure. Monalishi (James MacDonald) arrived on the scene in third, while Maryland, improving to fourth, was five lengths off the leader, but full of trot and rolling to the outside.

Maryland, whose slot owner for the Million was Hunterton Farm, began to methodically pick off his rivals down the lane, blasting to the front with ease en route to a sharp 3-1/2-length score after a :27.1 final quarter. Lasting Dream was second, Meshuggah third, Onajetplane (Andrew McCarthy) fourth and Emoticon Legacy (Louis-Philippe Roy) fifth.

The final time was a stakes, track and Canadian record of 1:52.3.

Maryland bested the former track and Canadian record for two-year-old male trotters set by 2017 William Wellwood Memorial winner Alarm Detector by one-fifth of a second.

“He was pretty aggressive tonight,” said Dunn when asked about gapping the gate tonight. “He hasn't really been like that before and the horse outside was pretty fired up on the gate too and there was a bit going on, but we had a little bobble there before the gate left, but he luckily kept his gait. We still got away in a pretty decent position, and just around the last turn, I nearly lost him there for a bit, but he got himself up.

“I was still confident, especially coming off the last turn, and he was close enough that he's fast enough.”

For the son of Chapter Seven-Crucial, who won the $575,000 William Wellwood Stakes on Aug. 24 and the $527,027 Peter Haughton Memorial on Sept. 13, it was the third straight command performance and biggest payday of his career.

“He’s probably the smartest colt I've been around,” said trainer Marcus Melander, who also won the 2022 Mohawk Million with Oh Well. “He wants to do his work. Then, you never know how much the other horses have left, but if he has the position to win when they're turning from home, he’ll win.”

With Saturday’s win, Maryland is now 4-1-1 from seven starts, to go along with nearly $1.1 million in lifetime earnings.

“I think pretty much when he was racing at the Meadowlands early, he just showed so much talent,” said Steve Stewart of Hunterton Farm. “And that last sixteenth [of a mile], he always just seems to accelerate. There was one race early that I think a horse came up on him and it looked like he was going to go right by him, and he just wouldn't let him go, and it seems like he's very versatile.

“Marcus has been saying that the one thing that separates him from a lot of horses is he's so intelligent.”

Maryland, owned by Courant Inc., PCW Racing, Holly Lane Stud East and Sstewartrthorn Stable, will head home to the Garden State the newly minted Million champion.

"We will ship him back home to New Jersey and prepare him for the Breeders Crown, since he won last week and he's already eligible for the finals,” noted Melander. “So, that will be his next race, probably. Maybe, we'll do a qualifier in between, but that's what we're waiting for right now.”

Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, the bay colt, who won his debut at The Meadowlands on June 28, was a $475,000 purchase at the 2023 Lexington Select Yearling Sale.

Maryland paid $3.90 for the win.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

(With files from Woodbine)

Vic Zelenskyy wins again at The Red Mile

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:03:02 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold, VIC ZELENSKYY (Greenshoe - Mission Brief ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 3YO Colts & Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners S R F Stable, Holly Lane Stud East Ltd and trainer Marcus Melander and driver Dexter Dunn.

Yannick G Kemp First in Kentucky Commonwealth

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:28:14 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raise & Sold Yannick G Kemp (Peter Wrenn) closed out the 17-race card with a 1:53.4 win in the $30,000 fourth leg of the Commonwealth Series for 2-year-old male trotters. Memento Mori (Zeron) and Bank On Me (T. McCarthy) rounded out the trifecta. Trained by Nifty Norman, the son of Walner -Southwind Adele hit the line with the swiftest time of his young career and collected his second consecutive victory. Yannick G Kemp has a record of 6-3-1-0 and was bred by Kemppi Stables and Suojalampi Stable. He went through the ring at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $180,000 to Melvin Hartman, Rojan Stables and Little E LLC. The colt paid $6.94 to win as the public’s top selection.

It’s My Show returns in style at Red Mile

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 20:08:42 GMT

Lexington, NY — On Tuesday (Sept. 10), at the Red Mile, Canadian Pacing Derby and 2023 Little Brown Jug winner It’s My Show used a blistering final quarter mile to defeat El Rey in 1:49.2 in the $35,000 third leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) series for 4-year-old male pacers.

It’s My Show (Scott Zeron) left from post position three and landed in fifth in the field of eight while the speedy El Rey (Andy Miller) assumed command right from the beginning of the mile. The public’s third choice clicked off fractions of :27.2, :55.3 and 1:22.4 while It’s My Show moved into fourth at the three-quarter pole. As the field rounded the final bend, It’s My Show began to uncork his rally in the drive for the finish line and was positioned in third behind pocket sitter Speaking Volumes (Tony Hall). El Rey had the jump on It’s My Show, but the Linda Toscano trainee came storming over the red clay with a final quarter of :25.4 to best El Rey by a half length. Speaking Volumes was third.

It’s My Show, a son of Sweet Lou -Put On A Show, competes as a homebred for Richard and Joanne Young. He now sports a resume of 36-12-8-3 with $1.48 million in the bank. He paid $2.72 to win.

Hey Porter wins big at Harrahs Philadelphia

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 14:46:12 GMT

On Sunday (September 8) afternoon, Harrah’s Philadelphia hosted the $320,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series Championships for all eight stakes divisions, separated by age/sex, and gait. Each group of Pennsylvania-sired horses went for $40,000 in their respective Championship.

The Bar Hopping – Chelsees A Winner gelding Hey Porter (Tyler Buter) had the biggest win margin of the day, four lengths, in winning for trainer Tony Alagna, and owner Steve Stewart.

The Greenshoe – Firm To Stay miss Saints Preserve Us (Tetrick) has known nothing but Stallion Series action to date and thus is perfect after four career races, winning by a half-length over Pink Whiskey (Brady Brown), for trainer Jim Campbell, and Runthetable Stables.

Ari Ferrari J burns rubber in Bob Miecuna Invitational Trot

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 19:59:16 GMT

Yonkers, NY — Ari Ferrari J was the winner of Saturday (September 7) afternoon’s $250,000 Bob Miecuna Invitational for older trotters at MGM Yonkers Raceway after he covered the mile and a sixteenth distance in 2:00.4. With his share of the purse, Ari Ferrari J went past the $1 million mark in lifetime earnings.

After showing some speed from post two, driver Jason Bartlett wheeled Ari Ferrari J to the outside in the early stages from third and made his way by early leader Cecil Hanover (Ake Svanstedt) past the :29 second opening quarter. Ari Ferrari J never faced a serious threat from there, as he glided through panels of :57.4 and 1:26 on his way to the win by two lengths. Cecil Hanover checked in second over Take All Comers (Jordan Stratton) and favored M-M’s Dream (David Miller) advanced from eighth to fourth. Amigo Volo (Dexter Dunn) collected fifth.

“Being off the inside there, the gate kind of takes off on us and at times you can just give them their head a little bit and they’ll try to switch gears and run,” explained Bartlett. “So, I was more worried about just getting him off on the right foot and then just taking the race how it came. Only a couple left, so I was actually in a really good spot going into the first turn.

“He won so easy last time out of the hole, and I was very excited when I saw he was in this race today. He had a start over the track and I kind of knew him at the Meadowlands and loved him there and loved him last week. We actually drew a good spot and he didn’t disappoint.”

Tony Alagna trains Ari Ferrari J, a 4-year-old son of Walner bred by M Biasuzzi Stable Inc., for owner Ken Jacobs. Ari Ferrari J is an 11-time victor from 39 starts, has earned $1,014,931 and paid $16 to win as a 7-1 offering. The exacta was $156.50 and the trifecta was worth $2,841.

Yonkers: Jiggy Jog dominant in $1 million International Trot

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 12:06:32 GMT

Jiggy Jog , a familiar face to the North American racing scene but representing Sweden, where she was bred, improved from second in last year's MGM Yonkers International Trot to first in this year's $1 million edition on Saturday afternoon, prevailing for driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Ake Svanstedt in 2:25 flat for the mile and a quarter distance.

Canadian representative Logan Park, driven by Doug McNair, got away well from post five, but Dunn wanted the front with Jiggy Jog and moved her out of second to take over the lead beyond the 29 3/5 opening quarter. Jiggy Jog was well-rated and didn't face any outside pressure through a sensible tempo of 58 2/5 and 1:27 2/5 while Hail Mary (Orjan Kihlstrom), another Swedish representative, went first-up from fifth on the way to three-quarters, giving cover to the U.S.'s Periculum (Scott Zeron).

Hail Mary couldn't really make any progress on the rim towards the 1:55 4/5 mile marker, and that allowed Jiggy Jog to get separation on the others as Periculum went three-wide early on the last turn. There was no catching Jiggy Jog, though, as she kept clear and allowed Dunn to raise his whip in celebration through the stretch. Periculum, coming off a victory in the Maple Leaf Trot a week ago, was a good second, 3 1/2 lengths behind Jiggy Jog, and France's Ideal San Leandro (Bjorn Goop) got third. Logan Park held fourth from United States representative It's Academic (David Miller).

"She's an amazing mare. It's always a pleasure to sit behind her. For her to win a race like that just adds to her great career," Dunn said following the race. "She's been in such great form. I talked to Ake and Sarah before the race, and they were confident that she could go on the front today against these ones, but it was always going to be up to seeing what happened early. There was a bit of speed from outside and a little bit from inside, but she left so well herself. Once the option was there to re-move and go to the front, we took that chance. We got pretty good fractions after that. I was sort of waiting for a bit more pressure the middle of the race, but she was strong.

"She was a good and clear second last year, but she was only a 4-year-old mare then. It's always a big step up when they finish their 3-year-old year and in their 4-year-old year they've got to race the open horses. She's just got so much stronger and bigger and mentally tougher this year. You'll see she's been raced pretty lightly so far. Ake and Sarah have been taking their time and not racing her too much to make sure she's there at the end of the year for the Breeders Crown. It's a fun ride to be on. It's always fun to sit behind her, and we'll be looking forward to that for the rest of the year."

A 5-year-old daughter of Walner bred by Vestmarka AB, Jiggy Jog S is co-owned by Svanstedt in partnership with Steve Stewart, John Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables. She has a summary of 23-10-2 from 40 starts, has put away $2,970,391 and paid $3.70 to win as the favorite. She was atop a $16.00 exacta and a $316 trifecta.

"Those races are never easy. She has kind of peaked the last couple of days," remarked Sarah Svanstedt. "She was a little bit tired after the Cashman and the Pocono race, too, actually. It's tough when you have those kind of plans you have to follow and you can't really give a week or two more off - it's tricky. I was so satisfied with her in the last turn. She's tremendous.

"Maybe the Caesar's Classic or Lexington (are next). We'll have to see how she gets out of this race to start with."

While Stewart is known more on the breeding side of the sport through his Hunterton Farms, he said that he hopes Jiggy Jog has plenty of more racing to do before she becomes a broodmare.

"I told Cindy (his wife) that I hope three years from now people come to us and say 'will you please take that damn filly and breed her?' I told all of our partners we have enough broodmares. We don't need another one at the moment, as long as she can compete at this level, and she appears to have a lot of fun with it," Stewart stated. "Ake and Sarah, I think, don't own a lot of broodmares, and so I think that their dream is to probably race her for many, many years, and that's our dream, is to continue racing. What an opportunity and I think it's good for the sport."

Galen Erso Goes For Gold At Grand River

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:37:34 GMT

Two-year-old trotters invaded Grand River Raceway on Friday evening, Sept. 6 for the fourth Gold Series leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes.

Marcus Melander's homebred Galen Erso , the leading colt in the Gold Series, kicked off the stakes action with a 1:57.1 victory in a $95,000 division for the local father and son team of trainer Gregg McNair and driver Doug McNair.

Returning to action after back-to-back Gold wins in July and a close runner-up finish in the Mid-Season Gold Final a month ago at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Galen Erso swept up from midfield at the :28.1 quarter mark to take command and never looked back. The Green Manalishi S-Wygant Princess colt clocked middle splits of :57.3 and 1:27 en route to the 1-1/4-length victory over early leader Shutter Green (Bob McClure), with Chicago Hall (James MacDonald) holding on for third.

While the colt was a dominant winner, Doug McNair noted he wasn't trotting at his best.

"I didn't like the way he was trotting, even scoring down," said McNair. "He was still good enough to win and hopefully they get him sharpened up for the Super Final.

"I think he is one of the best or the best in the division. He got beat in the mid-season's challenge there. Sylvain [Filion's] horse [winner You Got It Kemp] raced great. He got a better trip than mine; I had to remove mine to the front again and he just got picked off at the wire. I think he's got lots of trot, he's just got to get there."

Having hit the board in his first five career starts, Galen Erso has already banked $166,168.

He paid $2.90 to win as the 2-5 favourite.

You Got It Kemp Goes For Gold At Grand River

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:27:17 GMT

Two-year-old trotters invaded Grand River Raceway on Friday evening, Sept. 6 for the fourth Gold Series leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes.

The second and fastest division for the male trotters was won by that Mid-Season Gold Final champion, You Got It Kemp , in 1:56.3 with Hall of Fame reinman Sylvain Filion working out a third consecutive winning trip for the Dan Lagace trainee.

Filion and the quick-leaving You Got It Kemp gave way to Lookatmegoamigo (Louis-Philippe Roy) at the :28 quarter pole and tracked in the two-hole through a half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:26.2 while the leader fought off a forceful challenge from Manforce (Jody Jamieson) to the final turn. That's when Filion slipped out of the pocket with the 3-5 favourite and defeated Lookatmegoamigo by three-quarters of a length, with the wide-rallying Rising Interest (Tyler Borth) just to their outside in third.

You Got It Kemp's 1:56.3 winning time equalled the Canadian record for a freshman trotting gelding on a five-eighths-mile track and was three-fifths of a second off the overall male record held by colt Windsong Espoir.

"The two-hole trip is his cup of tea," commented Brady Lagace, the winner's caretaker and co-owner and an up-and-coming driver. "He loves to just get out and shoot late. So that's what we like, that's what he likes as well."

A $12,000 yearling purchase at last fall's Standardbred Horse Sale, You Got It Kemp missed by a just a neck in his career debut before winning a Gold division on July 25 and the Aug. 5 mid-season event last time out. Scratched sick from his next scheduled start in the William Wellwood Memorial Stakes eliminations, he returned to winning form, paying $3.50 as the bettors' choice.

Picking up his third straight stakes win, the Muscle Mass-Speed Titan gelding boosted his bankroll to $158,167 for the ownership group of Brady & Brooke & Daniel Lagace and Suojalampi Stable.

Onajetplane soars to upset in Classic rookie trot

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:16:44 GMT

The $250,000 New Jersey Classic final for 2-year-old male trotters shaped up as a battle royale among Hidalgo, Go Boom and Go Ahead Makemyday, but Onajetplane and driver Andy McCarthy stunned them all, sweeping three-wide around cover in mid-stretch to post a 12-1 upset.

McCarthy took his time early with the Walner -Noble Lover colt, sitting fifth through an eventful but moderate :57 first half. Just after Hidalgo took charge from Go Ahead Makemyday on approach to the far turn, Onajetplane latched onto third-over cover behind Go Boom and Mountcastle and was towed into contention at the 1:25.3 three-quarter stage.

McCarthy switched the Noel Daley trainee off cover in upper stretch, and he responded with a powerful :26.4 stretch kick to upend Go Ahead Makemyday (David Miller) by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53, shaving over two seconds off his previous career best. Hidalgo (Gingras) was a beaten third.

“We just had to take our time with him,” said Daley, who shares ownership of Onajetplane, now a two-time winner in six career starts with $139,500 in the bank, with Sjoblom Racing Inc., LA Express Stable and Joonas Jarvinen. “He’s always been very genuine; it’s just a matter of him getting squared away, and he seems to have done it now.”

Daley also indicated that a combination of a patient drive from McCarthy and racing Onajetplane barefoot likely contributed to his New Jersey Classic victory.

“You can’t get away with it all the time, but the track was good tonight,” Daley said of his decision to remove Onajetplane’s shoes.

“He’s not the greatest to steer,” Daley continued. “Once (McCarthy) had him straightened out, he’s got a good turn of speed.”.

Onajetplane paid $26 to win as the fifth choice.

Monkey Wine wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:57:08 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold, MONKEY WINE (Gimpanzee - Back Splash ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Amg Stable Inc, Kenneth Kjellgren, Mantorp Llc, Heights Stable and trainer Marcus Melander and driver Mattias Melander.

Assiduous wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:43:43 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold, ASSIDUOUS (Walner - Cree ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Colts & Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Bob Mondillo, C Ryder, Joe Sbrocco and Jaf Racing, Pit Bull Stable Llc, Tony P Alagna and trainer Christopher Ryder and driver Tim Tetrick.

Three Times Bettor First in Kentucky Commonwealth

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:20:12 GMT

On September 1 The Red Mile.

Hunterton Bred, Born, Raise & Sold Three Times Bettor (Andrew McCarthy) took the $30,000 fourth leg of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series for 2-year-old filly pacers in a lifetime best 1:51.4. Accede (Gingras) was second and Ronstadt (Todd McCarthy) came home third. Trained by Brett Pelling, the daughter of Bettor’s Delight -Three Times A Lady now possesses a record of 6-2-1-2. She was bred by Steve Stewart, Conquest Acres Lp and Michael Robinson. Three Times Bettor was sold for $155,000 to Thaddeus Wier at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Strong Poison stings at Red Mile

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:13:33 GMT

Lexington, KY – Strong Poison delivered a powerful punch with her return to the winner’s circle on Tuesday (Aug. 29) at Red Mile in 1:50 in the sole division of $80,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes action for sophomore trotting fillies. The 12-race card also featured one $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series for 3-year-old pacing females and one $15,000 Goldenrod Series event.

Strong Poison, in line to Yannick Gingras, sat in the garden spot leaving the gate as Cultured (Scott Zeron) set the first fraction of :27.4. Gingras gave the filly her head and allowed her to control the tempo. She clicked off fractions of :56.3 and 1:24.2 and threw down the bid of Charleston (Tim Tetrick) to hit the line in front. Cultured was third.

The daughter of Always B Miki -Flyonce is trained by Ron Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services Inc. and Beaty Services LLC.

Strong Poison is the track and stakes record holder at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with a 1:48 victory in the Nadia Lobell at the Anderson oval in her seasonal debut on June 20.

The filly’s resume now stands at 20-7-6-3 and her bankroll is $581,125.

Strong Poison paid $4.24 to win and was bred by Steve Stewart, Charles Nash and Julie Nash.

Horizontal lays it down in Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Horizontal (Zeron) collected her second consecutive victory to improve her lifetime record to 14-5-2-2 in the $30,000 Commonwealth division for 3-year-old filly pacers.

The filly tripped the teletimer in 1:49.1, a new lifetime best, for trainer Linda Toscano. Horizontal is a half sibling to the undefeated Geocentric and is owned by Determination. The daughter of Always B Miki -Geometry was bred by Diamond Creek Farms. Horizontal paid $9.10 to win.

Admiral Hill captures 4-year-old KYSS splits

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 20:18:44 GMT

Admiral Hill provided Gingras with a sweep of the KYSS events for 4-year-olds. He was a heavy favorite like Strong Poison, but he had some anxious moments prior to hitting the line in front by a nose in 1:49.1 in the second $35,000 leg for male pacers.

Blue Lou (David Miller) led the field through a first fraction of :27 but was content to sit in the garden spot as Admiral Hill swept to the front before the half-mile pole. The son of Sweet Lou -Laura Hill went a half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23. Speaking Volumes (Hall) did just that as he closed stoutly from fourth with a :25.2 final quarter to just miss. Blue Lou held for third.

Trained by Per Engblom, Admiral Hill was bred by Thomas Hill and is owned by Morrison Stables. He has now earned $535,258 in purse money and improved his record to 38-17-6-5. He is 12-8-1-1 this year and enjoying his best season to date with $251,450 in the bank. He paid $2.66.

Gingin Bi wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:49:03 GMT

Hunterton Raised & Sold, GINGIN BI (Muscle Hill - Devine Equine ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc, Lava Java Stable, Douglas S Overhiser and trainer Erwin Miller and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Dashing Danny has his fourth straight win!

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:43:46 GMT

Three-year-old trotting colts and geldings were in the spotlight on Thursday (Aug. 22) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, with two $50,000 divisions of Indiana Sire Stakes on the 13-race card.

Dashing Danny immediately followed and delivered convincingly at 1-9 with regular pilot Kyle Wilfong aboard to take the second division.

Leaving from post six, Dashing Danny found himself in the middle of a three-across battle for the lead entering the first turn before landing in the pocket while Ira Who (Jared Finn) crossed over to reach the quarter first in :27.2.

Dashing Danny was shuffled to third on the backstretch when Elhelpski (Pete Wrenn) was given his marching orders from third and took command on the way to the halfway point in :57. Wilfong tugged the right line and Dashing Danny quickly accelerated alongside the leader as Elhelpski reached three-quarters with a narrow lead in 1:27.

The bettor’s choice blew right by to the lead turning for home, trotting clear by 3-1/2 at the eighth pole. Crossing the wire a geared down winner, Dashing Danny stopped the clock in 1:54.3, winning by three lengths over longshots A Blue Million (Mike Peterson) and First Option (Joey Putnam) who finished second and third, respectively.

Dashing Danny has won five of six to begin his sophomore campaign for trainer Jeff Cullipher who also owns along with Pollack Racing. The gelded son of Dover Dan -Sashay sports earnings of $138,750 this year while going over $300,000 lifetime following his 14th career victory. Dashing Danny was bred by Steve Stewart and Black Creek Farm.

Danger steals the show in Indiana Sire Stakes

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 19:32:53 GMT

Anderson, IN – Round six of Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies highlighted the Wednesday (Aug. 21) card a Harrah’s Hoosier Park with a pair of $48,500 divisions on the 13-race card. The favorite prevailed in each division as Danger destroyed her competitors.

Sent off at 2-5 from the rail in the first division with trainer Robert Taylor doing the driving, Danger delivered with a career best effort to take the first division. Taylor settled the bettor’s choice into second early while Black Gold (driven by James Yoder) grabbed early command to lead the field of six to the quarter in :27.3. Danger popped the pocket on the backstretch to take the lead to the half in :56.4 before taking the field to three-quarters in 1:26.1 alone on the engine.

Turning for home, Danger opened up by two-lengths while Black Gold tipped from second keeping a 9-1 upset bid alive late in the lane. Trotting home in :28, Danger held the challenge of Black Gold at bay, crossing the wire 1-1/4 lengths in front in 1:54.1. Skyway Paige finished third to round out the trifecta.

Danger has begun her career in style, winning five of six in her 3-year-old rookie campaign with the lone defeat being a runner-up finish in leg five of Indiana Sire Stakes. Bred by Steve Stewart and Chris Beaver, the daughter of Swan For All -Chim Swift has banked $78,021 for owners Anthony Lombardi and George Golemes.

Another win for Pisco Sour !

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:27:55 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold PISCO SOUR ( Walner - Blessed) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Jorgen Sparredal Inc and trainer Ake Svanstedt and driver Tim Tetrick.

Unreasonable scores at The Red Mile

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:26:13 GMT

On Monday (Aug. 19) Unreasonable captured the sole $80,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes third round division for 2-year-old filly pacers at The Red Mile in a lifetime best 1:50.4.

Trainer Erv Miller was warranted in spotting the daughter of Huntsville -Roaring To Go in deeper waters after a third place finish in a $30,000 second leg of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series on Aug. 11.

With Scott Zeron holding the lines, Unreasonable commenced her journey from post position eight in the field of eight and maintained that spot while Treacheryinthedark (Dexter Dunn) controlled the first split of :27. Sweet Ballad, however, had her mind set on how she was going to compete. As she and driver Yannick Gingras, cut the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Unreasonable closed from seventh with a :25.4 final panel to best Sweet Ballad and favored Duration (Todd McCarthy).

Owned by her conditioner and David Miller, Unreasonable was bred by Steve Stewart and Frank Chick.

The filly’s dam collected $431,999 on the racetrack. Unreasonable is her third foal and most prolific. She sold for $55,000 at last year’s Standardbred Horse Sale.

Roaring To Go is a half-sibling to Queen Of The Pride (McArdle, $787,211).

Unreasonable paid $8.48 to win and improved her record to 4-2-0-1 with a bankroll of $46,600.

Yannick G Kemp First in Kentucky Commonwealth

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:19:29 GMT

On Sunday (Aug. 18) The Red Mile.

Hunterton Born, Raise & Sold Yannick G Kemp (a colt by Walner -Southwind Adele) Peter Wrenn took the first of two $30,000 second round legs of the Commonwealth Series for 2-year-old male trotters in 1:54 with Castel Lindy (Dunn) scoring in the second division for that age and sex in 1:57.4.

Assiduous wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:12:30 GMT

Jiggy Jog S wins Pocono Invites

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 18:25:56 GMT

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Jiggy Jog S extended her win streak to eight races by capturing the $100,000 Sebastian K Invitational Trot and Ruthless Hanover got back in the victory column by winning the card-closing $100,000 Always B Miki Invitational Pace on Sun Stakes Saturday at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Pocono Downs.

The Sebastian K Invitational is named after the horse who went a 1:49 mile over Pocono’s five-eighths-mile track — a clocking not beaten on an “f” oval in the 10 years since. And this year’s race was taken by another pupil of trainer Ake Svanstedt, the great mare Jiggy Jog S, who overcame several problem situations to win by a head over Lexus Kody in 1:52.1.

Hillexotic was yielding to Black Magic mid-first turn when making a break; this led to Lexus Kody, who was parked, to go on to the lead in :26.4. Jiggy Jog S tucked in third, then had to be alert to avoid the breaking Black Magic in front of the stands and moved up to the pocket. Lexus Kody got a breather to the :56.2 half, then picked the tempo up a bit to a 1:24.4 three-quarters clocking as Periculum made a good first-over move, with Jiggy Jog S awaiting clearance from the two-hole.

Jiggy Jog S, the 1-9 favorite, came home in :27.1 as she gradually went on to victory, with Lexus Kody missing just a head and Periculum only three-quarters of a length back.

Dexter Dunn, winning his fourth straight race on the card, noted that “the mare handled herself professionally” amidst the early confusion.

“She’s responded to everything well,” he said. “We wound up in the pocket, a good trip, and it took a stride or two for her to find her top gear, but she showed her ability and went by.”

Jiggy Jog S is now undefeated in four seasonal starts for earnings of $309,188. Lifetime, the daughter of Walner -Hot Mess Hanover has won 22 times in 39 outings, accumulating a bankroll of $2.47 million. She is owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Steve Stewart, John Lengacher, and Hickory Hollow Stables. She was bred by Vestmarka AB.

Vic Zelenskyy wins again at The Red Mile

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 18:44:57 GMT

Baffle wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:57:37 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born, Raised & Sold, BAFFLE (Googoo Gaagaa - Love Session ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Purple Haze Stables Llc, M3 Racing Stable, and trainer Trond Smedshammer and driver Yannick Gingras.

Monkey Wine wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:53:41 GMT

KNGTSTLKRS PISTOL wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:28:32 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold KNGTSTLKRS PISTOL (Walner - Pink Pistol ) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Pinske Stables, David K Hoese, James Rosckes and trainer CArter Pinske and driver David Miller.

Pisco Sour wins again!

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 14:39:38 GMT

Hey Porter wins Pocono Sire Stakes

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:11:26 GMT

Two $79,569 divisions of the third preliminary of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts was held Sunday evening (Aug. 11) at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Sire Bar Hopping, who fathered a Sire Stake winner, got two credits in the StS competition, including a win with Hey Porter (dam Chelsees A Winner) in 1:57.2, giving that one two wins in the Stallion Series. Buter handled this colt (the only colt among the five StS winners) between his Sire Stakes wins, and got him home in a nifty :27.4 to win for trainer Tony Alagna and owner Steve Stewart.

Blackhawk Zette wins in the PASS-3YOCG at The Meadows

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:28:53 GMT

Hunterton Sold, BLACKHAWK ZETTE (Cantab Hall - Zette Starlet ) won the PASS-3YOCG at The Meadows. Congratulations to owner J L Sadowsky Llc and trainer Robert Baggitt and driver Matthew Kakaley.

Vic Zelenskyy wins 3YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:21:24 GMT

Luke The Spook wins KYSS

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:16:06 GMT

After all eyes were on The Meadowlands, and deservedly so, on Saturday (Aug. 3) The Red Mile returned to the scene with 31 races on Sunday (Aug. 4) and Monday (Aug. 5).

The day’s other KYSSCS division for 3-year-old male trotters belonged to longshot Hunterton Born and Sold, Luke The Spook (Mattias Melander) as the son of Greenshoe hit the line in a new lifetime best of 1:54. His :26.2 final fraction was enough to withstand the opposition launched by Bright Star (Dunn). Ways N Means (David Miller) came back after leading early in the event to snare the show spot.

The above mentioned Ways N Means snatched the lead from the beginning of the mile and left the field of eight in his wake through a :28.4 quarter-mile. Bright Star, however, had other ideas and overtook Ways N Means before the half-mile in a :57.3.

Luke The Spook commenced his journey from the rail and actually went off stride prior to the start. Trailing in seventh, then eighth, the colt and his pilot advanced into third around the final turn.

The colt was resolute and was best by three-quarters of a length.

Luke The Spook provided Marcus Melander with a sweep of the male KYSSCS trotting events on Monday as he is also responsible for Super Chapter.

Paying a generous $68.64 at the windows, the son Greenshoe -Noblesse Blue Chip has now earned $111,203 in purse money and improved his career record to 14-5-3-1. He had one victory from five starts last year.

Luke The Spook competes for AM Bloodstock who also bred him.

You Got It Kemp Claim Mid-Season Gold Finals

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:00:27 GMT

A pair of $150,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Mid-Season Finals for rookie trotters highlighted the Monday (Aug. 5) card at Mohawk, You Got It Kemp pulled the mild 7-1 upset in the trotting colts.

You Got It Kemp teamed up with driver Sylvain Filion to score from off cover to upset in the freshman male final. Much like the trotting fillies, Filion landed the eventual winner in fifth early from post four while Lookatmegoamigo (Louis-Philippe Roy) made quick work of post 10 to reach the quarter first in :28.1. Chicago Hall (James MacDonald) passed on the pocket trip to take command on the backstretch before Doug McNair moved the 3-5 favourite, Galen Erso, to the lead before reaching the half in :58.1. Filion flushed the cover of Rising Interest (Tyler Borth) who led the charge first-over into third on the final turn while Galen Erso led to three-quarters in 1:27.1.

Filion tipped You Got It Kemp off of cover at the top of the lane with sights set on Galen Erso who was now under pressure from Chicago Hall who popped the pocket once more. You Got It Kemp got in gear in deep stretch with a :27.2 final quarter to nail Galen Erso by a half-length on the wire in 1:55.1. Chicago Hall finished third.

"When I tipped him off cover he went forward, but I didn't know if I had enough track left to get there," said Filion. "Obviously he did so I was really pleased with him. I think he raced super tonight. Even last week, the way he did it, we got out real late and he sprinted home like a machine. I was pretty pleased with him and pretty confident in tonight too."

A winner now in two of three in his young career, You Got It Kemp is trained by Daniel Lagace. A gelded son of Muscle Mass-Speed Titan, You Got It Kemp was bred by Kemppi Stables Oy and Suojalampi Stable. Suojalampi Stable co-owns the earner of $110,667 along with Brady, Brooke and Daniel Lagace.

Big Shoes wins Again!

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:52:24 GMT

Hunterton Born & Raise BiG SHOES (Greenshoe - Witty Girl - S J’s Photo ) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO C&G at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc, Knox Services Inc and trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.

Jiggy Jog S sails into record books with Cashman win

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:00:58 GMT

Åke Svanstedt’s generational trotting mare Jiggy Jog S took her shot in the $282,000 John Cashman Memorial and stood to the task to not only beat male competition through a sudden downpour, but to also trounce the stakes and divisional track records at the Meadowlands on Saturday (Aug. 3).

Driver Dexter Dunn floated Jiggy Jog S out of post three and managed to catch cover from stablemate Southwind Tyrion as that one raced parked through the first turn. Southwind Tyrion towed Jiggy Jog S forward through a :27 first quarter set by It’s Academic and stayed in tandem with the leader as the rainfall intensified to a :55.1 half. Dunn remained steady with Jiggy Jog S from second-over through the final turn while the tempo stayed hot in the storm to three-quarters in 1:22.3.

Upon straightening, Dunn unleashed Jiggy Jog S to the center of the track. Jiggy Jog S accelerated instantaneously and spurted by her stablemate Southwind Tyrion entering the final eighth. Jiggy Jog S cruised by the line to stop the clock in 1:49.2 on a track that was promptly downgraded to “good.” Southwind Tyrion stayed strong through the parked mile to finish second, beaten 2-1/4 lengths, with Chapercraz holding third from late-charging Hasty Bid.

“I had such a good helmet to follow in Southwind Tyrion,” Dunn said. “I knew it would have to be a big effort, but she just fills you in confidence when you sit behind her. She does her work so easy, and I was happy with the spot I was in.”

Jiggy Jog S stayed unbeaten from just three starts this season. Her win in the Cashman, a lifetime-best effort, came just over a month since she last hit the track to win the $112,500 Six Pack , also at the Meadowlands.

“Amazing effort [by Svanstedt] to get her ready to go 1:49.2 on an off track and being off the pylons after 43 days,” Dunn also said. “She’s racing the boys this year; she has a long year ahead of her. [Spacing her races] is working great for her.”

Svanstedt trains and co-owns Jiggy Jog S, a 5-year-old Walner mare out of the Cantab Hall dam Hot Mess Hanover, along with Steve Stewart, John Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables. She has won 21 races in her career from 38 starts and has now banked $2,425,467.

Jiggy Jog S’s 1:49.2 mile beat the stakes record of 1:50, matched thrice by Gimpanzee in 2020, Crystal Fashion in 2019 and set by her stablemate Sebastian K S in 2014. She also lowered the track record for older trotting mares of 1:49.4 set by another Svanstedt pupil, Darling Mearas, and matched in 2021 by Manchego.

Sent the 1-2 favorite, Jiggy Jog S paid $3.00 to win.

Time For Landing First in NJSS Consolation

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:33:26 GMT

Hunterton Raised & Sold Time For Landing (a filly by Tactical Landing-Fly Fly Selena), won the NJSS Consolation at The Meadowlands. Congratulations to owners Pryde And Alagna Stable, James J Giannuzzi, Geoffrey Dubrowsky, William G Beattie and trainer Tony Alagna and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Hey Porter wins TSS 2YOCG at The Meadows

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:25:46 GMT

Hey Porter , Abraham Hanover, Munster Mash Trick and Scudo Hanover each took a split in Friday’s sub-feature.

In only his second career start, Hey Porter steadily drew away from Bell Hall for Palone and soundly defeated him by 6-1/4 lengths in 1:55.2 to earn his maiden-breaker. I’ll Have A Double finished third.

“I watched a couple replays of him, and he looked like a nice enough horse,” Palone said. “He finished good in both races. I ended up caught on the lead, but he handled it well. When I took out the plugs, he knew what to do.”

Tony Alagna trains the son of Bar Hopping-Chelsees A Winner for Steve Stewart.

Dashing Danny wins again at Hoosier Park

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:31:29 GMT

Despite a delayed start to the card due to strong thunderstorms moving through Anderson, Ind., the action on the racetrack was fast and furious on Thursday (Aug. 1) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Two divisions of Indiana Sire Stakes for sophomore pacing and trotting colts on the 14-race card saw favorites deliver.

Earlier on the card, Hunterton Bred Dashing Danny extended his current win streak to three at 1-5 to take the $50,500 first division of Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts.

Driver Kyle Wilfong opted to change tactics and take back to sixth early as Trace Tetrick hustled CS Flying Co-Pilot to the front through a quarter of :27.3. CS Flying Co-Pilot remained a loose leader on the backstretch, leading to the half in :56.2 in the sloppy going. Musclefastastic (Robert Taylor) started the outer flow from third with Dashing Danny on his back second-over in pursuit of CS Flying Co-Pilot who led to three-quarters in 1:25.2.

Dashing Danny catapulted off cover turning for home, trotting home in :28.3 to charge to a two length victory in 1:54.4. Customer Support (Cross) rallied at 63-1 for the place position.

Jeff Cullipher trains and co-owns the four-time winner in five seasonal starts along with Pollack Racing. The gelded son of Dover Dan -Sashay was bred by Steve Stewart and Black Creek Farm and has now earned $294,837.

Bonn wins 3YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:16:37 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold, BONN (Tactical Landing - Angelina Chip ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 3YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners David H Mc Duffee, Landl Devisser Llc and trainer Melanie Wren and driver Peter Wren.

Pico Sour wins the 3YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:07:41 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born, Raised & Sold PISCO SOUR (Walner - Blessed ) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Jorgen Sparredal Inc and trainer Ake Svanstedt and driver Tim Tetrick.

Crescendo wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:36:52 GMT

Hunterton Born & Raised, CRESCENDO (Tall Dark Stranger - Coronet - Captaintreacherous ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Buckstone Land Livestock and trainer Linda Toscano and driver Scott Zeron.

Big Shoes wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:28:20 GMT

Flossy Hill Wins at The Meadowlands

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:23:19 GMT

Breakfast With The Babies came on an overcast, dry and comparatively cool Saturday morning (June 29) at the Meadowlands with a helping breeze at the back of the babies through the stretch.

Hunterton Born & Raised Flossy Hill (Dunn/Ryder) lived up to advance billing as the blue-bred daughter of Tall Dark Stranger and the wonderful stakes winning Party Girl Hill, who was raced by all of the same connections including breeder/owner Tom Hill. Held off the early pace by Dunn, the filly followed up on the leaders on the final bend and went by on her own through a :26.2 end to the 1:55.3 mile in her Meadowlands debut. Millie May Hanover (Tetrick/Harris) followed the winner and was pacing forward late for second.

Accede wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:12:47 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born, Raised & Sold ACCEDE (Green Manalishi S - Armatrading ) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Thomas R Dillon, Scott A Dillon, Craig W Henderson and trainer Ron Burke and driver YAnnick Gingras.

Wells Fargo wins ONSS-RS at Woodbine

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:06:51 GMT

Six divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots went to the gate on Tuesday evening, July 30 for freshman guys and gals with six different trainers and six different drivers returning to the winner's circle.

There were three divisions for each gender as the second leg of the series and each split was worth a $20,000 purse. Freshman colt and gelding trotters meet again on Aug. 9 at Kawartha Downs while freshman filly trotters reconvene on Aug. 6 at Mohawk for their respective third legs.

Hunterton Bred, Born, Raised & Sold Wells Fargo ($17.60) zipped to the swiftest time for the two-year-old trotting fillies, a triumph in 1:57.2 by 1-1/2 lengths with pilot Jonathan Drury on board. Trained by Shawn Steacy, the daughter of Muscle Mass and the Conway Hall mare Wheely Quick is owned by Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc., Landmark 17 Racing Stable, Robert Gilhespy and Diane Bertrand.

Kadena wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:59:26 GMT

Hunterton Raised & Sold Kadena (Gimpanzee - Mission Brief ) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Jeffrey S Snyder, S R F Stable and trainer Marcus Melander and driver Dexter Dunn.

Yo Tillie step to victory at The Red Mile

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:48:03 GMT

On Sunday (July 28) and Monday (July 29) The Red Mile hosted 32 pari-mutuel miles with 17 stakes contests.

Hunterton Sold Yo Tillie (Verlin Yoder) improved her record to a perfect five-for-five in the second KYSSC division for 2-year-old filly trotters. The daughter of Tactical Landing -Consolidator went right to the front and established fractions of :28.1, :56.1, and 1:25.1 enroute to defeating Aperfect Annie (T. McCarthy). Stacking Green (Gingras) nabbed the show spot.

Owned and trained by her driver, Yo Tillie captured the $100,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes Final on July 14 at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming. She has now amassed $134,000 in purse money tripped the timer in a career best 1:53.4.

The filly was bred by GBW Breeding Farms Inc. and Black Creek Farm.

Yo Tillie paid $6.46 to win for her efforts.

Allegiant wins Oaks elims

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:13:42 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — The $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks now has its 10 finalists following three $50,000 eliminations on Saturday night (July 27) at the Meadowlands, from which Allegiant, Elista Hanover and R Melina clinched gold and post protection.

Vernon Beachy pupil Hunterton Bred, Born & Sold Allegiant uncorked a slight surprise winning the first Hambletonian Oaks elimination as the third choice with an authoritative 1:51.4 mile.

Scott Zeron hustled the daughter of Tactical Landing out of post six and to the top, where her peers left her to her own devices. Movement launched after Allegiant clocked a pedantic :56.4 half, but the footsteps followed with fury and futility. Allegiant scooted away from the field to post a four-length victory over 3-5 favorite French Champagne, who marched first-over to grab second. Paulina Hanover rallied from last to snag the last berth, finishing third.

“We had luck a couple years ago with one and we wanted to try a New Jersey-bred again and we ended up with this one, which has been a blessing,” Beachy said. “She’s been a really nice filly from day one. We were unlucky [in previous starts], but were prepping her for some of the bigger stuff.

That’s what we’re shooting for.”

Winning her eighth race from 17 starts, Allegiant – out of the Yankee Glide mare Too Good For You – upped her bankroll to $427,997 for owner Ryan Smith. She returned $11.60 to win.

Splendid wins James Manderino Trot

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:09:28 GMT

In addition to the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids and the Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo, Saturday’s (July 27) blockbuster card at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows featured four Arden Downs Grand Circuit stakes. Here are highlights of those events.

$36,873 James Manderino Trot — 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings

Parked every step, Hunterton Bred & Sold Splendid somehow found more for Chris Lems and collected his eighth straight win. The son of Father Patrick -Long Island Tea triumphed in 1:54, a head better than the rallying Father Mike, with Blockchain third.

“He got a little rough behind the gate, which is why he couldn’t make it to the lead or get into a hole,” said Todd Rooney, who trains Splendid for Rooney Racing and Trotting For Bourbon, “but I was pretty shocked when he just kept right on going.”

Rooney said that, because Splendid is dually eligible in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, several options are available for his next start.

Lite Up The World Shines In Dream Maker Series Opener

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:46:50 GMT

Hunteron Born, Raised & Sold Lite Up The World lived up to the hype as the 1-9 favourite in the $20,000 opening leg of the Dream Maker Series for two-year-old pacers early on the Friday, July 26 evening card at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

For his first of four winning drives on the card, James MacDonald moved the Tony Beaton-trained Lite Up The World to the lead from and early four-hole after a :27.2 opening quarter and never looked back from there, reeling off middle splits of :56.4 and 1:26 en route to the 1:51.3 victory. First-quarter leader Ayeaye Captain Deo (Sylvain Filion) followed 1-1/4 lengths behind and his stablemate Nova Blu (Louis-Philippe Roy) rounded out the top three nearly eight lengths back for trainer Garry Merner.

Lite Up The World was the overwhelming favourite with his four foes sent postward at odds greater than 25-1. He paid $2.10 to win. There was no place or show wagering.

"I let James do whatever he wants and he's been driving this colt great," said Beaton in a post-race interview. "We know [Lite Up The World] can pace home fast and [James] gave him a chance tonight there up the backside and he said he's actually kind of lazy, this colt, but once you get at him, he paces forward and gives it his all."

Owned by Mac and Carol Nichol of Burlington, Ont., the American Ideal-Turnoffthelights colt is a full brother to the millionaire Grand Circuit stakes winner Bedroomconfessions and was a $95,000 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale.

Lite Up The World is just head shy of a perfect record following back-to-back 1:51.3 victories -- fastest for a two-year-old male pacer in Canada so far this year -- after launching his career in the Tompkins-Geers Stakes on June 28 when he just missed off a :25.4 closing quarter.

The Dream Maker Series continues next Friday, Aug. 2 with the $50,000 (added) final scheduled for the following Friday, Aug. 9.

Yannick G Kemp First in NJSS

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:36:42 GMT

Colt and Gelding Trot (Div. 2) – Hunterton Born, Raise & Sold Yannick G Kemp (a colt by Walner -Southwind Adele), Dave Miller, Nifty Norman, 1:55.2, $13.40 as the 5-1 third choice on Friday night (July 26) at the Meadowlands when six $25,000 third-leg New Jersey Sire Stakes dashes for 2-year-olds were conducted during the card.

Onajetplane victorious in NJSS

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:24:05 GMT

Colt and Gelding Trot (Div. 1) – Hunterton Sold Onajetplane (a colt by Walner -Noble Lover), driver Andy McCarthy, trainer Noel Daley, winning time 1:55.1, paid $101.40 to win as the 49-1 sixth choice in the wagering on Friday night (July 26) at the Meadowlands when six $25,000 third-leg New Jersey Sire Stakes dashes for 2-year-olds were conducted during the card.

GALEN ERSO Grabs Gold at Mohawk

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:32:04 GMT

Two-year-old trotters in the Ontario Sires Stakes program flocked to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday, July 25 for a total of five OSS Gold divisions, with two repeat winners and three fresh faces showing up and showing off during the 10-race program.

Raised at Hunterton Farm Galen Erso ($3.30) is the only repeat Gold winner in this division after a confident win in the second split on Thursday night.

Driver Doug McNair settled the public choice into third as Wearing The Green (Jamieson) and Day (Louis-Philippe Roy) took turns on the early lead heading into the first turn. Once Day settled through a :28.2 opening panel, McNair angled Galen Erso from third and moved the front. Clearing before a :58.1 half and handling his business assuredly on top with a 1:27.2 third quarter, Galen Erso sped home in :28.3 for the lifetime best 1:56 score. Rising Interest (Tyler Borth) flew home from the back of the pack to get up for second in a four-way photo, besting Wearing The Green (Jamieson) and Whitty Wheels (Trevor Henry).

"He's a pretty nice trotter," stated his driver. "Louis kind of took a little shot at him and I wasn't sure how he's going to respond but he kicked home good.

"He was a little more aggressive tonight. I mean, behind the gate I couldn't even get my whip turned over. He just kind of relaxed once I got past the half and once it was time to start him back up again, he just clicked into gear."

Gregg McNair handles the conditioning on two-time winner Galen Erso (Green Manalishi S - Wygant Princess) for breeder-owner Marcus Melander of New Egypt, N.J.

You Got It Kemp Grabs Gold At Mohawk Thursday

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:33:08 GMT

The best two-year-old trotters in the Ontario Sires Stakes program flocked to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday, July 25 for a total of five OSS Gold divisions, with two repeat winners and three fresh faces showing up and showing off during the 10-race program.

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold You Got It Kemp ($6.20) didn't appear to have what was needed at the head of the stretch, but the rookie trotter got the job done for his first career victory.

What he needed was room. And after sitting the pocket behind Call Me Parker (MacDonald) through fractions of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.4, Sylvain Filion didn't have room for his trotter with Mr Pasadena (Tyler Jones) approaching first up and Call Me Parker just a length in front. But when Mr Pasadena blew up and broke stride just after straightening for home, Filion found the seam he needed and angled You Got It Kemp. And get it he did, by three parts of a length over Call Me Parker in 1:56.2. Shutter Green (Bob McClure) completed the top trio.

"From the word go he's always been able to just turn speed real fast, and Sylvain teaches him a lot," stated trainer and co-owner Dan Lagace. "He's been good the whole time. Professional, and showed some speed."

Lagace shares ownership in the Muscle Mass - Speed Titan gelding with Brady & Brooke Lagace and co-breeder Suojalampi Stable Inc. of Delray Beach, Fl.

El Rey adores The Red Mile

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:35:25 GMT

The Red Mile completed the first week of its 150th season featuring the first of three $35,000 legs in the debut of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Series for 4-year-old male and female pacers on Tuesday (July 23). El Rey demonstrated their affinity for the Lexington oval as this horse turned the tables on the rival who defeated them at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in $150,000 series finals last month.

El Rey (Marcus Miller) demonstrated a return to the red clay was exactly what the doctor ordered after a disappointing effort in the $428,000 William Haughton Memorial on July 13 behind Abuckabett Hanover. He also took a measure of revenge on 2023 Kentucky Commonwealth Series Final winner, Admiral Hill (Yannick Gingras), who bested him in the $150,000 series final at Oak Grove.

The son of Captaintreacherous zipped right to the front after the wings on the gate unfolded with favorite Admiral Hill biding his time in second. El Rey led the field with splits of :27.3, :53.4 and 1:21. As the field of seven turned for home, Admiral Hill laid down the gauntlet with Blue Lou (D. Miller) in hot pursuit.

El Rey would not be denied in a thrilling stretch drive, turning back the bids of his foes to stop the clock in 1:49.1. to hold Admiral Hill at bay by a nose. Blue Lou was another nose back in third.

Trained by Andrew Harris, El Rey increased his bank account to $656,130 from 41 career miles. The stallion is owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman and his trainer.

El Rey has compiled a record of 9-2-3-1 this season and paid his supporters $6.06 for his effort. He was bred by Riverview Breeding LLC.

Racing returns to The Red Mile on Sunday (June 28) with another evening under the lights. Racing will be conducted on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays through Sept. 17 prior to the Grand Circuit coming to town. First post for Sundays is 5:05 p.m. with Mondays and Tuesday kicking off at 1 p.m.

World Beater wins in the PASS-2YOCG at The Meadows

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 16:03:50 GMT

Hunterton Sold, WORLD BEATER (Captaintreacherous - World Apart ) won the PASS-2YOCG at The Meadows. Congratulations to owner Willow Oak Ranch and trainer Tony Alagna and driver Todd McCarthy.

Splendid Wins Again!

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:47:22 GMT

Chester, PA – Pennsylvania-sired sophomore trotting colts came to Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday afternoon for their third preliminary state-sired rounds, with two $71,167 Sire Stakes divisions captured by a pair of 5-1 shots, each stopping the timer in 1:53.

Splendid has now won three Stallion Series races among his seven-race winning streak, on Friday putting up a time of 1:56 for driver Chris Lems, trainer Todd Rooney, and owners Rooney Racing and Trotting For Bourbon. The Father Patrick colt was in the two-hole when pacesetter Loxahatchee lost stride turning for home, and had the largest lead at the wire among today’s stakes horses, 1-1/4lengths over Bird And Grenade.

Spicy Nice wins in the NJSS at The Meadowlands

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:57:18 GMT

Hunterton Born & Sold, SPICY NICE (Tactical Landing - Maven ) won the NJSS 2YO Filly at The Meadowlands . Congratulations to owners Morrison Racing Stables, John D Fielding and trainer Nancy Takter and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Another win for Yo Tillie!

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:22:11 GMT

Hunterton Sold, YO TILLIE ( Tactical Landing - Consolidator) won the Kentucky Sire Stakes 2YO Filly at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming . Congratulations to owner Verlin D Yoder and trainer/driver Verlin D Yoder.

Ways N Means Shoots Through For Gold Mid-Season Victory

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 19:23:49 GMT

Forwardly placed early on by driver Doug McNair, Ways N Means was able to skim the pylons late to snag the victory in the $150,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Mid-Season Final for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Saturday, July 13 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

"There's always a little worry [there won't be room up the inside], anything can happen, but we were following the right horse," said McNair. "We had a great spot, we had the six-hole and then there was a scratch so we had the five-hole, so I figured we'd just shoot him on out of there and try to get lucky."

With the scratch of Griff, Ways N Means was able to move in one slot to post five and he left out with 2-1 favourite Willowtime (Mario Baillargeon) alongside. Willowtime crossed in front of Ways N Means as he sprinted a :26.3 first quarter with the divisional point leader, Myretirementdream (Scott Young), in pursuit from the outer wing of the gate and landing in third.

Willowtime trotted on to the half in :55.4 before Myretirementdream launched a first-over challenge as they rounded the turn to three-quarters in 1:24.2 and started closing in on the leader through the stretch. However, the big threat was lurking at the pylons and McNair was able to shoot Ways N Means through and pull ahead for the 1:53 victory to equal his lifetime mark while Myretirementdream overtook Willowtime and chased 1-3/4 lengths behind in second. Finite (Sylvain Filion) closed late from mid-pack to finish third over Willowtime.

"He's been knocking on the door," said McNair of the Mike Keeling trainee, who first established his lifetime mark just prior to a close runner-up finish to Griff in the May 25 first leg of the Gold Series. "Mike's been working hard on him and getting him into tip-top shape and tonight he was a different horse. Whatever he changed on him this week, he did a good job."

Going from steel to aluminum shoes for the Mid-Season Final, Ways N Means , who won three of his nine starts last year as a two-year-old facing Grassroots competition, boosted his bankroll to $177,585 for owners Dreamville Stable of Cambridge, Ont., and Harbor Racing Stable of Uxbridge, Ont.

"Last year, he wasn't competitive in the Golds, but he was a very competitive Grassrooter," said Keeling. "Something went on this winter where he just came back a little stronger, a little more mature, and the first time Doug raced him, he said, 'He's a Gold horse this year.' So we were just kind of bidding our time. He's had some stomach issues and I think we're on the right side of it now [with the right diet] and when he's calm like that, he's good."

Keeling noted Ways N Means is not entirely comfortable over the smaller tracks and will weigh his options with the next Gold leg scheduled for Grand River Raceway on Aug. 14 as the Muscle Mass-Mariongotchocolate colt is also Kentucky eligible.

Ways N Means paid $7.50 to win as the 5-2 second choice.

Bequeath wins in the NJSS at The Meadowlands

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:49:46 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born & Sold, BEQUEATH (Lazarus N - Endowment ) won the NJSS 2YO Filly at The Meadowlands . Congratulations to owners Michael D Robinson, Donald E Robinson, Robert A Mondillo and trainer Linda Toscano and driver Scott Zeron.

Osceola Posts Career Best In Mohawk Preferred

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:55:38 GMT

Osceola has ticked a lot of boxes in his young career with appearances in the Breeders Crown and Hambletonian among numerous top Canadian races, but the Gregg McNair student achieved a new letter on his resume with a new lifetime mark in 1:51.4, set in the $32,000 Preferred 2 Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, July 8.

As the wings drew away, the early battle for the lead formed, thinning out as the turn straightened up the backstretch. Handsome Sebastian (Sylvain Filion) came out on top, reaching the quarter in :26.2, followed by New Rules (James MacDonald) and Osceola. After the quarter mile marker, Doug McNair pulled Osceola out and around the top two to take over the lead. The pair sat comfortably through the half in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:24. Osceola braved the stretch, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.4 over Handsome Sebastian. Patriarch Hanover (Trevor Henry) completed the triactor.

Owned by Gregg McNair, Willow Oak Ranch, and Paul Hawman, Osceola is a four-year-old son of Muscle Mass and the Conway Hall mare Armbro Exquisite. He moved his seasonal tally to 4-2-0 in seven starts with $137,575 banked. In his career of 32 starts, Osceola has produced a record of 10-3-5, banking $576,655. Heavily backed at the windows, he returned $2.40 to win.

Allegiant wins the $100,000 Moni Maker

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:39:12 GMT

Columbus, OH — The Grand Circuit moved to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (July 6) as the track played host to the Moni Maker and Nadia Lobell for the first time.

The $100,000 Moni Maker race was won by Allegiant and Hunter Myers in 1:52.1.

Jurassic Hattie (Brett Miller) set the fractions of :27, :56.2 and 1:24. Allegiant was parked for the first half of the opening turn before she settled in third. The duo then came first up partway down the backside to challenge the leader. By the last turn they had taken over and confidently won the race by two lengths. Jurassic Hattie dug in to finish second while Roxanna (Aaron Merriman) came up the passing lane to finish third.

“She loves what she does,” said Myers. “Me having to come first up, I was a little worried about it, but knowing how good she was the previous weeks, I was pretty confident on how she was going to handle herself.”

Allegiant, by Tactical Landing , is trained by Vernon Beachy for Ryan Smith. After being in New Jersey for the NJSS, Allegiant was a winner in the Currier & Ives at The Meadows. She now has $393,397 in earnings from 15 lifetime starts.

Yo Tillie wins again in the 2YO KYSS

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:07:06 GMT

Voguish wins in the 2YO KYSS at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 15:25:59 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Born & Sold, VOGUISH (Gimpanzee - Jolene Jolene ) won the Kentucky Sire Stakes 2YO Filly at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming . Congratulations to owners William A Pollock, Bruce M Areman, Andrew S Harris and trainer Andrew Harris and driver Yannick Gingras.

Ascendance supreme again in Big M’s Kindergarten

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 15:57:40 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — The term “ascendance” is synonymous with dominance. It just so happens that trainer Linda Toscano has a horse by the same name who lived up to that synonym Friday night (July 5) at the Meadowlands in leg two of the Kindergarten Series.

An event for 2-year-olds of each sex and gait, there were seven $20,000 Kindergarten dashes on the 15-race card.

Ascendance, a daughter of Captaintreacherous -Higher And Higher, made the top in the lone filly pace while parked in :27.4 and then was able to relax some as she hit the half in :56.1 and three-quarters in 1:24.4. A sharp final quarter of :26.3 found her 3-3/4 lengths in front of second-place finisher Ronstadt at the finish.

“She’s a big, strong horse,” said winning driver Scott Zeron. “Now, she gets a few weeks off before going to Kentucky all summer. She didn’t have a lot of challengers [tonight]; that’s why she raced on the lead. Coming from off the pace, that’s what the Red Mile is for. She’ll get raced a little differently in Kentucky.”

While making it two wins in two Kindergarten – and seasonal – starts, Ascendance stopped the clock in a lifetime-best 1:51.2. As the 1-9 favorite, she returned $2.20 to win.

THREE FOR TAKTER: Trainer Nancy Takter continued her winning ways, taking three of the Kindergarten splits, all with horses who were making their respective career debuts.

Captain Optimistic ($2.80 to win as the 2-5 public choice) won the second of three divisions for colt and gelding pacers in 1:51.3 with Yannick Gingras driving. The son of Captaintreacherous -Cinamony drew clear of his foes at the head of the stretch on the way to a 3-1/2-length victory.

Champagne Problems and Torrisi gave Takter, who started the night with 21 winners from just 51 Big M starts this year, a sweep of the two divisions for filly trotters.

A daughter of Tactical Landing -Miss Caviar, Champagne Problems ($6.20 as the 2-1 second choice) went wire-to-wire in 1:54.2 with Dexter Dunn in the bike, while Torrisi ($4.80 as the 7-5 second choice), a daughter of Walner -Barn Girl, was moved to the front by Gingras at three-quarters before holding sway to the finish in 1:54.1.

THREE MORE: The other three Kindergarten winners were:

• In the first of three colt and gelding paces, first-timer Fallout (a son of Captaintreacherous -Aria Hanover) scored in 1:52.1 for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Tony Alagna. He returned $3.00 to his backers as the 1-2 favorite.

• In the only colt and gelding trot, the Noel Daley-trained Jeffery J scored in his career debut in 1:55.4 with Todd McCarthy in the bike. The son of Bar Hopping-Drinking Money returned $9.00 as the 7-2 third choice.

• In the third colt and gelding pace, TH Colby emerged from a three-hole trip to gun down his foes while wide in the stretch, stopping the clock in 1:51.2 for Gingras and Ron Burke. The son of Papi Rob Hanover -Fade, sent to the gate as the 6-5 second choice, returned $4.40 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: Gingras led the driver colony with four winners on the night. … For Early Pick-4 players sharp enough to include 47-1 shot Good Deal in the ninth race, a big reward awaited. The sequence started with winner’s odds of 2-5, 9-5 and 2-1, but after Anibal Borjas, who had a driving double, guided Good Deal to the winner’s circle, those with winning tickets cashed in for $1,131.60 on a 50-cent base wager. … All-source handle totaled $2,805,824. … Racing resumes Saturday (July 6) at 6:20 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Night, which will offer discount concessions as well as a fireworks show after the races.

Jiggy Jog S soars in Six Pack

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 21:42:47 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Defending champ Jiggy Jog S coasted in the $112,500 Six Pack on Saturday night (June 29) at the Meadowlands, gliding home over her five foes with a rush to win in 1:52.1.

The short field presented a casual start as the public’s second choice, M-M’s Dream, took the top from post five to a crawling :29 first panel. Long shot Tactical Mounds slid behind the leader and Jiggy Jog S floated into third. Positions remained unchanged through a lazy :58.2 half. As M-M’s Dream picked up the trot, Jiggy Jog S left the line to begin her challenge.

Jiggy Jog S was unimpressed with M-M’s Dream’s acceleration. By the 1:26.4 three-quarters, the 5-year-old paved an outside path to meet the finish line first with a 1-3/4-length win in 1:52.1. M-M’s Dream held for second, Tactical Mounds was third and Call Me Goo finished fourth.

Jiggy Jog S is trained and co-owned by Åke Svanstedt with Steve Stewart, John Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables. The Six Pack was her second win in two races this season; her first was The Cutler Memorial on May 18 at the Meadowlands against males. She has won 20 times from 37 starts in her career.

Jiggy Jog S won as the overwhelming favorite, paying $2.20 to win.

“She’s strong like she was last year,” driver Dunn said about the easy win and then said he had little problem with the mild three-quarters. “She had around six weeks rest after the Cutler and [came back] with high speed.”

Jiggy Jog S, a daughter of Walner out of the dam Hot Mess Hanover, has now won $2,292,927 lifetime.

Ascendance scores in Big M’s Kindergarten

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:06:14 GMT

Ascendance was one of the more impressive-looking — and high-priced — winners as the Kindergarten Series for 2-year-olds of each sex and gait kicked off Friday night (June 28) with six $20,000 divisions of the opening leg at The Meadowlands as every horse in the event made their respective pari-mutuel debuts.

Hall of Fame trainer Linda Toscano looks like she has a good one in Ascendance, who overcame post seven to win with Scott Zeron driving in 1:53 as the even-money public choice, paying $4.20 to win in the lone filly pace.

“She had pedigree (a daughter of Captaintreacherous -Higher And Higher) and size. (My owners) stepped up for me,” said Toscano of the $260,000 Lexington purchase. “She showed last week she’s as good off a helmet (when fourth in her second qualifying race, closing in :26.1) as on the lead. “I don’t know if she was running in in the stretch, but I do think she’s really green. It’s just so new to all of them.”

Ascendance grabbed the lead at the half in :57.4 and remained on top at three-quarters in 1:26.3 before an easy jaunt through the stretch led to a 1-1/2 length win over Shes A Streaker.

Dashing Danny trots to Indiana Sire Stakes win Bred by Hunterton Farm and Black Creek Farm

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:44:39 GMT

Anderson, IN — Three-year-old trotting colts took center stage at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday (June 27) with the third leg of Indiana Sire Stakes. A pair of $50,500 splits highlighted the 14-race card, seeing Gruesome Twosome and Dashing Danny deliver as favorites in their respective divisions.

Dashing Danny and Kyle Wilfong sat closer to the action, grabbing the pocket seat from post two while A Blue Million (Mike Peterson) crossed over to take the field to the first quarter in :28. The field of seven remained in straight alignment on the backstretch, with A Blue Million leading the way to the half in :56.3. On the turn, the lead duo began to separate from the remainder of the field with Dashing Danny hot on the Mike Peterson helmet at three-quarters in 1:26.2.

Dashing Danny popped the pocket spinning for home, quickly going nose-to-nose with A Blue Million at the top of the stretch. From there, Dashing Danny powered home in :27.1 to take command, trotting strongly to a 1-1/2 length victory in a lifetime best 1:53.4. Flirtinwiththepilot (Pete Wrenn) staged a rally up the passing lane to finish second, Customer Support (Taylor) finished third.

Trained by Jeff Cullipher, Dashing Danny is now a two-time winner in three starts this season, with his lone defeat coming at the hands of Gruesome Twosome in leg two of the sire stakes. Cullipher owns the gelded son of Dover Dan -Sashay with Pollack Racing. Dashing Danny was bred by Steve Stewart and Black Creek Farm, and now sports career earnings of $244,337.

Admiral Hill wins KYSS in fastest mile ever at Oak Grove - foaled and raised by Hunterton Farm

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:49:54 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — After finishing third in the first Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) final at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, Admiral Hill not only scored retribution when winning the $150,000 series final for 4-year-old pacing horses and geldings on Tuesday (June 25) but did so with the fastest mile ever recorded in the short history of the track; a 1:48 front-stepping effort.

Launching for the lead from post 6, Admiral Hill (driven by Yannick Gingras) seized the point past a :26.2 first quarter and maintained his speed through a :54.4 half and to three-quarters in 1:21, where he faced a first-over assault from El Rey (Dexter Dunn). El Rey stayed persistent at Admiral Hill’s throat all through the final turn while Gingras called on his charge to fight spinning for home. Admiral Hill held his ground all through the stretch and held El Rey at bay to the beam by a neck with For Once Inmy Life (Andy McCarthy) giving chase off a pocket trip in third and Blue Lou (David Miller) taking fourth.

Per Engblom trains Admiral Hill, a gelding by Sweet Lou, for owner Morrison Racing Stables. He won his 16th race from 34 starts, has now earned $509,008 and paid $3.20 to win. His 1:48 mile bests the track record for 4-year-old pacing geldings of 1:48.3 that he set just a week ago and also beats the all-time record of 1:48.2 set by All Or Nothing last year.

Strong Poison - bred and sold by Hunterton Farm

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:47:58 GMT

Strong Poison (Yannick Gingras) was the only horse to sweep both series for 4-year-olds when she won the $150,000 KYSS final for 4-year-old pacing mares in 1:49.4. Gingras looped Strong Poison to the lead past a :26 first quarter and maintained her speed through hot middle fractions of :54.3 and 1:21.4. Spinning for home, Gingras called upon Strong Poison and she hit her top gear come midstretch to fend off the late surge of Hungry For Love (David Miller) and win by a length. Zanatta (Andy Miller) gave chase off a pocket trip for third and Prosecco Princess (Todd McCarthy) took fourth.

Virgil Morgan Jr. trains Strong Poison, a daughter of Always B Miki who has now won 13 races from 33 starts and banked $999,475, for owners Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing. She paid $3.12 to win.

Yo Tillie wins 2YO KYSS

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:53:38 GMT

Bargain holds on in MGM Yonkers Trot elimination

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 19:09:06 GMT

Yonkers, NY – Bargain was in front throughout and held off pocket-sitter Fly By in the stretch to win Friday night’s (June 21) lone $25,000 MGM Yonkers Trot elimination for 3-year-old colts and geldings at MGM Yonkers Raceway in 1:54.3.

Driven by Yannick Gingras, Bargain shot out from post four and made the front early on the first turn with Fly By (Scott Zeron) also showing speed and finding the pocket prior to the 28.2 opening quarter. With no challengers on the outside after that, Gingras was able to back down the half to 57.4 and the three-quarters in 1:26, but Zeron swung Fly By to the outside midway through the far turn.

After being shown the clear racetrack, Fly By quickly moved up to battle Bargain and appeared in the lane like he was going to go past, but Bargain was game and responded to the challenge, keeping a nose in front of Fly By to the finish line. I’m Out (Tim Tetrick), who went first-over out of fourth before three-quarters, slid back down to the pylons on the last turn and wound up third, and Flying Kronos S (Ake Svanstedt) followed I’m Out’s moves and checked in fourth. Duke Of Walner (Matt Kakaley) was fifth and got the remaining spot in the $300,000 final, joining bye-takers Security Protected, Sir Pinocchio and Situationship.

A New York-sired gelding by Chapter Seven , Bargain was bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew and is trained by Nancy Takter, and she also co-owns him with JAF Racing, ChristinaTakter&Anderberg, Joe Sbrocco and R A W Equine Inc. Bargain, who was second in the sire stakes final at MGM Yonkers Raceway last September, has a summary of 4-3-0 from 11 starts, has earned $207,455 and paid $10.00 to win as part of an entry with Duke Of Walner that went off at 4-1. The exacta was worth $25.80 and the trifecta kicked back $75.00.

The finals of the MGM Grand Messenger and MGM Yonkers Trot will take place on Friday (June 28) and will be joined by their companion filly events – the Park MGM for pacers and the New York New York Mile for trotters. Fans attending the races live on June 28 will be treated to an outdoor market on the track apron. An integration of the casino and track worlds will take place as patrons from both sides of the gambling world will be welcomed to enjoy special food stands, live music and other promotional items as part of a Triple Crown Fan Fest.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday live schedule with post time each night at 7 p.m. (EDT), but the oval will host a Wednesday program next week on June 26.

Bargain holds on in MGM Yonkers Trot elimination

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:11:27 GMT

Drink Up Drink Up wins 4YO Kentucky Sire Stakes

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:08:57 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised and Sold, DRINK UP DRINK UP ( Trixton - Homefortheholidays) won the Kentucky Sire Stakes 4YO C&G at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming . Congratulations to owner Adam Friedland and trainer Walter Haynes and driver Marvin Luna.

Captains Quarters Is The Fresh 'Cup' Threat

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:47:26 GMT

Given that many of the 10 three-year-old pacers lining up in the 2024 Pepsi North America Cup will not have an opportunity to race for a purse higher than the $1 million offered on Saturday, June 15 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, it stands to reason that nothing will be left to chance and very little will be left in the tank.

If freshness counts, and with horses it most certainly does, the freshest horse in terms of lifetime starts in this field is 2023 Metro Pace winner Captains Quarters.

Both this year (three starts) and lifetime (eight starts), Captains Quarters heads into Saturday's Pepsi North America Cup final as the horse with the fewest amount of appearances. Funtime Bayama is next on that list with 12 career starts, and Janelle Granny easily tops the charts with 23. But having the least experience in terms of race miles also equates to having a horse that hasn't had to race all that hard all that often.

That's the advantage trainer Herb Holland hopes help him hoist the Pepsi North America Cup trophy on Saturday.

Holland conditions Captains Quarters , a son of 2013 'Cup' winner Captaintreacherous and 2018 Three Diamonds winner Prescient Beauty, for owner Rich Stiles of Chelsea, Mi. A $235,000 Lexington Selected yearling, Captains Quarters sports a 4-2-2 summary from his eight appearances with $582,154 in earnings and a mark of 1:49.1. That mark came over the 'good' track on June 8 in his N.A. Cup elim with two-time 'Cup' winner Jody Jamieson at the controls, converting off a perfect second-over trip.

"The result was excellent, the horse raced great, Jody gave him a fantastic trip," said Holland at the 2024 Pepsi North America Cup draw on Tuesday, June 11. "If we're so fortunate to do that this week, we'll be in the winner's circle."

Oddsmakers agree, to an extent. When the morning line for a very contentious 2024 N.A. Cup final was revealed on Wednesday morning, Captains Quarters was installed as the 5-2 favourite. He'll head to the gate on Saturday, lining up in post position five, smack dab between elimination winners Nijinsky (PP4, Louis-Philippe Roy, 9-2) and Funtime Bayama (PP6, Sylvain Filion, 3-1).

"I think the three local horses being side-by-side is pretty awesome, but it's where you start that doesn't matter. It's where you end up at the end. It could be an outside horse, you never know."

One thing Holland does know is that Captains Quarters is the best horse he's ever had between the shafts, and a win in Canada's premier pacing event for three-year-olds would be a dream come true.

"It would be super, and for the owner, himself, he's been in the business a long time. It's his dream to have a horse like this...and, of course, it's mine, also. It's come at a great time for both of us. We're kind of getting up there [in age] and there's not a lot of opportunities like that."

Holland's opportunity for harness racing glory comes this Saturday, June 15 around 10:40 p.m. (EDT). He discussed his colt's North America Cup elimination performance and offered his thoughts on Saturday's test in an interview with SC's Jeff Porchak below.

Peace Talks Wires Buffalo NYSS

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:53:24 GMT

There wasn't any negotiating with Peace Talks ($5.50) in the $161,233 New York Sire Stakes for the three-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday afternoon (June 12) at Buffalo Raceway. The reigning two-year-old champion kept a tight hold of her crown and silenced her rivals with a 1-1/2 length victory over Leannes Choice in 1:54.4 over the fast track.

Peace Talks (Jim Morrill Jr.) had to work hard to get to the early lead as Bronx Barista played some hard ball before finally relenting. With sensible splits of :27.3 and :56.1 through the opening half posted by Peace Talks, Bronx Barista, sitting in second, broke stride coming out of the clubhouse turn, scattering the field a bit.

With a final panel to pace, Peace Talks still wasn't home free as a wall of three damsels were able to regroup and make one final push. But those efforts didn't materialize as Leanne's Choice (Marcus Miller) took the place position and Blue Point (Kevin Cummings) was third.

Owned by Henderson Farms, Robert Mondillo, Fac Racing and Jeffrey Bell, Peace Talks (American Ideal-Triple V Hanover) now has two wins in three attempts this season. The victory jacked her seasonal earnings to $125,275 and $354,604 in her career.

There were a trio of $27,397 events in the Excelsior Series for three-year-old filly pacers.

The only mild surprise came in the opening division as Melanies Megan ($9.10) turned back OBJ by three quarters of a length in 1:55.4. Marcus Miller guided her to the win.

Shine On Susan ($4.30) found room in the passing lane and got past Chriss Choice by a head in 1:56.1. Brett Beckwith steered her to the popular victory.

A Few Choice Words ($4.10) was the fastest in the Excelsior Series as she snapped Lady Saturn's six-race win streak with a 1:55.2 tour around the Hamburg half-mile oval. Jim Morrill Jr. was aboard the winner who took the 3-1/4 length decision.

In the $19,178 Open Pace for the fillies and mares, Oaxacan Dream N (Billy Davis Jr.) got a perfect trip from the outside and stunned Flip The Script by a length in 1:54.3.

Off the starting gate, Flip The Script ($32.00) played give and go with Oaxacan Dream N. After settling on the lead with fractions of :28.2, :57.0 and 1:26.0, Flip The Script had to deal with the pesky Oaxacan Dream N who was still in hot pursuit.

Turning for home, Oaxacan Dream N found plenty of room down the lightning lane and rolled on past Flip The Script (Drew Monti) while Center Attraction (James McNeight Jr.) was third.

Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags LLC, Oaxacan Dream N (Big Jim-Verde Lima) is conditioned by Maria Rice. It was her fourth win in 14 tries in 2024, earning $38,175 and $163,629 lifetime.

The $27,397 Spring Up Series finale for the pacers who were non-winners of $8,000 USD and had at least 10 starts before May 16 was contested. Dakota Roadster ($2.40) didn't disappoint as her went coast to coast in beating Grahams Teddy Bear (David McNeight III) in 1:56.2. R U Talkin (Davis Jr.) took the show honours.

Scoring his third victory of the Series and second consecutive win, Dakota Roadster (Joseph Chindano Jr.) is owned and trained by Jeffrey Martin. The 12-year-old Dakota Roadster (Duneside Perch-Parkontheroad) has now collected $26,670 in the campaign and $429,692 in his lifetime.

Racing will continue on Friday (June 14) afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with an 11-race program set.

(Buffalo Raceway)

Peace Talks ready to invade Buffalo in NYSS

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:52:58 GMT

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Splendid wins "The Stallion Series" 3 Year Old C&G

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 18:10:47 GMT

Splendid , winner of two StS contests and five in a row for owners Rooney Racing and Trotting For Bourbon and the combo of driver Chris Lems and trainer Todd Rooney, wins The Stallion Series YO CG at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Allegiant goes 1:52.3, fastest Currier & Ives ever, at The Meadows

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:05:38 GMT

Washington, PA — Allegiant blazed the back half in :55.2 en route to victory in a stakes-record 1:52.3 in Friday’s $52,355 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old filly trotters at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. The time is the fastest of any winner — regardless of gender — in the 50-year history of the prestigious stake.

Allegiant took the field through the opening half in :57.1, but when the 4-5 favorite Pizzelle launched a challenge from third, Allegiant found another gear — with no urging from winning driver Hunter Myers.

“I gave her a few taps down the stretch just to keep her attention, but the whole mile was 100 percent her,” Myers said. “We finished with her ear plugs still in. She has tons of upward potential.”

The daughter of Tactical Landing -Too Good For You defeated the pocket-sitting Tactical Lori by three lengths, with Pizzelle third.

Allegiant, a Hambletonian Oaks eligible, is heavily staked this season, so her eye-popping performance was a relief to trainer Vernon Beachy after a slow start to her sophomore campaign which saw her lose three straight New Jersey Sire Stakes.

“She had bad luck in Jersey, and the competition was tough,” Beachy says of his $50,000 yearling acquisition. “Last trip she got locked in. Probably her next start is the Moni Maker at Scioto.”

Allegiant now has banked $343,397 for owner Ryan Smith.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Ron Burke each enjoyed a four-bagger on the 13-race card, giving them nine and eight wins, respectively, over the last two programs.

Saturday’s Belmont Day card at The Meadows begins at the special post time of 11:30 a.m. The program features a $909.29 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race four).

Admiral Hill repeats in Kentucky Sire Stakes

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:02:19 GMT

Oak Grove, KY — Admiral Hill toured the Oak Grove track again to collect his second straight win with a 1:50.3 wrapped-up effort in the $50,000 second preliminary of the Kentucky Sire Stakes (KYSS) series for 4-year-old male pacers on Tuesday (June 4).

Yannick Gingras pushed Admiral Hill for the front from the pylon post and clicked by a :27.1 first quarter as El Rey (driven by David Miller) settled into the pocket. Admiral Hill then cruised to a :56 half and rolled up the backside under minimal pressure to three-quarters in 1:23.2. El Rey grew antsy from the pocket ride but sat locked at the cones through the final turn as Tip Top Cat (Todd McCarthy) progressed evenly on the rim uncovered.

Gingras kept a tight grip on Admiral Hill and let him loose in the stretch, where he strode in a 1-1/2-length winner while chased by El Rey in second. Tip Top Cat settled for third; For Once Inmy Life (Andy McCarthy) came from second-over for fourth.

A 4-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou , Admiral Hill has now won 14 races from 32 starts and has banked $409,008. Per Engblom trains the $2.58 winner for owner Morrison Racing Stables.

Trotting males sparred in three divisions of KYSS to start the card. The Hazelton (Yannick Gingras) opened the day with a far-turn blitz to win the first division in 1:53.3.

French Wine (Andy Miller) floated forward through a :28 first quarter to grab the lead from Cecil Hanover (Peter Wrenn) while The Hazelton settled into third. The field then stayed single file through a :57.3 half and to three-quarters in 1:25.3 before Gingras made his move outside into the last turn.

The Hazelton blitzed French Wine and stuck a head in front spinning for home and stayed firm on the lead to the end to grab the gold by three-quarters of a length. Cecil Hanover gave chase in third and Drink Up Drink Up (Marvin Luna) finished fourth.

Ron Burke trains The Hazelton, a gelding by Muscle Mass , for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. He has now won 15 races from 33 starts, earned $253,656 and paid $5.82 to win.

Ari Ferrari J (Dexter Dunn) went pillar-to-post in the second division with a 1:53 effort to ward off pocket-pouncer Once In A Lifetime (Todd McCarthy).

Starting from the pylon post, Dunn slid to the top with Ari Ferrari J before a :28 first quarter and coasted to a :57.2 half. Ari Ferrari J then began the sprint for home while Once In A Lifetime stayed close in his trail. The two peeled clear of the field moving to three-quarters in 1:25.1 and continued speeding through the final turn as Once In A Lifetime tipped out and engaged for the stretch battle. Ari Ferrari J held his ground to the inside all through the lane and kept a head up on Once In A Lifetime at the beam. Deadline Hall (Andy McCarthy) took third, beaten nine lengths; Morning Edition (Atlee Bender) was fourth.

Tony Alagna trains Ari Ferrari J, a stallion by Walner , for owner Kenneth Jacobs. He won for the eighth time from 34 starts, has now earned $848,681, and paid $4.58 to win.

Bestfriend Volo (Dexter Dunn) then rolled in the last division for trotting males to a measured victory in 1:53 as the 1-5 favorite.

Dunn planted Bestfriend Volo on the lead to a :28.1 first quarter and strolled along to a :57 half before hitting the thruster for the backside. In his sprint to three-quarters, timed in 1:24.2, Bestfriend Volo slipped six lengths clear of his competition with just Prince Of Honor (Todd McCarthy) making inroads through the last half mile. Dunn then kept Bestfriend Volo to task through the lane as Prince Of Honor continued plugging forward on the outside to register the win by a diminishing length. Sparks Fly (Atlee Bender) finished third, another four lengths behind, and Yo Tater (Verlin Yoder) settled for fourth.

Nancy Takter trains and co-owns Bestfriend Volo, a gelding by Walner , with Christina Takter, 3 Brothers Stables and Deja Blu. He paid $2.78 to win.

Mambacita stayed unbeaten against her peers in the lone split for trotting mares, this time grabbing the win off a pocket ride to capture the 1:52.3 mile.

Railee Something (Andy McCarthy) powered off the wings to the top, forcing Mambacita to settle into the pocket past a :27 first quarter. McCarthy then rated Railee Something to a :56.1 half, but faced a prompt challenge midway up the backside from Dunn pulling pocket with Mambacita.

Mambacita upped the pressure on Railee Something through three-quarters in 1:24 and hit the ropes through the final turn. Mambacita swung for home and edged away from her rivals to win by 2-1/4 lengths while Railee Something clung to second from the fast-closing Vintage (David Miller).

Cessna Pride (Todd McCarthy) took fourth.

Winning her 16th race from 36 starts, Mambacita has now earned $945,418 for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Alagna Racing LLC and Pryde Stables Inc. Tony Alagna trains the mare by Tactical Landing who paid $2.90 to win.

Pacing mares competed in a non-wagering division of the KYSS prior to the betting card, which Zanatta (Andy Miller) won in 1:51. Perched in the pocket behind Hungry For Love (David Miller) through fractions of :27, :56.2 and 1:23.4, Zanatta swelled and responded once Miller fed her racetrack into the stretch. Zanatta scooted away from Hungry For Love with ease to win by a length while Keep My Secret (Tony Hall) took third and To All A Goodnight (Dexter Dunn) settled for fourth.

Jenn Bongiorno trains Zanatta, a 4-year-old mare by Stay Hungry , for owner One Legend Stable Inc.

Live racing resumes at Oak Grove on Monday (June 10) at 3 p.m. (CDT) and features a carryover of $714.18 in the last-race Super High-5. Free program pages for every race day, courtesy of TrackMaster, are available on the Oak Grove Racing website .

The Hazelton places first in KYSS

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:57:37 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold

The Hazelton wins the Kentucky Sire Stakes Colts and Geldings in 1:53.3, with trainer Ron Burke at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc and Weaver Bruscemi Llc.

Peace Talks nabs NYSS win at Tioga

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:10:32 GMT

Nichols, NY — Driver Jason Bartlett and trainer Chris Ryder swept both divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 2).

Peace Talks ($23.20) went gate-to-wire to take the $59,200 second division.

Peace Talks went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3. She went :29.1 in the second quarter and was first to the half in :55.4. Leanne’s Choice (Marcus Miller) was the first to make a move first-over down the backstretch but she stalled as Peace Talks was first to three-quarters in 1:23.1.

As they made the turn for home Peace Talks was in control but had to brace for a late charge by second place finisher Ponynamedwildfire (Mark MacDonald). Peace Talks held firm to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.4. Camerican (Jordan Stratton) finished third.

Peace Talks is a filly by American Ideal . She is owned by Henderson Farms, FAC Racing Stable, J Bell, and R Mondillo while trained by Ryder. Her first win this season. She now has three career victories

Dashing Danny wins at Harrah’s Hoosier Park

Tue, 28 May 2024 18:27:02 GMT

Anderson, IN — Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino played host to a stakes filled card on Monday (May 27) for a special Memorial Day card of live racing. The evening’s 14-race card featured the opening round of Indiana Sires Stakes action for the 3-year-old competitors.

The 2024 Indiana Sires Stakes program will feature eight legs throughout the season and culminate with the $250,000 Super Finals on Oct. 11.

Dashing Danny and driver Kyle Wilfong delivered the biggest upset of the stakes action on the card, launching off cover in the lane to score at 10-1. The Jeff Cullipher trainee found the cover of the previously unbeaten A Blue Million (Mike Peterson) before roaring home in :27.4 to track down a stubborn Ira Who (Jared Finn) in a lifetime best 1:54.

Following the theme of the night, the victory came in his 3-year-old debut for owners Pollack Racing and Jeff Cullipher. Bred by Steve Stewart and Black Creek Farm, Dashing Danny now boasts a career bankroll of $206,837 following the 10th victory in his career.

Venerate sets stakes and track record in Maxie Lee Memorial

Sun, 26 May 2024 18:20:09 GMT

Chester, PA — Scott Zeron kept Venerate reserved off a blistering pace, went wide in the lane and trotted the fastest mile in the history of Harrah’s Philadelphia, 1:50.1, in winning the $100,000 Maxie Lee Memorial Invitational Trot Sunday afternoon.

The clocking knocked a fifth of a second off the former record of Market Share and Hillexotic, who recorded their record clockings in the 2014 and 2023 Lee, respectively.

Hillexotic and Take All Comers went out flying, with the latter making the top and then hanging out the upstart Benjamin Hanover past a :26.1 quarter. Benjamin Hanover continued on to the half in :54.1, but surrendered to Hillexotic when that one went to the lead by the 1:21.4 three-quarters.

Amigo Volo was on the back of Hillexotic, and on Amigo Volo’s back was Venerate, who went wide into the stretch, trotted up to take over, then held off the heavy favorite Dover In Motion, who also was out in the cover flow. Venerate, sent off at 13-1, was able to keep the chalk behind him by 1-1/2 lengths at the finish, with Amigo Volo and Hillexotic next in line at the wire.

Zeron praised Venerate’s trainer Marcus Melander after the race, saying, “You did a great job with him this past week,” referring to his fourth-place finish in his most recent start in the Cutler at The Meadowlands in relation to his track record mile.

“He raced super,” Melander said. “He got a good trip, and he looked good. He raced really good in the Cutler, too, he just got way back and they all sprinted home pretty fast. He’s coming along great. He needed a couple of starts and now it looks like he’s getting back in form here. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with him.

“He probably will have the Crawford Farms (Open Trot) at the end of June next. He’s raced for three weeks in a row, so he deserves a little break.”

Venerate was the winner of the Mohawk Million at two, but the 6-year-old has been a bit in-and-out since his big year at two. The 1:50.1 equaled his fastest time, set in his only win last year at The Meadowlands.

Venerate is owned by Courant Inc., Holly Lane Stud East LTD, Kemppi Stables Oy Inc., and Venerate Partners.

Steely Knife wins the Stallion Series 3 Year Old Colts and Geldings

Sun, 26 May 2024 18:15:44 GMT

Chester, PA –– In addition to the Invitational races on Super Sunday (May 26) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, there were Sire Stakes and Stallion Series races as the 3-year-old Pennsylvania-sired male pacers raced their third of four preliminary legs.

There were six $20,000 Stallion Series divisions for the same group.

The Always B Miki colt Steely Knife overcame the difficult tuck-then-first-over journey to lower his speed badge to 1:50.3. Yannick Gingras steered the Ron Burke trainee for Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services Inc., Phil Collura, and J&T Silva–Purnel & Libby.

Hunterton bred, raised, sold - Venerate sets stakes and track record in Maxie Lee Memorial

Sun, 26 May 2024 15:24:08 GMT

The clocking knocked a fifth of a second off the former record of Market Share and Hillexotic, who recorded their record clockings in the 2014 and 2023 Lee, respectively.

“He probably will have the Crawford Farms (Open Trot) at the end of June next. He’s raced for three weeks in a row, so he deserves a little break.”

Venerate is owned by Courant Inc., Holly Lane Stud East LTD, Kemppi Stables Oy Inc., and Venerate Partners.

Photo: Venerate trotted the fastest mile in the history of Harrah’s Philadelphia, 1:50.1, in winning the $100,000 Maxie Lee Memorial Invitational Trot. Grace Zimmers photo.

Jiggy Jog S rolls in Big M’s Cutler

Sat, 18 May 2024 17:17:36 GMT

Jiggy Jog S picked up right where she left off.

The 2023 Breeders Crown and FanDuel winner, who finished off last year with a four-race win streak, extended her success to five victories in a row Saturday (May 18) night at The Meadowlands by taking the first major event on The Big M’s bloated stakes calendar, the $145,150 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial for open trotters.

“[Meadowlands President and Chief Executive Officer] Jeff [Gural] was down in the paddock earlier and told me how horrible I’ve been doing, so I had to pick my game up,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn with a laugh. “But you sit behind a horse like Jiggy Jog S and they make you look good.”

There wasn’t much in the way of action during the opening half, as Hillexotic (Yannick Gingras), Asteroid (Tim Tetrick), Dover In Motion (David Miller) and Jiggy Jog S (Dexter Dunn) lined up 1-2-3-4 past the quarter in :27.3 and half in :55.3.

Just after the half, Dover In Motion was moved to the outside by Miller. Dunn put Jiggy Jog S right behind that one as the duo quickly made up ground on the leader, with Dover In Motion almost on even terms with Hillexotic at three-quarters, which went in 1:23.3.

Jiggy was now ready to jog.

With a little more than an eighth-of-a-mile to go, Dunn tipped the Ake Svanstedt trainee off her live cover and trotted past Dover In Motion in a thoroughly flawless performance, hitting the finish 2 lengths in front of a fast-closing Asteroid (another Svanstedt student). Dover In Motion settled for third. The final time of 1:50 equaled Jiggy Jog S’s lifetime best.

“We floated out of there, got a good spot and got a great helmet from Davey [Miller] and when I tipped her off cover there, she showed the speed that we know she’s got,” said Dunn.

A 5-year-old daughter of Walner -Hot Mess Hanover, Jiggy Jog S returned $3.80 to her backers as the 4-5 favorite. She now has 19 wins from 36 career starts, good for earnings of $2,236,677 for owners Ake Svanstedt Inc, Steve H Stewart, John E Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables.

After going eight-for-11 a year ago with three seconds, Dunn had a bold statement about how good Jiggy Jog S could be in 2024.

“I think she’s better, a little bit better [this year],” said Dunn. “She’s gotten bigger. She’s filled out a lot. She’s really grown since last year and she was pretty fresh out there tonight. I think she was happy to be back at the races.”

KARL CRUISES AGAIN: Karl continued his march toward Hambletonian Day with another win, taking the second of three $30,000 legs of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters in 1:52.2.

The son of Tactical Landing -Avalicious once again raced from off the pace, and once again had little trouble winning for the second time in as many 2024 starts. His final quarter of :26.2 completed a 4-length win over Tony Adams S. He paid $2.10 as the 1-9 public choice.

1:48 IS GREAT: Only minutes after Legendary Hanover established an industry-fastest 2024-mile time of 1:48.3 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the remarkable Oakwood Ardan IR ($2.40 to win as the 1-5 favorite), a 5-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou -Trend Setter, won the TrackMaster Series final (for horses with a rating of 89.5 or less) in 1:48 to set a new North American season’s best for trainer Robert Cleary, his seventh win in eight starts since his arrival from Great Britain last fall.

Just six races later, Maximus Miki equaled the 1:48 clocking after racing parked for the final half-mile in an iron-tough $46,500 Open for pacers. ‘Miki’, a 5-year-old gelded son of Always B Miki -Beach Gal who is trained by Tom Cancelliere, returned $11.80 as the 9-2 fourth choice.

Both 1:48 performers were driven by Andy McCarthy.

CLOSE FINISH: Ian McIntosh took down the first prize of $2,500 in The Big M’s free handicapping contest that offered $10,000 in total prizes.

McIntosh finished with a bankroll of $147.80, just nosing out second-place finisher Kaia Savage, who totaled $145.40 to walk away with $2,000.

A LITTLE MORE: After totaling seven winners combined last Saturday, the McCarthy brothers were at it, rolling another seven on the program. On Saturday, it was Todd taking four and Andy three. One week ago, it was the other way around. … All-source handle on the 14-race program totaled $3,584,315, the 33rd time from 39 cards this year when wagering went past the $3-million mark. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Splendid an easy winner in Terry Altmeyer final at The Meadows

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:30:46 GMT

Washington, PA — Splendid reached the point with a quarter-pole move and never faced an anxious moment thereafter, easily capturing Friday’s (April 26) $20,700 final of the Terry Altmeyer Memorial Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Sent off the 1-2 favorite — in part because of the late sickness scratch of morning line pick Carrera Hanover — Splendid looked much the best, clicking off the back half in :57.4 and winning under wraps for Chris Lems in a career-best 1:55. The pocket-sitting Blockchain was second, beaten two lengths, while Korkscrew completed the ticket.

Todd Rooney trains the son of Father Patrick -Long Island Tea for Rooney Racing and Trotting For Bourbon.

In Friday’s $21,200 Open Handicap Trot, Jeffery P became a “half-millionaire” when he quarter-poled to the top and prevailed in 1:53.2 for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura. The win by the 9-year-old Full Count-Betty Jean gelding lifted his career bankroll to $504,932. The first-over Killer Instinct was second, three-quarters of a length back, with Saint K third.

Dave Palone collected four wins on the 13-race program while Wrenn and trainer Brandon Presto enjoyed triples.

Saturday’s 12-race card at The Meadows features the $19,800 final of the Tom Kirwan Memorial Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings. On the wagering front, the program offers a $975.70 carryover in the Lucky7 (race three).

Also, because Saturday is the final day of the current race meeting, carryovers to the new meet beginning Wednesday are not permitted. Therefore, five wagers will have “must pay” status, with payout of entire net pools required. The must-pay wagers are the Lucky7 (race three), the Pick-5 (race eight), the Late Pick-4 (race nine), the Late Pentafecta (race 12) and the day’s final Superfecta (race 12). First post is 12:45 p.m.

Max Contract Retired to Hunterton Farm

lambethdesktop@gmail.com (James Gillies) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 13:56:29 GMT

2023 Breeders Crown winner Max Contract has new owners since that prestigious victory, and those new connections have officially transitioned the pacing star into a potential producer.

A daughter of Huntsville - Big McDeal, Max Contract made 27 starts in three years of competition, amassing a summary of 15-1-5 with $658,405 in earnings. She took her mark of 1:48.3 in winning the 2022 Mistletoe Shalee at The Meadowlands in stakes record time, and paced back to that mark as a four-year-old in an Open win at The Red Mile last September.

..... read the complete story

Hollywood Heyden Comments on Hunterton Farm's Mission Brief

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 13:42:50 GMT

March 30 2024

In the March 29 issue of the Harness Racing Update's Hollywood's Hits column, Bob Heyden writes:

"Mission Brief, born on Leap Year Day in 2012, is the greatest trotting filly these eyes have seen. Try and find another female trotter at 2 and 3 who was the fastest of the age group, regardless of sex."

Hunterton Farm owned , M ission Brief 3,1:50.2f ($1,599,587)
The fastest 2-year-old trotter in history, world champion Mission Brief has a lifetime race record of 27-19-3-0. She established her still-standing 1:50.3 world record in a 16-length International Stallion Stakes victory at The Red Mile. She was voted 2014 Dan Patch Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year and 2015 Dan Patch and O’Brien Three-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year.

Tactical weaving leads to Stewart's success

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:06:24 GMT

Steve and Cindy Stewart’s Hunterton Farm bred Trotting Sire of the Year Tactical Landing and his son, presumptive Trotter of the Year, Tactical Approach.
by Debbie Little / courtesy of Harness Racing Update

Last year was a mother of a good one for Steve Stewart, as his broodmares, Southwind Serena and Sarcy , each have a 2023 Dan Patch honoree.

Stewart and his wife, Cindy, own Hunterton Farm that bred inaugural Trotting Sire of the Year Tactical Landing and his son, presumptive Trotter of the Year, Tactical Approach .

From the time when both Tactical Landing and Tactical Approach were weanlings, Steve said he felt they were special. Both colts displayed incredible talent at 3 at The Meadowlands with Tactical Landing beating older foes in the TVG Championship Open Trot — the last start of his career — while Tactical Approach shone brightest on the world’s biggest stage, winning the Hambletonian from post 10.

The Stewarts are part of both the Tactical Landing Syndicate and the Tactical Approach Syndicate, but were it not for a pivotal and life-changing dinner in Lexington with Myron Bell, this would not have been the case.

In 2016, Tactical Landing sold for $800,000, the biggest price tag ever at the Lexington Selected Sale at that time.

Steve and his partners, Black Creek Farm and Andrea Lea Racingstables, Inc., co-owned Tactical Landing’s dam.

At the aforementioned dinner, directly following the sale of Tactical Landing, Steve remembers Bell asking him what he thought of Tactical Landing.

“I said, ‘He’s a hell of a colt,’” Steve said. “I said, ‘He’s got everything going for him. He’s big, he’s handsome, he’s smart, he’s courageous. He walks like a stallion, he acts like a stallion, but he’s not mean. He just has a lot of confidence.’”

According to Steve, Bell then asked if he was planning on keeping part of the colt.

“I said, ‘Oh, no, no, no, that’s bad luck, I’m out,’” Steve said. “He said, ‘You know, the last person that told me that was Mike Parisi.’”

Parisi owned White Birch Farm and was the breeder of Captaintreacherous.

According to Steve, Bell said that Parisi was not planning to keep a piece of Captaintreacherous, with the same bad luck comment, but Bell convinced Parisi to change his mind, just as he did for Steve.

“I gave a breeding [to Tactical Landing] to Myron a couple of years ago to say thank you, because if it wasn’t for
him, we probably would not have owned 10 per cent,” Steve said.

In Hunterton’s 40-plus years in the business, Steve said that many have given him and Cindy advice along the way, especially mentors Joe Taylor — who literally wrote the book on breeding and raising racehorses — and Hall of Famer Bill Shehan.

“Both of them are dead now, but I think they’re looking down and smiling,” Steve said.

In regard to the 2023 Dan Patch Awards, with both Tactical Landing and Tactical Approach being recognized, Steve said it’s humbling when you think about it.

“It’s an honor and it gives you a lot of confidence that we’re doing it right and we’ve always felt like we were doing it right,” Steve said. “A lot of times over the years, people would say, you should do this or you should do that and we just stuck to our guns and did it the way we thought was the right way to do it. And we had a lot of foundation through [Taylor and Shehan].

“Probably the main thing you could say is, it’s a validation of hard work and 40 years of doing what we do, which is breed to raise great horses. You don’t want to say a culmination because we’re far from done. We stayed in our lane and it’s a validation of what we’ve tried to do and, hopefully, it’s far from finished.”

People have also questioned the fact that Hunterton does not have any stallions on their farm, only broodmares.

Steve said that not having a stallion leaves him open to many possibilities, a veritable smorgasbord if you will, to choose from for his mares.

He also acknowledges that from beginning to end, breeding is a long process, but for him, the result is worth the wait.

“I think a lot of people want instant gratification, but breeding is not instant gratification, it’s the opposite,” Steve said. “But I think it’s very rewarding when you realize you’re the one that created it.

“We don’t make the shirt; we make the yarn, so somebody has to take that yarn and sew it and that’s what trainers do and they get a lot of credit for what they do, obviously, but sometimes people forget where the yarn came from.”

Jiggy Jog S sold; will continue racing in 2024

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:49:01 GMT

Jiggy Jog S 3,1:50 ($2,166,279), the 2023 Dan Patch Older Mare Trotter award winner, has been sold to a group comprised largely of breeders, but will continue racing in 2024.

Jorgen Sparredal Inc. sold Jiggy Jog S to an ownership group that includes Hunterton Farm, Black Creek Farm, Andrea Lea Stable, Silver Linden Farm, Hickory Hollow Stables, John Lengacher, Martin Schmucker, Lester Graber and Svanstedt Stables. Although purchased for her broodmare potential, plans call for Jiggy Jog S — now 5 years old — to race in 2024 and perhaps even in 2025.

Ake Svanstedt has trained Jiggy Jog S, a daughter of Walner— Hot Mess Hanover (by Cantab Hall), during her entire 35-start racing career. Her victories include two Breeders Crown finals (at ages 3 and 4), the Kentucky Filly Futurity Stakes, and FanDuel Mare Trot. In addition, as a 3-year-old she competed in the Hambletonian against the colts and finished fourth after racing parked virtually the entire race and at age 4 she finished second in the prestigious International Trot.

“Jiggy Jog S is a tremendously talented trotter,” said Svanstedt. “She has everything in a racehorse you can wish for; speed, power, a natural gait, and a heart of gold.

“We are very excited to bring her back in 2024, and she will be staked in both the open and mare trot races. That will give us options on the way to manage her as the season progresses. She is in her winter training program now [at the Svanstedt Stable in New Jersey] and loves to do her work every day.”

Once her racing career is completed, Jiggy Jog S will join the illustrious roster of broodmares at Steve and Cindy Stewart’s Hunterton Farm in Paris, KY.

“This is a new thing for us to buy a mare who is going to continue racing,” said Steve Stewart. “But it’s very exciting when you have a mare with this kind of talent, to see what else she can do on the track.”

Graceful Touch, 24, dies

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:21:35 GMT

Paris. KY — Graceful Touch , a stakes-winning filly who made a mark in trotting bloodlines, has died at the age of 24 at Hunterton Farm in Paris, Ky.

Graceful Touch was of royal trotting parentage, a daughter of world champion Pine Chip and Act Of Grace, a filly who took on the colts in the Hambletonian for Hall of Famer Stanley Dancer. The maternal family includes several stakes-winning fillies and Graceful Touch’s third dam, Peridot, produced the great Green Speed, the 1977 Horse of the Year.

Trained by Chuck Sylvester and frequently driven by John Campbell, Graceful Touch took a record of 1:56.1 at age two and earned $161,893. Her 2-year-old season was her best as she won four of eight starts and won an elimination for the Breeders Crown.

During her racing career, Graceful Touch was owned by Perretti Farms, which naturally added her to its broodmare band when she was retired from the track. She produced 13 foals, among them her first-born, Muscle Mass 2,1:53.4 ($229,000), and her third, Hambletonian champion Muscle Massive 3,1:51 ($1,239,138). In addition to their racing accomplishments, both also became successful sires. She also produced six daughters which include the Merrie Annabelle winner Thatsnotmyname 2,1:55 ($340,730).

Today several major breeders, including Hunterton, have her daughters and/or granddaughters in their broodmare bands to carry on her maternal lineage.

Hunterton Farm’s Steve Stewart, Black Creek Farm and Maumee River Stables purchased Graceful Touch in 2014. She was buried at Hunterton Farm.

Mission Brief to 2024 Living Horse Hall of Fame

lambethdesktop@gmail.com (James Gillies) — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:14:26 GMT

Jan. 12 2024

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame announces the results of recent balloting to determine the 2024 inductees into harness racing’s Living Horse Hall of Fame. Museum members voted for the four horses they felt best exemplified greatness. Racehorses Gimpanzee, Mission Brief , Tall Dark Stranger and Wiggle It Jiggleit were elected and will be inducted on Hall of Fame Day (Sunday, July 7).

Tactical Approach Dan Patch Award

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 18:55:16 GMT

Dec. 30 2023
Bred by Hunterton Farm , Tactical Approach was the season’s richest trotter, with $1.50 million in purses. The colt hit the board in 17 of 19 races, winning 10, with his triumphs including the Hambletonian, Breeders Crown and Kentucky Futurity.

The 12 division champions will be honored during the Dan Patch Awards banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, at Rosen Centre in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 25. Pacer of the Year, Trotter of the Year and Horse of the Year will be announced at the banquet.

THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE TROTTER
TACTICAL APPROACH, colt
Tactical Landing – Sarcy – Donato Hanover
Breeders: Steve Stewart, Oakwood Farms.
Owners: Robert LeBlanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco & JAF Racing.
Trainer: Nancy Takter. Driver: Scott Zeron.
Races: 19-10-3-4. Purses: $1.50 million. Mark: 1:50.1 at Red Mile.
Top wins: $1 million Hambletonian; $672,000 Breeders Crown; $450,000 Kentucky Futurity; $205,000 Carl Erskine.

Tactical Approach adds Crown win to accomplishments

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 14:59:41 GMT

Anderson, IN — Scott Zeron captured two of the three legs of the Trotting Triple Crown with Tactical Approach by finding room inside deep in the stretch. On Saturday (Oct. 28) night, Zeron guided the son of Tactical Landing to a live third-over cover trip and then responded in the homestretch to win the $672,000 Breeders Crown for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in a 1:51.2 mile.

Tactical Approach, trained by Nancy Takter, started from the second tier in post 10, making Zeron’s handling key to the outcome. With local favorite Helpfirstedition (John De Long) making a few moves to gain control, Zeron managed to follow the cover of Ari Ferrari J (Dexter Dunn) and Celebrity Bambino (Yannick Gingras) before the half and that pair kept him in contention with an honest pace set by Helpfirstedition.

In the homestretch Tactical Approach, bred by Steve Stewart and Oakwood Farms, kicked into high gear, with Zeron asking him and the colt responding as he has all season long. Only Up Your Deo and driver Ake Svanstedt threatened in the deep stretch after finding room in the passing lane. Up Your Deo settled for second, beaten by 1-1/4 lengths, with French Wine coming on late for third ahead of Air Power and Dire Straits.

Now a winner in half of his 22 career starts, Tactical Approach, out of the mare Sarcy, increased his career bankroll to $1.35 million for owner Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco & JAF Racing.

“On the opening turn, I was right where I wanted to be,” said Zeron of his driving strategy. “I was following two very nice horses.”

Owner Leblanc returned to the Breeders Crown winner’s circle and was ecstatic.

“What a horse, Scott put him in the perfect spot. He’s been in the top of his game since April,” Leblanc said.

The win gave Takter her second Breeders Crown of the weekend and 10th of her career. It was Zeron’s seventh trophy.

Tactical Approach, who earlier this year won the Hambletonian and Kentucky Futurity, paid $6 to win as the 2-1 favorite.

Zanatta foils star fillies in Breeders Crown elimination

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:03:19 GMT

Anderson, IN — All year long Sylvia Hanover and Twin B Joe Fresh have reigned atop the divisional standings, but both were upset as odds-on choices when Zanatta and Strong Poison struck gold in the pair of $25,000 eliminations for the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Pace on Friday night (Oct. 20) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.

The long Hoosier stretch aided a persistent Zanatta (Joe Bongiorno) in the first elimination as she plugged off a pocket trip to a last-inch victory against 1-9 favorite Twin B Joe Fresh in a 1:52 mile to take the first elimination.

Twin B Joe Fresh (Dexter Dunn) marched forward from post five for the lead with Zanatta, leaving from the pylon post, securing the pocket. After a :28.1 first quarter, no one bid to challenge Twin B Joe Fresh up the backstretch. She strolled uncontested by a :57.3 half and gradually gathered speed to the far turn while Zanatta followed with keen interest on her helmet. Twin B Joe Fresh clicked by three-quarters in 1:25.4 and spun for home well held until the pressure kept mounting from pocket-pulling Zanatta in mid-stretch. Twin B Joe Fresh extended for the finish but Zanatta came with a final lunge that landed a nose blow at the beam. Always B Naughty (Andrew McCarthy) grabbed third from McSeaside (David Miller) and Front Page Story (Tim Tetrick)rounded the top five.

“I have absolute faith in this filly,” winning trainer Jenn Bongiorno said. “She is amazing. I was just really proud of how she could hunt her [Twin B Joe Fresh] down tonight. She has been my favorite the whole time training down as a baby. Last year she won the Three Diamonds and it was amazing. This is a huge feat for her. Winning a Breeders Crown elim with my brother means the world to me. I hope we are back here [in the winner’s circle] next week. That would top everything but right now I’m a really happy girl.”

Jenn’s brother, Joe Bongiorno, piloted Zanatta to her sixth victory from 27 starts, which pushed her bankroll to $600,085 for owner One Legend Stable Inc. AM Bloodstock Inc. bred the daughter of Stay Hungry who returned $24.80 to win in the upset.

Strong Poison foil star fillies in Breeders Crown elimination

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:58:13 GMT

Strong Poison (Yannick Gingras) then went on a speed mission down the highway to victory lane over 1-5 favorite Sylvia Hanover with a 1:51.2 win in the second elimination.

Leaving from post six, Gingras planted Strong Poison on the helm by a :27 first quarter while Sylvia Hanover (Bob McClure) settled into fourth. With no challengers oncoming, Strong Poison snagged a breather to a :57.3 half and pushed on the pedal as Sylvia Hanover mounted a first-over charge to the far turn. Strong Poison slipped to a wider lead coming to three-quarters in 1:25.3 and fired down the stretch with a :25.4 final quarter to seal a 2-3/4 length victory over Sylvia Hanover. Charleston (Tetrick) closed up the inside for third with Beach Cowgirl (Sears) finishing fourth and Sweet Amira (Louis Phillippe Roy) completing the finalists.

“She’s been knocking on the door all season and the Lasix tonight may have made a difference,” Yannick Gingras said. “She was getting a little weak in the last 16th every week in Lexington but she was strong to the wire tonight. They were walking up there so I figured why not give [going to the front] a shot.”

Winning her eighth race from 25 starts, Strong Poison has now banked $751,975 for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Beasty LLC. The Ron Burke-trained daughter of Always B Miki was bred by Steve Stewart and Charles and Julie Nash. She paid $10.20 to win.

Tactical Approach takes 131st Kentucky Futurity

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:37:52 GMT

Lexington, KY — In a déjà vu effort, Tactical Approach got locked at the pylons but had the red seas of clay open to the inside to give him room to dart and grab the lead in the closing strides of the $450,000 Kentucky Futurity on Sunday (Oct. 8) at The Red Mile.

Driver Scott Zeron, unlike in his Hambletonian win earlier this year, sent Tactical Approach forward to a :27.2 first quarter, but soon got mired in a shuffle for the lead. Kilmister came first for the front from post 10 and cleared to the backstretch before yielding to stablemate Oh Well, who had stablemate Air Power on cover moving to a :55.1 half. Tactical Approach then found himself shuffled to sixth and locked inside to the far turn.

Air Power took a bad step first over and jumped stride, leaving Oh Well on the lead and French Wine uncovered. French Wine took his shot at Oh Well through three-quarters in 1:23.4 and forged to a two-length lead coming into the stretch. Oh Well and Kilmister angled off the pylons to take their shots, which paved the way for Tactical Approach to zip through the inside. French Wine trotted to the finish on fumes and drifted just enough to create the final opening for Scott Zeron to sneak through and snag the prize by a NECK. Celebrity Bambino rallied off a shuffle from last to finish third and Kilmister took fourth.

“I was a little late to the car, which actually got him out on the right foot a lot quicker than I thought I would, putting me in an absolute horrible position,” Scott Zeron said. “There was nothing really I could do. It hasn’t been great on the front today, so those were the cards we were dealt. I was certainly out of position in the middle of the last turn and the horse overcame it. He made it quite thrilling.”

“I was faithful until the end,” winning trainer Nancy Takter said with a laugh of Tactical Approach’s eventful trip. “The Hambletonian was really when he did start learning to race, and Scott would agree that he’s just getting better and better every start now. We were playing with the idea of going to Canada [for the Canadian Trotting Classic], but we vetoed that idea because we just wanted to keep him here and get him ready for the Kentucky Futurity. Now onto the Breeders Crown.”

Tactical Approach won his 10th race from 20 starts and has now entered millionaire’s row with $1,013,989 in the bank for owners Robert LeBlanc, John Field, Joe Sbrocco and JAF Racing. The colt by Tactical Landing won the last two legs of this year’s Trotting Triple Crown, having scored a similar pylon-skimming upset in the $1-million Hambletonian on Aug. 5. Off the 3/5 favorite on Sunday, he paid $3.44 to win.

Walner Payton shines in International Stallion Stakes

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 15:22:29 GMT

Lexington, KY — Finally leaving the shadow of standout Special Way, Walner Payton found her day in the sun and savored every inch to score a 1:52.2 victory in the second of three divisions of the $317,700 International Stallion Stakes for freshman trotting fillies on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 8) at The Red Mile.

Off the 3-5 favorite, driver Dexter Dunn floated Walner Payton from post seven to race forward but failed to find a seat at the pylons to a :28.4 first quarter. WalnerPayton ventured onward up the backside to grab the lead from Fruit Cake past a :57.1 half and opened her advantage to three-quarters in 1:25.1.

The Walner filly straightened for home under minor encouragement from Dunn to stay to task, and she responded to then scoot away and win by four lengths. Secret Volo settled for second with Emira Mil IT rallying for third and Royal Filly taking fourth.

Trained by Chris Ryder for owner Kenneth Jacobs, Walner Payton owns three wins from 10 starts and has $368,650 stuffed in her coffers. She paid $3.22 to win in taking the ISS division named “The International Moni”, presented by the International Moni Syndicate and Hanover Shoe Farms.

Tony Alagna pupil Mambacita made good on her 1-2 promise following a win in the Bluegrass to take the first division of the ISS in 1:53.4.

Mambacita took the lead from post six to click a :28.2 first quarter with Life Itself anxiously vacating the cones and sweeping forward to take the top. Driver David Miller soon opted out of the pocket and placed Mambacita back on the point after a :57.3 half. From there, the field could only chase as Mambacita slipped by three-quarters in 1:26.3 and strolled to the finish a 2-1/4-length winner over pylon-skimming Caviart Gwen. Una Madonna finished evenly to take third while Life Itself flattened and settled for fourth.

“She’s been pretty consistent and steady all year, has never really lost her form and is just really sharp right now,” David Miller said after the race. “I thought she had a real good shot of winning and that wasn’t the horse that I figured I would be following, so I went ahead and moved her again and she was pretty strong.”

A daughter of Tactical Landing, Mambacita races for owners Alagna Racing LLC, Crawford Farms Racing and Pryde Stables Inc. She bagged her fourth victory in nine tries and padded her earnings to $329,262. As the favorite, she paid $3.12 to win in taking the ISS division named “The Long Tom”, presented by the Long Tom Syndicate and Midland Acres.

Large payoffs came in the last ISS split when Mommamia Volo vaulted off slow fractions to pull a 21-1 upset in 1:55.4.

Kayleigh S, the slight favorite at 3-1, crept forward to take the lead from If The Shoe Fits after a :30 first quarter and kept the tempo tepid. Through a half in :58.4, Kayleigh S endured a first-over push from Yes Please to three-quarters in 1:28.4 and revved the engines for the sprint home. However, Mommamia Volo angled off cover from second over and fired with the sharpest momentum to snag the lead late as Kayleigh S folded. Mommamia Volo hit the beam in time to keep closing Quick Stop at bay by a neck while If The Shoe Fits took third and Pure Hope S finished fourth.

“This week, I was pretty confident she’d bounce back pretty good,” trainer Carter Pinske said after the race, in regards to her break in stride in an overnight race last week. “It was just a bit of greenness. She was out and rolling pretty good there — she looked to me like she was going to be a winner, but as soon as she cleared the horse (she broke).”

Paying $44.46 to win, Mommamia Volo collected her second victory in five tries and cashed a nice check to now have $60,300 in her bankroll. The daughter of Tactical Landing competes for owners Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Jorgen Jahre Jr. She won the ISS division named “The Walner”, presented by the WalnerSyndicate.

Hunterton Leading Consignor at Lexington

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:27:50 GMT

Hunterton Sales Agency Inc. was the sale’s leading consignor by gross with $10,654,000 earned for 111 yearlings. Reid’s Preferred Equine was second with $10,561,000 in sales for 145 yearlings.

Preferred had been the leading consignor by gross the last 10 straight years and Hunterton had been in second spot in each of the last five years.

“We were knocked off by Hunterton, but kudos to them,” Reid said. “They have a great clientele, strong broodmare band and they’ve always led us on average, but no shame there.

Also read Mission Accomplished

Hambo winner Tactical Approach tries for Kentucky Futurity score

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:13:57 GMT

Lexington, KY — Having secured the second jewel of Trotting’s Triple Crown, Tactical Approach will look to add another onto his resume when he starts as the 3-1 morning line favorite in the $450,000 131st Kentucky Futurity, which wraps the 15-race card and the Grand Circuit meet on Sunday (Oct. 8) at The Red Mile.

Tactical Approach trotted a down-the-road effort last week to clock a 1:50.1 mile in winning his division of Bluegrass against the likes of Air Power and French Wine, who sandwich him on the starting gate. Scott Zeron drives the Nancy Takter pupil from post seven in the 11-horse contest.

Oh Well, second to Tactical Approach in the Hambletonian, has the chance to strike revenge from post five. Tim Tetrick steers the Marcus Melander trained son of Muscle Hill off his 1:51.2 performance in Bluegrass action last week. His stablemate Kilmister, who missed the Hambletonian final from an off-the-board finish in his elimination, also enters off a Bluegrass win in 1:50.3 against Point Of Perfect, who’s drawn to his inside. Brian Sears drives Kilmister, the third of four entrants for Marcus Melander, from post 10.

Revenge also comes in the grasp of Ron Burke’s Muscle Hill colt Celebrity Bambino, who was the Hambletonian favorite and faltered after cutting the fractions. Celebrity Bambino ships to Lexington off a game 1:51.4 victory in the $488,400 Canadian Trotting Classic final and keeps Yannick Gingras in the bike from post two.

The Kentucky Futurity’s companion event, the 58th Kentucky Filly Futurity, goes as race 10 on the closing-day card and also draws an overflow field of 11.

Last year, Special Way dazzled over the clay for trainer Ake Svanstedt in progress to a Breeders Crown win. However, hiccups of sickness and precaution along with a defeat in the Kentucky Sires Stakes final to Mommamia Volo — racing from post three in the Filly Futurity — have opened the spotlight for her stablemate Bond, who starts a few slots wider from post nine. Bond grabbed second in the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks and has not lost in her last three starts, claiming the $250,000 Delmonica Hanover at Pocono and the $281,940 Elegantimage at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Ake Svanstedt will pilot Bond while Special Way acquires the duties of Tim Tetrick from post seven.

That created a vacancy on the Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover, who starts from post six. Marcus Melander teamster Brian Sears grabs the drive on the filly trying to get back to the winner’s circle after her last-to-first triumph to win on the first Saturday in August. The daughter of Father Patrick enters off a fourth-place finish in her Bluegrass division to Walner Payton, who lands post two after a headstrong closing victory in that 1:51.4 mile that saw her trot a final quarter in :25.3.

The $472,000 Tattersalls Pace draws two divisions towards the tail of the card with a marquee matchup in division two, race 13. Linda Toscano trainee It’s My Show draws to the far inside, himself a world-record holder for sophomore geldings with a mark of 1:46.4 taken over this oval. And then drawn to the far outside in the nine-horse field sits Confederate, himself a world-record holder for sophomores with a mark of 1:46.1 taken over this oval. The Tattersalls Pace marks the first matchup between the two millionaires since It’s My Show clung to victory in the Pepsi North America Cup back in June.

Division one collects Diamond Creek’s Sweet Lou colt Cannibal from post seven against a former peer in Seven Colors, who was purchased privately earlier this year by trainer Andrew Harris and team. Seven Colors starts from post one off a runner-up finish in the $850,000 Little Brown Jug final and keeps Dexter Dunn in the sulky while Cannibal has Yannick Gingras in the bike for trainer Nancy Takter. The nine-horse field also includes Ken Hanover, entering off a second-place finish to Confederate in Bluegrass action last week. David Miller opts to drive him from post four over 2022 Breeders Crown winner Ammo, who picks up Tim Tetrick on his return to the races off a fifth-place finish in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes consolation back in September.

The $230,000 Glen Garnsey Memorial sees the star sophomore pacing fillies split in separate divisions after a sterling face off in the Bluegrass last week. Sylvia Hanover lands in the first division, race eight, and starts from post five in rein to Bob McClure against six rivals including fellow Bluegrass division winner McSeaside from post two. Twin B Joe Fresh starts from post six in the second division with Dexter Dunn in the bike for trainer Chris Ryder off her runner-up effort from off the speed to Sylvia Hanover.

Sunday’s card opens with the four older divisions sparring in their respective dashes of the Allerage Farms. The Mare Trot goes as race one and lures M-M’s Dream in a five-horse affair off a second-place finish in the $240,000 Dayton Oaks. She draws just inside of Warrawee Xenia, who keeps Tim Tetrick in the bike.

The Mare Pace follows with a five-horse affair highlighted by Virgil Morgan Jr.’s star pacing mare Grace Hill from post two. Doug McNair comes to town for the 5-year-old daughter of Always B Miki off her back-to-back wins, taking the $162,800 Milton Stakes and the $242,500 Dayton Distaff.

Ake Svanstedt’s elegant import Alrajah One IT lands the pylon post in the $135,000 Allerage Farms Trot off an upset loss to Hillexotic in the $240,000 Dayton Trotting Derby. Dexter Dunn stays in the bike of the Maple Leaf Trot winner making just his third start of 2023 following a late-season injury that shelved him last year. Ron Burke’s double millionaire It’s Academic lands post seven in the field of 10.

The Allerage Farms Open Pace gathers seven including defending champion Allywag Hanover, who struck the upset of the year last year when nailing Bulldog Hanover in a 1:46 effort off a pocket ride. Todd McCarthy drives the 6-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous from post seven for trainer Brett Pelling and faces yet another speed freak in 4-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding Bythemissal, who looks to return to the winner’s circle off defeats in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby and the Dayton Pacing Derby. Yannick Gingras drives the gelding for trainer Ron Burke from post four.

The 15-race extravaganza to wrap the Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile gets underway at 1 p.m. (EDT). Sunday’s card features high-money guarantees with mandatory payouts: four $10,000-guaranteed pools for the Pick-6 (starting in race one), Early Pick-5 (race three), Late Pick-5 (race eight) and Late Pick-4 (race 12). The Red Mile will also feature $20,000 guarantees for the Early Pick-4 (race six) as well as in the trifecta pools for the Kentucky Filly Futurity (race 10) and the Kentucky Futurity (race 15). Red Mile also offers an industry-low 12 percent takeout on its Pick-5 and Pick-4.

Mission Accomplished

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:46:43 GMT

Kadena , born, raised and consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency as agent, is from the first crop of triple Breeders Crown winner Gimpanzee and is out of the great trotting mare Mission Brief [1:50 2/5, $1,599,587]. She was purchased by Marcus Melander for owners Jeff Snyder and S R F Stable.

"I figured that the horse would bring this kind of money - between $700,000 and $800,000. Rather than go by myself, which I usually do, it's a safer bet to go partners," said Snyder, who hasn't owned a horse with Lennart Ågren's S R F Stable before, but both use Melander as a trainer. "You have a residual value, even if they don't make it, especially this one here. She's out of Mission Brief, and the second dam is also the dam of Tactical Landing. We hope she'll be excellent as a racehorse, but even at the end of the day, she'll be great as a broodmare. If you see her, she's like a magnificent specimen with great breeding. Since Gimpanzee stands in Kentucky, she's eligible for 50 percent more for the sire stakes. So, instead of a $400,000 final, she'll be eligible for $600,000 in the final.

"She just looked like a powerhouse. There's nothing wrong with her. I just hope that she makes it to the races. We'll see what happens and hope for the best. There are not too many Standardbred horses that have gone for more, especially for fillies. I did buy the full sister to Manchego for $725,000 at Harrisburg a couple of years ago."

Hunterton has ‘a little bit of everything’ in 115-horse consignment

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:12:31 GMT

Steve and Cindy Stewart will bring one of Hunterton Farm’s largest consignments to Lexington this season, with 115 yearlings selling over the course of the five-day sale. A group of 19 will pass through the ring opening night, and throughout the week, and the Paris, KY breeder will feature babies from a variety of sires eligible to several programs.

“We don’t stand any stallions,” Steve said. “We breed to everything, which has served us well. I think it does us well that when people come here, they know it’s not just three or four stallions. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. We’ll sell sale toppers, and we’ll sell some of the lowest priced horses. We have a little bit of everything.”

Hunterton will have a good supply of Tactical Landing fillies and colts. With 13 in the consignment, Steve has been bullish on the son of Muscle Hill since he entered stud duty. Tactical Approach, this year’s Hambletonian winner, was bred by Steve and Oakwood Farms.

“I’ve always believed in him,” Steve said. “Basically, he’s doing what his father and grandfather did. Muscles Yankee started slow with his first crop and then the second crop took off and won the Hambletonian with a horse we bred [Trixton]. He’s following in Muscle Hill and Muscles Yankee’s footsteps. I felt like he was going to do that. We bred right along. We really haven’t backed up at all. We’ll have a lot of Tactical Landings coming over the next few years.”

While Tactical Landing’s progeny will garner attention due to the success of the two crops currently racing, the headliner of Hunterton’s consignment is the sire’s sibling, two-time Dan Patch Award winner Mission Brief. Her first three foals brought $400,000, $725,000 and $550,000, respectively. This year, her Gimpanzee filly, Kadena, Hip #48 , will be one of the stars of the Monday session.

“That’s the mare that just keeps on giving,” Steve said. “She’s just got a tremendous filly. When people see her, it’s very hard for them to keep their cards close to their vest. She’s very nice. We have several very nice Gimpanzee fillies. The other one is Demystify, Hip #118 . She’s really a nice filly also.”

The second foal from O’Brien Award winning Trixton mare Evident Beauty, Demystify is a half-sister to Prominence, a Father Patrick freshman filly with a beaten time of 1:54.2 this season.

Other yearlings that Stewart highlighted include Youcandoit Kemp, Hip #9 , a first foal Chapter Seven filly from a sister to Snow White and That’s All Moni. Ascendance, Hip #21 , is a Pennsylvania and Kentucky eligible filly by Captaintreacherous that is a sister to Highalator and JK Higher Power, dam of Joyride Hanover. Grande Via, Hip #45 , a dual-eligible colt by Muscle Hill, is the first colt from Megadolce, sister to Trotter of the Year Bella Bellini. Also in the roster is Mount Mikinley, #Hip 62 . The dual-eligible Always B Miki colt is out of Shebesailin, a sister to Dan Patch Award winner Perfect Sting.

Stewart is not sure how Walner colt Lexicon, Hip #57 , will be received by buyers. Out of Donato Hanover mare Sarcy, the colt is a half-brother to Tactical Approach and near-$800,000 winner Double Deceiver.

“What’s interesting about him is that the mare’s good enough to produce a Hambletonian winner, but when you look on the catalog page, he’s No. 2,” Steve said. “That doesn’t happen very often. She produced Double Deceiver, who made about $800,000 and is in Europe now. This colt is small, and is about the same size as Double Deceiver. So she has produced two top horses. One little, in Double Deceiver, a horse that trotted in 1:50. Then you have the Hambletonian winner who is a great big colt and a Tactical Landing. Now we’re coming with a Walner. You would think the Walner would be in-between, but he’s not.”

Last year, Hunterton led all consignors with 21 yearlings sold on the first day for a gross of over $5.1 million. That fast start allowed them to bring in just shy of $10 million in gross sales with an average of $103,844 while selling 96 horses. Steve isn’t focused on breaking those totals in 2023, but says his clients have loaded the consignment with quality stock, resulting in the expanded offerings.

“That’s not what we aspire to do, see how many we can sell,” Steve said. “Success leads to more horses you might say. A lot of the clients and our partners have more horses to sell, which is not a bad thing. A lot of the clients in our sales are playing at the top level and we’ve been rewarded.”

Steve also believes that Lexington is poised for another big year. He cites the current trend in purses paid as reinforcement.

“The top end is going to be crazy good,” he said. “The horse economy to me is extremely strong. All you have to do is go on the USTA website where it shows how much more money we are racing for purse-wise year to date. I think the other day it was 11 million dollars, so right around three per cent more just in the United States, not including Canada. I think our business is a very simple business. Money in, money out. Ron Burke, David McDuffee, Determination, any money they make they’re putting it all back in. Where else can you get the return on the investment?”

Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach jogs in Greenshoe Bluegrass

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:12:10 GMT

Lexington, KY — Off a tough-luck trip in the Kentucky Sire Stakes final, Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach left nothing to chance and forged a front-stepping victory under minimal encouragement to clock a 1:50.1 mile in the second of three divisions for the $234,000 Greenshoe Bluegrass Stakes, for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 30) at the Red Mile.

Leaving from post seven, Tactical Approach landed on the lead to a :28 first quarter with French Wine sitting in the pocket. He strolled up the backside to a :56.1 half and accelerated through the far turn as Air Power pressed forward uncovered out of fifth and into third. By three-quarters in 1:23.3, Tactical Approach opened ground on his competition and crossed over the line 1-1/4 lengths better than French Wine giving pursuit in second. Air Power leveled off to finish third and his stablemate Crown took fourth.

“He felt great on the front today, and when I asked him down the lane, he responded,” winning driver Scott Zeron said after the race. “Andy’s horse [French Wine] is an even better horse when he pulls the shoes, and he had the shoes off today, and he was a valiant contender. [Tactical Approach] has shown he can repeatedly do well if I have him in the right position; sometimes I’ve had him out of position. He’s honestly a driver’s dream. When he heads into the last turn, he tells you he wants to go.”

Tactical Approach has now won nine times from 19 starts and earned $788,989 for owners Robert LeBlanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco and JAF Racing. Nancy Takter trains the colt by Tactical Landing who paid $3.40 to win.

Hambletonian runner-up Oh Well also found his way back to the winner’s circle once he launched off cover and stretched his legs to a 1:51.2 win in the third of the three Greenshoe splits.

Oh Well settled into fourth to a :27 first quarter uncorked by 72-1 shot Country Dagger, who maintained an honest tempo to a :55 half. Dire Straits angled first-over as the leader started to tire to the final turn, which towed his stablemate Oh Well into action as the field stacked to three-quarters in 1:24.1. Driver Tim Tetrick showed Oh Well open road off the bottom corner and spurted clear while Little Expensive found room off a pocket ride and followed suit for second, beaten two lengths. Spending Crazy, a 52-1 shot, rallied for third with Kierkegaard K finishing fourth.

“Oh Well has been great from the start,” trainer Marcus Melander said. “He made a lot of money last year and has been great this year as well. Too many seconds, but he’s been racing consistent and good all year. Hopefully we can get a big win here next week [in the Kentucky Futurity] or in the Breeders Crown.”

A colt by Muscle Hill , Oh Well adds to his millionaire status with $1,257,397 earned for owner S R F Stable. He won his seventh race from 19 starts and returned $2.60 to win.

Trainer Marcus Melander opened the Greenshoe Bluegrass Stakes with a 1:50.3 win by his Chapter Seven pupil Kilmister early in the card.

Point Of Perfect carved a :27.3 first quarter before driver Brian Sears planted Kilmister on the lead in the backstretch. Once in front, Kilmister tripped a :55.2 half and 1:23.3 three-quarters while holding all late challengers at bay through the lane. Kilmister registered a 1-1/2-length win over Point Of Perfect, who shook out of the pocket and reclaimed second. Cecil Hanover closed for third and Brodeur grabbed fourth.

Kilmister collected his eighth win from 22 starts and has now earned $786,639 for owner Courant Inc. He paid $4.08 to win.

Each division of the Greenshoe Bluegrass Stakes was sponsored by the Greenshoe Syndicate and Hanover Shoe Farm.

Live racing at the Red Mile resumes next Friday (Oct. 6) with the International Stallion Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings and 2-year-old pacing fillies.

Horsepeople are reminded that week two of the Grand Circuit meet operates on a Friday-Sunday schedule, with closing day on Sunday (Oct. 8). The entry box for Friday’s card closes at 9 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday (Oct. 3) and scratch time is Wednesday (Oct. 4) by 9:30 a.m. Contact the race office at 859.255.0752 for more information.

Grace Hill Wins the $242,500 Dayton Distaff

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:10:25 GMT

Grace Hill and driver Doug McNair made two moves en route to the top in the $242,500 Dayton Distaff, for pacing mares, and she held off the late charge of Prohibition Legal to win by a half length in 1:49.2 at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway. Virgil Morgan Jr. trains the 5-year-old daughter of Always B Miki for owner Tom Hill.

Momentary Control Takes Gold Div at Woodbine

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:06:44 GMT

Sophomore pacing fillies took the track at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Sept. 28) evening in two Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions, each the fifth leg of the series and worth a $101,300 prize. Momentary Control and One Last Wish took their respective splits, each posting a 1:51.1 achievement in their miles.

Momentary Control won the first split with Tyler Jones in the bike for Dustin Jones.

Tyler Jones sent the filly from post six in the field of seven straight to the front, opening up the mile with a first panel in :26.2. Savethelastdance (James MacDonald) swept around the leader before the :56 half to take over and continued to lead at the three-quarters in 1:24.3. Jones tugged on his right line and moved first over at the third quarter panel before taking over in the final turn. Momentary Control extended her lead to win by two lengths in a career-best 1:51.1. Talk Curdy To Me (Louis-Philippe Roy) finished second and Savethelastdance took the show spot.

"I think she matched up well with the Gold fillies all year and she won a Gold last year, too," said Tyler Jones. "It was a really evenly matched field. I think any filly could win any week and she's been racing really really well her last three starts. I thought I was going to win three-in-a-row, she just got picked off last week. She cut the mile in 1:50 and I was pretty confident that she could do that again tonight. James covered me up. That was a good horse to follow, she was the favourite, and it just worked out."

Andrea Lea Racingstables Inc. and Colin McKenna bred and co-own the three-year-old daughter of Control The Moment and the Shadow Play mare, Breezy. She owns three wins, two seconds and two thirds this season in 11 trips to the track with $110,706 banked. The filly moved her career sum to $198,216 with four win tallies. She paid $9 to win.

Captain's Quarters Masters Metro Pace

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 16:20:22 GMT

After weeks of eye-catching rallies but few visits to the winner’s circle, driver Jody Jamieson put Captain's Quarters at front mast and sailed to a gutsy victory in the $970,000 Metro Pace for two-year-olds on Saturday night (Sept. 23) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Clever Cody (Sylvain Filion) cleared control to a :27.1 first quarter with Captain Luke (Yannick Gingras) securing the pocket. Jamieson rolled Captain's Quarters and landed in fourth to the backstretch, but the colt swiftly angled out and charged for the top well before a :55.1 half.

Legendary Hanover (James MacDonald), the 4-5 favourite, raced fifth before pulling first-over to make his challenge for the lead through the final turn. Jamieson uncorked a high-octane third quarter with Captain's Quarters to clock that station in 1:22.1 and strung Legendary Hanover for the stretch drive. Legendary Hanover kept trying to push forward while Clever Cody pleaded for room from the pocket, but Jamieson kept Captain's Quarters strong to score in 1:49.3 by a half-length. Legendary Hanover finished second with Clever Cody third and Captain Luke fourth.

“[Trainer Herb Holland] wanted me to teach the horse to race long before he ever got a chance to stretch his legs,” said Jamieson, who won the Metro Pace for a second straight year after a pocket-popping score in 2022 with Stockade Seelster. “And last week [in his elimination] -- everyone saw him last week -- he was in an impossible spot, wasn’t a great drive and got to shake loose in :25.2… horses just don’t do that every day. He goes when you ask him; he’s an amazing horse.”

Captain's Quarters won the Metro Pace in his fifth start, the victory his second lifetime. Herbert Holland conditions the winner of $525,904 for owner Rich Stiles.

“It’s pretty awesome [to be here],” said Holland, who won his first Metro Pace. “I’ll probably sleep better tonight than if he didn’t hit the board.”

Sent off as the third choice at 5-2, Captain's Quarters paid $7.30 to win.

Bred by James Avritt, the $235,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase last fall is a son of 2012 Metro Pace winner Captaintreacherous out of 2018 Shes A Great Lady Stakes runner-up Prescient Beauty.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

It's My Show Steals The Spotlight In Little Brown Jug

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:50:51 GMT

Hunterton Born and Raised It's My Show stole the spotlight as the Linda Toscano trainee caught Seven Colors right at the wire to win the 78th edition of the Little Brown Jug, which featured a record $1 million purse for this Triple Crown event, on Thursday, Sept. 21 at Delaware County Fair.

Three-year-old pacing gelding It's My Show completed a Jug-Jugette sweep for Toscano and driver Scott Zeron after Ucandoit Blue Chip took the filly companion event on Wednesday for the duo.

"This has been a pretty good week," said an emotional Toscano in the winner's circle. "I don't know, this has been a race that's eluded me and a race that I've wanted for so long that I'm a little choked up, as you can see."

With the inside post advantage in $850,000 Little Brown Jug final featuring one trailer in a field of nine, Moment Is Here (Tim Tetrick) established the lead over Ken Hanover (David Miller) while their fellow elimination winner Cannibal (Yannick Gingras) pressed forward off the gate to their outside.

Cannibal went head-to-head with Moment Is Here through a sizzling :25.4 opening quarter, but was left parked out as the latter elim winner refused to give way on top.

Moment Is Here completed the first lap, leading to the half in :53.3 while 2-1 favourite Seven Colors (Dexter Dunn) moved up second-over behind Cannibal with eventual winner It's My Show spotted third-over after getting away sixth in the early going.

As Moment Is Here continued to lead the charge down the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:22 with Cannibal beginning to tire, Dunn sent half-mile track world champion Seven Colors three-wide to pick up the chase and took over command turning for home with It's My Show chasing off his cover and getting up on the line in 1:49 flat to steal the spotlight. Finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind, Ken Hanover, fresh off a 1:48.4 track record mile in his Jug elimination, took third over Moment Is Here.

It's My Show was sent postward at odds of 7-1 after finishing second to Cannibal in one of the three $50,000 elimination heats earlier in the afternoon and returned $16 to win.

"When you add in a trailer, it changes everything about a race," said Zeron when asked about his off-the-pace strategy. "Yannick timed the gate great going out of there and that made it easy for me to not try to leave. And honestly, I've been in the postion he was in, which is when you commit to the leave but there's no give and goes, you're two-hole goes by pretty quick. So when David closed up the hole, it was just tough for him.

"They were going at it [up front], but I was still way out of it. I needed a lot of things to go right and Seven Colors raced sensational, my guy just put his nose out."

It's My Show went over the million-dollar mark in career earnings for owners Richard Young of Boca Raton, Florida and Joanna Young of Coconut Creek, Florida.

The homebred Sweet Lou gelding out the champion Rocknroll Hanover mare, Put On A Show, is now nine-for-13 this year after going winless in eight starts as a freshman.

It's also been a year to remember for Zeron, who won his first Jug 11 years ago with the Casie Coleman-trained Micheals Power. It's My Show also gave the reinsman his second career victory in the $1 million North America Cup earlier this year at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

"There's been a lot of people that have been a big part of it," said Zeron. "This horse has made some amazing races for us."

The connections are hoping there's more to come with It's My Show, with plans to race next during the second week of The Red Mile's Grand Circuit stakes meet.

The Little Brown Jug is the third jewel in the Pacing Triple Crown. The first legs were won by Captain Batboy (Messenger Stakes) and Confederate (Cane Pace).

Recaps of the Jug elimination heats follow with coverage of the undercard available by clicking here .

Field Set For Little Brown Jug

Canadian-based three-year-old pacing gelding Moment Is Here kicked off the elimination heats for the 78th edition of the Little Brown Jug on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 21) at Delaware County Fair.

Picking up the catch drive, Tim Tetrick used the Bob McIntosh homebred's gate speed to establish the lead off the gate. Leaving from post five, Moment Is Here took command in the first turn and never looked back. The All Bets Off-Breathtacular gelding led through fractions of :26, :54 and 1:22.1 while shrugging off the first-over 4-5 favourite, Voukefalas (Jordan Stratton), and opening up in the stretch for the 1:50.1 victory. Hungry Angel Boy (Todd McCarthy) followed in the pocket and held on for second while Blue Hunt (Andrew McCarthy) got up for third along the pylons off a ground-saving trip, finishing just ahead of Loubet (David Miller), who rallied three-wide down the backside.

"I've never driven the horse. I went off what the connections said and watched his replays and they kept telling me he's as quick as a cat," said Tetrick. "He was pretty quick off the car; we jumped out of there good. It was a strong quarter of :26, but we got to control it from there and it was a good race for him.

"He did put in a long step [in the first turn], but we were smoking pretty hard. I wanted to try to get there and get control and that way I could get around Todd [McCarthy and Hungry Angel Boy] in the first turn.

"He was really good, paced all the way to the wire, would've gone more if I needed to but we're going for a lot of money and we've got to save what we can."

Making his stateside debut following a Grand Circuit stakes runner-up finish in the Simcoe on Sept. 9 at his home track of Woodbine Mohawk Park, Moment Is Here was sent postward at odds of 5-1 and returned $12.80 to his backers.

The win was his fourth of the season from 16 starts and his sixth career victory, bumping his bankroll to $472,589.

Moment Is Here is owned by Robert McIntosh Stables Inc. of Windsor, Ont., Al McIntosh Holdings Inc. of Leamington, Ont., Mardon Stables of Loretto, Ont., and Frank Baldachino of Harvey Cedars, New Jersey.

According to reports from Delaware County Fair, McIntosh was unable to attend today's races after sustaining a hip injury.

Ken Hanover hasn't been staked to some of the bigger events for three-year-old male pacers in 2023, but the sophomore pacer etched his name into the Delaware County Fair record books with the fastest mile ever paced in the Little Brown Jug by picking off half-mile track world champion Seven Colors in the second $50,000 Little Brown Jug elimination.

David Miller sat off the hot early pace, positioned in fifth as Thunder Hunter Joe (Tim Tetrick) set early fractions of :26.1 and :54 before favoured Seven Colors (Dexter Dunn) started his first-over forge. Miller followed Dunn's helmet with Ken Hanover, and kept as close as he could through a 1:21.3 third quarter and around the far turn. In the stretch, Miller asked his colt with Seven Colors appearing to have the win wrapped up. Ken Hanover obliged, closing with a late spurt to edge past Seven Colors in the final strides of a 1:48.4 track record mile. Thunder Hunter Joe stayed for third.

Roland 'Polie' Mallar trains and co-owns Ken Hanover (Captaintreacherous - KJs Justine) along with Patrick Leavitt of Buxton, Maine, William Jordan of Fryeberg, Maine, and 'Big Dee' Dennis Osterholt of Boyton Beach, Florida.

"He's always been a real good horse, and just like everybody else [Mallar] wanted to come to Delaware," said Miller in the winner's circle.

"I followed Dexter right up and I was thinking at the head of the stretch, 'I'm going to be second here.' I moved him off his back, and gave him a yell and he shot, like he just took off. I was really happy with him."

The win provided Ken Hanover with a new lifetime mark in his 11th lifetime victory, pushing his career earnings over the $410,000 mark. He paid $11.40 to win.

Cannibal delivered on his 4-5 pari-mutuel promise as a persistent leader in the third elimination heat with Yannick Gingras aboard for trainer Nancy Takter.

Leaving from the inside posts, Cannibal was quickest off the gate for Gingras with even-money It's My Show (Scott Zeron) following in second, but Bamboozler (Tony Hall) left hard from post five to make front over the favourites. His lead was short-lived though as Gingras retook command at the quarter pole in :26.2. The bettors' choice stole a second quarter breather to the half in :55.2 and continued to lead the field in single-file fashion to three-quarters in 1:22.2, where It's My Show took his shot but couldn't catch Cannibal through the stretch. Cannibal held clear of It's My Show down the lane for the 1:49.1 victory by 1-1/2 lengths while Redwood Hanover (James MacDonald) finished third.

"This is an interesting race to race in becase post positions are so important going into the eliminations, so obviously when we drew the rail, I was ecstatic about that because you're going to have more of an opportunity to control your own destiny," commented Takter after the race.

"The post position draw for the final is going to be important again, but hopefully we'll draw well. I think my colt should bounce back really well and have plenty left in the tank."

This year's Adios champion came into the eliminations off back-to-back Kentucky stakes victories and paid $3.80 to win. Cannibal improved to nine-for-11 on the season and now has a dozen wins lifetime with $469,978 earned.

The homebred Sweet Lou-No More Losses colt is owned by Diamond Creek Racing of Wellsville, Pennsylvania.

Stockade Seelster was scratched from the third elimination.

Post positions for the Little Brown Jug final are listed below. Elimination winners drew for posts one through three for the final. Second-place finishers drew for posts four through six and third-place finishers drew for spots seven through nine.

$850,000 Little Brown Jug
Post - Horse - Driver
1. Moment Is Here - Tim Tetrick
2. Ken Hanover - David Miller
3. Cannibal - Yannick Gingras
4. Seven Colors - Dexter Dunn
5. It's My Show - Scott Zeron
6. Hungry Angel Boy - Todd McCarthy
7. Blue Hunt - Andrew McCarthy
8. Redwood Hanover - James MacDonald
9. Thunder Hunter Joe - Jordan Stratton

Watch The Little Brown Jug

The 78th edition of the $1 million Little Brown Jug for three-year-old pacers headlines Thursday's 25-race card at the Delaware County Fair and live streaming of all the action will be available.

The $850,000 Little Brown Jug final will cap off the action-packed afternoon as Race 24 on the main wagering card, featuring the top three finishers from three elimination heats contested earlier in the day (Races 19, 20 & 21).

Voukefalas is the 2-1 morning line favourite with the inside draw in the first elimination with Jordan Stratton driving for trainer Michael Russo.

Thunder Hunter Joe is the early 5-2 favourite from the pylon post in the second elimination for driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Nicholas Devita. The second elimination includes the Canadian-campaigned Huntinthelastdolar and Burnout, both supplemented for $45,000.

It's My Show is the 9-5 favourite in the third elimination for trainer Linda Toscano with Scott Zeron driving from post position two. The field includes Canadian-based contender Redwood Hanover. O'Brien Award winner Stockade Seelster has been scratched.

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association will present a live stream of Thursday's action, which will begin at 11 a.m. Post time for the first non-betting race is 11 a.m., with the main wagering card starting at 11:30 a.m. The live stream will be available below.

A majority of the Jug Day card will be broadcast on Fox Sports 2 as a part of its “America’s Day at the Races,” produced by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). The broadcast window will be from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. and will feature Delaware’s Races 18-24.

For free program pages, click the following links: Non-Betting Program / Main Program

The complete fields for the elimination heats are listed below in post position order.

$50,000 Little Brown Jug Elimination #1 - Race 19
Post - Horse - Driver - Trainer - Morning Line Odds
1. Voukefalas - Jordan Stratton - Michael Russo - 2-1
2. Loubet - David Miller - Ron Burke - 5-1
3. Hungry Angel Boy - Todd McCarthy - Tony Alagna - 9-2
4. Blue Hunt - Andrew McCarthy - Deborah Daguet - 6-1
5. Moment Is Here - Tim Tetrick - Bob McIntosh - 4-1
6. Ants Matching - Dexter Dunn - Nancy Takter - 9-2

$50,000 Little Brown Jug Elimination #2 - Race 20
Post - Horse - Driver - Trainer - Morning Line Odds
1. Thunder Hunter Joe - Tim Tetrick - Nicholas Devita - 5-1
2. Huntinthelastdolar - Doug McNair - Gregg McNair - 3-1
3. Ervin Hanover - Ronnie Wrenn Jr. - Ron Burke - 6-1
4. Ken Hanover - David Miller - Roland Mallar - 5-1
5. Burnout - Sam Widger - Todd Luther - 9-2
6. Seven Colors - Dexter Dunn - Andrew Harris - 7-2

$50,000 Little Brown Jug Elimination #3 - Race 21
Post - Horse - Driver - Trainer - Morning Line Odds
1. Cannibal - Yannick Gingras - Nancy Takter - 2-1
2. It's My Show - Scott Zeron - Linda Toscano - 9-5
3. Redwood Hanover - James MacDonald - Anthony Beaton - 4-1
4. Stockade Seelster - David Miller - Dr. Ian Moore - 7-2 - Scratched
5. Bamboozler - Tony Hall - Virgil Morgan Jr. - 8-1
6. Bugaboo Lou - Chris Page - Ron Burke - 20-1

Zanatta wins Jugette eliminations

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:54:25 GMT

Delaware, OH — Zanatta won their Jugette elimination on Wednesday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in central Ohio.

Zanatta, at odds of 2-1, won the second Jugette elimination in 1:50.1 for driver Joe Bongiorno and trainer Jennifer Bongiorno. The next three finishers were Southwind Bella, Hey Hey Mama, and Odds On Hail Mary.

Zanatta led to the quarter in :26.3, Odds On Hail Mary was on top at the half in :55.1, and Southwind Bella was in front at three-quarters in 1:21.4 before Zanatta rallied from third to get the victory.

Following is the field in post-position order for the $255,000 Jugette final.

1. Zanatta, Joe Bongiorno, Jennifer Bongiorno
2. Ucandoit Blue Chip, Scott Zeron, Linda Toscano
3. Southwind Bella, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke
4. Daffled Hanover, David Miller, Randy Bendis
5. Earthwindfire, Tim Tetrick, Brett Pelling
6. Hey Hey Mama, Ronnie Wrenn Jr., Brian Brown
7. Vivians Dream, Brett Miller, Kevin Lare

Odds On Hail Mary was scratched from the final.

Amazing 'Grace'

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 17:11:13 GMT

Grace Hill, sent off as the 4-5 choice, was simply spectacular in the $220,000 Milton Stakes for pacing mares on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Off since a snappy 1:49.4 score at Scioto Downs on Aug. 25, five-year-old Grace Hill paced back in the spotlight under the bright lights at the Milton, Ont. oval off a pair of qualifiers and delivered one of the finest performances in her decorated career.

Boudoir Hanover, leaving from the outside post nine, blasted off the wings for driver Todd McCarthy and crossed over to grab a short-lived lead into the first turn, but Silver Label (Scott Zeron) forged on to seize control just before an opening panel timed in a lively :25.4. Doug McNair, in rein to Grace Hill, sized up the pacesetter from in third.

It was Silver Label still calling the shots on the front end through a half-mile in :54.1, followed by Boudoir Hanover, Grace Hill and Prohibition Legal (Louis-Philippe Roy). McNair then tipped out the daughter of Always B Miki-Western Silk and set their sights on Silver Label, inching closer with every step to the outside. A neck on top at three-quarters in 1:21.3, Grace Hill was in full flight as the field straightened for the drive home.

Ahead by 1-1/2 lengths at the stretch call, the Breeders Crown winner bounded home in :26.2 to notch a comfortable two-length triumph in a stakes record time of 1:48. Prohibition Legal was second, Boudoir Hanover, at 65-1, was third and Mikala (George Brennan) was fourth.

“She’s a fun mare to drive, she’s just like driving a sports car,” lauded McNair. “I drove [Silver Label] last week and she got beat by her stablemate from off her helmet, so I figured if I didn’t put mine on the front in a big hurry with her, she can sprint as fast as anything. When you’re first-up against a great mare on the front with a real nice one on my back, it wasn’t the ideal spot, but she made it look pretty easy.

“I maybe just raced her wrong a couple times at The Meadowlands, she finished second and third. To be honest, I think she races better chasing. She won one time sitting last at the head of the stretch coming a :25 final quarter. It’s just tough to take your chances that way and run into traffic.

Tonight, we got to sit quite a way and when I moved her, she was really good.”

Owned by Tom Hill, Grace Hill now boasts a 27-10-5 record — including six wins from seven appearances at Mohawk — from 57 starts, to go along with more than $1.7 million in career purse earnings.

“I don’t know if she just loves Canada or not, but she sure feels like a different horse on this track,” noted McNair. “She seems to not get tired and she’s a lot of fun.”

The well-travelled mare, trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., is now 8-2-1 from 11 starts on the campaign.

Bred by White Birch Farm, Grace Hill was a $75,000 purchase at the 2019 Lexington Select Yearling Sale.

She paid $3.60 for the win.

For full results from the Saturday card of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Tactical Approach strikes at Red Mile

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:13:11 GMT

Lexington, KY — Hambletonian victor HUnterton Bred, Raised & Sold Tactical Approach rebounded nicely to win the $80,000 fourth round of the Kentucky Championship Series for sophomore male trotters in 1:51.2. Twin B Joe Fresh engaged in a vicious battle with nemesis Strong Poison to capture her respective division of the series conducted for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday (Sept. 10) to collect her fifth consecutive triumph to become the sport’s newest millionaire at Red Mile in 1:49.1.

The nine-race card also included three Kentucky Commonwealth Series events and three Kentucky Goldenrod Series contests.

Heavily favored Tactical Approach and regular reinsman Scott Zeron began to trot from post position six in a very strong field of six. They sat in fifth as longshot Brodeur (Tony Hall) set the first fraction of :27.2. That was when second choice, Kilmister (Brian Sears) took control. After trotting in :56.1 for the half-mile and 1:24.2 three-quarters around the red clay oval, Kilmister’s rivals were beginning to advance while Tactical Approach was at the back of the pack.

Point Of Perfect (Yannick Gingras) poked a nose in front rounding the final turn with Khaosan Road (Tim Tetrick) breathing down his neck. At this juncture, Tactical Approach began to roll and moved into fourth.

The son of Tactical Landing -Sarcy used a :26.1 final quarter panel to claim victory by three-quarters of a length. Ari Ferrari J (Dexter Dunn) was second. Point Of Perfect held third.

Trained by Nancy Takter, Tactical Approach improved his resume to 17-8-1-4 and boosted his bank account to $717,989.

The colt was bred by Steve Stewart and Oakwood Farms. He was purchased for $85,000 at the 2021 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale by Robert Leblanc, John Fielding and Joe Sbrocco and Jaf Racing.

Tactical Approach’s granddam is 2003 O’Brien Award winner Southwind Allaire (Valley Victory, $733,514).

He paid $2.66 to win.

Watch for Tactical Approach's half-brother Hip 57 LEXICON at the Lexington Selected Sale this fall!

Tarapasta provides fireworks in Scarlet Championships

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:04:09 GMT

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Sires Stakes season for pacers concluded on Saturday night (Sept. 9) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with four $300,000 Scarlet Championships.

Hunterton Sold Tarapasta was the longest shot on the board in the 3-year-old filly pace but fanned out widest on the final bend from last and off contested fractions of :26.1, :54.1 and 1:22.1 set by Seaside Tina (Noble) and McSeaside (Page) to win in 1:51.2, giving Merriman another victory. Cruise Alert (Brett Miller) was the runner-up, three-quarters of a length behind Tarapasta, and Kassagi (Widger) grabbed third.

“It worked out really well. We wanted one towards the front and one towards the back, kind of see what happened with the fractions,” said victorious owner Greg Luther, who had Tarapasta and Seaside Tina in the event. “There were hot fractions up front, and she came from dead last. It was absolutely awesome.”

The winning filly is by Downbytheseaside , was bred by Tara Hills Stud and is trained by Todd Luther. She made her sixth trip to the winner’s circle in her 24th try, boosted her earnings to $226,000 and paid a whopping $176.60 to win.

Peace Talks wins NYSS Final!

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 12:50:14 GMT

In the final for rookie female pacers at Yonkers Raceway, Hunterton bred, raised & sold Peace Talks ( American Ideal -Triple V Hanover) and driver David Miller were able to manage a ground-saving trip from post eight before fanning out three-wide off the last turn to light up the tote board at 39-1 with a head victory in 1:55.4 over a sloppy track. So Well Dressed (Brian Sears), the 5-2 favorite, finished second and Camerican (Jordan Stratton) was third.

Peace Talks got away last in the eight-horse field while So Well Dressed went to the front and set fractions of :27.2, :57, and 1:25.3. Miller scooted Peace Talks up the pylons when four horses moved to the outside after the half-mile point and was third at the top of the stretch, setting up her winning sprint home.

“I got away last, everybody pulls, I shoot the rail, and around the last turn the outer flow just died off,” Miller said. “I was like, look at this. I moved her over at the head of the lane and she wins. That was great. That was pretty cool.”

A daughter of American Ideal -Triple V Hanover, Peace Talks is trained by Chris Ryder for owners Henderson Farms, Jeff Bell, FAC Racing, and Robert Mondillo. The filly was bred by Donald Robinson, Michael Robinson, Steve Stewart, and James Daut. She has won two of seven races and earned $171,769.

Peace Talks paid $80 to win, the exacta returned $395,50 and the trifecta $2,684.00.

Watch for Peace Talks half-sister Hip 265 ACCEDE at the Lexington Selected Sale this fall!

Grace Hill Heating Up For Milton Final

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:55:19 GMT

Returning to the scene of her biggest wins, older pacing mare Grace Hill showed some serious speed on Friday, Sept. 8 in her prep mile for next weekend's Milton Stakes final.

One of the notable pacers entered in the third qualifier on Friday at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Grace Hill and driver Doug McNair sat off the tempo set by The Greek Freak (Gino Toscani). After fractions of :28.1 and :59 to the half, The Greek Freak picked it up in the third quarter to hit the third beam in 1:26. Grace Hill was still nearly three lengths off the leader at that point, but she quickly made gains. Sprinting home in :25.2, Grace Hill powered past the pacesetter for the win by just over a length while stopping the clock in 1:52.

Tom Hill owns and Virgil Morgan Jr. trains Grace Hill (Always B Miki - Western Silk), who set a 1:47.4 Canadian record in her Roses Are Red win this past June. In 10 seasonal starts, the five-year-old has yet to miss the board, posting a 7-2-1 summary with $371,276 in earnings.

Grace Hill is one of nine mares set to compete in the 2023 Milton Stakes final , with that draw taking place during the Saturday, Sept. 9 card of harness racing at Mohawk.

The video stream from the Friday session is available below.

Allegiant soars to Red Mile winner’s circle

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:47:03 GMT

Allegiant (Scott Zeron) collected her second consecutive Kentucky Championship Series for 2-year-old pacers victory in the division for freshman filly trotters on Tuesday (Sept. 5) at the Red Mile.

The 15-race card also featured two $30,000 fourth-round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series and five $15,000 fourth-round legs of the Kentucky Goldenrod Series.

Allegiant and Zeron employed gate-to-wire tactics to capture a second consecutive win in the Championship event for 2-year-old filly trotters. The daughter of Tactical Approach-Too Good For You proved to be too good for this field of six with a lifetime best 1:52.2 mile. The even-money favorite set fractions of :28.4, :56.4 and 1:24.2 while never seriously threatened. Volcanic Blue Chip (Åke Svanstedt) was 1-1/2 lengths back in second; Special Talent (Dexter Dunn) was third.

Vernon Beachy trains Allegiant for owner Ryan Smith, who purchased her for $50,000 at last year’s Standardbred Horse Sale. She possesses a resume of 8-5-1-0, has banked $183,400, and paid $4.24 to win. Of 15 total foals, Allegiant’s dam has produced nine that have made more than $100,000, including this filly.

Joviality makes history in Sweden

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:50:39 GMT

Hunterton born and raised Joviality makes history in Sweden

Malmo, SE — 4-year-old-mare, Joviality with Erik Adielsson in the bike was an easy winner of Sweden’s Trotting Derby at Jägersro Sunday (Sept. 3).

Joviality bred and owned by the powerful Swedish stable, Courant and trained by Sabine Kagebrant made history winning the Derby.

It is the first time ever a woman trainer wins the Derby and the win time for Joviality for the 1-5/8 mile event was 1.56f (mile rate) was a new Swedish record for mares.

Joviality – sired by Chapter Seven – enjoyed a pocket trip behind leading Barck Face and found racing room going round the last bend and into the stretch,

She won by a quarter length and picked up the purse for the winner of 4 mio. SEK – $360,000.

Joviality has now lifetime earnings of 2.1 mio. Dollars.

Strong Poison stings at Red Mile

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:53:44 GMT

The daughter of Always B Miki -Flyonce is trained by Ron Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services Inc. and Beaty Services LLC.

Strong Poison is the track and stakes record holder at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with a 1:48 victory in the Nadia Lobell at the Anderson oval in her seasonal debut on June 20.

The filly’s resume now stands at 20-7-6-3 and her bankroll is $581,125.

Strong Poison paid $4.24 to win and was bred by Steve Stewart, Charles Nash and Julie Nash.

Horizontal lays it down in Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Horizontal (Zeron) collected her second consecutive victory to improve her lifetime record to 14-5-2-2 in the $30,000 Commonwealth division for 3-year-old filly pacers.

Keep My Secret reveals all in Goldenrod Series

Tony Hall guided Keep My Secret ($5.82) to a neck triumph in the third round of the Goldenrod Series for sophomore filly pacers.

Red Mile offers a rich buffet of wagering items including a 20-cent Pick-6 with 15 percent takeout, a 50-cent Pick-5 with an industry low 12 percent takeout, a Super Hi-5 15 percent takeout, and Pick-4 events, with a $10,000 guaranteed pool in conjunction with the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

Red Mile races on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday schedule with a 1 p.m. EDT post time through Oct. 8. Free program pages are available at redmileracing.com in addition to race replays and a daily livestream of each card.

Allegiant shows class at Red Mile

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:44:28 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold

Lexington, KY — On Monday (Aug. 26), Red Mile hosted one $80,000 third round leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes, two $30,000 third round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series and three $15,000 divisions of the Kentucky Goldenrod Series for freshman filly trotters.

Allegiant returned to her winning ways in the Kentucky Sire Stakes division in 1:53.4. Allegiant (Scott Zeron) went straight to the front from post position five. The filly clicked off fractions of :29, :57.1 and 1:25.3 while Volcanic Blue Chip (Ake Svanstedt) allowed her to cut the mile in second position.

Volcanic Blue Chip came rolling in the lane with her best shot, however, Allegiant was still adamant she would not taste defeat. Special Talent (Dexter Dunn) was third.

Trained by Vernon Beachy, Allegiant is a daughter of Tactical Landing -Too Good For You. She was a $50,000 purchase at the 2022 Standardbred Horse Sale by Ryan Smith and was bred by Atlantic Trot Inc. and Steve Stewart.

Allegiant sports a resume of 7-4-1-0 and has amassed $143,400 in purse money. She paid $6.28 to win as the favorite.

Osceola wins at Woodbine

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:36:56 GMT

Hunterton Sold

Friday's fourth Gold Series leg for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings was hosted by Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Following a summer that has been mired by miscues including his last start in the Hambletonian on Aug. 5 at The Meadowlands, Osceola got back on track with a 1:53.3 winning effort in the other Gold division.

Osceola found a hole in fourth position through the first turn for driver Doug McNair while The Hazelton (Bob McClure) took over the lead from Snowpiercer (James MacDonald) after a :27.1 opening quarter. As The Hazelton led the field through a :56 half and opened up five lengths on the way to three-quarters in 1:24.4, Osceola moved underway and tried to reel in his runaway rival. He was within two lengths of the leader turning for home and continued to gain ground through the stretch, eventually defeating The Hazelton by 2-1/4 lengths at the end with a :27.4 final frame. Musical Ride (Sylvain Filion) rounded out the top three.

With hopples added, Osceola returned to the winning form that he showed when starting his sophomore campaign with a sweep of the SBOA Stakes elimination and final followed by a runner-up finish to Tuscan Prince in the provincial program. He is now three-for-eight with earnings of $183,452 this season.

Trainer Gregg McNair co-owns the Muscle Mass-Armbro Exquisite colt with breeder Willow Oak Ranch of Rogersville, Tennessee and partner Paul Hawman of Collingwood, Ont.

Sent postward as the 1-5 favourite, he paid $2.60 to win.

Always B Naughty Rebounds In The Bluegrass

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 17:27:48 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised, & Sold Always B Naughty (Dexter Dunn) out-finished favoured Strong Poison (Gingras) to win the second leg of the $80,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes for sophomore pacing fillies in 1:48.2 at The Red Mile.

The filly did not compete as a two-year-old but has illustrated her ability this season. She paced a :25.2 last quarter-mile to vanquish Strong Poison. Zanatta (Brian Sears) was third.

The daughter of Always B Miki and winner of the $114,777 Adioo Volo at The Meadows on July 29 collected her ninth win from 14 starts and has now earned $224,244 in purse money. Also trained by Nancy Takter, Always B Naughty was purchased by her conditioner, Let It Ride Stables, J L Benson Stables and R B H Ventures Inc. at the 2021 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $44,000.

Kissincaptain wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:09:22 GMT

Hunterton Raised & Sold KISSINCAPTAIN ( Captaintreacherous - Yagonnakissmeornot) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO C&G at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Riverview Racing Llc, Marvin And Lynn Katz, Kissincaptain Racing and trainer Tony Alagna and driver Todd McCarthy.

Chamba wins 3YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:09:43 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised & Sold, CHAMBA (Cantab Hall - Springaround ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 3YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Buckstone Land Livestock and trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt.

Tactical Approach lands at Red Mile

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:22:17 GMT

Lexington, KY — Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach made his return to the Bluegrass State a triumphant one with a 1:51.3 win in the $80,000 second round of the Kentucky Championship Series for 3-year-old male trotters on Tuesday (Aug. 15) at the Red Mile. Better Is Nice collected his third straight win and stamped himself as one to watch in the 2-year-old male pacing division with a 1:53 score.

Point Of Perfect (Yannick Gingras) assumed command at the beginning of the sophomore colt trot while the Hambletonian winner settled in fifth from his rail position. Point Of Perfect led the field of nine through fractions of :27.1, :56.3 and 1:24.1, but he had rivals on his trip to the finish line.

Ari Ferrari J (Dexter Dunn) and Khaosan Road (Åke Svanstedt) made their bids a bit earlier than Tactical Approach and winning driver Scott Zeron, but the son of Tactical Landing -Sarcy used :26.1 closing speed to slip past Ari Ferrari J by three-quarters of a length and collect his fifth victory in 10 starts this year. Khaosan Road was third.

Tactical Approach has a record of 15-7-0-1 and has banked $657,989 for the partnership of Robert LeBlanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco and JAF Racing. The Nancy Takter trainee paid $3.36 to win.

Andrew McCarthy and Better Is Nice annexed their third victory from four career starts in second-round action in the Kentucky Championship Series for freshman male pacers.

Snap Count (David Miller) went to the lead at the beginning of the mile while Better Is Nice stalked patiently in fourth place. After pacing the opening quarter in :28.1, Ivy Park (Gingras) passed Snap Count. He clicked off fractions of :56.2 and 1:25.2 before Tua Many Captains, Better Is Nice and Dancin Champion came to call. Better Is Nice struck the front and outlasted a determined Dancin Champion to win by a neck. Tua Many Captains (Andy Miller) was third.

Better is Nice, bred by Alagna Racing and Marvin Katz, is trained by Tony Alagna for Alagna Racing, Pryde Stables and Birnam Wood Farms. The Bettor’s Wish -Thatsoveryverynice colt has a record of 4-3-0-1, has earned $178,600, and paid $2.54 to win.

Todd McCarthy sweeps Kentucky Commonwealth Series splits

Driver Todd McCarthy made his second steer of Kissincaptain a winning one in the $30,000 second-round division of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series for 2-year-old colt pacers in 1:53.2. The $275,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase is trained by Alagna and owned by Riverview Racing LLC, Marvin and Lynn Katz, and KissinCaptain Racing. He paid $12.80 to win.

Kentucky stalwart Prince Of Honor ($2.80) kicked off his season a perfect two-for-two in the leg for sophomore male trotters with a final time of 1:54. He is trained by Carter Pinkse and owned by Pinske Stables and David Hoese.

Djimon ($12.66) and Gingras took the division for sophomore male trotters in 1:54.1. The son of Tactical Landing is trained by Mark Steacy and owned by Hudson Standardbred STB Inc., Dale Larson and Steven Downey.

Arson lights up Goldenrod Series

Todd McCarthy guided Arson ( Captaintreacherous -Western Montana) to victory in a new lifetime mark in the $15,000 Goldenrod Series leg for 2-year-old colt pacers. He paid $2.70 to win. My Favorite Dali ($11.16) and Mitchell Cushing won the second division for freshman male pacers in 1:53.4.

Chamba (1:55.3, Svanstedt, $4.06), Kenobi (1:55, Tetrick, $8.04) and Pedal On Medal (1:55.3, Tetrick, $3.50) won their respective divisions for 3-year-old male trotters.

The Red Mile offers a rich buffet of wagering items, including a 20-cent Pick-6 with 15 percent takeout, a 50-cent Pick-5 with an industry low 12 percent takeout, a Super Hi-5 with a 15 percent takeout, Pick-4 events, and guaranteed pools offered in conjunction with the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. The Red Mile races on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday afternoons with a 1 p.m. (EDT) post time through Oct. 8. Free program pages, race replays and a daily live stream are available at redmileracing.com .

Watch for Tactical Approach's half-brother Hip# 57 LEXICON selling at the Lexington Selected Yearling sale this fall.

Hunterton Born It's My Show Steals Show With World Record At Red Mile

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:18:09 GMT

On Monday (Aug. 14), Red Mile hosted 11 second round sire stakes divisions for freshman and sophomore colts and fillies of both gaits. Its My Show returned to his winning ways in style in the $80,000 second leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes Series for three-year-old male pacers with a world record equalling mile in 1:46.4 and Date Night Hanover recovered from a costly break in her last engagement to win the $80,000 division for two-year-old trotting fillies.

Its My Show and his pilot, Scott Zeron, commenced their mile from post position four and settled in fourth position while Bamboozler (Dexter Dunn) cut the mile with sizzling fractions of :26.4, :53.1 and 1:19.3. Zeron and the North America Cup winner came roaring into the stretch from fourth to face the challenge of Cannibal (Yannick Gingras), who led briefly after popping the pocket.

Despite his best efforts, Cannibal could not keep pace with the winner and held second over a closing For Once Inmy Life (Andrew McCarthy).

Its My Show’s final time equalled the world records for male sophomore pacers established by Somebeachsomewhere (2008), Hes Watching (2014) and Cattlewash (2020), and bested the 1:47.3 gelding mark of Dealt A Winner (2015).

Trained by Linda Toscano, the colt sustained his first loss of 2023 when fourth in the $350,000 Adios at The Meadows in his last start after pacing a world record time of 1:47.4 in the elimination. The regally bred son of champions Sweet Lou and Put On A Show now has a resume of 17-8-2-1 and boosted his bankroll to $730,465. Its My Show competes as a homebred for Richard and Joanne Young.

He paid $4.74 to win as the public’s second choice.

Pisco Sour wins the 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:57:00 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold PISCO SOUR ( Walner - Blessed) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Jorgen Sparredal Inc and trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt.

El Rey leads Commonwealth Series victors

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:01:56 GMT

On Monday (Aug. 14), Red Mile hosted 11 second round sire stakes divisions for freshman and sophomore colts and fillies of both gaits.

Heavy favourite Hunterton Born El Rey (Zeron, $3.08) collected his first win of the season for trainer Tony Alagna in the $30,000 second round division of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series for male sophomore pacers, winning in 1:49.4. The son of Captaintreacherous finished off the board in the Cane Pace and Meadowlands Pace final. He is owned by Brittany Farms and El Rey Racing and was bred by Riverview Breeding.

Admiral Hill repeats a win in 3YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:52:15 GMT

Hunterton Born, ADMIRAL HILL ( Sweet Lou - Laura Hill) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Thomas Hill, Morecambe and trainer Chris Ryder and driver Brian Sears.

Tactical Landing Offspring Una Madonna Sweeps Goldenrod Series Divisions

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:23:06 GMT

On Sunday (Aug. 13) Red Mile hosted 10 second round sire stakes divisions on a 15-race card for freshman and sophomore fillies of both gaits.

Hunterton Raised & Sold Una Madonna (Zeron, $6.66) was victorious in the division for sophomore trotting fillies. Congratulations to owner John E Barnard, trainer Tony Alagna and driver Scott Zeron.

Ways N Means wins at Mohawk

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:53:35 GMT

Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted an action packed card on Thursday (Aug. 10) evening and the finales for the Millard Farms and Pure Ivory Series headlined the 11 races contested at the Campbellville, Ont. oval.

Freshman trotting colts and geldings lined up on the gate in four splits of the third leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots.

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold Ways N Means (Doug McNair) won the card opener and $22,200 OSS Grassroots, controlling the timer through panels in :28.2, :59.2 and 1:29.2. The Michael Keeling trainee took off to a 3-1/4 length victory in 1:58.2. It was the first career win in three starts for the Muscle Mass-Mariongotchocolate colt, owned by Dreamville Stable and Harbor Racing Stable LLC. Slayin Theday Away (Eddie Green) finished second with Lockdown Romeo (Matthew Bax) third.

UNPRECEDENTED THREE-PEAT FOR STEVE STEWART

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:29:36 GMT

Wow, he did it again! Ten editions — the last 10 — he’s bred the winner three times, and add in Mission Brief, the 2015 fave and runner-up, for good measure.

2014 — Trixton
2019 — Forbidden Trade
2023 — Tactical Approach

Darby Creek wins Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:07:23 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, DARBY CREEK wins the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3YO Fillies in 1:51.3, with trainer Brian Brown at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Donald E Robinson, Michael D Robinson, Robert A Mondillo, Rich Lombardo Racing Llc and driver Austin Hanners.

Kopi Luwak rolls home in KYSS at Red Mile

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:34:14 GMT

Lexington, KY — On Sunday (Aug. 6) Red Mile hosted two second round divisions of the $80,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes, three $30,000 third round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series and five $15,000 third round legs of the Kentucky Goldenrod Series for male pacers.

Hunterton Bred, Raised and Sold Kopi Luwak proved he was the favorite for a reason as the 3-year-old son of Stay Hungry-Auniqueaquistion prevailed in the $80,000 leg for sophomore male pacers in 1:49.1.

Driver Andrew McCarthy placed Kopi Luwak right on the lead from the beginning of the mile. Trained by Tony Alagna, he was the overwhelming post-time favorite and won like one, as he laid down fractions of :26.4, :54.1, and 1:22.2 to trip the timer in 1:49.1. Larceny (Brian Sears) was second and Captain Awesome (Yannick Gingras) third.

Owned by Brad Grant, the colt has earned $121,750 lifetime and has a resume of 12-3-2-0. Kopi Luwak was bred by Steve Stewart and John Carver.

Ivy Park (Captaintreacherous-Ali Blue) triumphed in the leg for 2-year-old male pacers in 1:53.4. Ivy Park collected his second victory from three trips to the gate in the $80,000 second leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for freshman male pacers. Gingras was at the controls for trainer Nancy Takter.

Gingras positioned the colt on top after the first quarter in :29.1 with Dancin Champion cutting the first fraction. After the first split, Ivy Park assumed command with fractions of :58.1 and 1:27.2 prior to holding off Snap Count who tossed down a :25.3 last quarter-mile to just miss.

Owned by Black Horse Racing, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco, and Nancy Takter & Jaf Racing, Ivy Park has a record of 2-1-0 from three starts and has earned $60,000. He was a $90,000 purchase at the 2022 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and was bred by Marvin Katz, Lynn Katz and Sam Goldband.

Admiral Hill, Tip Top Cat and Leiter win third legs of Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Admiral Hill took the first of two $30,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series events for sophomore male pacers. Driven by Brian Sears, the Sweet Lou colt is trained by Chris Ryder. He is owned and bred by Tom Hill. Combustion (Todd McCarthy, Brett Pelling) was second with Caviart Aiden (Devon Tharps, Alagna) coming in third.

Tip Top Cat and Gingras did not have many anxious moments as they won the second Commonwealth Series division in 1:48.4 for trainer Ron Burke. Bamboozler (Tony Hall, Virgil Morgan Jr.) was second and Captain Planet (Todd McCarthy, Noel Daley) was third. The son of Always B Miki is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Canzone and Lawrence Karr. He was bred by Steve Stewart and John Carver.

Leiter (Captain Crunch-Major Dancer) prevailed by a head in the sole division of this event for male 2-year-old pacers. Guided by Trever Smith, the colt earned his first career victory from two starts for trainer Jeff Smith. Leiter is owned by Bet The House LLC and was bred by AM Bloodstock Inc. Sir John B (Andy McCarthy, Alagna) was second and Kissincaptain (Todd McCarthy, Alagna) was third.

Blue Lou is first of five Goldenrod Series winners

Blue Lou (Todd McCarthy, Pelling) kicked home in 1:50.2 in the first split of $15,000 third round legs of the Goldenrod Series. Always Barefoot (Atlee Bender, Erv Miller) captured the second division for 3-year-old male pacers.

Shock Trooper (Andy McCarthy, Alagna), Fear The Madness (Joey Putnam, Joe Putnam) and Blood Bond (Gingras, Burke) reigned supreme in the divisions for 2-year-olds.

Red Mile races on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday schedule with a 1 p.m. (EDT) post time. Free program pages are available at redmileracing.com in addition to race replays.

Lockhead Martin wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:46:50 GMT

Hunterton Raised & Sold, LOCKHEED MARTIN (Tactical Landing - Fuel Her Flame ) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Pryde Stables Inc, Peter D Alagna, Michele J Head, Steven Head, trainer Tony Alagna and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Shock Trooper wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:48:27 GMT

Hunterton Bred and Sold, SHOCK TROOPER ( Captaintreacherous - Miss Scarlett) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 2YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Marvin Katz, Bradley J Grant, Caviart Farms, Pryde Stables Inc and trainer Tony Alagna and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Leiter wins 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:32:31 GMT

Hunterton Raised and Sold, LEITER ( Captain Crunch - Major Dancer) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Bet The House Llc and trainer Jeff Smith and driver Trevor Smith.

Always Barefoot wins 3YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:41:22 GMT

Hunterton Sold, ALWAYS BAREFOOT ( Always B Miki - Barefoot Beauty) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 3YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Douglas S Overhiser and trainer Erv Miller and driver Atlee Bender.

Admiral Hill wins 3YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:26:04 GMT

Tip Top Cat wins 3YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:14:43 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised and Sold, TIP TOP CAT ( Always B Miki - Western Top Cat) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3YO Colts and Geldings at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc, Frank A Canzone, Lawrence R Karr and trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.

Hunterton born, raised and sold Tactical Approach saves ground, upsets in 98th Hambletonian

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 23:29:19 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — The future of trotting is in the very capable hands of Scott Zeron and Nancy Takter. Both reached significant milestones Saturday (Aug. 5) as Tactical Approach won the $1 million Hambletonian at The Meadowlands.

Zeron, at the still tender age of 34, posted his third driving victory in the trotting classic. Takter, 42, took a major step in carrying on the family’s storied tradition with her first Hambletonian training win.

For Zeron, the post position draw removed all the pressure when Tactical Approach got post 10, the least advantageous starting spot, in the trotting classic for 3-year-olds. The 12-1 price on the toteboard at post time was also a sign of diminished expectations among the bettors.

Zeron, harness racing’s newest “Money Man,” overcame all obstacles as Tactical Approach slipped through at the pylons to win by one length.

“This was the least amount of pressure I’ve ever had, just because of having a bad post,” Zeron said. “I’ve had a lot of faith in this horse all year, but I over-drove him most of his starts. To give him a nice steer, a patient one, he respected it, and he thanked me.”

Takter watched anxiously as her colt started at the tail of the field.

“Scott was great; everything just worked out,” Takter said. “I was just hoping he was going to have room down the stretch. I always kept the faith. I’ve always loved this colt since the first moment I saw him. He was very immature last year.

“The partners were very easy to work with, and we just gave him the time that he needed. He came back this year so strong and Scott did an excellent job driving him, and today was the perfect proof of that.”

Zeron is rapidly climbing the Hambletonian ladder. Hall of Famer John Campbell holds the driving record with six. Zeron’s previous Hambletonian winners were Marion Marauder, in 2016, and Atlanta, in 2018. He is rapidly building a reputation as a cool hand in harness racing’s richest races.

Takter is doing what comes naturally. Her Hall of Fame father, Jimmy Takter, won the Hambletonian four times. She is the third woman to train a Hambletonian winner, joining Linda Toscano (Market Share, 2012) and Paula Wellwood (Marion Marauder).

It came down to a critical tactical decision by Zeron before the opening quarter.

“I just saw everyone protecting the two-wide path in the middle of the first turn,” Zeron said. “I just knew I was going to be fifth-over, sixth-over. I just elected to go left. For a million dollars, everyone is going to give their horse a chance. I was trying to under-drive mine and get a good portion of it. Turning for home, as close as I was, it was the best-case scenario.”

In the shadow of the wire, Oh Well looked poised to claim the trophy, but in a flash, Tactical Approach skimmed the pylons and was on his way to a last-to-first victory.

“The rail just kept opening up,” Takter said. “It worked out great. I was confident coming down the stretch that if he had enough room he was going to get it done.”

It was the sixth win in 14 starts for the colt, who earned $500,000 for owners Robert LeBlanc, John Fielding and Joe Sbrocco & Jaf Racing.

Tactical Approach paid $26.80, $13.20 and $7.40. Oh Well finished second, returning $6.20 and $4.00. Up Your Deo paid $5.60 to show. The time for the mile was 1:50.3.

CLICK HERE FOR HAMBO DAY PHOTOS!

Forbidden Trade Returns

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:31:07 GMT

With Hambletonian weekend approaching, a horse and trainer that know a thing or two about capturing harness racing's holy grail were making headlines with a return to the racetrack.

After a short retirement and season of stallion duty, 2019 Horse of the Year Forbidden Trade (Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold) set foot back on the racetrack for the first time since last November with a qualifying mile on Friday (August 4) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Louis-Philippe Roy had the driving assignment behind Forbidden Trade in the morning's fifth qualifier. He settled the 2019 Hambletonian winner into the pocket behind TheLionking As (James MacDonald) through a :29.2 opening quarter, and then was shuffled back to third as Lite The Candles (Bob McClure) forged to the front. Still parked through a :58.2 half, Lite The Candles fronted the field past the third station in 1:28.3. Dowedealinandwhy (Sylvain Filion) started a first-over attack around the far turn, getting close to even terms with Lite The Candles turning for home.

At this point, Forbidden Trade was fourth and still sitting along the pylons. But Roy gave him his cue, tipped him into the three path and Forbidden Trade did the rest. The double millionaire closed assertively and trotted past his qualifying rivals to trip the timer in 1:57. Dowedealinandwhy was another two lengths back in second.

"He felt great," Roy told Trot Insider after the qualifying effort. "He was just waiting on me to show him a little bit of open road, and just came off the helmet like a bullet!"

Trained by Luc Blais for Determination of Montreal, Que., Forbidden Trade (Kadabra - Pure Ivory) sports a summary of 25-9-7 in 60 career starts with earnings of $2,364,825. Blais told Trot Insider after the qualifier that the seven-year-old stallion came back into training in May after the first year at stud "didn't work like [the connections] had hoped." Blais is still confident that the horse can be a commercial stallion, but also wanted to give him another chance as a racehorse. The process to bring him back to the track went as smoothly as one could hope.

"He was at Seelster Farm, and he looked very, very good...and it was easy to bring him back to the racetrack. I didn't miss a day and everything was good. He likes his job. It's easy with a horse like that."

Blais indicated that the plan is to return Forbidden Trade for another qualifier in one week's time and assess next steps after that. The O'Brien Award winning horseman is certainly aware that a qualifier in 1:57 is a far cry from what will be needed to compete with harness racing's top trotters. He's also aware that Forbidden Trade's schedule is a clean slate sans stakes engagements.

"After the second qualifier, we'll see. This year, because we thought he was just going to be a stallion, we didn't make him eligible for anything. We'll see, race by race. We'll supplement for a few races if we can and if shows he's come back like he's supposed to be.

"It depends on him. If he pushes us to make supplement payments, it's a good problem."

If that's the path for Team Forbidden Trade, Blais will be thrilled. But he added that there's no pressure to get the award-winning trotter back to the Grand Circuit.

"He's going to make his own schedule. He's deserved that. We'll follow him."

The full video stream from Friday's qualifying session is available below.

Over Board wins 3YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:59:19 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised and Sold, OVER BOARD ( Father Patrick - Northern Starlight) won the Kentucky Gold Rod Series 3YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Pinske Stables, Lizanne M Waples and trainer Carter Pinske and driver David Miller.

Bonn wins 2YO Kentucky Commonwealth Series

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 17:07:27 GMT

Hunterton Born, Raised and Sold, BONN ( Tactical Landing - Angelina Chip) won the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners David H Mc Duffee, Landl Devisser Llc and trainer Melanie Wrenn and driver Peter Wrenn.

Luke The Spook wins 2YO Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:08:16 GMT

Hunterton Born and Sold, LUKE THE SPOOK ( Greenshoe - Noblesse Blue Chip) won the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 2YO C&G at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Am Bloodstock Inc and trainer Marcus Melander and driver Mattias Melander.

Grace Hill takes Scioto Invitationals

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 14:44:50 GMT

Columbus, OH — The Eldorado Scioto Downs track keeps producing speed, with two more track records broken Saturday (July 29), including the one for older pacing mares in the $100,000 Cleopatra Invitational, which Hunterton Sold Grace Hill won by a nose in 1:48.4.

Kobe’s Gigi and Tyler Smith left from the rail with Grace Hill and Tony Hall just to her outside from post three. Stretching Grace Hill a bit going to the quarter, Kobe’s Gigi yielded to Grace Hill at the :26.2 opening quarter. Grace Hill then looked comfortable setting fractions of :54.2 to the half and 1:21.3 to the three-quarters. Smith pulled Kobe’s Gigi at the top of the stretch and came at Grace Hill throughout the final eighth but came up a nose short. Violets Rainbow (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) got up for third.

“When you’re the favorite like that, more often than not you land on the front, not that that’s where you always want to be,” said trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. “But I thought she raced great. Nothing’s easy, especially here.

“I still felt pretty good (at the top of the stretch), but the other horse, she’s a really nice mare and she was tracking her really good. But my mare, when she sees another horse, she digs in pretty good, so yeah, was it closer than I wanted it to be? Yeah, it was a little too close for comfort.”

Tom Hill owns Grace Hill, a 5-year-old mare by Always B Miki out of the Western Terror mare Western Silk. In each of her eight 2023 starts, she has been the betting favorite and has visited the winner’s circle six times to boast $295,087 in seasonal earnings. In the Cleopatra, she was set off as the 1-5 favorite and paid $2.60 to win.

The Hazelton wins Dream Of Glory Elims

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 16:16:40 GMT

The 2023 Dream Of Glory Trot was under way on Saturday (July 29) at Hanover Raceway with the largest margin of victory.

Honourable mention for speed goes to the winner of the first elimination, that being The Hazelton . That sophomore trotting colt was the only winner to race over a 'good' surface from rain earlier in the day, but that track condition was no concern for the Mark Etsell pupil. Bob McClure played catch-me-if-you-can with The Hazelton's rivals and that challenge wasn't met by anyone on this day. The Hazelton powered through panels of :29, :59.4 and 1:29 before sprinting home in :29.1 for the 1:58.1 tally over Resolve To Win (Scott Young) and Floyd The Freak (Ed Hensley).

Co-owned by Etsell along with Terry Devos of Langton, Graham Hopkins of Chesley and Peter Porter of Port Dover, Ont., The Hazelton (Muscle Mass - Too Good For You) has been a model of consistency this season with a 6-1-1 record from eight sophomore appearances. Lifetime, his record his 10-1-1 in 13 starts with $110,630 in earnings. As the 4-5 choice, he paid $3.70 to win.

Always B Naughty, took the $114,770 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 16:06:58 GMT

Nancy Takter completed a rare Adios Day double as her 3-year-old filly, Always B Naughty , took the $114,770 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo, the companion feature to the Adios.

Always B Naughty was in an unenviable spot, needing to make up 5-1/2 lengths on 7-5 favorite Strong Poison — and do it first-up, to boot. But the daughter of Always B Miki-Ooh Shesa Badlands did just that, prevailing in 1:50.

Although Strong Poision had a demanding journey from post nine, even winning driver Dexter Dunn wasn’t confident Always B Naughty could accomplish the task.

“I thought it would be hard to track down Strong Poison,” Dunn said. “I was hoping one of the two horses following her would come out. But she traveled pretty well, and I asked her to go in the last turn, and she was really good.”

Always B Naughty charged passed Strong Poison with little resistance, defeating Square Deal by 1-1/4 lengths. Odds On Hail Mary completed the ticket.

Takter also co-owns Always B Naughty, who lifted her lifetime bankroll to $189,244, with Let It Ride Stables, JL Benson Stables and RBH Ventures.

Asked if she viewed her Adios victory as the continuation of a family tradition, since her dad won the event twice (2013, 2009 with Vintage Master), she replied:

“No, not really. I try not to compare myself to my dad because I’ll probably lose every time if I try to do that. It’s a classic race, and it’s a special day for harness racing.”

She said both her Adios Day winners will head to Kentucky for sire stakes action.

Point of Perfect Wins 3YO Hambletonian Elims

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:54:55 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Just six years ago, Ron Burke nearly had his first Hambletonian victory before What The Hill suffered the only disqualification of a first-place finisher in the race’s history. He and Yannick Gingras, also still chasing a win in the American classic, exited Saturday night (July 29) at the Meadowlands primed and ripe for revenge after sweeping the pair of $100,000 Hambletonian eliminations.

The faster of the two eliminations went to Celebrity Bambino, who flambéed a crispy 1:50.4 jogburger to win in hand to Gingras.

Celebrity Bambino planted onto the point to a :27.4 first quarter with French Wine securing the pocket and Up Your Deo in third. Gingras had the 7-2 third choice rolling undisturbed to a :55.3 half while Winner’s Bet, attempting to overcome post 10, found himself stuck plugging uncovered on the rim with Tactical Approach in tow.

Foes gave chase to Celebrity Bambino that grew fleetingly futile to three-quarters in 1:23.3. Gingras chirped at the Muscle Hill colt and he spurted clear of competition in the lane. French Wine clung to second off the pocket ride, beaten 1-3/4 lengths, with Tactical Approach grabbing third from Winner’s Bet and Up Your Deo securing the last berth into the final.

“He was full of trot and I chirped to him in the middle of the last turn, and he went like a good horse,” Gingras said after the race. “All through the wire, he was trotting strong.”

The win by Celebrity Bambino put his bankroll at $411,295 after a promising freshman campaign rife with near misses and opportunities. He popped onto the scene with a win in the Peter Haughton Memorial elimination, but scratched in the final due to sickness and had a comeback tour that ended with a narrow defeat to Gaines Hanover in the 2022 Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot.

“We didn’t do as well as we had hoped at the end of the year, but he raced well in the fall. I expected a lot from this colt all along, and even this year – trip hasn’t really worked out; there was always an excuse. But every time he went through the wire he had the bit in his mouth. He’s nice.”

A seven-time winner from 18 starts, Celebrity Bambino competes for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Phil Collura. He paid $9.80 to win.

While Celebrity Bambino showed sparks as a 2-year-old, the Burke’s other elimination winner Point Of Perfect went 0-for-15 as a freshman. On the heels of two wins in six starts this season, Point Of Perfect captured the first Hambletonian elimination with a 16-1 upset in 1:51.2.

Gingras hustled Point Of Perfect off the wings as the cavalry charged through the first turn, where Kierkegaard K made an uncharacteristic break. Point Of Perfect planted himself on the helm to a :27.1 first quarter but yielded control to Little Expensive up the backstretch, though only for a short time. Gingras circled Point Of Perfect back to the top before a :54.4 half and attempted to rate through the final turn.

As the tempo slowed, 3-5 favorite Oh Well pulled first over under confident handling and strode to the leader’s neck marching to three-quarters in 1:23. Oh Well continued his attack into the lane, but Point Of Perfect reengaged, sliding to a slightly wider lead at the eighth pole. As the backfield came swooping late, Point Of Perfect stayed game to the finish to claim a half-length victory in 1:51.2. Oh Well settled for second, Osceola weaved through traffic to fly in for third with Ghostly Casper rallying for fourth and Southwind Coors grinding to grab fifth – the top five separated only by 1-1/4 lengths.

“He’s a pretty aggressive horse and we had some stuff in his mouth to try to get him to calm down a bit, and he wasn’t really liking it,” Gingras said of the colt’s tendency to gallop. “Every time you’d grab a hold of him, he’d shake his head and make breaks. The breaks he made, it was always when he was on the move to do work. [Ronnie] changed a few things around and he’s got him on point now. He’s perfect to drive, lets me do my job and he obviously did his tonight.”

Point Of Perfect has now won three races from 22 starts and has earned $217,146 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, J&T Silva Stables and Knox Services. The colt by Walner paid $34.60 to win.

Gingras, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, will try for his first Hambletonian victory next Saturday (Aug. 5).

“Last time I won both eliminations, I picked the wrong one,” Gingras said with a smirk after winning the second elimination. Gingras famously had a difficult choice following the first heat of the 2015 Hambletonian where he chose to drive Burke trainee Mission Brief, who finished second to the horse Gingras opted off of in winner Pinkman for trainer Jimmy Takter.

Point Of Perfect and Celebrity Bambino, by winning their eliminations, earn the right to draw between post one and post five for the $1-million final next Saturday.

Regarding his driving choice in the final, Gingras also said “I don’t need to wait for Tuesday. It’s going to be [Celebrity] Bambino.”

HAMBO, OAKS DRAW TUESDAY: The press conference and post-position draw for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks will take place Tuesday (Aug. 1) at Hogan Equine, 329 Trenton Lakewood Road, Cream Ridge, NJ.

All are welcome to attend.

The press conference will begin at 2 p.m. with Meadowlands track announcer Ken Warkentin serving as host. The post draws for both the $1 million Hambo and $500,000 Oaks will take place at 3 p.m. with Big M TV’s Jessica Otten interviewing some of the pertinent players.

For those who can’t attend but want to watch all of the festivities, they can do so by going to the Meadowlands’ Facebook page or The Big M’s YouTube channel.

Walner Payton crushes favorites in Oaks elims

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 14:41:25 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Hunterton Bred, Raised and Sold Walner Payton and driver Dexter Dunn made a strong move to take the lead and never relinquished control to win the first $40,000 Hambletonian Oaks elimination in 1:51.4 on Saturday night (July 29) at the Meadowlands, and a shocking 36-1 upset performance by Heart On Fire, handled by Todd McCarthy, was the highlight of the second Oaks elimination.

Walner Payton, a Walner filly, sat third to the first quarter while Railee Something cut that section in :27.4 with Mambacita gliding along in the catbird seat. Dunn took Walner Payton to the outside and carefully rolled by Railee Something through a :55.3 half. Walner Payton did not need much urging coming to three-quarters in 1:24.2, and she remained resolute at the pylons into the stretch as Railee Something tried to rally past but mustered only second while beaten a half length. Heaven Hanover closed for third with Instagram Model and Mambacita rounding the finalists in the 1:51.4 mile.

Chris Ryder trains Walner Payton, whose lifetime bankroll increased to $808,652 as she notched her sixth win from 20 starts, for owner Kenneth Jacobs.

“She hadn’t really been that good on the front,” said Dunn, “but [Chris Ryder] put a hood on her tonight, and she was a lot sharper. Once we got [to the front], she felt great with her ears pricked fully forward.” He called her a classy filly that “turns up week after week and never chucks in a bad performance.”

Walner Payton paid $11.60 to win.

Bargain scores in $106,300 NYSS at Batavia

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:54:46 GMT

Batavia, NY — A select group of six 2-year-old New York Sire Stake colt and gelding trotters were on hand at Batavia Downs on opening day Monday (July 26) in a single division vying for a $106,300 purse and when the dust had settled, Bargain (Chapter Seven-Batoutahill) came away with the biggest check.

Titan Your Chip (Mark Macdonald) got the jump off the gate to grab the early lead. However, Hunterton bred, raised and sold , Bargain (James McDonald) also left and was motoring up the rim to the quarter and overtook the front just past that station. With horses in single file, Bargain trotted to the half in 1:00 when Chaplind (Trond Smedshammer) made a first-over move from third and was on the attack.

Chaplind drew close to Bargain at three-quarters and was almost even at the top of the stretch and that’s where his bid failed. But the passing lane opened for the pocket-sitting Titan Your Chip and he came barreling down the lane towards the leader. Titan Your Chip was gaining ground all the way to the line, but Bargain stayed in control under minimal urging and trotted to victory in 1:59.3.

It was the third win in four lifetime starts for Bargain ($2.80) who is owned by Christina Takter, Anderberg, Nancy Takter, Jaf Racing, Joe Sbrocco and R A W Equine. Nancy Takter trains the winner who was bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew.

There were also three $20,000 Excelsior series races on the card and all three were won in gate to wire fashion.

Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) scored a 7-3/4 length victory in 1:58.2 to claim his first lifetime win for driver Frank Affrunti. Woweress ($7.20) is trained by Geroge Ducharme for owner/breeder Purple Haze Stable.

Then Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) simply jogged by an 18-length margin to match his lifetime mark in his fourth win of the year for driver/trainer/owner John Stark Jr. Tobern ($2.40), who remains unbeaten lifetime, was bred by Bernard White and Kristie Leigh Farm.

Finally, Voss Blue Chip (E L Titan-Angelita Hanover) led every step of the way en route to a three-quarter length win in 2:02, which was his initial career victory. Jim Morrill Jr. drove Voss Blue Chip ($4.60) for trainer Jared Bako, who co-owns the gelding with Lady I Racing and Blue Chip Bloodstock, who also bred the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 29) at 6 p.m.

Peace Talks wins NYSS 2 YO Filly Pace

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:48:03 GMT

Yonkers, NY — The New York Sire Stakes circuit was back at MGM Yonkers Raceway on Tuesday night (July 25) with three divisions for 2-year-old pacing fillies featured on the 10-race program.

In the $50,400 first split, Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold Peace Talks (Bartlett) pulled out of the pocket to take charge heading to the :28.3 opening quarter and after putting up well-rated middle-half panels of :58.3 and 1:27.3, she pulled away in a :28.2 final quarter to win by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56. I’m A Believer (Stratton) was the runner-up and Hunting Hula (Pat Lachance) came in third.

A daughter of American Ideal -Triple V Hanover, Peace Talks is trained by Chris Ryder for owners Henderson Farms, Jeffrey Bell, Fac Racing and Robert Mondillo. Bred by Donald Robinson, Michael Robinson, Steve Stewart and James Daut, Peace Talks, who sold for $87,000 at last year’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, broke her maiden in her third chance, has now earned $34,674 and paid $7.50 to win as the 5-2 second choice. The exacta kicked back $28.00 and the trifecta was worth $72.50.

‘Ferrari’ fastest in Big M’s Tompkins-Geers

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 15:45:36 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — It was 14 days ago when Ari Ferrari J took the $350,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial to mark himself as a player in his division, and Saturday night (July 22) at The Meadowlands, the Tony Alagna trainee won again, taking one of two divisions of the Tompkins-Geers for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, with his split going for a purse of $44,250.

While it’s true the son of Walner -Dream Child is Hambletonian ineligible, Alagna is still looking ahead to the rest of the year in a big way.

“Tonight was a start to get him ready for the Kentucky Sire Stakes,” said Alagna. “We’re looking forward to seeing how he matches up against the best in Kentucky and are hoping for a big season.”

Ari Ferrari J clicked in wire-to-wire fashion as the 1-9 favorite by 1-1/4 lengths over Saint Louie, and after establishing his lifetime-best of 1:51 in the Zweig, he went out and equaled it in the T-G. He’s now won four of 10 starts this year and banked $272,611.

“He’s always been a nice horse,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn. “He did a lot of learning last year and has come back well. He felt great tonight and was really strong to the finish. I didn’t have to get after him at all.”

Hambo hopeful Point Of Perfect ( Walner -Southwind Fiat) took the other split for males, this one for a pot of $43,750, hitting the wire in 1:52.2 for driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Ron Burke to score for the second time in his last three starts. Pretty good, when you consider the 7-2 third choice began his career winless in 18 tries. Khaosan Road finished 1-1/2 lengths back in second.

“He’s a talented horse that finally has started to figure it out,” said Burke.

Railee Something looks like a Hambo Oaks player after making it five wins from seven seasonal tries after taking the first of two $41,650 divisions of the T-G for 3-year-old trotting fillies for Gingras and Burke, prevailing over a stubborn Angelpedia by a neck in 1:52 as the 1-5 public choice. Each of the two defeats that the daughter of International Moni -Railee Priti has endured were at the hands of the Ake Svanstedt standout Bond.

Blonde Bombshell, another with Oaks aspirations, took the lead at the half and held off a late charge from 1-2 favorite Walner Payton to take the other female split by a neck in 1:53.2 for David Miller and Nifty Norman. The daughter of Walner -Hey Blondie, sent to the gate as the 8-5 second choice, ended a seven-race losing streak.

“She finally got her stakes win,” said Miller. “I was happy with the way she raced. She dug in really hard.”

A Little More: A carryover of $6,275 led to $44,082 in “new money” being bet into the 20-cent Pick-6 pool for a grand total of $50,357. Those with winning tickets collected $151.78 after a sequence that included a 1-9 and a 1-5 shot.

There were no winning tickets sold in the Early 10-cent High-5, creating a carryover of $14,932 for Friday night.

Jessica Otten took Night 16 of the track’s “Battle of The Meadowlands Masterminds” handicapping contest. Otten hit for $750 after Billy Clyde ($8.40) scored in the ninth race to give her a total of $962.50 for the night. In addition, Otten selected eight winners on top and gave her followers a $400 hit in the Early Pick-4.

All-source handle on the 14-race card totaled $3,258,696.

It’s My Show sets 1:47.4 world record in Adios eliminations

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 15:59:06 GMT

Washington, PA — It’s My Show put on a show once more, blazing to a world record 1:47.4 Saturday (July 22) in an elimination of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Cannibal captured the other elimination.

Those two will be joined in next Saturday’s $350,000 final by the rest of the top four finishers in each elim as well as the fifth-place finisher with higher career earnings.

Thus, in addition to It’s My Show and Cannibal, the Adios final field will include Redwood Hanover, Seven Colors, Fulton, Ken Hanover, Ervin Hanover, Flite Craft and Bamboozler (who was the qualifying fifth-place finisher). Linda Toscano will be the only trainer with two finalists, sending out It’s My Show and Fulton.

The draw for Adios final post positions will take place Wednesday, with the connections of It’s My Show and Cannibal choosing their post positions after a random draw to determine their selection order. All other post positions will be determined by random draw. The July 29 Adios Day card shapes up as a blockbuster, featuring five Grand Circuit stakes in addition to the Adios. First post that day is 11:45 a.m.

Ervin Hanover cut the fractions in his elimination, throwing down a swift 1:20.1 three-quarters while It’s My Show followed patiently in third. But when Scott Zeron tipped him off the cones, the Sweet Lou-Put On A Show gelding left Ervin Hanover in his wake and defeated the closing Ken Hanover by a length while Ervin Hanover saved show.

The mile is the fastest ever by a 3-year-old gelding on a five-eighths-mile track, knocking a tick from the record shared by Wiggle It Jiggleit and Lucan Hanover.

The Pepsi Norh America Cup winner is now undefeated in seven outings this year with career earnings of $536,215 after a winless freshman season. But he hadn’t raced since the June 17 North America Cup, skipping the Meadowlands Pace by design, and Toscano, who conditions the homebred for Richard Young and Joanne Young, wondered if he’d be as tight as he needed to be.

“This was a really nerve-wracking race for me because it’s chancy when you give one five weeks off,” she said. “It was what I wanted to do, I wanted to freshen him up, I want to try to keep him fresh for the whole season. Yet at the same time, you want him to be tight, happy, sound. The race was important because it’s the Adios.

“I’m really happy that he didn’t power move back to the lead because that would have created a really tough race for him today.”

Cannibal suffered his only defeat of the year in the Meadowlands Pace final, when he struggled to make up ground from the back of the pack. Though he hadn’t been better than third at the quarter in any start this year, Yannick Gingras was determined to give him his chance this week, battling hard for the lead before yielding to Seven Colors. Winning trainer Nancy Takter said getting to the point early wasn’t necessarily a key goal.

“This was a different race from last week,” she said. “The flow just didn’t develop in the Meadowlands Pace the way I would have liked. But he raced super; he just wasn’t in a good spot. He can race on the pace, he can race off the pace. It’s the first time he’s ever been here, and he got around the track good. So I think we’ll keep things the same for next week.”

Cannibal kicked clear in the lane and defeated Redwood Hanover by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:48.2, with Seven Colors third.

Diamond Creek Racing owns the homered son of Sweet Lou-No More Losses, who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $194,978.

Takter said Cannibal is ticketed for Kentucky Sires Stakes as well as most of the rich late-season events.

Point of Perfect wins the Tompkins-Geers

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 15:43:12 GMT

Hambo hopeful, Hunterton Born and Sold , Point Of Perfect (Walner-Southwind Fiat) took the Tompkins-Geers for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters at the Meadowlands, this one for a pot of $43,750, hitting the wire in 1:52.2 for driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Ron Burke to score for the second time in his last three starts.

“He’s a talented horse that finally has started to figure it out,” said Burke.

Tua Many Captains wins the ALBATROSS PASS

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 14:43:01 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised and Sold, TUA MANY CAPTAINS ( Captaintreacherous - Time On My Hands) won the Albatross PASS 2YO C&G at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Congratulations to owner Our Three Sons Stable Llc and trainer Julie Miller and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Pariso wins The Jay Kaltenbach Trot Final

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:51:52 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold, Pariso ( Creatine - Wingbat) won the Jay Kaltenbach Trot - Final Fillies eligible to the Buckeye Stallion Series that did not race in the 3rd leg of the OSS at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Bruce A Soulsby, Alan F Weisenberg, owner and trainer Dalton L Walls and driver Dan Noble.

Allegiant wins NJSS at the Meadowlands

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:31:14 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold

Allegiant got into the win column Friday night (July 21) at The Meadowlands by winning their respective $30,000 division of the second leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for two-year-olds on the trot.

Last week, Allegiant (Tactical Landing-Too Good For You) finished second as the 3-5 public choice, but her fans came back for another try, this time at odds of 2-5, and the Vernon Beachy trainee delivered by three-quarters of a length after going a pocket trip in 1:54.2 in the second of three divisions for fillies.

“She’s an excellent horse,” said winning driver Dave Miller. “She tries very hard and has good manners and good speed. Behind the gate, I saw Dexter [Dunn, driving eventual second-place finisher Special Talent] was right on the gate and I was thinking it would be good to get a trip right behind him.”

Now a winner of three of four career starts, Allegiant (pictured above) returned $2.80 to win.

Mars Hill wins New Jersey Sire Stakes 2YO C&G

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:27:59 GMT

Hunterton Sold, Mars HILL ( Muscle Hill - Cardinale) won the New Jersey Sire Stakes 2YO C&G at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owner Willow Oak Ranch and trainer Tony Alagna and driver Todd McCarthy.

Coppereagle wins ONSS-RS at Woodbine

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 18:26:39 GMT

Before severe rains forced Woodbine Mohawk Park to abandon the remainder of its card on Saturday night (July 15), a pair of $23,800 divisions of Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Grassroots went to gate for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

In the first division, Coppereagle rallied from off the speed to deliver as the odds-on favourite in 1:59.2.

Driver James MacDonald landed Coppereagle in sixth while Northernchancellor charged from post 10 to the point to a :29 first quarter. Slayin Theday Away, leaving from post nine, then assumed control before a 1:00 half while Come On Stanley readied a first-over push to the final turn. Come On Stanley then grabbed control by three-quarters in 1:30 while MacDonald had Coppereagle perched third over heading into the stretch drive. Coppereagle came calling after Come On Stanley through the lane and collared the late leader by a nose at the beam with Tymal Loverboy third and Northernchancellor fourth.

Stephen Bossence trains Coppereagle, a colt by Muscle Mass, for owner No One Knows Us Stable. The colt paid $3.90 to win on his debut.

Mars Hill wins New Jersey Sire Stakes 2YO C&G

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:15:36 GMT

Pariso wins Buckeye Stallion Series 3YO Fillies Trot

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:06:01 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold, Pariso ( Creatine - Wingbat) won the Buckeye Stallion Series 3Y) Fillies Trot at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Bruce A Soulsby, Alan F Weisenberg, owner and trainer Dalton L Walls and driver Kayne Kauffman.

Bidenurtime wins The Dick Richardson Trot Final

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:03:18 GMT

BIDENURTIME wins the Dick Richardson Trot Final Horses and Geldings with trainer Hugh Beatty at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Roger A Wallace and Larry L Riffe.

Over Board wins The Stallion Series 3 Year Old Fillies

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:40:54 GMT

Hunterton bred, raised and sold , Over Board , a Father Patrick - Northern Starlight filly, won The Stallion Series 3 Year Old Fillies at Harrah's Philadelphia, Congratulations to owners Pinske Stables, Lizanne M Waples, trainer Carter Pinske and driver David Miller.

Ari Ferrari J Wins Zweig Memorial

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 15:34:48 GMT

Ari Ferrari J captured the $350,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot for three-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 8) at Vernon Downs.

Cecil Hanover took the early lead, but Ari Ferrari J stepped up and got to the quarter first in :26.4. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half on :56.1. The colt started to open up and was first to three-quarters in 1:24.1. As they made the turn for home, Chapercraz made his move first-up and started to get closer, but Ari Ferrari J had plenty in the tank and won in a lifetime best of 1:51. Chapercraz had to settle for second. Cecil Hanover hung on for third.

Ari Ferrari J is a three-year-old by Walner. He is owned by Ken Jacobs and trained by Tony Alagna. The win was his third this season and his fourth victory in his career. Dexter Dunn drove the colt, who paid $5.10 to win.

Sadie Hanover held on to win by a nose in the $142,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fillies Trot for sophomore fillies.

Sadie Hanover took the early lead but Walner Payton got by just before hitting the quarter first :27. She served up a :29.3 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.3. Royal Filly was first to make a move going first-up around the final turn, but Walner Payton maintained the lead to three-quarters in 1:25.2. As they reached the stretch, Royal Filly got closer to Walner Payton as Sadie Hanover slipped through on the inside and Gigi Hanover made it four across the track. Sadie Hanover got to the front and held off the late surge from second-place finisher Gigi Hanover to win in 1:53.1. Walner Payton held on to take third.

Sadie Hanover is a three-year-old daughter of Chapter Seven. She is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Bays Stable, Blue Ridge Stable, Carmen Iannacone and Gary Coco. She won for the sixth time this season and owns seven victories in her career. Scott Zeron steered the filly, who returned $3 to win.

The “Miracle Mile” also hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Turn On The Charm took the $60,300 first division. Rock My Socks held the early lead but Turn On The Charm led to the quarter in :27.1 and :56.1 to the midway mark. Vivians Dream went first-over and put on the pressure as they went around the final turn, with Turn On The Charm still on top through a 1:24.3 third station. Vivians Dream and Turn On The Charm continued to battle down the stretch. Turn On The Charm found another gear and won going away in 1:52.1. Rock My Socks came up to finish second as Vivians Dream had to settle for third.

Turn On The Charm is a three-year-old filly by Huntsville. She is trained by Bruce Clarke for owners Megan Beauchamp and John Coffey. The win was her fifth this season and her eighth victory of her career. Marcus Miller drove the $4.40 winner.

Twin B Joe Fresh conquered her rivals the $61,400 second division. Ideal Alexa was first to the quarter in :26.2 before True Blue Hanover then took over and hit the half in :55.2. Twin B Joe Fresh made her move going around the final turn and had a slight lead to three-quarters in 1:24.2. The two fillies continued to battle as they reached the stretch. Twin B Joe Fresh was just too much and won easily in 1:50.3. True Blue Hanover had to settle for second money. Silky Stride finished third.

Twin B Joe Fresh is a three-year-old filly by Roll With Joe. She is owned by driver Dexter Dunn along with trainer Chris Ryder, Peter Trebotica, and Barry Spak. The win was her second this season and her 10th career victory. She paid $2.10 to win.

Dunn drove four winners on the card. His other wins were with Major Leaguer and Freshstarflight.

Vernon Downs will not be racing on Thursday, July 13, but will host live harness racing on Friday, July 14 starting at 4 p.m. (EDT).

Asweetbeachhere wins PASS Div

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:02:32 GMT

Saturday’s $166,058 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for freshman filly pacers at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, Hunterton raised and sold , Asweetbeachhere (Sweet Lou-Some Fancy Filly) converted a pocket trip to victory in 1:53.1 to win the event known as the Sand Tart for trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overhiser.

Bargain wins Kindergaten Series at the Meadowlands

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:53:14 GMT

Hunterton bred, raised and sold , Bargain , a Chapter Seven - Batoutahill colt, won the Kindergarten Series 2 year old colts & geldings div at the Meadowlands in 1:56.4, Congratulations to owners Christinatakterandanderberg, Nancy Takter and Jaf Racing, Joe Sbrocco, R A W Equine Inc, trainer Nancy Takter and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Classic Landing wins at the Meadowlands

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:46:24 GMT

Hunterton raised and sold, Classic Landing , a Tactical Landing - Classical Annie colt, won the Kindergarten Series 2 year old colts & geldings div at the Meadowlands in 1:54.4, Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Knox Services Inc, Lawrence R Karr, Jandt Silva, trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.

Kopi Luwak wins at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:24:21 GMT

Hunterton bred, raised and sold , KOPI LUWAK , a Stay Hungry - Auniqueaquistion colt, won the Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Consolation 3 YO C&G at the Oak Grove Racing & Gaming in 1:50.3, Congratulations to owner Bradley J Grant, trainer Tony Alagna and driver David Miller.

Its My Show Continues To Lead Top 10 Poll

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:13:54 GMT

MGM Yonkers Trot winner Up Your Deo jumped up into the Top 10 in the Week 4 edition of the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll that was released on Tuesday, July 4 and led by last month's North America Cup champion Its My Show .

Up Your Deo landed at No. 9 and is among three Ake Svanstedt-trained horses in the upper echelon of the rankings, with Six Pack Mares Trot winner Jiggy Jog S second and idle Special Way fourth.

Its My Show, who also was idle, remained No. 1 and idle Sylvia Hanover dropped to third in a swap of positions with Jiggy Jog S. Ruthless Hanover, who won the Dave Brower Memorial with a track record-equalling performance at The Meadowlands, moved up to fifth from ninth a week ago.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Grace Hill, Confederate, Lochinvar Art A and Covered Bridge.

The Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll does not determine U.S. Horse of the Year. The members of the U.S. Harness Writers Association vote on all Dan Patch Award division winners plus Trotter of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Horse of the Year.

Rankings based on the votes of harness racing media representatives on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll: Week 4 – July 4, 2023

Tip Top Cat wins Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Final

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:11:26 GMT

Hunterton bred, raised and sold , Tip Top Cat , an Always B Miki - Western Top Cat colt, won the Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Final 3 YO C&G at the Oak Grove Racing & Gaming in 1:49.3, Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc, Frank A Canzone, Lawrence R Karr, trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.

Allegiant wins again!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:35:41 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold

Allegiant visited the winner's circle for the Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Final on Tuesday (July 4) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

Allegiant ($4.72) broke another track record, building on her 1:58.1 preliminary win on June 25 with a scintillating 1:53.2 score over Miss Dior and Somthintobelievein in the two-year-old filly trot. David Miller moved the Tactical Landing-Too Good For You filly out from third up the backstretch and the pair overpowered Miss Dior before widening their advantage to 11-1/2 lengths for trainer Vernon Beachy and owner Ryan Smith.

Tua Many Captains wins at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:27:36 GMT

Competeing for the 2 year old colts & geldings Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Final division, Arson (Anthony MacDonald), the two-time preliminary winner, controlled splits of :27.2, :58.1 and 1:26 in the two-year-old colt and gelding pace, but was overhauled by pocket rival Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold, Tua Many Captains (Andy Miller) at the top of the stretch. The Captaintreacherous-Time On My Hands gelding vaulted out of the pocket and put 3-1/2 lengths on Arson to win in 1:53.3. Even-money favourite Snap Count (David Miller) was third. Julie Miller trains Tua Many Captains for Our Three Sons Stable. The $130,000 Lexington purchase has now earned $59,250 in three starts. He returned $10.42 to win.

Pariso wins The Jay Kaltenbach Trot

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 23:26:25 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold, Pariso ( Creatine - Wingbat) won the Jay Kaltenbach Trot - 1st Leg Fillies eligible to the Buckeye Stallion Series that did not race in the 3rd leg of the OSS at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Bruce A Soulsby, Alan F Weisenberg, owner and trainer Dalton L Walls and driver Dan Noble.

Strong Poison Sets Hoosier Record In Nadia Lobell

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:18:24 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold Strong Poison kicked off her sophomore season with a bang at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the featured event of the evening, the $115,000 Nadia Lobell Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies, on Friday, June 30.

With Ronnie Wrenn Jr. in the bike for trainer Ron Burke, Strong Poison converted a second-over trip into a 1:48 victory and established a new track record for sophomore pacing fillies, a stakes record and a new lifetime-best in the process. The previous track and stakes record of 1:48.2 was established by Reflect With Me and Andrew McCarthy in 2020.

Leaving from post three, Strong Poison was eased off the gate to find a spot along the rail in fifth while Sweet Amira and Peter Wrenn were the first to get a call through the opening quarter in :26. Southwind Bella and Brandon Bates benefitted from a pocket-trip while the heavy betting favourite, McSeaside and Trace Tetrick, were next in line third.

The hot pace continued as Sweet Amira clicked off middle fractions of :53.2 and 1:21.1, and when the field turned for home, McSeaside was on the attack from first-over with Strong Poison in tow. Sweet Amira was bracing for the cavalry charge behind her but wasn’t going down without a fight. Just as Sweet Amira began to give way, Strong Poison was winding up and ready to strike.

Using a :26.3 closing kick, Strong Poison was able to wear down McSeaside and hold off a late surge from the pocket-sitting Southwind Bella to get the victory. McSeaside finished third.

Sent off at odds of 5-1, Strong Poison returned $12 to her backers at the betting window.

“Ronnie [Burke] has done a great job getting her ready,” Wrenn Jr. noted after the victory. “I wasn’t sure with it being her first start how strong she would be but it was good to land second-over and she raced phenomenal.

“I had a game plan coming into the race: I knew I just wanted to move her late,” he continued. “It worked out with some hot fractions up front. I had to move her a littler earlier than I would have liked but she was running over the horses in front of us and was ready to go. She’s a super talented filly who knows her work.”

Strong Poison notched the first win in her first start of 2023 after a two-year-old campaign in which she won five of 14 starts and banked $429,226. The daughter of Always B Miki-Fiyonce is owned by Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Beasty. Strong Poison was bred by Steve Stewart and Charles and Julie Nash.

Live harness racing continues at Hoosier Park on Saturday, July 1 with a 12-race card starting at 7 p.m.

(With files from Hoosier Park)

Talent Scout wins at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:54:00 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold Talent Scout ( Swan For All - Prettysydney Ridge) won the Early Kentucky Sire Stakes (Leg 1) 3YO C&G at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Julie E Rideout, Alan L White and Dave Gamble, trainer Doug Rideout and driver Tim Tetrick.

Always B Naughty wins PASS 3YR Filly

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 20:40:01 GMT

HUNTERTON BORN, RAISED & SOLD Always B Naughty (Always B Miki - Ooh Shesa Badlands) won the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 3 Year Old Fillies 1st division of 2 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania with a 1:49.4 mile with driver Yannick Gingras for trainer Nancy Takter. Congratulations to owner J L Benson Stables Inc and R B H Ventures Inc.

Allegiant wins Kentucky Sire Stakes

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:03:37 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised & Sold

Allegiant visited the winner's circle for the Kentucky Sire Stakes for freshmen on Sunday (June 25) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

Trainer-driver Vernon Beachy decimated with his Tactical Landing filly Allegiant in the $25,000 division for trotting fillies. Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, Allegiant slid to the lead and strolled through a clip of :30.2, 1:01.2 and 1:30.1 before saying goodbye to her competition. Allegiant hit the finish 6-1/4 lengths better than pocket-sitter Savannah Sound (Ernie Hendry) while stopping the clock in 1:58.1. Miss Dior (Verlin Yoder) levelled off from a first-over grind to finish third and ABC Letmebe (Joey Putnam) finished fourth.

Ryan Smith owns Allegiant, now unbeaten from one start. She paid $3.74 to win.

Keg Stand Wins Graduate Series

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 14:56:27 GMT

Hunterton Farm sold Keg Stand

Keg Stand wins the Graduate Series 4 Year Old Open in 1:50.4, with trainer Nancy Takter at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owner Thomas Hill.

Bargain Wins NYSS At Yonkers

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:44:33 GMT

Hunterton Bred, Raised and Sold.

For the first time in 2023, the New York Sire Stakes circuit paid a visit to MGM Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (June 22) with a couple of $77,300 divisions for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters on the 12-race program.

In the first grouping, Bargain , driven by Yannick Gingras, blasted right to the front from post seven. He put up fractions of :29.3, 1:00.3 and 1:30.2, and when pocket-sitter Wild Ticket (Brian Sears) broke and Mister Mellby (Ake Svanstedt) was unable to threaten from first-over, Bargain drew off to an 8-1/2 length victory in 1:59.1. Mister Mellby wound up second and Wild Ticket got back on-stride to finish third.

Nancy Takter trains Bargain, a Chapter Seven colt bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew, for owners Christinatakter&Anderberg, Nancy Takter & Jaf Racing, Joe Sbrocco and R A W Equine Inc. Making his debut off a fifth-place finish in a baby race at the Meadowlands on June 3, Bargain paid $51.50 to win as a 24-1 offering and led a $234.50 exacta and a $908 trifecta.

Chaplind, with trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer at the controls, minded his manners while the rest of the field didn't and had a loose lead through stations of :30.2, 1:00.2 and 1:30 before coming home in :29.3 to win the other section by a length and three-quarters in 1:59.3. Keep Asking (Gingras) and Thinker Monkey (Sears) overcame their early miscues to grab second and third, respectively.

Purple Haze Stables LLC owns Chaplind, another colt by Chapter Seven, and he was bred by Eli Miller and Peter Barbato. Chaplind, who was second at New Jersey's Magical Acres in his lone qualifier on the 14th of June, returned $14.60 to win after being sent off at 6-1 and was atop a $72 exacta and a $164 trifecta.

There were a pair of $20,000 New York Excelsior "A" Series splits as well. Crazy Wow gelding Tobern, steered by owner/trainer John Stark Jr., won the test on the pari-mutuel program on the engine in 2:00.2, and Whiskey Double, a gelding by Chapter Seven, captured the flight held as a non-betting event on the front-end in 2:04 for driver Jason Bartlett, co-owner/trainer David Dewhurst and co-owner Philip Hale. Tobern was bred by Bernard White and Kristie Leigh Farm Inc., and Fred Hertrich III bred Whiskey Double.

Stakes action continues Friday night (June 23) at Yonkers with two $40,000 MGM Yonkers Trot eliminations in races six and seven and a pair of $20,000 Park MGM Pace eliminations in races one and two. The top four finishers from each of those dashes will advance to their respective finals on June 30. As a reminder, no eliminations were required for the MGM Grand Messenger Stakes or the New York New York Mile.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday live racing schedule with post time at 7 p.m. (EDT)

SHOWTIME! It’s My Show held off Confederate to win an epic Pepsi North America Cup

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:55:02 GMT

Hunterton Born and Raised

Pepsi North America Cup Night at Woodbine Mohawk Park provided a plethora of highlights, led by It’s My Show ’s victory in the 40th edition of Canada’s richest 3-year-old pacing event.

If we learned anything from the 40th edition of the Pepsi North America Cup it is to never underestimate the following: A Hall of Fame trainer with a rock-solid belief in her horse; a driver with golden hands, particularly when the pile of gold is highest; pedigree, pedigree, pedigree and the sometimes magical powers of the big snip.

Thanks to a crafty steer from Scott Zeron on Saturday (June 17) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Richard and Joanne Young’s homebred It’s My Show — out of their $2.4-million winning mare Put On A Show — held off a prodigious late charge from Confederate to win the $1 million race for 3-year-old pacers by a head in a career-best 1:47.4.

The victory left It’s My Show, a gelded son of Sweet Lou, perfect in six starts in 2023 a year after the then fully-intact colt was winless in eight.

ForwinningtrainerLindaToscano,herfirstNACupvictorycame from never giving up on extracting the talent she knew It’s My Show possessed in spades, even if that extraction meant taking the pacer’s testicles.

“He’sanamazinghorse,”ToscanotoldtheWoodbinebroadcasting crew. “He disappointed me so much last year and at the end of the year I said, ‘Let’s castrate him. I can’t be this wrong about this horse.’ And he’s come back, and he’s been nothing less than perfect. When you can win these kinds of races, this is what you do it for.”

Toscano is the sixth woman in the last nine years to train a Pepsi North America Cup winner to go along with Joann Looney-King in 2015 (Wakizashi Hanover), Casie Coleman in 2016 (Linedrive Hanover), Nancy Takter in both 2019 and 2020 (Captain Crunch and Tall Dark Stranger, respectively) and Kathy Cecchin in 2021 (Desperate Man).

For Richard, who like Zeron is a native Canadian, it was one of his greatest triumphs in his home and native land. It also ended a four-year major stakes drought. The long-time Floridian’s last taste of the harness racing high life came in 2019 when It’s My Show’s half-brother Best In Show (sired by Bettors Delight and also trained by Toscano) won the Meadowlands Pace after finishing sixth in the NA Cup.

“It means a lot,” Richard said. “I’ve been in the business for 30 some-odd years. His brother won the Meadowlands Pace four years ago and he was in the North America Cup and finished sixth. I haven’t had a horse between them, so coming back and winning this one is almost like back-to-back. So, it feels really cool.”

For Zeron, it was his second Pepsi North America Cup triumph to go with the one he earned in 2019 with Captain Crunch.

“This is my favorite race,” Zeron said. “It always has been.”

It’s My Show, one of four NA Cup eliminations winners in one of the deepest finals in recent memory, started from post 2. Off the gate, it was Save America, with Yannick Gingras in the bike, who crossed over from post 9 to take an early lead as Zeron settled It’s My Show into second spot, followed by Cup elimination winners Christchurch and Fulton.

After marching the field through a brisk opening panel in :25.4, Save America was overtaken by It’s My Show who reached the half in :54.

“Well, the thing is my horse can leave faster than anything I’ve ever driven, and then at the same time I can calm him down if I ask him to,” Zeron said. “I was confident that I could start him up as hard as I did and was able to seat a bunch of horses. I knew Yannick would be leaving from a better angle from out there and honestly, to get away second was best case scenario for me. So, to be able to remove and control from there was great for me.”

Ahead by a 1 1⁄4 lengths through three-quarters in 1:20.4, It’s My Show looked to power away from the pack as a host of hopefuls soon set their sights on the pacesetter. Zeron called upon the gelding for his best as Fulton attempted to reel in the leader while fellow elimination winner and slight choice on the tote board Confederate began to make headway to the far outside.

It’s My Show was able to repel the fast-closing Confederate and Tim Tetrick. Fulton held third. Voukefalas was fourth.

Records In Roses Are Red For Grace Hill

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 19:26:33 GMT

Hunterton Sold

Driver Doug McNair found his way back to the winner’s circle with Grace Hill , who powered to a stakes, track and Canadian-record mile in the $305,000 Roses Are Red final on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

McNair landed Grace Hill, the even-money favourite, in third as Silver Label scorched a :25.3 first quarter with Kobes Gigi in behind. As Silver Label tried to grab a breather up the backside, McNair made his move to push Grace Hill to the top and took over control just past a :53.4 half, but kept rolling through the final turn.

Grace Hill coasted to three-quarters in 1:21.1 and peeled away from Silver Label through the lane to a healthy cushion by the eighth pole. McNair began his celebration with a pumped fist at the sixteenth pole and posed for the camera as Grace Hill crossed the line in 1:47.4 to eclipse a decade-old record set by Anndrovette, who in 2013 won the Roses Are Red in a time of 1:48 to set a stakes record along with a track and Canadian record for aged pacing mares. Silver Label finished second, beaten 2-1/2 lengths, with So Much More took third and Kobes Gigi fourth.

“Fifteen, 20 minutes ago, I’m laying on the track not knowing what’s going on,” said McNair, who went down in a spill the race prior . “Next thing you know, I’m standing in the winner’s circle for the Roses Are Red on one of the greatest mares to ever see through a bridle, I think.

“She felt great,” McNair also said. “Dexter [Dunn with Treacherous Dragon] had the two-hole, so we kind of wanted to get advantage of him coming out of the turn. Once the dust settled, I put her on the front and she did the rest. I was just a passenger… it was just outrageous.”

The victory for Grace Hill pushes her deeper down millionaire territory with $1,465,380 banked for owner Tom Hill. Trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., the five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki won for the 24th time in 51 tries and collected her first Canadian stakes win since upsetting star mare Test Of Faith in the $540,000 Breeders Crown Mare Pace last fall at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

In the post-race interview, owner Tom Hill grabbed the microphone and said, “Virgil’s been telling me for the eight, nine months he’s had her that she’s the best mare on the planet. She’s proved it tonight.”

Grace Hill paid $4.10 to win.

The 2023 Pepsi North America Cup featured a stacked undercard with a number of stakes and open class events. Recaps of the evening's other stakes are available below:

For the results from the 2023 Pepsi North America Cup night card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Bidenurtime wins The Dick Richardson Trot

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:31:42 GMT

BIDENURTIME wins the Dick Richardson Trot - 1st leg Horses and Geldings eligible to the Buckeye Stallion Series with trainer Hugh Beatty at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Roger A Wallace and Larry L Riffe.

It’s My Show tops Week 1 edition of Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:32:12 GMT

Hunterton Born

Hightstown, NJ — Three-year-old male pacer It’s My Show, undefeated in five races this year and a finalist in Saturday’s C$1 million Pepsi North America Cup, tops the Week 1 edition of the 2023 Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll.

It’s My Show, who collected 189 points, was among 10 horses receiving first-place votes from the 35-member panel of voters. A total of 55 horses received at least one point in this season’s first poll.

Lochinvar Art A, fresh off his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, was No. 2 in the rankings. Returning Dan Patch Award-recipient Special Way, who captured the New Jersey Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old female trotters, was third followed by Graduate Series Trot first-round winner Jiggy Jog S and world-record-setting Joe Auger Memorial-winner Ruthless Hanover.

Completing the top 10 were Camluck Classic winner Covered Bridge, Fan Hanover Stakes finalist Sylvia Hanover, New Jersey Sire Stakes champ and NA Cup finalist Voukefalas, MGM Borgata Pacing Series winner Hellabalou, and Armbro Flight finalist Bella Bellini.

The Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll does not determine Horse of the Year. The members of the U.S. Harness Writers Association vote on all Dan Patch Award division winners plus Trotter of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Horse of the Year.

Rankings based on the votes of harness racing media representatives on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

Six Feet Apart wins at Yonkers Raceway

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:08:31 GMT

Six Feet Apart (Sweet Lou - Ideal Love) won the Can You Go The Distance? Leg 2 at Yonkers Raceway with a 1:54.0 mile in rein to Jason Bartlett for trainer Per Engblom. Congratulations to owner Eric A Prevost.

Admiral Hill wins KYSS

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:03:46 GMT

ADMIRAL HILL wins the Early Kentucky Sire Stakes Colts and Geldings in 1:52, with trainer Chris Ryder at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owner Thomas Hill.

It's My Show In NA Cup Elims

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 18:58:35 GMT

Hunterton born.

Its My Show will arrive at next Saturday’s $1 million Pepsi North America Cup for three-year-old male pacers at Woodbine Mohawk Park in winning form after taking their respective $50,000 eliminations on Saturday night (June 10).

If the quartet of eliminations is any indication of what’s in store for the Cup final next Saturday, it will certainly be a night to remember.

In the third elimination, it was showtime for Its My Show.

Sent off as the slight 6-5 choice, the Linda Toscano trainee came into his latest engagement sporting a perfect four-for-four mark in his sophomore campaign.

In perhaps his most impressive performance to date, Its My Show, leaving from post one, was directed to the front by Scott Zeron quickly after the starter car sped away, as 8-5 Stockade Seelster followed in second with third choice, 4-1 Save America, sitting third.

After early opening splits of :26.4 and :55, Its My Show was still travelling well, ahead by 1-1/4 lengths through three-quarters in 1:21.3. Seven Colors came calling to the outside while Stockade Seelster and Save America were each asked for their best, but midway down the lane the race was for second spot as Its My Show powered away with ease. The son of Sweet Lou crossed the line a 2-1/4-length winner, earning a new speed badge of 1:48 in the process and matching a Canadian record for sophomore pacing geldings set by Wakizashi Hanover.

“The good thing about my horse is he’s probably the easiest horse I’ve ever had to drive,” said Zeron. “He’s very robotic, anything I want him to do, slow down, speed up. He’s super quick and he’s got some big lungs.”

Its My Show paid $4.70 for the win.

Bred and owned by Richard and Joanne Young, the bay gelding is now 5-2-1 from 13 lifetime starts.

Grace Hill Set For Roses Are Red Stakes

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:49:58 GMT

Hunterton Sold

Pacing mares Grace Hill and Treacherous Dragon headline the field for next weekend's $305,000 Roses Are Red Stakes after winning their respective eliminations on Friday, June 9 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Grace Hill glided over the track as the 1-2 favourite to take the first $35,000 elimination for the Roses Are Red in 1:50.1.

Settling into second through a :27.2 first quarter set by Amazing Dream N (Yannick Gingras), driver Doug McNair promptly swung Grace Hill to the front up the backstretch to cut the pace into a :55.2 half. Dabarndawgswatchin (Louis-Philippe Roy) floated off the pegs from fourth to try to flush So Much More (James MacDonald) onto the rim, and So Much More soon took the bait and plugged forward after Grace Hill towards three-quarters in 1:23.2. So Much More started to level off in the sprint for home while Grace Hill gunned clear under wraps in the lane to win by 2-3/4 lengths. Amazing Dream N reclaimed second while Dabarndawgswatchin darted off cover to take third. So Much More held fourth and Dougs Babe A (Dexter Dunn) rounded the finalists.

“She probably is the best aged mare [I‘ve driven],” said McNair after the race. “Hopefully she just keeps getting stronger this year. She’s only had a few starts. She was real solid [tonight], I was real happy with her."

A five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki, Grace Hill moved from Richard “Nifty” Norman to the barn of Virgil Morgan Jr. in August of 2022. Since then, she has raced 13 times and won 10 of those starts, including a near gate-to-wire performance in the $540,000 Breeders Crown final last fall at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

“She’s always been a good mare,” said Morgan Jr. after the race. “She was a really good two-year-old. She came to me in good form, so I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to train her. The Hills are great to work with. They’ve let me manage her and give her weeks off and spot her. We’re trying to do it the right way and they’re just great to work with.”

The victory now gives Grace Hill 23 wins from 50 starts and adds to a bankroll now worth $1,312,630 for owner Tom Hill. She paid $3 to win.

Winners from each of the eliminations contested earned a protected post draw for their respective finals, set to go on the undercard of the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup next Saturday, June 17. Each elimination winner has earned the privilege to draw between posts two and six.

The field for the final is listed below in post position order.

$305,000 Roses Are Red Stakes
Post - Horse
1. Im Offngone N
2. Treacherous Dragon
3. Amazing Dream N
4. Grace Hill
5. So Much More
6. Silver Label
7. Dougs Babe A
8. Mikala
9. Dabarndawgswatchin
10. Kobes Gigi
AE. Gias Surreal

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Primary Driver Repeats In Buckeye Stallion Series

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:41:14 GMT

Hunterton born, raised & sold.

Three-year-old colt pacers were back in Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS) action on Tuesday night, June 7, at MGM Northfield Park. Four of the seven first-leg winners returned, but only Primary Driver was able to find the winner’s circle. Five divisions, each with a purse of $20,000 highlighted the card.

Primary Driver made it two-for-two in the BSS as Brady Galliers took the son Fear The Dragon three-wide down the backstretch, grabbing the lead at the top of the stretch and holding on to win by a length in 1:52.2. Owned by Galliers Racing and trained by Galliers, Primary Driver has won three of six starts this year. Badger was second with Somewhere Vintage third.

The fastest division of the night went to Quick Trick, a winner in 1:51.4. The son of Racing Hill, with Chris Page in the bike, grabbed the lead around the final turn and never looked back, winning by seven lengths. Jeff Conger trains and co-owns Quick Trick with Knox Services. Quick Trick has hit the board in five of six starts this year, winning three. Cruisin Jim finished in second with Winning Hill third.

Dragon Candy, with Ryan Stahl, battled down the lane to win the second division by a neck in 1:53.3. Trained by Calvin Hollar and owned by John DeSantis, the son of Fear The Dragon won for the fourth time this year in 10 starts. Tequila And Ice was second with Jackjimbettynkaren third.

The fourth division went to Boundtobefearless with Luke Ebersole. Boundtobefearless took the lead heading to the half-mile mark and fought off a late charge from Gettingyoursealegs to win by a neck in 1:52.4. It was the third Buckeye Stallion Series win of the night for Fear The Dragon offspring.

Trained by Jessica McGown and owned by Tammie Wilcox, Alan White and Richard Copp, Boundtobefearless picked up his third win of the year in 10 starts. Gettingyoursealegs was second with Trooper L third.

In the final division of the night, Liteningonthebeach, with Ronnie Wrenn Jr., won his fourth race in a row as he went gate-to-wire to win in 1:52.3 for trainer Brian Brown. Unraced as a two-year-old, the son of Downbytheseaside has won five of seven starts for the ownership group of Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Acadia Farms and Richard Lombardo. The Mandalorian finished second one length behind with Donttouchmytruck third.

The second leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series concludes on Friday night at Eldorado Scioto Downs when five divisions of the three-year-old colt trotters take to the track.

Rockin Dawg wins Kentucky Proud Series

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 14:19:09 GMT

Hunteron Sold

ROCKIN DAWG (Rockin Image - Milliondollaresmile - Million Dollar Cam) wins the Kentucky Proud Series 2YO Colts and Geldings with trainer Jamaica Patton at Mayfield. Congratulations to owner Detricke R Kelly.

Breakfast With The Babies Begins

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 14:08:54 GMT

Alfaromeo (Hunterton Born, Raised and Sold) wins Breakfast With The Babies!

Breakfast With The Babies kicked off the 2023 season at 9 a.m. on a cloudy Saturday morning (June 3) with temperatures in the mid-60s and a slight opposing breeze in the homestretch at The Meadowlands.

The first winner of the year was Alfaromeo , a Father Patrick colt who went all the way for trainer/driver Lucas Wallin. He set moderate fractions through three-quarters then sped home in :28 to hold safe over pocket-sitter Security Protected (Tim Tetrick) in 2:01.1. Alfaromeo was an $85,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase by Mal & Janet Burroughs, Alfaromeo Stable and Howard Perlmutter's Pit Bull Stables. He was bred in Kentucky by Black Creek Farm, Northern Lane Farm, Four Corners and Hickory Hollow Stables.

Keg Stand matches track record in Kentucky Sire Stakes final

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:59:21 GMT

Hunterton born and sold.

Oak Grove, KY — Driver Yannick Gingras masterfully rated the mile with 7-5 favorite Keg Stand , who scored a measured victory by a neck in the $150,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes final for 4-year-old trotting horses and geldings — one of four $150,000 finals contested on Monday (May 29) at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel.

Leaving from post six, Keg Stand cleared command past a :26.2 first quarter as Golden Wall As (Tony Hall) strung him out through the first turn. Gingras snagged a breather to a :55.2 half and accelerated up the backside while Longshot (Chris Lems) came calling along the rim with Jaqen H’ghar (Peter Wrenn) in tow.

Keg Stand clocked three-quarters in 1:23.1 and cut the corner for home to cling onto victory in a 1:51.1 mile while holding off a furious charge from Jaqen H’ghar. Iwon’t Backdown As (Todd McCarthy) motored off a pylon trip to take third and Golden Wall As settled for fourth.

A stallion by the late Bar Hopping, Keg Stand matched the all-age trotting record of 1:51.1 set in June 2022 by Cuatro De Julio . He collected his ninth win from 28 tries and has now banked $494,926 for owners Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding. Nancy Takter trains the $4.74 winner.

A surprise sprung from the $150,000 final for 4-year-old trotting mares when 1-2 favorite Yanaba (John MacDonald) took off the speed and then broke stride twice through the mile. Pioneer As (Tony Hall) took advantage of the opportunity and lively cover to land a 14-1 upset in a 1:52.3 mile.

Saint Antoine (Gingras) hustled to the point with Adore Me (Andy Miller) settling into the pocket towards a :27.1 first quarter while Hall sat Pioneer As in sixth, about eight lengths from the lead. The field stayed in order through a :56.3 half, but Saint Antoine soon came under pressure.

Eternal Lee (Andy McCarthy) marched out of third with Pioneer As on her back and swooped to the lead after three-quarters in 1:24.1 to open a 1-1/2 length advantage to the top of the stretch. She trotted for the finish evenly while Pioneer As came steaming to her outside to grab command late.

Adore Me shook free from a shuffled pocket and hit her best stride nearing the finish but missed the win by a head with Eternal Lee holding third and Disclosure (Wrenn) closing for fourth.

Pioneer As paid $31.26 in her upset victory, which also was her sixth win from 33 tries and padded her bankroll now worth $257,678. Anette Lorentzon conditions the daughter of Devious Man for owner-breeder ACL Stuteri AB.

Tony Alagna swept the finals for pacing 4-year-olds, first scoring a 1:50.2 win with Boudoir Hanover (Todd McCarthy) in the $150,000 final for pacing mares.

McCarthy wasted little time to put Boudoir Hanover on the point and seized control from Ainthesamewithoutu (Hall) past a :26.2 first quarter. She faced no pressure to a :55 half, which readied her for the first-over push from stablemate Queen Of Success (Andy McCarthy) as the field charged towards three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Boudoir Hanover spun for home and responded to McCarthy’s encouragement to draw away by 1-1/4 lengths to secure the victory. Queen Of Success regained her momentum in the straightaway to take second from fast-closing Idealinfun (Gingras) with Ainthesamewithoutu settling for fourth.

Boudoir Hanover has now won 12 races from 31 starts and banked $999,338 for owners Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, Caviart Farms and D. Plouffe and S. Head. The daughter of Captaintreacherous paid $2.54 to win.

Her barnmate I Did It Myway (Andy McCarthy) also delivered as the public choice in the $150,000 final for pacing horses and geldings with a coast-to-coast effort in 1:49.1.

I Did It Myway beat All Or Nothing (Dave Palone) to the first-turn punch and notched a :26.2 first quarter to begin the speed game. McCarthy kept the Alagna pupil plugging along through a :54.2 half and three-quarters in 1:22 while All Or Nothing readied to pull the pocket moving towards the top of the stretch.

However, All Or Nothing could not muster an ample challenge to I Did It Myway, who held his ground on the lead through the lane and to the finish while withstanding a late bid from stablemate Taurasi (Todd McCarthy) by a quarter-length. All Or Nothing held third and American Classic (Andy Miller) took fourth.

I Did It Myway has entered millionaire’s row with the win, having now banked $1,018,403 while bagging his 15th victory from 33 starts. The son of Captaintreacherous races for owners Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Don Latore and Alagna And Fodera Racing. He paid $3.06 to win.

Following the stakes action, the co-featured $28,000 Open Trot went to gate as part of the 13-race card Monday. Sweet Mr Pinetucky (Wrenn) took the lead and faced little pressure from his peers to tab a 1:53.2 tally and pay $12.56 to win in the mild upset over 1-2 favorite It’s A Herbie (Verlin Yoder). Lester Raber trains Sweet Mr Pinetucky, a 9-year-old gelding by Pinetucky, for himself and co-owner Floyd Raber.

Racing returns to Oak Grove next Sunday (June 4). Please note that the race card slated for Tuesday (June 6) has been cancelled and shifted to the tail of the meet on Monday (July 10). Oak Grove will operate on a Sunday-Monday schedule next week.

First-race post time at Oak Grove is 3 p.m. (CDT).

Pappardelle wins Philly trot; records in odd-distance races

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:45:40 GMT

Born and raised at Hunterton.

Chester, PA – Sunday afternoon (May 21) at Harrah’s Philadelphia saw a world record and a track record in “odd-distance” races along with a sharp win in the $20,000 Open trot by Pappardelle in 1:52.2.

Pappardelle, the winner of the Brennan Series final at Yonkers on April 26 and away from the races since then, showed no rust in fronting his field in a 1:52.2 in the $20,000 Open handicap trot. Wide early and out to the :27 quarter before grabbing control of the engine, the altered son of Winning Stone put up middle splits of :56 and 1:24 under the guidance of Joe Bongiorno, then marched home unthreatened 3-¾ lengths ahead of Yanks Dugout, who photo’d favored Yall Beneath Me.

Pappardelle has now won his last four starts and six of his last seven. His success here boosted the Jenn Bongiorno trainee, owned by The Delaware Group, Joe Sbrocco, JB Racing, and JAF Racing LLC, to $219,457.

Venerate voluminous in Sears’ seventh Cutler win

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:44:05 GMT

Hunterton Farm born, raised, and sold.

East Rutherford, NJ — Tab another victory in the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial for driver Brian Sears and another Grand Circuit trotting win for trainer Marcus Melander. The dynamic team of trotting overhauled an oversized field of 11 with new acquisition Venerate to take the $155,200 free-for-all event on Saturday night (May 20) at the Meadowlands.

Sears settled into fourth with Venerate from post one as Hillexotic bounded from post 10 to the lead towards a :26.4 first quarter. Rattle My Cage soon pulled off the pegs to take the lead into the backstretch, but promptly saw Hillexotic move to reclaim command before yielding the front to his stablemate – and 7-5 favorite – It’s Academic all through a :54.4 half.

Control belonged to It’s Academic through the final turn as he continued on high throttle, all while Sears patiently angled Venerate first-over to ply his attack. It’s Academic clocked three-quarters in 1:22.4 and came under strong urging as Venerate mounted serious pressure from steady Sears hands through the lane. Venerate glided by It’s Academic in the final eighth going away and registered a two-length win in a lifetime best 1:50.1. Rattle My Cage took third from It’s Academic fourth. Star mare Bella Bellini – the lone distaffer in the field – levelled off from a second-over trip and finished fifth.

Venerate is a 5-year-old stallion by Love You now owned by Courant Inc., Holly Lane Stud East Ltd., Kemppi Stables Oy Inc. and Venerate Partners. Marcus Melander conditions the former Julie Miller pupil, who changed hands in the 2022 Harrisburg Mixed Sale for $410,000.

“We put together a group and bought him there,” Melander said after the race. “He was a nice horse, and we didn’t really have an Open trotter, so that’s why we bought him. He’s a strong horse. He was very good in the qualifier, so I had high hopes for him in the race.”

The Cutler victory stamped Venerate a millionaire, with his account now standing at $1,009,679. He paid $9.80 to win. The win was Sears’ seventh in the stakes – a record he held at six and added upon Saturday. Melander won for the second time in the Cutler, collecting his first victory in 2019 with Cruzado Dela Noche.

Melander confirmed Venerate would likely next surface in an Open race at the Meadowlands to prepare for the Crawford Farms Open Trot, on July 1.

A LITTLE MORE: Billy Clyde, a 5-year-old son of Always B Miki -Jan It Jackson, made it five wins in his last six Meadowlands starts after emerging victorious in his first Big M outing since the middle of September in the overnight feature, a $25,000 Open 1 for pacers, hitting the finish in 1:50.3 after leading at every call. The Ray Schnittker trainee, who took his mark of 1:47.3 on Hambletonian Day last year, was driven by Mark MacDonald and returned $12.00 to win. … For a 19th consecutive Saturday night this year (excluding the one card that was not raced to completion due to bad weather), handle topped $3 million as a total of $3,520,346 was pushed through the windows on the 14-race card. … Andy McCarthy led the driver colony with three walks down victory lane while Melander and Åke Svanstedt were the top trainers with two winners apiece. … Racing resumes Friday (May 26) at 6:20 p.m.

OSCEOLA GRABS THE GOLD

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:41:31 GMT

Sold by Hunterton Farm.

Team McNair’s Osceola sprinted home strong to hold off rival Hasty Bid for a 1:54.3 victory in the C$144,800 3-year-old colt and gelding trot final.

The entire picture of the sophomore trot final changed at the head of the stretch when leader Tuscan Prince switched to the pace while in full control.

Osceola sat second-over and was able to capitalize on the leader’s miscue, powering to the lead to finish up in :28.1. Hasty Bid was on Osceola’s back on the far turn and pressured to the wire to end up second by a half length. Passarino finished third while Snowpiercer was fourth.

A son of Muscle Mass, Osceola is now two-for-two this season following an up-and-down rookie campaign that saw him win three of 10. Gregg McNair trains and co-owns Osceola with Willow Oak Ranch and Paul Hawman.

Pure Ivory to Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:32:41 GMT

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (CHRHF) announced on Wednesday, April 26 the people and horses being recognized as inductees in 2023. Four people and four horses have been elected from a ballot of very deserving candidates.

The Class of 2023 Standardbred Inductees includes Dr. Lloyd S. McKibbin, DVM (Builder), Chris Christoforou (Driver), Bulldog Hanover (Male Horse) and Pure Ivory (Female Horse).

Trotting mare Pure Ivory , by Striking Sahbra, has been successful both on the racetrack and as a broodmare. Bred by Diane Ingham and the late Harry Rutherford of Mount Pleasant, Ont., and owned throughout her racing career by Jerry Van Boekel, Christina Maxwell, Steve Condren and Rutherford, Pure Ivory’s racing stats include earnings of $1.44 million and a lifetime mark of 1:53.1. Trained by Brad Maxwell, the two-time O’Brien Award recipient (2005 & 2006) won 22 stakes races during her career, including Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals at age two and three, the Canadian Breeders Championship, and divisions of the Simcoe and Champlain Stakes.

Currently a broodmare owned by Steve Stewart of Paris, Kentucky, Pure Ivory produced the 2019 Hambletonian champion, Forbidden Trade , who was a divisional O’Brien Award winner at two and three, Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2019, and amassed career earnings in excess of $2.3 million.

Pure Ivory has a 2023 filly by GooGoo GaaGaa that will sell in the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale this fall.

Pappardelle (bred, raised and sold by Hunterton) Trots To John Brennan Series Championship

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:15:28 GMT

Driver Joe Bongiorno collected his second major victory at MGM Yonkers Raceway this week by capturing the $100,000 John Brennan Trotting Series final on Wednesday night (April 26) with 1-5 favourite Pappardelle in 1:55.1.

Armstead Cole (Jason Bartlett), the 4-1 second choice in the contest, gunned right to the front from post six but went on a break in the first turn, taking him out of contention and leaving Hoolie N Hector (Braxten Boyd) in the lead and Pappardelle behind him in the pocket. Hoolie N Hector, who won two preliminary legs of the series, hit the quarter in :28.1 and the half in :57.4, but Bongiorno went on the attack two-wide with Pappardelle in the third turn.

Once Pappardelle was fed the clear racetrack, he moved up quickly to engage Hoolie N Hector and had the lead on the outside at the 1:26.2 three-quarters. Pappardelle cleared Hoolie N Hector for good past that marker and the result was never in question from there, as Pappardelle trotted away to win by three lengths. Spicy Nugget (Yannick Gingras) was the runner-up, followed by Outside The Fire (Scott Zeron), Unevergonnagethis (Jordan Stratton) and Hoolie N Hector.

"As far as this special horse goes, he's been pretty much perfect ever since we have gotten him and he topped off this series with an easy win tonight," said Bongiorno.

The John Brennan Trotting Series is named in honour of the longtime Standardbred Owners Association of New York horsemen's representative who passed away from complications of COVID-19 in March 2020, and his memory holds a special place in the hearts of many, including Bongiorno.

"John Brennan was one of the first people I got really close with when I first started coming to Yonkers Raceway. I would sit and hang out in his office basically every night I raced there," he recalled. "You couldn't find a more straightforward person than 'Big John' was. If he liked you, he would take the shirt off his back to help you, and people like that are very hard to come by nowadays. This win means more to me than anyone truly knows."

Jenn Bongiorno trains Pappardelle , a four-year-old gelded son of Wishing Stone, for owners The Delaware Group, Joe Sbrocco, JB Racing and JAF Racing LLC. Pappardelle has compiled a record of 11-4-1 from 35 lifetime tries and he pushed his bankroll to $209,457.

He paid $2.70 to win and keyed a $15.60 exacta and a $176 trifecta.

The Bongiornos also had the favourite, What Should I Goo, in the $35,000 consolation, and she posted fractions of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:25.4 after making the lead from post four. She couldn't hold on in the stretch, though, as C You Again DK (Zeron), who got away in sixth from post five and then stayed on the inside to save ground, angled out midway through the final bend and came with a sustained rally that carried him to a 2-1/2-length victory in 1:54.4. Cantstop Yankee (Tyler Buter) surged from seventh to second in the back-half of the mile, and What Should I Goo had to settle for third.

Trainer Per Engblom's Engblom Stable LLC co-owns the winning nine-year-old gelding by The Liquidator with Kasper Foget. This was the trotters' 26th win from 69 career starts and he has now earned $129,532.

C You Again DK returned $11.60 to win as part of an entry that was sent off at odds of 9-2 and led a $215 exacta and a $485 trifecta.

The John Brennan Trotting Series was for three-year-olds and older who were non-winners of six pari-mutuel races or $150,000 through Feb. 1, 2023, with winners over $250,000 as of that date not eligible.

Series action will resume at MGM Yonkers Raceway next Tuesday, May 2, with the first leg of the new Can You Go The Distance Series for pacing mares. That event will feature three rounds -- one at half a mile, one at one mile, and one at a mile and sixteenth -- before a $40,000 final at a mile and a half on May 23.

Also, continuing through May 18, the Pick 5 pool on Thursdays at MGM Yonkers Raceway will be seeded with $10,000 and also have a guaranteed pool of $25,000. This initiative is being offered in partnership with the Standardbred Owners Association of New York as part of the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday through Friday live racing schedule with post time at 7 p.m. (EDT).

(Yonkers Raceway)

Joviality S is back in Sweden

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:57:26 GMT

Hunterton born and raised and Dan Patch Award winner Joviality S (Chapter Seven - Pasithea Face S) is back in Sweden, where she raced for the first time Friday night (April 21) in a qualification for the million-krona race, The Queens Price at Aby.

Joviality S, now trained by Sabine Kagebrant and with Erik Adielsson in the bike, had an easy task in the 1-5/16 mile event, as she won by three lengths in 1:57f and is now ready for the final on Saturday (May 6) at Aby.

Hambletonian Society Winter Meeting Yields New Director

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:45:16 GMT

At the recent Winter Meeting of the Directors of the Hambletonian Society, Steve H. Stewart of Hunterton Farm was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Society Board.

In addition, the board approved the conditions of Hambletonian No. 100, the stake for foals of 2022 to be raced in 2025, and Breeders Crown No. 38 conditions. Both stakes will take yearling payments on May 15, 2023.

Stewart, 64, of Paris, KY, and his wife, Cindy, have grown a former tobacco farm in Lexington to a burgeoning Standardbred nursery that now encompasses over 900 acres, including the historic rolling hills of Stoner Creek Stud and Woodlawn Farm. The Stewarts have produced some of the highest-priced yearlings and champion racehorses of the past decade.

As an individual breeder, the Stewarts ranked third in 2022 in both wins and earnings, behind mega-breeders Hanover Shoe Farms and Winbak Farm, with $10.9 million in purse earnings from just 243 starters. They were also named New Jersey Breeder of the Year in 2022.

The Stewarts have two Hambletonian champions to their credit, Forbidden Trade (2019) and Trixton (2014); back-to-back Mohawk Million winners in Venerable (2021) and Venerate (2020); 2021 Hambletonian Maturity winner Beads, who recently won the Prix de Luxembourg at Vincennes in Paris; Tactical Landing, an $800,000 yearling who Stewart bred and retained part-ownership in who went on to win a Hambletonian elim, Breeders Crown and TVG Final, and the dazzling filly Mission Brief, who racked up $1.5 million and world and track speed records during her spectacular career.

Stewart also runs Hunterton Sales Agency, which prepares and markets the yearlings they raise. With more than 200 mares to manage, the Stewarts sells over 150 yearlings at sales across North America.

“On behalf of the Hambletonian Society, we welcome the addition of Steve Stewart to the Hambletonian Society board and look forward to his future contributions. Steve brings decades of harness industry knowledge and an ability to accentuate the positive in almost any situation,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Society.

The Hambletonian Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1924 to sponsor the race for which it was named, the Hambletonian Stake. The Society’s mission is to encourage and support the breeding of Standardbred horses through the development, administration and promotion of harness racing stakes, early-closing races and other special events. The Hambletonian Society services 153 of harness racing’s richest and most prestigious events at 13 different tracks, including harness racing’s most prominent race, the Hambletonian for 3-year-old trotters, its filly division, the Hambletonian Oaks and the sport’s championship series, the Breeders Crown. The organization was responsible for the disbursement of more than $23 million in purses last year.

Hunterton Farm Secures Mohawk Million Spot

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:17:27 GMT

Hunterton Farm among 7 slot buyers for the 2023 Mohawk Million

Hunterton Farms and Partners have continued to support the Mohawk Million, which has proven to be a mutually-rewarding combination. Last year’s Mohawk Million champion Oh Well (2, 1:53.1m; $740,380) is owned by S R F Stable of Lighthouse Point, FL, and competed in the slot secured by the Paris, KY, farm.

“Hunterton Farms back in as a breeder is great to see,” McLinchey said. “It must have reflected positively on the yearling sales for them.”

The first two winners of the race were bred by Steve and Cindy Stewart’s establishment: Dan Patch 2020 Trotting Colt of the Year Venerate (4, 1:51.1m; $936,735), and 2021 Dan Patch and O’Brien 2-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year Venerable (2, 1:52.0m; $1,187,798).

..... read the complete story here

Full-sister to Treacherous Dragon arrives at Hunterton

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:42:19 GMT

This filly by Captaintreacherous out of My Little Dragon arrived recently at Hunterton Farm in Kentucky.

The filly is a full-sister to Treacherous Dragon ($1,017,447), the Dan Patch 3-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in 2022. My Little Dragon (Dragon Again—My Little Pretty) was no slouch on the track either. She earned over $2.3 million and had a mark of 1:48.1. She’s also been a prolific broodmare.

This latest filly is her 12th foal. My Little Dragon also produced Somebeachsomewhere-sired stallion Stay Hungry (over $1.3 million) and six other foals that were money-winners on the ovals.

Hunterton Farms: Birthplace of Champions

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:15:15 GMT

Steve and Cindy Stewart established Hunterton Farm more than 40 years ago with a modest amount of land and a handful of broodmares. In its earliest years, the Stewarts decided to concentrate on putting together a quality broodmare band and skip chasing stallions to stand at stud. That philosophy, and confidence in the industry, has served Hunterton Farm well.

Today Hunterton is one harness racing’s leading Standardbred nurseries, raising and breeding the sport’s champions on approximately 1,000 acres in the heart of central Kentucky horse country. Hunterton Farm now breeds about 250 mares each year and the list of resident mares is a Who’s Who of top producers.

It’s a threeyear process for breeders to see the fruits of their labor, and it can be a rollercoaster process. So when horses bred and/or raised by Hunterton Farm make it to the winner’s circle on a big stakes day, the Stewarts are often among those gathered around the horse, posing for photos. Steve and Cindy were standing in the Meadowlands winner’s circle on Nov. 26 when Zanatta and El Rey won the Three Diamonds and Governor’s Cup, respectively. Hunterton Sales Agency sold Zanatta for breeder Anders Strom’s Courant AB and raised El Rey for Myron and Stephanie Bell’s Riverview Breeding.

In addition to Zanatta and El Rey, Hunterton Farm graduates excelling on the track during the 2022 racing season included the phenomenal filly Joviality S 3,1:50.2 ($1,978,55), who defeated the colts in the Yonkers Trot; Rebuff 3,1:49.4 ($962,490), the fastest 3yearold trotting colt of the year and winner of the Kentucky Futurity and an elimination of the Hambletonian; and Walner Payton 2,1:52.2 ($675,214), a New Jersey Sires Stakes champion and Breeders Crown runnerup in 2022.

The Stewarts bred Rebuff and Walner Payton in partnership and they continue to acquire the kinds of mares that will ensure Hunterton has a very good chance to produce future generations of champions. Hunterton is honored to add the trotting mare When Dovescry to its broodmare band. The farm acquired a small interest in the $2million multiple stakes winner from owner John Lengacher.

Hunterton was also very active at the November Harrisburg auction, purchasing the two highpriced mares at the sale: Selfie Queen and Fire Start Hanover. Hunterton and partners purchased Selfie Queen 3,1:51.1 ($479,882), a daughter of Muscle Hill who hails from the maternal family of the incomparable matron Amour Angus, dam of Andover Hall, Angus Hall, Conway Hall and Emilie Cas El, the dam of Huntertonbred Hambletonian winner Trixton. Fire Start Hanover p,3,1:49 ($1,273,448) won Dan Patch divisional honors at age two and at age three captured the Fan Hanover Stakes. Her pedigree is impressive as well: she is a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere and from the maternal line that has produced the $2 milliondollar winners Glowing Report and Well Said.

At the 2022 yearling sales, Hunterton’s results were evidence of the farm’s commitment to quality.

Hunterton Sales Agency sold 155 horses at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and Standardbred Horse Sale yearling auction in Harrisburg. Hunterton Sales Agency sold more than $11 million in yearlings at the two venues and in Lexington generated an amazing average price of more than $100,000.

On opening night at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, Hunterton’s yearling Epoch, a Chapter Sevensired filly and the fourth foal of the prolific Jolene Jolene, sold for $725,000, which turned out to be the highest price for a yearling sold at any sale in 2022. During the second sale session in Lexington, a Huntertonconsigned colt from the first crop by Greenshoe brought $500,000.

Hunterton has plenty of reasons to look forward to its 2023 yearling sale. Its consignments will include the following:

10 by Walner, led by a halfbrother to Double Deceiver 3,1:50.2’22 ($770,954)
11 by Muscle Hill, led by a colt from Woodside Charm 2,1:53f ($531,658)
14 by Tactical Landing, led by a filly from Maven 4,1:51.4h ($2,001,461)
7 by Tall Dark Stranger, led by a filly from Put On A Show p,1:47.3 ($2,406,628),

already the dam of Meadowlands Pace winner Best In Show

6 by Gimpanzee, led by: Fillies from Jolene Jolene, Mission Brief, Evident Beauty

The dawn of a new breeding season is upon us, and with it the anticipation of great racehorses to come. Steve and Cindy would like to thank their partners and clients for their support and trust each year. As the saying goes, “when you see a turtle on the top of a fence post, chances are he didn’t get there on his own.”

When Dovescry Retired To Hunterton Farm

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:42:04 GMT

Hunterton Farm is pleased to announce the addition of the incredibly talented trotter When Dovescry to their broodmare band. John Lengacher has retained the majority ownership of the $2 million winner with Hunterton’s owners Cindy and Steve Stewart buying a share.

“We’re honored to have a mare of her calibre in our fold,” said Steve. “I’ve followed her career closely and knew when she won the Hambletonian Oaks as a three-year-old she was something special.”

Bred by Bill Weaver, When Dovescry is the first foal from another remarkable trotting mare, Cedar Dove, who earned well over $1 million during her career. Sold for $205,000 as a yearling, When Dovescry earned her purchase price back and more in her first year of racing taking in $290,000 from just eight starts as a two-year-old.

At the conclusion of her three-year-old season the daughter of Muscle Hill was honored as the top of her division with the Dan Patch award. She went on to become one of the premier open trotting mares of all time and retired late last month with a summary of 23-20-11 from 63 lifetime starts with earnings of $2,098,210. Her life mark is 1:50 earned as a four-year-old and matched again this year.

“She’s the best horse I’ve owned,” noted Lengacher who already has a few mares with Hunterton. “They do a really good job with their horses and I knew when she retired that’s where she would go. They have a wonderful reputation and do a first class job selling their yearlings. I also think the bluegrass is perfect for raising the babies. It’s a good partnership.”

“One of the best parts of our job is looking after these really great mares,” Steve noted. “When Dovescry is an absolute sweetheart. When I spoke to her trainer Brett Pelling about her he said she was ‘total class.’ I’ve been a supporter of Muscle Hill from the start of his stallion career and a trait I’ve noticed with a lot of his offspring is they are extra intelligent horses. And that certainly applies to her.”

When Dovescry will be allowed to decompress from her impressive racing career before transitioning to her new role as a broodmare. She’ll be bred to Walner early in the new year.

Photo – When Dovescry winning the Hambletonian Oaks (Dave Landry photo).

Grace Hill Upends Test Of Faith In Breeders Crown

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 14:41:09 GMT

Hunterton Sold...

Driver Doug McNair asserted Grace Hill to the fore and used every inch of her speed to keep the furious stretch kick of Test Of Faith at bay to steal the show in the $540,000 Breeders Crown Mare Pace on Saturday night (Oct. 29) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Amazing Dream and No Win No Feed battled through a :27.2 first quarter with Grace Hill gapping the pair from third into the backside. Once No Win No Feed abandoned her challenge to sit in the pocket, McNair launched Grace Hill for the front and seized control before a :54.3 half.

So Much More followed Grace Hill’s move and raced uncovered into the final turn, pressing the pacesetter. Mikala caught cover to race second over with Test Of Faith, the 2-5 favourite, placed third over in the sprint to three-quarters, timed in 1:21.3. Grace Hill spun for home still with a barrage at her back of So Much More and soon with Test Of Faith towering down the center. As Test Of Faith hit her best stride, the finish line came in time for Grace Hill, who had a head in front to stop the clock in a lifetime-best 1:48.4. So Much More survived her first-over blitz to take third and Amazing Dream finished fourth.

“We had a pretty good post and I thought a lot of the better ones were to the inside of her,” Doug McNair said after the race. “Leaving the gate, there wasn’t a whole ton of speed right off the bat. I took advantage of that, but she did all of the work and she deserved to win.”

The 1:48.4 mile matches the stakes record first set in 2009 by Hana Hanover, a time when the Breeders Crown final for aged pacing mares was contested before the fall. Kissin In The Sand matched that record when she won at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 2020. Grace Hill’s victory also gave driver Doug McNair his second Breeders Crown trophy, with his first coming from Stay Hungry in the 2017 2-Year-Old Colt Pace.

“It feels great [to win a Breeders Crown],” McNair said. “These trophies are very tough to get for sure. They’re tough to get into races and to win them is even tougher, so it’s a thrill.”

Grace Hill , a four-year-old Always B Miki mare out of the Western Terror mare Western Silk, also gave trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. his second Breeders Crown trophy to add to his win in the 2008 Open Pace with Mister Big. Tom Hill owns Grace Hill, who was bred by White Birch Farm, and added a third Breeders Crown trophy to his record. Her Breeders Crown win added an 18th victory to her 45 starts and pushed her bankroll into millionaire status at $1,174,790.

Off as the third choice, Grace Hill paid $13.30 to win.

Ahoy wins the Corbin Maturity Final

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 15:56:01 GMT

AHOY (Captaintreahcerous-Another Delight) wins the Corbin Maturity Series 4 YO Mares Final in 1:50.3, with trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc and Frank A Canzone.

Amends for Rebuff in Futurity upset

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:19:19 GMT

Hunterton Raised and Sold
Lexington, KY — He disappointed as the 3-5 choice in the Hambletonian two months ago, but Lucas Wallin trainee Rebuff landed retribution in the third jewel of trotting’s Triple Crown, the $430,000 130th Kentucky Futurity, on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 9) at the Red Mile.

Walner Payton shines in International Stallion Stakes

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 18:15:36 GMT

Off the 3-5 favorite, driver Dexter Dunn floated Walner Payton from post seven to race forward but failed to find a seat at the pylons to a :28.4 first quarter. Walner Payton ventured onward up the backside to grab the lead from Fruit Cake past a :57.1 half and opened her advantage to three-quarters in 1:25.1.

Tony Alagna pupil Mambacita made good on her 1-2 promise following a win in the Bluegrass to take the first division of the ISS in 1:53.4.

Large payoffs came in the last ISS split when Mommamia Volo vaulted off slow fractions to pull a 21-1 upset in 1:55.4.

DAY 2 - SESSION TOPPER HITS $500,000

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:56:15 GMT

The session topper was Hip 197 Flashback Bi , a Greenshoe colt out of Dream Child that sold to Courant Inc. out of the Hunterton consignment for $500,000.

Sabine Kagebrandt, CEO for Courant Inc. said, “I loved all the four horses that we bought from Greenshoe. I loved them because they have so much of Greenshoe in them,” Kagebrandt said. “They have flawless conformation. They are very athletic and they are good technicians… very good. They are well balanced and I like that they have a good mindset.”

Hunterton also sold the two highest-priced yearlings on opening night — Hip 57 Epoch (f, Chapter Seven—Jolene Jolene) for $725,000 and Hip 70 Vic Zelenskyy (c Greenshoe—Mission Brief) for $550,000— and three of the top four, including Hip 63 Awaiting (f, Walner—Lonely Lady) for $525,000.

“It’s rewarding,” said Hunterton’s Steve Stewart. “People look at it and think that it just happens, but it doesn’t. There’s a lot of work involved… Forty years. After many years, you get better at it, I guess.

“The one thing that helps us a lot, as I’ve said in the past, is that a lot of the horses we’ve sold have raced very well – the expensive ones. That give a lot of confidence. As an example, last night Lovely Lady’s filly brings $525,000. She was bought by Ken Jacobs because he spent $510,000 last year on the full sister and they look very similar and she made $300,000 this year. They are coming back and that’s the most rewarding for us.

“We’re well-aware how important the sale prices are, but it’s even more rewarding when a good horse that we sell races. That’s the biggest reward for us.”

Through two days, Hunterton is neck-and-neck with Preferred Equine for the leading consignor title by gross. Preferred leads with $7,549,000. Hunterton has grossed 7,548,000.

“Success begets success. It’s the same thing if you’re a trainer. If you do really well and you’ve got a lot of good horses, guess what? People are going to send you more horses,” Stewart said. “So, our reputation of selling horses that race and do well comes back and rewards you. It’s the same thing if you’re a stallion. If you’re a stallion and you produce a lot of good horses… it kind of makes sense, but it’s still very rewarding. We do not take it for granted.”

Hunterton consigned Trotting filly Epoch tops Monday’s opening session of Lexington Selected Yearling Sale

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:15:58 GMT

Lexington, KY — Female trotter Epoch was the top seller at Monday’s (Oct. 3) first session of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, going for $725,000 to Diamond Creek Farm, to help propel the annual event to a record-smashing start at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion.

The five-day sale opened with 122 horses selling for a total of $23.06 million and average of $189,074 to better the previous records, set last year, of $18.54 million in gross and $161,217 in average. This year’s gross represented a 24.37-percent increase over 2021 while the average was a 17.27-percent hike.

Epoch, a daughter of Chapter Seven-Jolene Jolene, is a three-quarter sister to 2021 Dan Patch and O’Brien awards winner Venerable and half-sister to Crucial, a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion.

She was bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, and Steve Stewart. She was consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency. She is New York and Kentucky eligible.

“She was on a very short list of fillies that we were interested in,” Diamond Creek Farm owner Adam Bowden said. “Upgrading our trotting mares all the time is a challenge, and she certainly fit the bill, pedigree and physically. We loved the other fillies out of the mare. With the success she’s had as a broodmare, it seems crazy that we wouldn’t have been interested. We did our due diligence, and she checked every box for us. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like.

“To be honest, the fact she was a Chapter Seven was a huge selling point for us. I just think he’s a super sire. The success that Venerable has had being a Walner, the same sire line, if (Epoch) is half as good as Venerable is, we’ll be in great shape.”

A trainer for Epoch has yet to be determined.

“It was more like, let’s get her bought, take a deep breath, and work through that next,” Bowden said.

Seven yearlings sold for at least $500,000 on Monday, bettering last year’s total of five. Following Epoch on the best-seller’s list were male trotter Vic Zelenskyy and female pacer Youbet Hanover, both at $550,000.

Vic Zelenskyy, a son of Greenshoe-Mission Brief, sold to Marcus Melander as agent. Mission Brief was a multiple Dan Patch Award recipient, and Vic Zelenskyy is a three-quarter brother to Grand Circuit winner Adirondack.

He was bred by Mission Brief Stable and consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency. He is Pennsylvania and Kentucky eligible.

Vic Zelenskyy was one of 19 yearlings from Greenshoe’s first crop to sell Monday. Greenshoe led all sires in gross sales, with $4.13 million, and his average of $217,474 led among sires with more than three horses to go through the ring.

Youbet Hanover, a daughter of Bettor’s Delight out of Dan Patch Award winner Youaremycandygirl, was purchased by Determination. She is Youaremycandygirl’s first foal, and the family includes Hall of Famer Sweet Lou as well as Bettor Sweet, who earned $2.78 million lifetime.

She was bred and consigned by Hanover Shoe Farms. She is Ontario eligible.

Two female trotters, Awaiting and Stardust Volo, were next at $525,000.

Awaiting, a daughter of Walner-Lonely Lady, was purchased by Ken Jacobs. She is a full sister to New Jersey Sire Stakes champion and Kentucky Championship Series runner-up WalnerPayton, also owned by Jacobs. The family also includes millionaire stallion Bar Hopping.

She was bred by Steve Stewart and Douglass Hutchins and consigned by Hunterton Sales Agency. She is New Jersey and Kentucky eligible.

Stardust Volo, a daughter of Muscle Hill-Sterling Volo, sold to Greg Luther. She is a full sister to Lily Stride, a Breeders Crown champ, and three-quarter sister to Grand Circuit winner Violet Stride. The family also includes Bill’s Man, a winner in the U.S. and Europe.

She was bred by Kentuckiana Farms and Jorgen Jahre Jr. and consigned by Kentuckiana Farms. She is New Jersey and Kentucky eligible.

Slip Sliding Away, a daughter of Father Patrick-Ice Attraction, sold for $510,000 to Jim Glass as agent. She is the first foal out of Ice Attraction, who won the 2017 Kentucky Filly Futurity. The family also includes O’Brien Award recipient The Ice Dutchess as well as Southwind Serena, the dam of multiple Dan Patch Award honoree Mission Brief and stallion Tactical Landing.

She was bred by Little E LLC and Ake Svanstedt Inc. and consigned by Preferred Equine. She is Pennsylvania eligible.

Thinker Monkey, a son of Chapter Seven-Steamy Windows, was purchased for $500,000 by Howard Taylor. The colt is a full brother to Gimpanzee, who was a multiple Dan Patch Award winner including Trotter of the Year, and Iteration, who was a two-time New York Sire Stakes champion and winner on the Grand Circuit. His full sister Monkey Queen also just scored a Grand Circuit triumph last month.

He was bred by Order By Stable AB and consigned by Concord Stud Farm. He is New York and New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund eligible.

Admiral Hill wins Bluegrass Series

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:48:58 GMT

ADMIRAL HILL wins the Bluegrass Series #48 2YO Colts and Geldings in 1:50.4, with trainer Chris Ryder at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Thomas Hill.

Ari Ferrari J wins Bluegrass Series

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:44:19 GMT

Hunterton raised and sold, ARI FERRARI J wins the Bluegrass Series #48 2YO Colts and Geldings in 1:54.2, with trainer Tony Alagna at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Kenneth E Jacobs.

Strong Poison winner of Bluegrass Series #48 2YO Fillies

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:34:09 GMT

Two divisions of the $283,000 McWicked Bluegrass Stakes, for freshman pacing fillies, on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 29) at the Red Mile.

Kentucky Championship runner-up Strong Poison powered home strongly enough to down late leader Vivians Dream in the final strides of the other McWicked Bluegrass division.

Driver Yannick Gingras took back with Strong Poison to race sixth while Diamondsnpearls raced freely on the lead to a :28 first quarter. Vivians Dream drafted from the pocket to a :56.3 half and made her attack on the pacesetter pulling pocket towards three-quarters in 1:24. Diamondsnpearls retreated off the turn as Vivians Dream forged to a narrow lead with Light And Tight giving chase and Strong Poison sent widest on the track. The Ron Burke trainee gathered her momentum in the final eighth and lunged late at Vivians Dream to seize a neck victory in 1:51.3. Light And Tight settled for third with Bankers Luck another four lengths back in fourth.

A daughter of Always B Miki, Strong Poison now has five wins from nine starts and $315,000 earned for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services Inc. and Beasty LLC. She paid $3.38 to win.

Talent Scout takes the Madison County

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 16:46:55 GMT

Dexter Dunn and Talent Scout slid along the rail to defeat Jailhouse Dance (driven by Michael Oosting) in the $100,000 Madison County for 2-year-old trotting fillies in 1:54.1. Texsong Soprono (John DeLong) was third.

Talent Scout is a daughter of Swan For All-Prettysydney Ridge trained by Doug Rideout for owners Julie Rideout, Alan White and Dave Gamble. Bred by Atlantic Trot Inc. and Steve Stewart, Talent Scout improved her record to 13-6-2-1 and has earned $151,708.

The filly paid $4.60 to win as the favorite in the field of nine.

Unleashed Kemp wins Kentucky Golden Rod Final at The Red Mile

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:42:40 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, UNLEASHED KEMP wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 3YO Fillies Final in 1:52.3, with trainer Noel Daley at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Deo Volente Farms Llc, Noel M Daley, Patricia Stable and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Joviality S wins NYSS Final at Tioga

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:08:27 GMT

Tioga Downs played host to the New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) “Day of Champions” with $1.6 million in purses spread over the eight divisional championship finals on Saturday afternoon.

Joviality S (Brian Sears) continued her fantastic season with a clean sweep of the NYSS events in which she competed in this season with a dominant 7-3/4 length romp over a very game Valentina Blu (Joe Bongiorno) while reducing the track record she set only a week ago by another fifth in 1:51.2. The remarkably talented and consistent filly was paid the ultimate compliment by her Hall of Fame driver when her recognized her as being the best of the many great trotting fillies he has driven.

It was a very good day for Anders Strom, the owner (as Courant, Inc.) and breeder (as AM Bloodstock, Inc.) of the great Joviality S and her 2-year-old sister Kayleigh S, who won the freshman trotting filly championship by getting up in the final step for Sears to nip Ruth Honig in 1:55.4. The sisters are by New York’s leading trotting sire Chapter Seven from the imported Muscle Hill dam Pasithea Face S and Marcus Melander is the trainer for both state champions.

Perfect Vixen wins NYSS Excelsior Series

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 14:22:24 GMT

Hunterton sold, Perfect Vixen wins the New York Sire Stakes 3 year old Fillies Excelsior Series in 1:56, with trainer Scott Mongeon at Saratoga Harness. Congratulations to owners Edward W Reich, Irwin S Lampert and driver John Stark Jr.

Double Deceiver downs Rebuff; Boudoir Hanover puts her rivals to sleep at Red Mile

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 13:58:21 GMT

On Sunday (Sept. 11) Red Mile hosted two $80,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Championship series, two $30,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth series and two $15,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Golden Rod series for sophomore female and male trotters and pacers. Defending Kentucky champion Double Deceiver ( Hunterton born, raised and sold) dug down and captured his contest by a nose while Boudoir Hanover showed who was the boss in their respective divisions of the Championship series.

Double Deceiver (David Miller) rebounded from an unusual performance last week to win his sire stakes division for sophomore male pacing colts by in 1:51. Golden Wall As (Tony Hall) and Rebuff (Tim Tetrick) were second and third.

Golden Wall As grabbed the lead from the beginning of the mile and cut the first fraction of :29 until Rebuff assumed command. The son of Muscle Hill and Tetrick led the field of seven through a half of :56:1 and three-quarters in 1:23.4. Golden Wall As was waiting patiently in the pocket with Double Deceiver biding his time in third.

Double Deceiver and Golden Wall As simply passed Rebuff in the drive for the wire.

Bred by Steve Stewart and Oakwood Farms, Double Deceiver is by Cantab Hall and out of Sarcy. He was purchased for $17,000 at the 2020 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale by Pinske Stables and Makenna Pinske.

The gelding is trained by Carter Pinske. He has now earned $503,479 from a record of 20-9-7-0.

Double Deceiver paid $9.96 to win. The gelding was sixth in his last appearance in Championship action on Aug. 28.

Boudoir Hanover (Todd McCarthy) took the lead shortly after the first split and defeated Lookatmyrapsheet (Yannick Gingras) and Msdinosis Blugrass (Dexter Dunn) to capture the Championship division for 3-year-old pacing fillies in 1:50.

The regally bred daughter of Captaintreacherous -Bedroomconfessions took control after a :28 first quarter. The filly led through splits of :56 and 1:24 prior to hitting the finish line in first place.

Boudoir Hanover was bred by Riverview Breeders and Visionary Breeding. She is owned by Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, Caviart Farms, D. Plouffe and S. Head.

Trained by Tony Alagna, Boudoir Hanover has now earned $503,.001. Her record stands at 21-7-5-2.

The filly was a $200,000 2020 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase.

Boudoir Hanover paid $3.22 to her supporters.

Queen Of Success (Andrew McCarthy) and Just For Trix (D. Miller) won the Commonwealth divisions for sophomore male and female trotters and pacers.

Aggioranamento (Tetrick) and Fly Like An Angel (Gingras) scored in the two Golden Rod series divisions.

Sire stakes action culminates on Sunday (Sept. 18) with the Kentucky Championship final. It continues Monday (Sept. 19) with the Commonwealth series final and Tuesday (Sept. 20) with the Golden Rod series final.

Rebuff continues his quest for a Kentucky Championship at Red Mile

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:12:53 GMT

On Sunday (Sept. 11) Red Mile will host two $80,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Championship series, two $30,000 fourth round legs of the Kentucky Commonwealth series and two $15,000 fourth round legs of the Golden Rod series for sophomore male and female trotters and pacers.

Sophomore male trotter Rebuff will attempt to collect his second consecutive victory in Championship series action. Boudoir Hanover will look toward her third consecutive victory in her respective division for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

Rebuff returned to action on Aug. 28 after a sixth-place finish in the $1 million Hambletonian on Aug. 6 as the favorite. The son of Muscle Hill -Meucci Madness hit the wire in 1:51.4 at Red Mile, defeating Keg Stand by a nose.

Rebuff was second in the Championship series final last year to Double Deceiver (David Miller, post position four, 4-1), who is also in this week’s field.

Trained by Lucas Wallin, Rebuff will be steered by regular driver Tim Tetrick in the second race on the Sunday card. He will leave from post position two and is 2-1 on the morning line in the field of seven. Bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew, the colt was a $200,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase by his trainer, along with Kjell Magne Andersen and Pieter Delis. He now sports a resume of 16-8-2-1 and a bankroll of $623,270.

Boudoir Hanover and pilot Todd McCarthy will begin their mile from post position four in a field of six and are 9-5 on the morning line. The daughter of Captaintreacherous -Bedroomconfessions has racked up two wins in this series on Aug. 21 in 1:50.3 and Aug. 30 in 1:51.1.

Trained by Tony Alagna, Boudoir Hanover won her last race over the Lexington red clay by a head over Always Gonna B You (David Miller, post three, 5-1) and outslugged a game Msdinosis Blugrass in the second round of this series. Msdinosis Blugrass leaves from post position five on Sunday with Dexter Dunn holding the lines. She is 9-2 on the morning line.

Boudoir Hanover is owned by Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, Caviart Farms, D. Plouffe and S. Head, and was a $200,000 purchase at the 2020 Standardbred Horse Sale. Bred by Riverview Breeding and Visionary Breeders, Boudoir Hanover has now earned $463,001 and has a record of 20-6-5-2.

The two Commonwealth series contests and two Golden Rod series events are for male and female sophomore pacers and trotters.

The Red Mile will also offer a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-4 (races six through nine) in conjunction with the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program.

Sire stakes action continues at Red Mile on Sept. 18 with the Kentucky Championship series finals.

Jo Pa's Warrior wins Stallion Series Final

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:38:42 GMT

Jo Pa's Warrior ( Sweet Lou - Benerthebeach) won the Stallion Series Final 3 Year Old Colt & Geldings at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Congratulations to owner Emposimato Stables, trainer Jim Campbell and driver Tim Tetrick.

Strong Poison wins Kentucky Championship Series

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:45:51 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, STRONG POISON wins the Kentucky Championship Series 2YO Fillies in 1:51, with trainer Ron Burke at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc Jandt Silva Stablesllc, Knox Services Inc, Beasty Llc and driver Brian Sears.

Prideful wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:42:20 GMT

1st in the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 2YO Fillies at The Red Mile

Hunterton raised and sold, PRIDEFUL wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 2YO Fillies in 1:53.2, with trainer Julie Miller at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Andy Miller Stable Inc, Andray Farm and driver Andy Miller.

Joviality S fires late to win NYSS race at Tioga

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 14:05:29 GMT

In what can be considered a tune-up for the NYSS finals to be held at Tioga next Saturday (Sept. 10), Joviality S (Brian Sears) captured the $121,900 New York Sire Stakes leg for 3-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday (Sept. 3).

Pure Countess (Wally Hennessey) was first to the quarter in :27. Cash Infusion (Tyler Buter) went on by to take over with a lap to go and was first to the half in :56. Valentina Blu (Joe Bongiorno) came first-up down the backstretch as Joviality S ($2.30) followed second-over. Valentina Blu was first to three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Joviality S made her move as they made the turn for home. Valentina Blu dug in and gave everything she had but Joviality S surged by in deep stretch to win in 1:51.3. Valentina Blue had to settle for second money. She’s A Scorcher (Jim Taggert Jr.) finished third.

Joviality S is a 3-year-old filly by Chapter Seven. She is owned by Courant Inc. and trained by Marcus Melander. She now has eight wins this season and 17 career victories in just 22 career starts.

Pride N Joy wins the NYSS 2YO Filly Trot at Tioga Downs

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:23:51 GMT

PRIDE N JOY and Tyler Butler captured the NYSS 2 Year Old Filly Trot at Tioga Downs. Congratulations to owners Noel M Daley, L A Express Stable Llc, Lenny Zelin, Harbor Racing Stable Llc, trainer Noel Daley.

Kopi Luwak wins Kentucky Championship Series

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:19:20 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, KOPI LUWAK wins the Kentucky Championship Series 2YO C&G in 1:49.2, with trainer Tony Alagna at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Bradley J Grant, Steve L Heimbecker and driver David Miller.

Burke entries sweep Greenville Opens with Later Dudes

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 21:12:30 GMT

Owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi had only two starters on the 15-race card at the Great Darke County Fair, but they made the most of the limited starts by sweeping the $35,000 Gene Riegle Memorial Open Pace and the $22,000 Arnie Almahurst Trot Thursday night (Aug. 25) in Greenville, Ohio.

This year’s 11th edition of the Riegle had a field of eight with combined career earnings of just short of $3.9 million, headlined by reigning Ohio Horse of the Year Charlie May.

When the field was sent on their way, Tellmeaboutit (Dan Noble) protected the rail forcing Charlie May (Brett Miller) into the pocket and the eventual winner to be parked at the quarter in :28.3. Driver Chris Page had Later Dudes on top at the half in :56. Noble had Tellmeaboutit back out challenging the leader, poking a head in front at the three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Charlie May was required to go three-wide in the final turn and Later Dudes re-rallied at the top of the stretch. The three raced as a group with Later Dudes getting the final call by a neck in 1:52. Charlie May was second and Tellmeaboutit was another half-length back in third.

The winner, a 5-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou, has been ultra-consistent this season, hitting the board in 20 of 27 seasonal starts, earning $159,288.

The event honors the Hall of Fame conditioner who used the Darke County Fairgrounds as his home base during his career.

Spicy Hops wins at The Meadows

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:11:09 GMT

Hunterton sold, SPICY HOPS wins the PA Stallion Series 2YO C&G div in 1:57.4, with trainer/driver Wilbur Yoder at The Meadows. Congratulations to owner Richard A Hess.

Unleashed Kemp wins at The Red Mile

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:58:55 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, UNLEASHED KEMP wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 3YO Fillies in 1:51.4, with trainer Noel Daley at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Deo Volente Farms Llc, Noel M Daley, Patricia Stable and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Strong Poison wins Kentucky Championship Series

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:16:13 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, STRONG POISON wins the Kentucky Championship Series 2YO Fillies in 1:49.3, with trainer Ron Burke at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc Jandt Silva Stablesllc, Knox Services Inc, Beasty Llc and driver Yannick Gingras.

River Ness wins the NYSS 3YO Colt Pace at Tioga Downs

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:34:57 GMT

River Ness and Jordan Stratton captured the captured the NYSS 3 Year Old Colt Pace at Tioga Downs. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc, Jandt Silva- Purnel And Libby, Frank D Baldachino and Harvey Cedars, trainer Ron Burke and Driver Jordan Stratton.

Joviality S romps in $250,000 Delmonica Hanover Trot

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 18:29:59 GMT

Joviality S continued her lifelong devastating form in the $250,000 Delmonica Hanover Trot for sophomore fillies on Saturday at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, going up uncovered on Jiggy Jog S, trotting past her approaching headstretch, then drawing off to win by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:51.3, a stakes record and equaling the track record co-held by Check Me Out (2012) and Designed To Be (2014).

Brian Sears, who in post-race comments remarked how easy the Chapter Seven filly is to drive, sat third while Pink Coco Chanel, second to Fashion Schooner in the Hambletonian Oaks, left strongly to take over the racetrack before the :26.3 quarter. She extended Jiggy Jog S before letting her go to the top at three-eighths, hitting the half in :55.1.

Sears came uncovered with the winner of $1,616,818 down the backstretch, trotted up to the leader by the 1:23 three-quarters and powered right past her on the turn (coming out of which Jiggy Jog S broke), and finished out strongly on her own ability.

Owned by Courant Inc., Joviality S combined with Temporal Hanover to give trainer Marcus Melander a sweep of the day’s top sophomore trots. She extended her extraordinary record to 9-7-1-1 in 2022 and 21-16-3-1 lifetime, with many late seasoned rich races to come, and then a decision about her future.

Misswalner Fashion won the Continentalvictory in her last time out after closing from last to first in the last stanza; in the $125,000 Delmonica Hanover Consolation, Tim Tetrick sent the Walner filly to the lead in front of the stands and kept her going to the wire for a 1:53.4 success by a length.

Misswalner Fashion is trained by Jim Campbell for owner Jules Siegel; second after racing first-over was another Fashion Farms/Campbell product, Design Fashion.

Double Deceiver wins again at The Red Mile!

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:16:55 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, DOUBLE DECEIVER wins the Kentucky Championship Series 3YO C&G in 1:50.2, with trainer Carter Pinske at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Pinske Stables and driver David Miller.

Zanatta takes first at The Red Mile

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 17:33:02 GMT

Zanatta ( Stay Hungry - Major Dancer) won the 2YO Fillies Kentucky Commonwealth Series Leg 2 at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner One Legend Stable Inc, trainer Jennifer Bongiorno and driver David Miller.

Osceola Repeats In OSS Gold Series

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:19:10 GMT

Rookie trotting colts and geldings met up Friday evening (Aug. 12) at Woodbine Mohawk Park for the third Ontario Sires Stakes Gold leg of the season.

Team McNair’s Osceola (Hunterton sold) moved to the lead just after the opening quarter and never looked back for a 1:56.1 victory in the $101,300 first division. Doug McNair guided the son of Muscle Mass to victory for his father, trainer Gregg McNair.

“I just wanted to get around the first turn and go from there,” said Doug McNair of the colt who broke stride in his July 4 career debut prior to his first Gold win on July 14. “I know he’s got a ton of trot and, once he made the lead, I was pretty confident. He’s a really nice colt, we’ve got no complaints, he’s a great horse to sit behind.”

The race opened with Oh Look Magic posting a :28.4 first quarter. Once the field straightened out for the backstretch, McNair moved Osceola to the top from third and posted fractions of :59 and 1:28.1 to lead into the stretch.

Ghostly Casper made a big move first-up from sixth on the final turn and got to the leader’s wheel, but Osceola wouldn’t allow the rival to get any closer, closing out the mile in :28 to win by a length and a half. Oh Look Magic and Dowedealinandwhy rounded out the top four finishers.

After making a break in his career debut, Osceola has now rebounded for back-to-back OSS Gold victories, banking $102,200 in the process for owners Gregg McNair, Willow Oak Ranch and Paul Hawman.

The profitable colt, who was a $70,000 yearling acquisition from the Lexington Select Sale, is eligible to next weekend's William Wellwood Memorial eliminations.

A $2 win ticket on Osceola returned $3.40.

National Sport wins at Harrah's Hoosier Park

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:29:00 GMT

Hunterton sold, National Sport wins The Iron Horse in 1:54.1, with trainer Perry Smith at Harrah's Hoosier Park. Congratulations to owners Perry W Smith and driver Brandon Bates.

Lock Bridge wins at The Red Mile

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:15:57 GMT

Lock Bridge ( Captaintreacherous - Turnoffthelights) won the 3YO Fillies Kentucky Commonwealth Series Leg 1 at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Enviro Stables Ltd, South Mountain Stables, Camelot Stable Inc, Westminster Road Llc, trainer Linda Toscano and driver David Miller.

Tactical Approach wins at The Red Mile

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:06:33 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, TACTICAL APPROACH wins the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 2YO C&G in 1:54.1, with trainer Nancy Takter at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners John D Fielding, Steve L Heimbecker, Robert J Leblanc, Joe Sbrocco And Jaf Racing and driver Yannick Gingras.

Double Deceiver wins at The Red Mile

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:00:07 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, DOUBLE DECEIVER wins the Kentucky Championship Series 3YO C&G in 1:51.4, with trainer Carter Pinske at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Pinske Stables and driver David Miller.

Joviality S, second in the Hambletonian Final

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 16:53:01 GMT

JOVIALITY S comes in a second place in the Hambletonian Final 3YO Open in 1:51.4, with trainer Jim Campbell at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owner Courant Inc and driver Todd McCarthy.

Tactical Planner wins the Pure Ivory Final

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 01:02:45 GMT

Hunterton born and raised Tactical Planner 2, ($31,395) bf by Tactical Landing - Dressed To Impress wins the Pure Ivory Final for 2 yo trotting fillies at Woodbine Mohawk. Congratulations to owners Andrea Lea Racingstables Inc, and Tyler Jones.

Strong Poison wins Kentucky Championship

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:43:00 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, STRONG POISON wins the Kentucky Championship Series 2YO Fillies in 1:50.2, with trainer Ron Burke at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc Jandt Silva Stablesllc, Knox Services Inc, Beasty Llc and driver YAnnick Gingras.

Complete Life wins at The Red Mile

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:35:45 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, COMPLETE LIFE wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 3YO Fillies in 1:54.4, with trainer Jennifer Bongiorno at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owner Mark A Graber and driver Todd McCarthy.

Unleashed Kemp wins at The Red Mile

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:31:16 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, UNLEASHED KEMP wins the Kentucky Golden Rod Series 3YO Fillies in 1:54.4, with trainer Noel Daley at The Red Mile. Congratulations to owners Deo Volente Farms Llc, Noel M Daley, Patricia Stable and driver Andrew McCarthy.

Venerable Wins Hambo Oaks Elims

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Favourite Venerable and outsider Warrawee Xenia each won in the $40,000 Hambletonian Oaks eliminations for three-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (July 30).

Venerable won with ease as the 4-5 favourite in the first eliminations. The daughter of Walner sprinted off the gate as Bare My Soul took the lead from the outside, but not for long. Driver David Miller guided Venerable around the early leader to click the first quarter in :28. Miller kept Venerable comfortable on top with all foes following to hit the half in :56.2.

From the back, Misswalner Fashion took to the outside but wound up second over when Manon shifted to an overland journey. Venerable meanwhile recorded three-quarters in 1:24.3. Misswalner Fashion broke rounding to the bottom of the turn while Bare My Soul raced revved in a tight pocket to the inside of Selfie Queen and late-charging longshot Yanaba. Yet Venerable was not threatened at the finish, winning by three-quarter lengths in 1:52.4 over Yanaba and Bare My Soul. Also making the final were Selfie Queen and Manon.

Trained by Richard “Nifty” Norman for owners David McDuffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steve Arnold, Venerable paid $3.80 to win and hoisted her lifetime earnings to $1,265,858. It was the 12th win of her career.

Trainer “Nifty” Norman said Venerable has been going well through her sophomore season. “Each start since she broke [in the New Jersey Sires Stakes Final] has been a little better and you can see in her form she has been getting stronger all the time, and I think we're in good shape.” He did have some concern, he said, “because she seemed a little sleepy there, but I saw her prick her ears about a hundred yards off the wire and I thought that's okay, she knows what she's doing.”

Rebuff Takes Hambletonian Eliminations

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 16:52:59 GMT

A pair of fillies dropped into the box of the Hambletonian eliminations to try and become the third to beat the boys in the last five years and the 16th in the history of the event. Focus centered on Marcus Melander pupil Joviality S in the second $100,000 elimination on Saturday (July 30) at The Meadowlands until Jiggy Jog S stole the spotlight in the final yards.

Driver Dexter Dunn hustled Jiggy Jog S towards the lead and yielded for a pocket ride to King Of The North to a :27.4 first quarter. Joviality S, pushing from post 10 as the 4-5 favourite, then swooped to the lead before a :55.2 half. Her stablemate Temporal Hanover took first over to the final turn and pressured the leader to three-quarters in 1:25.2 and appeared as the main threat to Joviality S swinging for home.

Temporal Hanover dug into Joviality S through the lane as the filly held her ground and attempted to counter the challenge. Though suddenly, with second-over Testing Testing faltering, a lane opened for Dunn to fire Jiggy Jog S off the pegs and around the Melander-trained duo to jet home and land a head in front at the end of a 1:52.2 mile. Temporal Hanover took second from Joviality S while King Of The North and Keg Stand completed the top five.

“We did get lucky [to get out],” Dunn said after the race. “She’s such a handy filly. She was great off the gate and sat in a hole beautifully. The pace really was slow coming off the last turn and she was loaded in trot, but we had a lot of horses around us. We got a gap and she really exploded with a fast sprint there to the finish. I knew she’s got speed [but] this definitely was the best she’s felt tonight. There were a ton of really good horses she was [going] past at the end, but she’s a lovely filly.”

Jiggy Jog S recorded her sixth win from 17 starts while pushing her bankroll to $460,556 for owner Jorgen Sparredal Inc. The Ake Svanstedt-trained daughter of Walner secured a protected draw from posts one through five for the $1-million Hambletonian and will have a chance, along with finalist Joviality S, to join the recent ranks of Atlanta in 2018 and Ramona Hill in 2020 on the plaque of America’s trotting classic.

Off at odds of 6-1, Jiggy Jog S paid $14.80 to win.

Driver Tim Tetrick patiently rolled the Lucas Wallin pupil Rebuff to the front and coasted to a 1:52.2 victory as the decisive favourite to win the first $100,000 Hambletonian elimination.

A four-wide prong pushed first the front into the first turn, with Looks Like Moni landing on top to a :27.4 first quarter before pocket-sitting Fast As The Wind circled to the lead into the backside. Rebuff floated onto the rim and advanced steadily to overtake Fast As The Wind after a :56.2 half.

Periculum, part of the first-turn skirmish, pulled first over heading to the far turn and kept in contact with Rebuff to three-quarters in 1:24.2. But Rebuff stayed on the muscle straightening for home, cruising to a 1-1/4 length win over Fast As The Wind as he gave flattening pursuit from second.

“We raced plenty of times as a two-year-old and he’s a nice sized horse and good gaited, so we figured he probably didn’t need so many starts to get him in shape,” trainer Lucas Wallin said of Rebuff’s light sophomore schedule. “And so far the plan has been working pretty perfect.”

The remainder of the field finished tightly bunched, with Cool Papa Bell, Periculum and Looks Like Moni securing the remaining five spots, respectively, to advance to the final.

Rebuff , also earning a protected post draw with the win, remains unbeaten from three starts this season while adding a seventh win to his 14-race resume. He has banked $573,670 for owners Kjell Magne Andersen, Lucas Wallin and Pieter Delis. He returned $2.40 to win.

SEE THE DRAW: The post position draw for both the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks will take place Tuesday (Aug. 2), at Dr. Patty Hogan’s Hogan Equine Clinic in Cream Ridge, N.J.

For those who will be in attendance, the event begins at 2 p.m. (EDT). The post draws will start at 3 p.m. and will be shown live on both The Meadowlands’ Facebook Live page as well as The Big M’s YouTube Channel.

Big M TV’s Dave Bower, Jessica Otten and Gary DiLeo will be there with commentary and interviews.

‘GEERS’ TO THE MAXES: After finishing second in The Meadowlands Pace in his last start, Mad Max Hanover was sent to the gate as the 1-2 favourite and delivered with a sensational 1:47.4 lifetime-best effort in the $61,800 Tompkins-Geers Stakes for pacing three-year-old colts and geldings. Tim Tetrick drove for trainer Jake Leamon.

Mistletoe Shalee champion Max Contract upped her winning streak to three after taking the $52,400 Tompkins-Geers split for three-year-old pacing fillies. The 6-5 public choice was driven by Andy Miller and trained by Andy’s wife, Julie. The winning time was 1:49.1.

ATLANTA PROVES ‘VERSATILE’: Atlanta worked out a perfect pocket trip on the way to a 1:50 score in the $40,000 fourth leg of the Miss Versatility for open mare trotters. The lifetime earner of over $3.4 million won for the 34th time from 70 starts with Yannick Gingras driving for trainer Ron Burke. As the 3-1 second choice, she returned $8 to win. Bella Bellini failed in her quest for a fifth straight win, finishing third as the 1-2 public choice.

HEAVY-HANDED HANDLE: Betting on the 14-race card totalled $3,430,642, keyed by the two races that began the Pick-4 wagers.

Wagering on the seventh race totaled $388,760, with $87,114 on the Early 50-cent Pick 4. The 11th race saw $311,894 pushed through the windows, with Late Pick-4 betting at $87,464.

The Late 20-cent Pick 6, which began with a carryover of just over $7,000, saw $41,735 in “new money” poured into the pool for a grand total of $48,842. Those who had all six winners on their tickets cashed in for $2,749.86.

There have been 59 race cards contested this year at The Big M, and on 17 occasions betting has gone past the $3-million plateau.

A LITTLE MORE: Andy Miller led the driver colony with three winners on the program. Ron Burke had a training double to finish the weekend with five winner’s circle visitors.

Next week is the final week of racing at the Championship Meet, and there will be an additional day of live action. Racing will take place Thursday (Aug. 4) and Friday (Aug. 5) with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. before the grand finale Hambletonian Day on Saturday, Aug. 6, when the first race will head to the gate at noon.

Darby Creek wins at Scioto Downs

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 19:04:19 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, DARBY CREEK wins the Buckeye Stallion Series 2YO Filly Pace in 1:54.1, with trainer Brian Brown at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Donald E Robinson, Michael D Robinson, Robert A Mondillo, Rich Lombardo Racing Llc and driver Chris Page.

Joviality S To Enter The Hambletonian Elims

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:08:05 GMT

When the draw for the 2022 Hambletonian eliminations is announced on Tuesday (July 26), there will be at least one filly entered to battle the boys for one of harness racing's most coveted titles.

After winning the MGM Yonkers Trot earlier this month, star trotting filly Joviality S (Hunterton Farm foaled and raised) will be dropped in the box to race in the 2022 Hambletonian elims on July 30. Trainer Marcus Melander confirmed to Trot Insider on Friday that the plan was to race against the male trotters once again and forego the Hambletonian Oaks.

"She is the best mare we have ever trained and we want to try against the stallions," Melander told Trav365. "It can certainly be easier to go out against mares but there are also some good ones, so it is not certain that Joviality would just win the Oaks. There is no penalty kick to be awarded if you go out there. "

Joviality S is a filly by Chapter Seven out of the dual-continent stakes-winning Pasithea Face S, so facing and defeating male trotting rivals is literally in her blood. Pasithea Face S raced in a number of North America's top trotting events in 2017, winning the Steele Memorial on Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands, finishing third in the Maple Leaf Trot and emerging victorious against open company in the Dayton Trotting Derby.

With 15 wins in 18 career starts, Joviality S has banked $1,254,818 for owner Courant Inc. In her most recent performance, she took a new lifetime mark of 1:50.2 in a division of the Del Miller Memorial at The Meadowlands on July 16.

"Since she still felt so nice last Saturday, we want to try against the stallions. That race is clearly bigger to win, not only for the money but also the prestige," continued Melander, who is painfully aware of just how hard the Hambletonian is to win. A few years ago, he came into the event with the hard-hitting trio of Greenshoe, Gimpanzee and Green Manalishi S. Canadian invader Forbidden Trade rained on that parade.

"We had extremely good chances a few years ago and trained the favourites. It was our race to lose and unfortunately we were second, third, fifth that time. Everything has to be right that day and it's a tough race to win."

In the last five years, the Hambletonian has been captured by trotting fillies twice with Atlanta (2018) and Ramona Hill (2020) emerging victorious. Will a filly be able to beat the boys in the 2022 Hambletonian?

Talent Scout wins Kentucky Proud Series Final Div

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 16:22:29 GMT

The Red Mile in Kentucky was back in action on Saturday (July 23) with eight $50,000 legs of the Kentucky Proud Series for two and three-year-old harness racing trotters and pacers.

All eight of the races were held starting at 11:00 as non-wagering events. The winner of each of the eight finals set personal lifetime marks.

The 4 ^th race featured the final for two-year-old trotting colts and wiring the field with ease was Talent Scout ( Swan For All ) and driver Clint Coy.

Leaving from post eight, Coy sent Talent Scout right to the lead and they held the rest of the field at bay, winning by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:57. Cashamigos (Kevin Wallis) was second with Mobato AS (Christian Lind) third.

It was the fourth victory so far in the young career of Talent Scout and the 1:57 clocking was a lifetime mark. He is trained by Doug Rideout for co-owners Julie Rideout, Alan White and Dave Gamble.

Double Deceiver On Top In Tompkins-Geers

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 15:24:03 GMT

Second-place finishes in both his Yonkers Trot elimination as well as the final had Double Deceiver more than ready to take a solid field of colts and geldings down the road in one of four Tompkins-Geers divisions for trotting three-year-olds at The Meadowlands Saturday night (July 23).

The gelded son of Cantab Hall-Sarcy sat a two-hole from start to finish in both of his Yonkers outings but used a different tactic this time around in the $43,500 dash, one that might have surprised driver Dave Miller just a bit.

“He actually was a little aggressive tonight,” said Miller of his horse’s march to the front early. “He was feeling pretty good, so I just let him trot out.”

Double Deceiver was tracked every step of the way by Finn Palema through fractions of :27.4, :57.3 and 1:25.4, and had to brace for the stretch drive when that Ake Svanstedt trainee, who was the 9-5 second choice, vacated the pocket to come after the leader.

“My horse fought [Finn Palema] a long way through the stretch,” said Miller. “And I couldn’t be happier with him.”

A Carter Pinske trainee, Double Deceiver held off Finn Palema by a neck in a lifetime-best equaling 1:52.3. Classic Hill was third.

Double Deceiver paid $4.40 as the 6-5 favorite and has given his connections plenty to consider as to whether they will go in the Hambletonian eliminations next week.

The other division for colts and geldings, which sported a purse of $44,000, went to S I P for driver Corey Callahan and trainer Ron Burke.

Dismissed at odds of 9-1, S I P led at every call to win for the sixth time from 21 starts. The mile was timed in a lifetime-best 1:52 for the son of Bar Hopping-Barbara Brooks, who paid $20 to win. He, too, is Hambletonian eligible.

Mon Cheval won the first of two Geers splits for fillies (for a purse of $35,750) after stopping the clock in a lifetime-best 1:52. The daughter of Father Patrick-Shake It Cerry was driven by Jimmy Takter and trained by Jimmy’s daughter Nancy. As the even-money choice, Mon Cheval returned $4.20 to win.

Gracelyn Hanover had to go parked out for the final half-mile before prevailing in determined fashion in the other $36,250 division for fillies in 1:52.3 for Callahan and John Butenschoen. The daughter of Walner-Gatka Hanover returned $27.40 to win after going to the gate as the 12-1 fourth choice in the wagering.

Both Mon Cheval and Gracelynn Hanover are Hambletonian Oaks eligible.

A LITTLE MORE: Hot Mess Express, the standout filly from the Tony Alagna barn who earned just over $630,000 during 2021, got into the win column for the first time this year by taking a mid-range conditioned mare pace in 1:50 flat as the 3-5 favourite.

Callahan and Todd McCarthy led the driver colony with three winners apiece. Pinske trained a pair to victory lane, one of which was Venerate, the 2020 Mohawk Million winner who scored in a high-end conditioned trot in 1:52.4 as the 6-5 public choice.

All-source handle totaled $2,538,554.

Racing resumes Friday (July 29) at 6:20 p.m. (EDT). The featured action on next Saturday’s card will be the eliminations for the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks and $1-million Hambletonian.

Find Happiness wins PA Stallion Series Div

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 16:39:19 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, FIND HAPPINESS wins the PA Stallion Series 3YO Filly Pace in 1:53.3, with trainer Linda Toscano at The Meadows. Congratulations to owners The Bay S Stable Llc, Polger Holdings Llc, Zzzzzf J Stable Inc, Camelot Stable Inc and driver Todd McCarthy.

Walner Payton wins the NJSS Final

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:28:04 GMT

Walner Payton used the rail to her advantage in taking the NJSS Final for trotting fillies in a lifetime-best-equalling 1:54.1 for trainer Chris Ryder and driver Dexter Dunn.

Dunn moved the daughter of Walner-Lonely Lady to the top while parked at the quarter and with 1-2 favourite Mambacita going a three-hole trip, had enough to hold that late-rallying foe off by a safe 1-1/4 lengths at the finish. Bubzarellie was third.

“She was the one filly I was going to buy,” said owner Ken Jacobs of the $510,000 Lexington Select Sale purchase. “It proved to be a good choice.”

“She’s been very good,” said Ryder. “A little tough to break, but she always trains well. She’s been pretty straight forward. We’re very happy with her.”

As the 5-2 second choice, Walner Payton returned $7.80 to win.

D'Apper wins the NJSS Consolation Div

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:02:10 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, D'APPER wins the NJSS Consolation 2 year old colts and geldings in 1:54.2, with trainer Lucas Wallin at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owners Quite The Dapper, New Egypt, NJ and driver Tim Tetrick.

Last Page First wins NYSS at Batavia Downs

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:47:53 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, LAST PAGE FIRST wins the NYSS 2 year old fillies trot in 2:00.1, with trainer Luc Blais at Batavia Downs. Congratulations to owner Determination and driver Bob McClure.

Wolftrax Wins Oak Grove Final Div

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:30:18 GMT

On Monday (July 18), Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel hosted four $100,000 early Sire Stakes finals and four $25,000 consolations for 3-year-old trotters and pacers.

Wolftrax and Trace Tetrick overhauled Vicious (Andrew McCarthy) in the stretch drive to triumph in the final for 3-year-old male pacers in 1:51.1. Rocknroll Gold (Dunn) was second and River Ness (Gingras) was third.

The final time was a new lifetime mark for the son of Betting Line and Cathedra Dot Com. Trained by Erv Miller, Wolftrax now sports a resume of 15-3-4-2 and boosted his bankroll to $126,200 for owners Douglas Overhiser and Rocco Ruffolo. Woltrax was bred by Steve Stewart, T L P Stable, James Daut and D’Elegance Stable IX. He paid $11 to win.

Gaelihill Wins Oak Grove Final Div

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:26:33 GMT

On Monday (July 18), Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel hosted four $100,000 early Sire Stakes finals and four $25,000 consolations for 3-year-old trotters and pacers.

Gaelihill and Gingras turned in a wire-to-wire performance to win the final for 3-year-old male trotters. Gigondas (Dexter Dunn) was second and Golden Wall As (Tony Hall), the favorite, was placed third. Divisional leader Ducasse was scratched.

Trained by Trond Smedshammer, Gaelihill stopped the timer in 1:54.1 for the second win of his career. The son of Muscle Hill-Gaelic now has a record of 10-2-2-3 and has earned $73,706. Gaelihill is owned by Purple Haze Stables. The gelding was bred by Steve Stewart and Martti Ala-seppala. He paid $16 to win.

Exploit wins at Yonkers

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:36:20 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, Exploit wins the claiming allowance $75,000 division in 1:53.0, with trainer Dennis J Laterza at Yonkers Raceway. Congratulations to owners Latz A Luck Stable, Winners Circle Racing Llc, John A Campagnuolo and driver Braxten Boyd.

Don’t Fence Me In wins div of $100,000 Early Sire Stakes final

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:03:50 GMT

DONT FENCE ME IN
Captaintreacherous - Mystery Game
p, 3 1:50.3 ($439,784)

Raised by Hunterton
Hunterton Farm bred or raised 5 of the 8 starters in the program.
Don’t Fence Me In wins division of $100,000 Early Sire Stakes final at Oak Grove Racing in Oak Grove, KY.
The daughter of Captaintreacherous-Mystery Game, who is owned by Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, Steven Head and Pryde Stables, has a record of 19-8-5-3 and has earned $439,784.
Congratulations to all her connections.

Joviality S surge to win Del Miller division

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 16:14:29 GMT

Joviality S proved much too tough in their respective $100,000 divisions of Saturday’s (July 16) Del Miller Memorial, for 3-year-old trotting fillies, at The Meadowlands.

Yonkers Trot winner Joviality S easily controlled her six foes and held off a late bid from Venerable to win in a lifetime best 1:50.2.

Brian Sears guided Joviality S from post seven directly to the top with ease as Venerable, Selfie Queen and the others lined up behind her. In no rush, Sears marked a first quarter in :26.4, the half in :56 and asked Joviality S to accelerate to three-quarters in 1:24.1 as the fillies neared the stretch.

Venerable revved up from the pocket for the only challenge, edging towards Joviality S in deep stretch, only for Joviality S to hold her ground and win by a diminishing half-length. Venerable finished second with Selfie Queen picking up third.

Joviality S, a Chapter Seven filly with 15 wins in 18 career starts, raised her earnings to $1,254,818 for trainer Marcus Melander and owner Courant Inc. Joviality S paid $2.60 to win.

Melander said Joviality S beat a valid foe:

“Venerable is a very fast filly, so you never know, and my filly has a closed bridle so she doesn’t see the other horses. But we were thrilled with her coming home in :26.1.”

It is still not official if Joviality S will take on the colts in the Hambletonian or her division’s best in the Hambletonian Oaks.

“We were going to race her here because we didn’t know how she was going to be today,” Melander said. “First, we have to talk to the owner and Brian (Sears) and everyone. We’ll see.”

Keg Stand cruises in Meadows PASS, likely punches Hambo ticket

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 15:52:29 GMT

Washington, PA – If Friday’s (July 15) $131,506 Pennsylvania Sires Stake at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows was his audition for the Hambletonian, Keg Stand got the role with ease, pummeling his rivals by 7-1/2 lengths in 1:53. Dandy was nearly as impressive — a 3-1/2-length winner — in the other division of the stake, known as the Super Bowl, for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

Keg Stand was promising early in his freshman campaign but ended it on a sour note, breaking stride in his final two races. After an extended vacation, he’s come back to win his first two outings at three, both PASS divisions, which prompted trainer Nancy Takter to offer winning driver Dave Palone a word of advice.

“She said test him, and if he’s any good, we’re pointing him towards the Hambo,” Palone said. “My advice will be, onward and upward. I let him out a notch around the last turn and he responded, wrapped him right back up with the plugs in.”

Keg Stand pushed his career bankroll to $210,718 for owners Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding.

Trainer Frank Ingrassia recalls that Dandy stood so poorly in the sales ring as a yearling that the colt’s co-owner gave his share to Ingrassia on the spot. But Ingrassia and his wife, Jackie Ingrassia, who piloted the son of Cantab Hall-Cocoacabana in the Super Bowl, have brought him along patiently. Now, he’s captured three of the four preliminary PASS legs this year. The $260,000 PASS championship is set for Sept. 3 at The Meadows.

On Friday, Dandy came first over to score in a career-best 1:53.2, with Torrone and Famous Father second and third, respectively. The trainer said he wasn’t worried about the trip.

“He likes to race other horses, so I wasn’t concerned,” he said. “I was concerned when he made the top, thinking that somebody might catch him.”

$40,000 PA Stallion Series — 3-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

In Friday’s sub-feature, Emerald’s Legacy prevailed for the fifth time in six career outings while Andoverthewinnings took the other split despite a demanding opening panel that saw him stuck between horses before finding the pocket. That, said winning driver Brady Brown, was the key to victory.

“That first turn was tough,” Brown said. “Guys were protecting their spots, and I was getting stretched a little bit. It helped that I could fall in the two hole before the quarter. When I drove him before, he was a little more bumpy gaited. They changed his shoes, and he’s a totally different horse right now.”

John Butenschoen trains the Explosive Matter-Andover The Prize gelding for Claude Gendreau Stable.

In the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot, Keystone Chaos made it two straight with a determined uncovered move that carried him to victory in 1:53.4. Brian Zendt piloted the 5-year-old Andover Hall-Keystone Cola gelding, who now has banked $153,134, for trainer Jim Daugherty and owner Michele Daugherty.

Saturday’s 11-race program at The Meadows features a pair of carryovers: $3,458.81 in the final-race Super Hi-5, $2,515.06 in the Jackpot Pick-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.

Rebuff equals track record in Stanley Dancer

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 15:47:20 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — In the second start of his sophomore campaign, freshman Breeders Crown champion Rebuff seized the lead up the backside and held firm on the point to complete a stakes-record 1:49.4 mile — which also equaled the track record for 3-year-old trotting colts — in the first of two $125,000 divisions of the Stanley Dancer Memorial at The Meadowlands on Saturday (July 16).

Off the 1-2 favorite, Rebuff floated off the wings to land in third as Pretender pushed toward the top to lead by a :27.1 first quarter. Temporal Hanover then angled off the cones up the backside and circled to the lead with Rebuff tracking his move approaching a :54.3 half.

Rebuff strode around the final turn to snag a minor breather as Periculum powered first-over to press the leader by three-quarters in 1:23. Periculum levelled off the turn while Rebuff accelerated for home, sprinting in :26.4 to hold off a late charge from Temporal Hanover by three-quarters of a length. Pretender gave pursuit at the inside for third and Periculum held fourth.

“We had a plan for him after the Breeders Crown, and everything has been working out perfect,” trainer Lucas Wallin said after the race. “(Tim and I) talked about it before the race, if we should try to get to the lead so he could be there before the big day.

“We’ve been very confident with him,” Wallin also said. “He actually lost a front shoe in the race. I don’t know where, but that’s even more impressive. We’re not surprised.”

A son of Muscle Hill, Rebuff has now won six races from 13 starts and banked $523,670 for owners Kjell Magne Andersen, Lucas Wallin and Pieter Delis. Tim Tetrick steered the colt, who paid $3.00 to win.

King Of The North had all his rivals at bay to his outside, but he drifted far enough off the pylons to leave a perfect seam for Slay to scoot through and score a 12-1 upset in the second Stanley Dancer division.

With Testing Testing breaking stride in tight quarters and impeding Letsdoit S on the first turn, B A Superhero swept to the lead coming to the :27 first quarter as Branded By Lindy followed suit into the backside. Once Branded By Lindy landed on the lead, King Of The North then fired out of fourth to take over the lead before a :54.3 half and raced on a firm grip to the far turn.

Branded By Lindy edged off the pegs passing three-quarters in 1:23.4 and challenged King Of The North coming for home, but all the outside challengers stacked and gave even chase to the tempo-setter into the final sixteenth. However, Slay, who raced last among the six still on stride, veered by a tiring horse inside and darted through a gap to King Of The North’s inside to win by a widening 1-1/4 lengths in a lifetime best 1:51. King Of The North held second from Branded By Lindy while Looks Like Moni finished fourth.

“He’s a very good colt,” said Tony Alagna, who trains Slay for Crawford Farms Racing and James Crawford IV. “His biggest thing is he needs to be tactical; he needs a target. He’s not really big enough to do all the work, but if they throw him into the race like this, he’s going to beat some horses. That’s his main thing.”

Slay returned $27.80 to win in nabbing his fourth victory from 14 starts and adding to his account now worth $275,526.

Momentary Control wins ONSS Gold Division at Woodbine

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:51:17 GMT

A 12-1 upset capped off the Gold action in Race 8 with Momentary Control (Hunterton raised) taking the second division for freshmen pacing fillies.

The Control The Moment colt made her pari-mutuel debut at the Grassroots level on July 5 and finished second. In her Gold debut she closed strong in :27 to charge from a seventh position at the half-mile marker and win by two lengths.

The field set a solid opening pace of :27.1 and :57, but Tyler Jones was content to settle his filly off the pace and move as the field rounded the far turn.

“She felt like she could go :27 with them leaving the gate, but I just kind of settled her down and got her back there,” said Jones. “Then coming off the last turn she drifted out on her own, and when she hit that open stretch, she was gone. She found her stride and paced amazing. That was an easy :27.”

Jones’ dad Dustin trains the filly, and Andrea Lea Racingstables Inc (Lakefield Gore, Que.) and Colin McKenna (Toronto, Ont.) own her.

Snowpiercer wins ONSS Gold Division at Woodbine

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:45:01 GMT

Leaving from post 6, odds-on favourite Snowpiercer (Hunterton born, bred & sold) was driven to the front by Paul MacDonnell, and the Muscle Mass colt led the field through fractions of :28, :57.2, and 1:26. It was the second-straight week the John Bax trainee led all the way through three-quarters, and this time he held on for the two-length win in 1:56.2.

“The half went a little quicker, and the horse I thought was second best got back aways,” said Bax. “Paul got some separation, and it’s just the way it happened. Normally I’d worry about a horse always going to the front, but it doesn’t get him all worked up. Everything is all good so far.”

Snowpiercer is owned by Bax Stable (Campbellville, Ont.) Bradley Grant (Milton, Ont.), David Anderson (Aurora, Ont.), and Richard Gutnic (Blue Bell, Pa.). He now has over $76,000 in earnings for the group.

Osceola wins ONSS Gold Division at Woodbine

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:40:33 GMT

Gregg McNair trainee Osceola (Hunterton sold) was victorious in the other trotting colt division, bouncing back from going off stride in his previous Gold start.

McNair’s son Doug settled the Muscle Mass colt into pocket position early, and after Passarino moved past early leader Mass Market around the first turn, McNair promptly sent Osceola past both horses to lead the rest of the way to post a 1:56 mile.

“He really hasn’t been a problem all winter,” said Greg. “We raced him last week, and he made a couple of breaks in the mile, but we changed a few things around, and it ended up working out on him.”

The colt trotted home in :27.2 to win by five lengths, earning $51,550 for McNair’s fellow owners Willow Oak Ranch (Rogersville, Tenn.), and Paul Hawman (Collingwood, Ont.).

Primary Driver wins BSS

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:27:32 GMT

Primary Driver (Hunterton born, bred & sold) , a Fear The Dragon gelding trained and driven by Brady Galliers, won the Buckeye Stallion Series 2YO C&G 1st Leg at Northfield Park in 1:57.1. Congratulations to owner Galliers Racing Llc.

Imperial Zette wins PASS Div

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:22:05 GMT

Imperial Zette ( Cantab Hall - Heavenly Zette) won the PASS 2YO C&G at Hughesville. Congratulations to owners/trainer/driver Tony B & Linda J Schadel.

Quincy Market wins NYSS Div

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:34:21 GMT

Quincy Market (Hunterton born, bred & sold) , an E L Titan colt trained by Nicholas DeVita, won the NYSS 3 year old colts and gelding division at Monticello Raceway in 1:58.4. Congratulations to owner Samuel L Abdoo and driver Jason Bartlett.

Venerable wins Zweig Memorial

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 20:51:24 GMT

Vernon downs played host for the annual Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial harness racing event on Saturday afternoon (July 9). Venerable ( Walner , David Miller), who is trained by R. Nifty Norman wins the $25,620 Zweig Memorial consolation race for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

Walner Payton wins NJSS Div

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 20:43:58 GMT

Walner Payton (Hunterton born, bred & sold) , a Walner filly trained by Chris Ryder, won the NJSS 2 year old fillies division at the Meadowlands in 1:54.1. Congratulations to owner Kenneth E Jacobs and driver Dexter Dunn.

Talent Scout wins at Lebanon

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:40:11 GMT

Talent Scout ( Swan For All - Prettysydney Ridge) won the Kentucky Proud Series 2YO C&G at Lebanon. Congratulations to owners Julie E Rideout, Alan L White and Dave Gamble, trainer Doug Rideout and driver Clint Coy.

Joviality S Takes Top Spot In Standardbred Poll

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:38:51 GMT

For the third time in four weeks, the No. 1 spot changed hands in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll. And for the second time in the poll’s overall five weeks, the two top horses were separated by fewer than five points.

Joviality S , who last week became the first filly to beat the boys in the Yonkers Trot since Continentalvictory in 1996, this week received 12 of 35 first-place votes and a total of 304 points to move from fourth to first in the rankings.

Bulldog Hanover, who equalled the fastest mile in history with his 1:46 score in a division of the Roll With Joe Stakes at The Meadowlands, jumped from sixth to second. He also garnered 12 first-place votes, but fell three points shy of Joviality S, with 301.

It is the closest margin between first and second since Week 8 in 2020 when one point separated No. 1 Ramona Hill and No. 2 Tall Dark Stranger.

Dropping to third was previous poll-leader Jimmy Freight, who was idle last week. Jimmy Freight received the remaining 11 first-place votes and totaled 289 points.

Test Of Faith, who finished second to Racine Bell in the Perfect Sting Mare Pace, fell from second to fourth and was followed by Pebble Beach, who was idle.

There were two newcomers to the Top 10, with Six Pack Mare Trot winner Bella Bellini at No. 6 and Crawford Farms Open Trot champion Alrajah One IT at No. 10.

Funatthebeach N and Fast As The Wind dropped from the Top 10.

Rankings based on the votes of harness racing media representatives on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll: Week 5 – July 5, 2022

Lock Bridge wins at Oak Grove

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 18:19:19 GMT

Lock Bridge ( Captaintreacherous - Turnoffthelights) won the 3YO Fillies Oak Grove Series Stake (Leg 2) at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Enviro Stables Ltd, South Mountain Stables, Camelot Stable Inc, Westminster Road Llc, trainer Linda Toscano and driver Dexter Dunn.

Over And Back wins at Oak Grove

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 18:40:18 GMT

Over And Back ( Trixton - Chim Swift) won the YO C&G Oak Grove Series Stake (Leg 2) at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Christopher F Beaver, Aaron E Merriman, William T Bercury, Johanna M Beaver, trainer Christopher Beaver and driver Andy Miller.

Keg Stand wins at Harrah's Philadelphia

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 17:52:10 GMT

Whenever driver Scott Zeron makes a visit to Harrah’s Philadelphia, it’s usually the prospect of a live drive that lures him.

The horse that brought Zeron to Philly on Sunday afternoon (July 3) was Keg Stand , who won his $66,153 third-round preliminary Pennsylvania Sire Stakes event for 3-year-old male trotters in 1:53.1. Zeron also picked up the catch drive behind Outside The Fire, who won the other Sire Stakes split in 1:53.4. Both sophomores took new lifetime marks.

Keg Stand looked ready to go after two good qualifiers at the end of April, but then was off for six weeks before winning another qualifier. Trainer Nancy Takter determined that the winner of $177,042 was then ready to race, and he vindicated her judgment. Zeron floated out with the son of Bar Hopping and roared up to take the lead just after a :28.1 quarter. After middle fractions of :56.4 and 1:25, Keg Stand was all alone in the stretch, winning by 3-1/4 lengths in a comfortable 2022 debut for Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding.

Quincy Market wins at Goshen

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 17:44:41 GMT

Quincy Market (Hunterton born, bred & sold) , a E L Titan colt trained by Nicholas DeVita, won the New York Excelsior Series A 3 year old colts and gelding division at Goshen in 1:57.3. Congratulations to ownerSamuel L Abdoo and driver Jason Bartlett.

Major Hill Wins Feature At Rideau

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:28:42 GMT

Major Hill lived up to his billing as the bettor’s choice in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (July 3).

Driven by Pascal Berube, Major Hill overcame a tough trip to win the feature race on the card at Rideau. The nine-year-old gelding got away fifth off the car, maintaining position through a :27.2 first quarter. He made his move seconds later, pulling first up against the rest of the pack. His first-up trip lasted through fractions of :55.3 and 1:24 before tipping out three-wide to notch the victory by a neck in 1:52.1 over The Light Speed (Guy Gagnon).

Lovemyrockinbird (Jimmy Gagnon) followed up in third.

Major Hill , by Art Major and out of the Western Hanover mare Bunnys Legacy, secured win number 35, totaling $582,391 in earnings. He is trained by Yves Tessier for owner Francois Morin.

Another notable accomplishment on the Rideau card came from Delicate Sound, whose triumph makes six in a row for trainer Marc-Andre Simoneau and owner Aurel Harvey Et Fils Inc. The three-year-old gelding is by State Treasurer and out of the American Ideal mare Eagle Kelly. The 1:54.3 mile is the sixth win in eight lifetime starts for Delicate Sound, totaling $17,002 in earnings.

Joviality S Beats The Boys In Yonkers Trot

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 17:37:28 GMT

Joviality S became the first filly since Continentalvictory in 1996 to win Yonkers Raceway's MGM Yonkers Trot, taking the $280,904 final and the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown for three-year-olds on Friday night in 1:53.1 to equal the track record for her division.

Driver Brian Sears had Joviality S ready to leave from post seven, and she fired right to the top, carving out fractions of :27.2, :56.4, and 1:24.4 while pursued by pocket-sitter Double Deceiver (David Miller). Those two faced off in a match race through the lane, and although Double Deceiver made some late headway, it wasn't enough, as Joviality S tallied by a length and matched Plunge Blue Chip's track record established back in 2018. Pour Mea Double (Dexter Dunn) got up for third.

"She's just so handy out on the track and lets me do anything that I want. It makes my job so much easier. She has so much talent, gets over the ground so easy, and just has a great gait to her," said Sears. "I let her roll along a little bit tonight. She felt really good getting over the track. I called on her a little bit down the lane, and she picked it up like she usually does."

With one notch in the Trotting Triple Crown now secured, the question will be if Joviality S opts to go in the Hambletonian or Hambletonian Oaks, but Sears noted she could have some additional racing to do before that.

"I really haven't talked to Marcus (trainer Marcus Melander) about it. Maybe we'll get a sire stake or two in between now and Hambletonian Day or we'll just take it from there. We'd still like to race her in New Yorkand keep her tight," remarked Sears.

Melander trains Joviality S, a daughter of Chapter Seven, for owner Courant Inc., whose AM Bloodstock Inc. bred the filly. Joviality S has won all five of her starts in 2022, has a record of 14-2-0 from 17 lifetime tries, and has now banked $1,205,818. She paid $2.40 to win.

It was a 1-2 finish for trainer Ake Svanstedt in the companion $126,165 New York New York Mile for three-year-old filly trotters, with 1-5 favourite Jiggy Jog S (Dunn) defeating stablemate Little Pink Lies (Svanstedt) in a 1:54 effort.

Little Pink Lies shot to the top from post five, but Dunn also left from post six with Jiggy Jog S, and she cleared to the point passing the :27.3 opening quarter. Jiggy Jog S then faced no pressure from there, trotting through a half in :56.1 and a three-quarters in 1:24.3.

While Jiggy Jog S had a fairly routine journey up to that point, it was anything but routine on the last turn as she drifted out and then got rough, allowing Little Pink Lies to take command on the inside and get a bit of separation coming into the lane. However, Jiggy Jog S got back on the right foot once she got straightened up in the stretch and was able to chase Little Pink Lies back down, defeating her by three-quarters of a length. Cash Infusion (Yannick Gingras) came in third.

A Walner filly bred by Vestmarka AB and owned by Jorgen Sparredal Inc, Jiggy Jog S won for the fourth time in her 15th career appearance, and she has now earned $349,056. Jiggy Jog S paid $2.70 to win.

Reynolds Triple At Meadowlands For Wallin

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 17:30:37 GMT

Trainer Lucas Wallin is looking to have a big day on the first Saturday in August, and if Friday night is a good indicator, he will.

Wallin trained three winners at The Meadowlands from four divisions of the W.N. Reynolds Memorial for three-year-olds on the trot, which gave a look at possible Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks contenders.

The first of Wallin’s hat trick came with Rebuff , the Breeders Crown champion from a year ago, who gunned down 2-5 favourite (and Goodtimes winner) Fast As The Wind by three-quarters-of-a-length in a lifetime-best 1:51.3 in the first of two splits for colts and geldings. The purse was $36,650. A marvellous performance given it was the son of Muscle Hill-Meucci Madness’ first start of the season.

“The trip worked out perfect,” said Wallin of the live cover journey right on the favourite’s back. “We actually wanted to stretch him out with the Hambletonian Eliminations coming up in four weeks. I was pretty confident he was going to do well. He has been training super. Rebuff is so good-gaited, he doesn’t need too many races to have a good performance.”

Rebuff, who was driven by Tim Tetrick, returned $9.80 as the 7-2 second choice in the betting.

Manon was Wallin’s next winner, getting up in a driving finish to dead heat with 7-5 public choice Raised By Lindy in a lifetime-best 1:51.1 in one of two divisions of the Reynolds for fillies for a purse of $35,600.

The daughter of Bar Hopping-Are You Ready, who raced only once at two, is now five-for-five in her sophomore season.

“She’s been super this year,” said Wallin. “This was her first big test. She got a little sore last year, so we decided to turn her out and bring her back this year. We have a patient owner, so it worked out. I think tonight she showed she belongs [in the Hambletonian Oaks]. That’s the main goal.”

Manon returned $3.00 to win after being bet down as the 5-2 second choice. Once again, it was Tetrick at the controls. Raised By Lindy (Walner-Birthright), driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Domenico Cecere, paid $2.60, as she, too, established a new lifetime best.

B A Superhero (Muscle Hill-Win Missy B) gave Wallin – and Tetrick – a sweep of the two male divisions (this one for a purse of $37,150), grabbing the lead at the half and powering down the pike from there to best Classic Hill by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:51.2, lowering his previous mark by two-and-three-fifth seconds.

“In the [May 27] New Jersey Sire Stakes Final [when he finished fifth behind winner Pretender], we gambled a little and put a different bridle on him and he got a little too grabby,” said Wallin. “Then, we gave him a few weeks off. He did race well last week [when fifth with older foes], so I was really confident coming into tonight.”

B A Superhero returned $5.20 as the 8-5 second choice in the betting. Dover In Motion, the 6-5 favourite, broke before the half and finished last.

Reflecting on his big night, Wallin was sure to give credit where it’s due. “It’s a nice feeling [when you have nights like this]. We have a very good team in the barn, so I’m very happy. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

Or the Hambletonian, or Hambletonian Oaks.

In the only Reynolds dash not won by Wallin, the Ake Svanstedt-trained and -driven Baptism (Southwind Frank-Fall From Grace) scored from off the pace at odds of 8-1 in a lifetime-best 1:51.3 in the other division for fillies for a purse of $35,600, taking down New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Fashion Schooner, who settled for second as the 1-5 favourite. Had Fashion Schooner won, Tetrick would have gone four-for-four in the Reynolds.

Sister Solange wins at the Meadows

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:31:26 GMT

Sister Solange ( Father Patrick - Dewdle All Day) won the PA Stallion Series 2 YO Filly Trot at the Meadows. Congratulations to owner Thestable Sister Solange, trainer Tim Twaddle and driver Anthony Macdonald.

Upstaged wins at the Meadows

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:21:19 GMT

Upstaged ( Muscle Hill - Stage Fright) won the NJSS 2YO C&G div at the Meadows. Congratulations to owner Stall Tz Inc, trainer Marcus Melander and driver Tim Tetrick.

Forbidden Trade Tops Open Trotters Again

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 15:14:37 GMT

Hey Livvy set all of the speed in Monday evening’s $38,500 Open Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but it was Forbidden Trade who enjoyed all of the glory in the featured affair.

With Bob McClure at the controls, the odds-on favourite got away fourth while Hey Livvy shot to the top and carved out panels of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:24.1. Patriarch Hanover made a sharp move from first-over around the final turn, and he generated enough speed to grab the lead as the field entered the stretch.

Forbidden Trade, who sat fourth for the first three-quarters of the contest, angled off the rail in the lane and used a :27.2 closing quarter of his own to nail Patriarch Hanover by a head in 1:52.2. Pikachu Hanover rallied late to finish third.

Luc Blais trains the six-year-old son of Kadabra-Pure Ivory for Determination of Montreal, Que. It was the third straight tally for the 24-time winner who pushed his lifetime earnings to $2,187,082 with the victory.

Joviality S To Yonkers Trot

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:16:27 GMT

Millionaire trotting filly Joviality S , the Breeders Crown champ at two and now undefeated in her sophomore campaign, will take on the boys in her next test.

Trainer Marcus Melander told Trot Insider that Joviality S will compete in the MGM Yonkers Trot, first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown. Eliminations will be drawn today (Monday, June 20) and take place on Friday, June 24 with the $300,000 guaranteed final scheduled for Friday, July 1 at Yonkers Raceway.

The Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S filly won the $187,500 Empire Breeders Classic for three-year-old trotting fillies in a career-best 1:51 last Friday at Vernon Downs, just missing Atlanta's track record by two-fifths of a second and going over the million-dollar mark in career earnings. The win was her third straight this year, following back-to-back New York Sire Stakes victories at Yonkers and Vernon.

"She's been great all three starts this year," Melander told Trot Insider of the decision to compete with the colts. "And she goes around Yonkers very well, which she showed in her first start of this year. So when she came out of the race good on Friday, when we jogged her Sunday morning we decided to go in the Yonkers Trot."

She won nine of her 12 starts as a two-year-old, including the New York Sire Stakes Championship, Kentuckiana, International Stallion Stakes, Breeders Crown and Goldsmith Maid. The only time she has finished out of the top two was a fourth-place in the Jim Doherty.

River Ness wins the NYSS 3YO C&G at Vernon Downs

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 14:33:27 GMT

River Ness and Jordan Stratton captured the captured the NYSS 3 Year Old Colts & Geldings at Vernon Downs. Congratulations to owners Burke Racing Stable Llc, Weaver Bruscemi Llc, Jandt Silva- Purnel And Libby, Frank D Baldachino and Harvey Cedars, trainer Ron Burke and Driver Jordan Stratton.

Forbidden Trade Fires In Free For All

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:14:46 GMT

O'Brien Award winner Forbidden Trade secured a stalking position from which he pounced powerfully to a 1:52.3 victory in the $45,500 Free For All Trot on the Pepsi North America Cup undercard Saturday (June 18) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Its Academic, once smoothening his gait off the first turn, cleared command after a :27 first quarter from Forbidden Trade and promptly slowed the tempo. The field tightened behind the temposetter and forced Oney Hall to attack off the pegs from fourth into a :55.3 half.

Oney Hall marched to match strides with Its Academic circling the final turn all while driver Bob McClure poised Forbidden Trade off the pegs approaching three-quarters in 1:24.1. Spinning for home, McClure motored the six-year-old Kadabra stallion for the front and he grabbed the lead in a matter of strides to cruise home a winner. Pikachu Hanover rallied from third over for second with Patriarch Hanover hustling from last for third. Its Academic held fourth.

Forbidden Trade has now banked $2,167,832 for owner Determination and Luc Blais trains the 23-time winner in 49 tries. Off the 8-5 second choice, he returned $5.40 to win.

As part of the 2022 Pepsi North America Cup undercard, a number of stakes and open class events were contested. Recaps of the evening's other stakes are available below:

For the results from the 2022 Pepsi North America Cup night card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park .

Joviality S and Justice take Empire Breeders Classics at Vernon

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:21:03 GMT

Joviality S (Brian Sears) and Justice (Ake Svanstedt) captured the Empire Breeders Classic races at Vernon Downs on Friday (June 17).

Joviality S ($2.10) simply dominated the $187,500 EBC for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

Valentina Blu (Andrew McCarthy) went to the front and led to the quarter in :27. Joviality S made her move as they headed to the backstretch, going first-up and taking control just before hitting the half in :55.4. She glided to three-quarters in 1:23.1.

As they made the turn for home Joviality S just took off. Bare My Soul (Scott Zeron) started moving up late but she could only watch as Joviality S won in a lifetime mark of 1:51. She was just two-fifths off the track record set by Atlanta. Bare My Soul had to settle for second money as Valentina Blu held on to finish third.

Joviality S is a filly by Chapter Seven. She is owned by Courant Inc. and trained by Marcus Melander. She is three-for-three in 2022 and has now won 12 times in 15 career starts. With the win she surpassed the million-dollar mark in career earnings.

Justice ($10.60) throttled late to win the $187,500 EBC for sophomore trotting colts and geldings.

Slay (Tim Tetrick) was able to get by Branded By Lindy (Yannick Gingras) just before hitting the first quarter in :27.3. He used a :28.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.1. Justice came first-over from fourth and battled neck and neck with Slay all around the final turn. Slay was first to three-quarters in 1:24.3.

As they reached the stretch Justice wrestled the lead away. Branded By Lindy was locked in the box and needed racing room badly. Cool Papa Bell (Sears) came flying late on the outside as Branded By Lindy finally squeezed inside for an opening but it was too late as Justice prevailed in 1:53.3. Branded By Lindy finished second as Cool Papa Bell had to settle for third.

Justice is a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. He is owned by Little E LLC, Torbjorn Swahn Inc., Myfab Inc. and trainer Ake Svanstedt. It was his second win this season and he now has five career victories.

Gotthegreenlight (Jason Bartlett) and A Girl That Twirls (Sears) got New York Sire Stakes wins.

Gotthegreenlight ($3.70) was a gate-to-wire winner in the $60,300 NYSS first division for 3-year-old pacing fillies, stopping the clock at 1:51.3. Patsville (Tyler Buter) finished second as Kele Kele (Mark MacDonald) took home third money.

Gotthegreenlight is a 3-year-old filly by American Ideal. She is trained by Nifty Norman for owners Patricia Stable and Kovach Stables. It was her second win this season and she now has 10 career victories.

A Girl That Twirls ($16.40) came flying late to win the NYSS second division in a lifetime best of 1:52. Lee Loo (Tetrick) was second best as Valar Dohaeris (Svanstedt) finished third.

A Girl That Twirls is a 3-year-old filly by American Ideal. She is owned by D Racing Stable and trained by Deborah Daguet. She is now three-for-three in 2022 and has seven career victories.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (June 18). Post time for the nine-race card is 6:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com .

Waimea Bay wins Kentucky Proud Series

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:27:22 GMT

Waimea Bay ( Racing Hill - Fox Valley Zena) won the Kentucky Proud Series 2YO Fillies at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Sarah N Conrad and Bonnie L Mattingly, trainer and driver Charlie Conrad.

Talent Scout wins Kentucky Proud Series

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:18:08 GMT

Talent Scout ( Swan For All - Prettysydney Ridge) won the Kentucky Proud Series 2YO C&G at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. Congratulations to owners Julie E Rideout, Alan L White and Dave Gamble, trainer and driver Doug Rideout.

Double Deceiver and Dandy deliver in PASS action at Pocono

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:39:49 GMT

Dandy became a double Pennsylvania Sire Stakes winner in his three-year-old trotting colt division, while Double Deceiver showed equal gameness and a faster time as these two won their $66,554 sections of the PaSS second prelim for the group Sunday (June 12) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

In Double Deceiver’s 1:53 victory, Kosher Mahoney went to the lead ahead of That Ole Bar Stool (a Sires winner in the first leg) and Ducasse, then saw those two briefly ponder moving early and then going back in after the :28 quarter. This gave Kosher Mahoney a chance to get a breather to a :57.2 half, but then it was time to accelerate as the Cantab Hall gelding Double Deceiver came out raw before the 5/8 and trotted his own third panel in :27 to be up to challenge the leader just past the 1:25 three-quarters.

Double Deceiver appeared to get a head ahead mid-far turn, but Kosher Mahoney fought back to equal terms in early stretch. However, David Miller was able to get more out of Double Deceiver late, and the pair crossed the wire three-quarters of a length ahead of Kosher Mahoney. It was only the second start of the season for the winner of $281,498, who is trained by Carter Pisnke for Pinske Stables and Makenna Lynn Pinske.

A rainshower passed over the track during the warmups of the second division, but the wetness did not dampen the determination of Dandy, who gave sire Cantab Hall a Sires double as he won by a neck in 1:54.1, a new mark.

Driver/owner Jackie Ingrassia held Dandy midpack early as Donzel Hanover set fractions of :27.2 and :57.1, nearing the latter fraction moving her colt to the outside. She picked up cover in the middle of the backstretch from S I P, last year’s Pennsylvania two-year-old champion who upped the tempo to 1:24.4 at the three-quarters with his challenge, with Dandy hustling to stay with his cover (his own third quarter was :27.1) and then tipping wide into the lane.

Dandy and S I P had a big battle through the stretch, and the one-mindness of Dandy, who digs in all the way to the wire in every race, served him well here as he beat the defending champ by a neck; Pour Mea Double, weaving through stretch traffic in tight quarters, just missed in the picture for second.

Dandy had a 5-1-0-2 scorecard for $9027 and a 1:59.4 mark at two, but the development and pluckiness of the Frank Ingrassia trainee is reflected his seasonal log: 7-4-2-0, with earnings approaching six figures before the halfway point of the season.

There were three keys to winning the two $20,000 Stallion Series divisions: 1) drop from the Sire Stakes; 2) make a quarter-move; 3) have a big lead mid-stretch, then just hold off a late charger.

The faster StS winner was the Explosive Matter gelding Andoverthewinnings, who lowered his mark to 1:55.2 while being guided by Corey Callahan. Andoverthewinnings moved at the :27.3 quarter and took over in front of the stands before reaching the half in :57. First-over Capricious One made a bold surge near the 1:25.4 three-quarters and was alongside the leader when the challenger broke in the stretch – but the winner and Callahan, now clear, still had to be alert as Mrmayor Hanover found his best strides late in the Pocono Pike, only to come up a head shy on the money (and have the lead two steps past the finish). John Butenschoen trains the winner for Claude Gendreau Stable Inc.

The Cantab Hall gelding Bigly was outside from the pocket at the :27.2 quarter in the other division, then went on to command and got a rest to a :58.1 half for driver/trainer Aaron Johnson. Bigly opened a big lead past the 1:27.2 three-quarters, but Crazy Supersport kept narrowing in during the last quarter, coming up just a half-length shy at the end of the 1:56.4 mile. The winner is now 4-for-7 this season for owners Jennifer Johnston and Brian Taylor.

Braxten Boyd, now seventh in the Pocono drivers standings, continues to impress, with the 22-year-old turning in a four-bagger Sunday.

Pocono will be racing this Monday and Tuesday afternoon; post time for each card will be at 1:30 p.m. Program pages are or will be available at https://www.phha.org/downsmsppps.html .

Lyons Friends wins at Northville Downs

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 14:44:59 GMT

Lyons Friends ( Western Ideal - Artistic Vision) won the Michigan Mini Series Pace Filly & Mares at Northville Downs. Congratulations to owner Gary L Wilmoth, trainer Elizabeth Tolley and driver Kody Massey.

Pappardelle wins again at Scioto Downs

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:16:16 GMT

Pappardelle ( Wishing Stone - Long Island Tea) won the Kevin Greenfield Trot Ohio Sired horses and geldings div. at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners The Delaware Group, Equinex Racing Corp and Joe Sbrocco, trainer Christopher Beaver and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr..

Jo Pa's Warrior wins Pennsylvania Stallions Series

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 13:21:48 GMT

Jo Pa's Warrior ( Sweet Lou - Benerthebeach) won the Pennsylvania Stallion Series 3 Year Old Colt & Gelding Pace at Harrah's Philadelphia. Congratulations to owner Emposimato Stables, trainer Jim Campbell and driver Tim Tetrick.

La Belle Riviere wins again!

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:12:22 GMT

La Belle Riviere ( Triumphant Caviar - Classical Mary) won the John Konesky III Trot Ohio Series for fillies and mares div. at Scioto Downs. Congratulations to owners Christopher F Beaver, Donald E Robinson and Steven J Zeehandelar, trainer Christopher Beaver and driver Trevor Smith.

Franky's Beach Boy wins at Northville Downs

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 15:11:13 GMT

Franky's Beach Boy ( Somebeachsomewhere - Countryview Miss) won the Michigan Mini Series Pace Filly & Mares at Northville Downs. Congratulations to owner Edward J Mason, trainer Karen Tkaczyk and driver Kody Massey.

Urban Kemp wins at Lacenter

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 15:07:43 GMT

Urban Kemp ( Trixton - Aiken For Clay) won the Kentucky Proud Series 3 YO Colts & Geldings at Lacenter. Congratulations to owners Amanda L Stephens and owner/trainer Marna Shehan and driver Tyler Shehan.

Pappardelle wins the Kevin Greenfield Trot

Wed, 18 May 2022 14:04:12 GMT

Classic Express wins New York Sire Excelsior

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:25:43 GMT

Classic Express , a Conway Hall - Rucoucou colt won the New York Sire Excelsior series 3 year old colts and geldings at Buffalo Raceway. Congratulations to owners James S De Armond and Turn N Burn Stable, trainer Josh Kinney and driver Drew Monti.

La Belle Riviere wins at Scioto Downs

Tue, 17 May 2022 14:00:47 GMT

Venerable wins NJSS first leg

Mon, 09 May 2022 17:37:29 GMT

In the first leg of the Miss Versatility series on a rain-soaked Friday night (May 6) at The Meadowlands.

In the first of two dashes for fillies, 2021 Mohawk Million and Jim Doherty Memorial winner Venerable scored from off the pace, nipping Jiggy Jog S by a nose in 1:55.1 for David Miller and Nifty Norman. The daughter of Walner -Jolene Jolene, who earned more than $1 million last year, returned $6.20 to win in her first start of the season.

Venerable voted Canada's Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:24:27 GMT

Venerable was bred, foaled, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm

Venerable was voted Canada’s Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the year following a phenomenal freshman season. The daughter of Walner won nine of 11 races, surpassed $1.1 million in earnings, and racked up many stakes victories, including a sweep of the Peaceful Way Stakes and an impressive win in the Mohawk Million on Canadian soil.

Bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, Steve H Stewart, Paris, KY. Venerable is owned by David H Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul L Bordogna, , Steven Arnold, Purchase, NY.

Congratulations to all Venerable's connections!

Dan Patch Award Trotting Champions Announced

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:40:35 GMT

Hunterton bred Trotters are 2021 Champions

TWO-YEAR-OLD FEMALE TROTTER
VENERABLE

Walner – Jolene Jolene – Muscle Hill
Breeders: Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, Steve Stewart.
Owners: David McDuffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna, Steven Arnold.
Trainer: Richard “Nifty” Norman. Driver: David Miller.
Races: 11-9-1-0. Purses: $1.03 million. Mark: 1:52 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $790,000 Mohawk Million; $326,850 Jim Doherty Memorial; $309,680 Peaceful Way; $200,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

OLDER MALE TROTTER
FORBIDDEN TRADE , 5-year-old stallion

Kadabra – Pure Ivory – Striking Sahbra
Breeder: Steve Stewart.
Owner: Determination.
Trainer: Luc Blais. Drivers: Bob McClure, Dan Dube.
Races: 14-5-2-2. Purses: $595,752. Mark: 1:51.1 at Meadowlands.
Top wins: $350,000 TVG Series Open Trot; $210,000 Caesars Trotting Classic; $135,000 Crawford Farms Open.

Recap of 2021

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 16:55:32 GMT

This is the time of year when breeders look to the future. They are finalizing matings for their broodmares and doing every thing possible to give their foals and weanlings the best chance for success on the track.

Steve and Cindy Stewart’s Hunterton Farm is doing all of those things, but the Stewarts are also looking forward to the 2022 championship stakes season. With the group of Hunterton Farm graduates from last year’s crop of 2 year olds, the anticipation for the 2022 racing season can be cut with the proverbial knife.

The 2021 Class of 2YearOlds bred and/or raised at Hunterton Farm includes Mohawk Million winner Venerable, two Breeders Crown champions, Joviality S and Rebuff , and Kentucky Sires Stakes final winner Double Deceiver .

Venerable marched to three straight parimutuel victories at the Meadowlands before firmly announcing her divisional supremacy by winning the Jim Doherty Memorial on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. From that point on, the filly by Walner out of Jolene Jolene extended her winning streak to eight, and she became a bonafide star when she beat the colts in the Mohawk Million.

Venerable’s Mohawk Million triumph also gave Hunterton back to back honors as breeder of the winner of the only two editions of the race, with the Hunterton bred and raised Venerate taking the inaugural event.

Venerable’s victory over the colts in the Mohawk Million has prompted debate that she might be well suited to take on the boys again in the Hambletonian. That makes it easy to dream about the first Saturday in August at the Meadowlands. Hunterton has enjoyed Hambletonian glory in the past as the breeder of 2014 Hambo champion Trixton and 2019 winner Forbidden Trade, and just missed in 2015, when the filly Mission Brief won her elimination and finished second in the final, and in 2018 when Tactical Landing finished third in the final. Standing in the Meadowlands’ winner’s circle with the Revere bowl trophy never gets old and Steve and Cindy never pass up a chance to be there on the sport’s greatest day of racing.

Back in the fall of 2015, Steve and various partners purchased Jolene Jolene for $200,000. All three of her foals of racing age— all fillies—have become stakes winners, which confirms Steve’s unwavering belief that Hunterton’s success depends upon investing in broodmares with the potential to produce the next Venerable . The Hunterton broodmares produced the winners of more than $9 million in 2021, which ranks the Stewarts—together with various partners—third among leading money winning breeders, which earned the Stewarts and partners a nomination for Breeder of the Year.

New additions to the Hunterton broodmare band bring more powerful potential. The acquisitions include:

Put On A Show , a $2.4 million winner and already the dam of Meadowlands Pace champion Best In Show p,1:48 ($672,240);
Material Girl 3,1:52 ($228,545), a daughter of Muscle Hill;
Love Muffin 3,1:52.4f ($183,614), from a maternal line that has produced Cooler Schooner 2,1:51.3f and Hambletonian Oaks
winner Broadway Schooner 3,1:53.3 ($885,933);
Jolie de Vie , a daughter of Muscle Hill from the maternal family that has produced Hambletonian champion Victory Dream;
Bet On Becky p,2, 1:50.4s ($225,780), a daughter of Bettor’s Delight out of a daughter of Rodine Hanover, the dam of the winners of $1.6 million and whose daughters and granddaughters have produced Captaintreacherous, Art Major and Worldly Beauty.

Hunterton’s investment in bloodlines, and the Paris, Ky., land that has produced some of the finest racehorses in the world, makes the Hunterton consignments the place where yearling buyers go to look for future champions. Hunterton Sales Agency sold $9.7 million in yearlings at the 2021 Lexington and Harrisburg sales. The 97 yearlings sold in Lexington averaged $81,062.

Hunterton can also look forward to its 2022 yearling sale, and beyond. Hunterton foaled 14 offspring by the trotting sire Walner during the foaling season. They then watched the offspring from the sire’s first crop, including the flag bearer Venerable, make their presence known on the track in a big way.

With those 14 Walners, and many others, including the following yearling highlights for 2022 give Hunterton high hopes for future stars:

At this time of the year, when it is natural to reflect on the past and anticipate the future, Steve and Cindy wish to thank all of their partners and clients for their roles in helping achieve Hunterton Farm’s goal of producing great racehorses.

Trotting fillies set to dominate 2022

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:42:32 GMT

With Venerable and Joviality S at the head of a strong class, could the next Hambletonian winner be another filly?

Joviality S - foaled and raised at Hunterton
Venerable - bred, foaled, raised, and sold by Hunterton

DRF Wed. November 24 Jaywalking by Jay Bergman
Let’s say those two are at the head of an incredible class that we expect to shine brightly in 2022.

With the stakes season coming to an end, much of today’s discussions center around divisional and Horse of the Year honors.

Following last week’s Final Four at The Meadowlands, I came away with an appreciation of one group of horses that could make 2022 a very special year.

This year’s crop of 2-year-old trotting fillies was extraordinary and the results of the Goldsmith

Maid may prove that there won’t be a dominant filly next year, and perhaps that a filly may be destined again to win another Hambletonian.

..... read the complete story

Forbidden Trade wins TVG Open Trot

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:25:41 GMT

Forbidden Trade was bred, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm

Forbidden Trade closed from off the pace to win the $350,000 TYVG Open. Lisa Photo.

East Rutherford, NJ — Forbidden Trade rallied from mid-pack on the final turn to take the lead from battling Amigo Volo and Ready For Moni in the stretch and capture Saturday’s (Nov. 20) $350,000 TVG Series Open Trot championship by a head over Chin Chin Hall in 1:52 at The Meadowlands. Back Of The Neck finished third.

“He raced super,” winning driver Daniel Dube said about Forbidden Trade. “We got a good trip, second over, and it worked out good.

“He’s always kicking late. From behind like that, he never quits.”

Dube drove Forbidden Trade for trainer Luc Blais and owner Determination Stable . The 5-year-old stallion has won five of 14 races this season and earned $601,002. For his career, he has won 21 of 44 starts and $1.91 million. The son of Kadabra out of Pure Ivory was bred by Steve Stewart.

Forbidden Trade was Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2019, when he counted the Hambletonian among his wins for the season. He was limited to five starts last year because of injury.

Joviality S shuts down division foes in stakes-record Goldsmith Maid win

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:17:05 GMT

Joviality S was foaled and raised at Hunterton Farm

Joviality S and driver Brian Sears come from behind to post a stakes-record win in the Goldsmith Maid on Saturday night (Nov. 20) at the Meadowlands. Lisa Photo.

East Rutherford, NJ — Joviality S reasserted her authority off her Breeders Crown victory to win the $479,450 Goldsmith Maid for 2-year-old trotting fillies, posting a stakes-record mile of 1:52.1 on Saturday night (Nov. 20) at The Meadowlands.

Marcus Melander trains Joviality S. “She’s been a fabulous filly from day one,” he said. “It’s been a long season and she performed like this at the end of November. It just shows, especially coming out of the Breeders Crown from the 10 hole and with [the wet] weather that night how sound she is after this season. I think it’s amazing.”

Courant Inc owns Joviality S, who paid $7 to win. Her earnings now peak at $895,340, pumped by nine wins this season.

Venerable dominates in Matron

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:20:36 GMT

She was bred, foaled, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm.

Dover, DE — After an uncharacteristic break in stride marred her chances of a Breeders Crown title, Mohawk Million winner Venerable ($2.10) righted the ship on Thursday night (Nov. 4) at Dover Downs, delivering a scintillating 1:54.3 win in the $130,700 Matron Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies and leading a stakes double for trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman.

Now a nine-time winner in 10 starts, Venerable has earned $927,295 for David McDuffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steven Arnold.

Venerable will seek a 10th win in her seasonal curtain call, the Nov. 20 Goldsmith Maid at The Meadowlands.

Hey Livvy Holds On In Preferred

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:46:29 GMT

A compact group of four trotters faced the starting gate in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and the lone mare in the field beat the boys.

Hey Li vvy is her name, and trotting was her game in the top trot class offered at the Campbellville oval. The talented, yet temperamental, trotting lass landed third in the early going for driver/co-owner Trevor Henry while Perfetto grabbed the lead and laid down an opening quarter clocked in :27.4.

Henry had Hey Livvy on the move in the backstretch, thought, and she muscled her way to the top on the way to the half. She led the group past the mid-way point in :55.4 and then trotted them past the three-quarter pole in 1:23.4. Even-money favourite Oney Hall was first over at that point, but that one ducked in coming off the final turn and made a costly miscue. That left it to Hey Livvy to finish them off with a final quarter clocked in :28.3. She won by a half-length margin over the late-driving Perfetto. Third prize went to the rallying Dream Nation.

Hey Livvy, a six-year-old daughter of Donato Hanover-Nevis Bi, improved her 2021 record to 3-1-0 from seven attempts for Henry, trainer/co-owner Jeff Gillis and partners Ellen Ott and Blue Chip Bloodstock. The 24-time winner pushed her overall cash stash over $500,000 with the win.

Joviality S nips Raised By Lindy at the wire in Crown filly trot

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:38:32 GMT

Joviality S was foaled and raised at Hunterton Farm

East Rutherford, NJ — Oct. 29

Joviality S overcame post 10 and stormy conditions to win Friday’s (Oct. 29) $600,000 Breeders Crown for 2-year-old female trotters by a nose over Raised By Lindy in 1:54.4 over a sloppy track at The Meadowlands.

Joviality S, by Chapter Seven out of Pasithea Face S, is owned by Courant Inc. and was bred by AM Bloodstock. She has won eight of 11 races and finished second twice this season, earning $669,998.

Rebuff wins Breeders Crown Final for 2 year-old trotting colts

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:36:34 GMT

Bred, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm and Michael Andrew and sold for $200,000 at the 2020 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

East Rutherford, NJ - Oct. 29

Congratulations to owners Kjell Andersen, Lucas Wallin, Pieter Delis and trainer Lucas Wallin, and driver Tim Tetrick.

Stacked three-wide with cover at the head of the lane, Rebuff was able to track down tempo-setter Branded By Lindy and hold off a stubborn Fast As The Wind to capture the $600,000 2021 Breeders Crown Final for two-year-old colt & gelding trotters on Friday (Oct. 29) at The Meadowlands Racetrack. A son of Muscle Hill - Mecca Madness, Rebuff has a record of 4-2-1 from 11 starts and $444,095 in earnings.

Killer Instinct wins Pennsylvania Fair Final Div.

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 17:27:50 GMT

3-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot — Killer Instinct

Pennsylvania Fair championships — each worth $25,000 — Friday (Oct. 8) at The Meadows

Merriman was three wide early with Killer Instinct but wasn’t worried that the Southwind Frank-Wheely Quick gelding would flatten out late.

“These horses are pretty seasoned,” he said. “Even the 2-year-olds have probably seen it all at the fairs already, and this is a 3-year-old. He fought and did what he had to do.”

Killer Instinct persevered and scored in 1:56.1 for trainer Andy Rickert and owners Corey Hendricks and Melanie O’Donnell. Mr Jeff and Tricky Dick completed the ticket.

Venerable is Mohawk Million Queen

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 16:20:41 GMT

The filly Venerable extended her unbeaten streak to eight in tonight’s $1 million Mohawk Million. She was bred, foaled, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm.

photo New Image Media

MILTON , September 25, 2021 – The filly Venerable extended her unbeaten streak to eight in tonight’s $1 million Mohawk Million but local favourite Duly Resolved made her earn that hefty cheque with a very exciting battle down the stretch. The rich contest for two-year-old trotters from across North America anchored a stakes laden card at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the richest night of harness racing in Canada this year.

As the race got underway it was Duly Resolved with his head down and determined from post eight to grab the lead early. His nemesis in the William Wellwood final, King Of The North, went offstride through the first turn, as did Mischevious Rose, and Duly Resolved headed the field by the opener in :27.1.

They were three-wide for a bit with Venerable and Selfie Queen both attempting to take over control but the latter made a break and the former was successful, hitting the half in :56.3. Southwind Domino came to call and was at the leader’s bike at the 1:26.1 third panel.

As the field headed down the stretch Paul MacDonell was able to find a lane for Duly Resolved and he took full advantage. The Ontario-sired son of Resolve showed great resolve and was just short as the filly managed to hit the wire first in 1:54.2.

Valentina Blu, another of the four fillies in the field, was third with The Mighty Hill taking fourth. King Of The North recovered from his early miscue to grab the final cheque.

Venerable is now eight for eight in her young career. The daughter of first crop sire Walner is owned by David McDuffee, Mel Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steve Arnold. A $210,000 yearling at last year’s Lexington Select Sale, she now has well over a million banked.

Bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker, and Steve Stewart , she is the third foal of Jolene Jolene, who earned $239,000 from just 11 lifetime starts. Her family traces to the top Ontario trotting mare B Cor Tamara whose family is responsible for many champions.

Steve Stewart of Hunterton Farm earns the distinction of being a breeder of the first two Mohawk Million champions as he also bred the winner of the inaugural event, Venerate, along with the Kemppi Stable.

Dave Miller, who has driven Venerable in all of her starts for trainer Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman, was all smiles after the race. “It’s tremendous, a great, great feeling. I can’t explain how game and tough she is. Her performance on the track is what shows it. She really (dug in).

“My game plan was to try and get some cover (that didn’t work). She got a pretty soft middle half and her heart and her guts got her to the wire.”

“They don’t get old when you race for a million dollars,” laughed McDuffee. “She’s been great right from the get go, never disappointed yet. There aren’t many races for a million, so this was the right place to go for her. Going against the boys is the frosting on the cake and it puts her right up there.”

As for his partners he said: “They are great guys, we’ve had some luck together, I’m excited as hell for them. They’re easy partners to work with.”

The Mohawk Million is a unique stake race in that nine owners buy a spot to race in it for $100,000. The 10th spot is awarded to the winner of the Wellwood Memorial. Tonight’s race was the second year for the event.

The slots purchased by two of the country’s top owners, Brad Grant and Steve Heimbecker, were used by tonight’s first and second place finishers.
Watch the video..... click here

Forbidden Trade Triumphs In Caesars Trotting Classic

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 18:33:50 GMT

Canadian trotting star Forbidden Trade took his show on the road and captured the $210,000 Caesars Trotting Classic featured on Harrah's Hoosier Park's Grand Circuit stakes card on Friday, Sept. 24.

Forbidden Trade was bred, raised and sold by Hunterton Farm.

Bob McClure drove the 2019 Horse of the Year to the 1:52.4 victory, defeating a field of top trotters for trainer Luc Blais and owner Determination of Montreal, Que.
Forbidden Trade, who was runner-up in the Maple Leaf Trot earlier this month after a Canadian record performance in Earl Rowe Memorial Invitational, paid $8.60 to win as the 3-1 second choice.

"This is the best he's ever been," said McClure. "He was off a little while due to injury but that time did him so much good. He's in unbelievable form right now."

After winning just one of his five starts last year, the 2019 Hambletonian champion is four-for-10 this season and has earned just over $400,000. The five-year-old son of Kadabra and Pure Ivory has won half of his 40 career starts while banking $1,888,662 in purses.

Congratulations to all his connections!

Joviality S wins division of Kentuckiana Stallion Management Stakes

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:09:37 GMT

Joviality S delivered as the heavy favorite in the $200,000 Kentuckiana Stallion Management Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

Dean Gillette Photography

Anderson, IN — Sept 25 - On a perfect fall evening in Indiana, Joviality S (Brian Sears) kicked off the star-studded stakes card at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with a triumph in the first of two $200,000 of divisions of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management on Friday (Sept. 24) in the second race.

Leaving from post position two as the 1-9 favorite, Joviality S, trained by Marcus Melander and owned by Courant Inc ., was content to settle in fourth behind leader Raised By Lindy (Yannick Gingras) through the first panel in :28.4. The daughter of 2012 Horse of the Year Chapter Seven and the first foal from the outstanding mare Pasithea Face S received her cue shortly before the half-mile pole marker.

Joviality S , 2 1:52.1 S ($324,623) the newly crowned New York Sire Stakes champion, procured the lead from her rival while posting fractions of :58.3 and 1:27.1. She and her Hall of Fame pilot faced a mild bid in the stretch to fend off a very game Raised By Lindy to hit the wire in 1:54.1.

Improving her record to 8-6-1, the filly equaled her lifetime mark and boosted her earnings to more than $300,000.

Joviality S was foaled and raised at Hunterton Farm

Double Deceiver wins Kentucky Championship final for 2 year olds

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:39:29 GMT

Double Deceiver commandeered his competition past the half and held his late challengers at bay to win the final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings in 1:52.3. Double Deceiver was bred raised and sold by Hunterton Farm.

Away third to a :28 first quarter, driver David Miller dashed Double Deceiver off the pegs to the point through a :56 half and led to the final turn as Classic Hill came off the cones from third to race first-over. He continued uncovered towards three-quarters in 1:24.4 and began to retreat as Double Deceiver hit another gear off the turn and had just the fresh-legged backfield to withstand. The Carter Pinske trainee stayed strong on the lead to the finish, holding a length over Rebuff, who rallied for second. Looks Like Moni finished third and Gigondas closed for fourth.

Congratulations to owners Pinske Stables .

Dancinginthedark M in 1:49.3 - Kentucky Championship

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:30:18 GMT

Hunterton born and raised, Dancinginthedark M dashed late for the lead to nab victory just in time in the final for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, nailing Cuatro De Julio on the line in 1:49.3.

A colt by Readly Express, Dancinginthedark M won his fifth race from 12 starts this season and his eighth from 19 overall, lifting his earnings to $353,704. Menhammar Stuteri Ab owns the $9 winner that had Brian Sears in the sulky.
Congratulations to all his connections

Six Feet Apart takes Kentucky Commonwealth 2YOCP Final

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:36:16 GMT

Six Feet Apart swooped to the top moving by the half and left his competition behind in the Commonwealth final for rookie pacing colts and geldings, stopping the clock in 1:50.4.

The Sweet Lou colt cruised to three-quarters in 1:23.1 and kicked away with a :27.3 final quarter to win by 3-1/4 lengths over Danger Zone, who snagged second from Bosto n late. Anvil Hands finished fourth.

Trained by Brian Brown for owners Michael Robinson, Robert Mondillo, David Meola and Rich Lombardo Racing LLC, Six Feet Apart won his fourth race from five starts, earning $57,400. David Miller drove the wi nner.

Six Feet Apart was foaled, raised, and sold by Hunterton Farm . Congratulations to all his connections!

Dont Fence Me In is the Kentucky Championship 2YOFP Final winner

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:29:31 GMT

The afternoon began with a Sunday stroll by Dont Fence Me In, who registered a lifetime-best 1:50.2 victory in the final for freshmen pacing fillies.

Leaving widest of the three-horse field, Dont Fence Me In nonetheless secured the top and set a clip of :27.2, :55.4 and 1:23.4 with Sloopy in tow from the pocket and Captains Princess in third.

The trio remained in that order spinning for the final-quarter sprint, with Dont Fence Me In extending her lead to the beam over Sloopy to 1-3/4 lengths. Captains Princess gave close pursuit for third.

Owned by Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, Steven Head and Jerry Glantz , Dont Fence Me In won her fourth race from seven starts, earning $199,375. Tony Alagna trains the Captaintreacherous filly .

Dont Fence Me In was foaled and raised at Hunterton Farm . Congratulations to all her connections!

Nurture

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 17:03:42 GMT

The care and attention given to something or someone that is growing or developing. To help something or someone grow, develop, and succeed.

Venerable Stays Perfect In Peaceful Way

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 21:14:53 GMT

Hunterton Farm bred, raised and sold.

Is she the best two-year-old trotter in North America? Venerable might have the chance to prove it in a few weeks time if her connections give the undefeated filly a shot against the boys in the 2021 Mohawk Million.

On Saturday (Sept. 11) the daughter of Walner - Jolene Jolene added the $392,000 Peaceful Way final for two-year-old trotting fillies, part of the 2021 Pepsi North America Cup undercard.

Sent off as the 1/5 choice, Venerable was settled into third early by driver David Miller as American Beauty (Yannick Gingras) and Dabra Day (Louis-Philippe Roy) battled fopr early front-end position. American Beauty won that tussle, but didn't maintain that advantage for long as Miller moved Venerable to the front shortly after the :28.1 opening panel.

After a :57.3 half, the outer flow started to develop with Delilah Hanover (Andy McCarthy) towing second choice Adare Castle (James MacDonald) into contention. As Venerable breezed by the third quarter in 1:26, the favourite looked calm, cool and collected on the lead with a motionless Miller guiding her around the far turn. Without plugs pulled or a line lifted, Venerable opened up at the head of the lane before cruising under the wire in 1:54.3, totally wrapped up and under absolutely no urging from her Hall of Fame driver. Adare Castle acquitted herself well for the runner-up spot with Peyton Hanover (Doug McNair) slipping through horses to close well for show.

"I got her away from the gate and when I moved her, she got to the lead and relaxed," Miller told Monique Vág after the win. "I spoke to her halfway around the last turn and as soon as I did she just picked it right up, and then into the stretch I just kept talking to her kept her attention and she was pretty comfortable."

"She's a professional, you know, she's really easy to get along with does her job and she's been doing it very well."

Richard 'Nifty' Norman trains Venerable for owners David H McDuffee of Rye, N.H., Mel Hartman of Ottawa, Ont., Paul Bordogna of Fair Lawn, N.J. and Steven Arnold of Purchase, N.Y. In seven starts, Venerable sports seven wins and $511,255 in purses. Miller indicated to Trot Insider earlier in the week that the Mohawk Million was indeed on the table should the connections secure a slot.

"It's still a filly going against the boys, you know, but I certainly feel that she could be competitive with them for sure," said Miller. "I don't think she would embarrass herself. When [Nifty] mentioned that, I thought that it was a good idea, also."

Hunterton Farm born and raised Joviality S wins in New York Night of Champions

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:52:06 GMT

A Chapter Seven filly, Joviality S is trained by Marcus Melander for owner Courant Inc. Bred by Courant's breeding operation, AM Bloodstock Inc., Joviality S is the first foal out of the Muscle Hill mare Pasithea Face S ($579,565, 1:50.4). Joviality S has a record of 5-1-0 from seven starts and pushed her earnings to $224,623.

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Six Feet Apart wins at The Red Mile

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:02:16 GMT

Six Feet Apart ($3.00) swept to the lead up the backside and strolled to victory in the lone $20,000 Kentucky Commonwealth division for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings with a 1:52 mile in rein to David Miller for trainer Brian Brown. Congratulations to owners Michael D Robinson, Robert A Mondillo, David A Meola, and Rich Lombardo Racing Llc.

Classic Hill wins at The Red Mile

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 18:25:08 GMT

The pacing sophomores joined the trotting freshmen in Kentucky Championship action on Sunday (Sept. 5), when Classic Hill pulled a minor upset in the $40,000 division for freshmen trotting colts and geldings by leading every step to stop the clock in 1:58.4.

With favourites Double Deceiver and Rebuff breaking stride before the start, Classic Hill was left to an easy lead with Looks Like Moni settling into second and Majestic J into third to a :30.2 first quarter. Gigondas tried to challenge first-over up the backstretch, but broke stride before a :59.4 half.

Looks Like Moni crept out of the pocket around the final turn, but Classic Hill continued on the lead by three-quarters in 1:29.4 and held firm to the finish to win by 1-1/2 lengths. Majestic J gave chase from third.

A colt by Muscle Hill, Classic Hill broke his maiden in his sixth start and has now banked $114,595 lifetime for owner John Schmucker. Mattias Melander drove the $16 winner for trainer Marcus Melander.

Sunny Crockett wins Pennsylvania Stallion Series Final 3 Year Old Colts and Geldings

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:22:01 GMT

The Father Patrick - Moonlight In Miami colt Sunny Crocket wins the Pennsylvania Stallion Series Final 3 Year Old Colts and Geldings at Harrah's Philadelphia for driver Tyler Miller and trainer Julie Miller, along with the ownership of Willow Oak Ranch and Andy Miller Stable Inc.

Venerate Scores KY Wins

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 18:47:38 GMT

Round three of the Kentucky Championship Series for trotting three-year-olds went to post during the Sunday (August 29) card at The Red Mile, with Venerate taking the $40,000 split for colts and geldings.

Venerate maintained his stride through the mile and came charging with a fierce stretch bid to catch tempo-setter Really Fast at the beam in a 1:52.2 mile.

Really Fast, sent off as the odds-on choice, took the lead to a :28.1 first quarter while Kildare King settled into second and Venerate into third. Driver Andy Miller kept Venerate at the pegs past a :56.3 half and started his move with the Love You colt passing three-quarters in 1:25.3, where Cuatro De Julio and then Kildare King lost stride. The race became a sprint to the finish between Venerate and Really Fast through the straightaway, with Venerate kicking home in :26.2 to land a head in front over Really Fast. Tangled Love, who broke at the start, grabbed third another nine lengths behind the pair.

Owned by Pinske Stables and Andy Miller Stable Inc., Venerate won his second race from eight starts this season and his seventh from 18 overall, pushing his earnings over the $1 million mark. Julie Miller trains the $10.80 winner.

A half-brother to Venerate, IMPRESARIO will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Preferreds To Best In Show

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:51:21 GMT

Driver Louis-Philippe Roy asserted authority with Chantal Mitchell trainee Best In Show to best his rivals in the $34,000 Preferred Handicap on Saturday (Aug. 29) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Away third to a :26.4 first quarter, Roy rolled Best In Show to the lead heading to a :54.4 half while early leader Century Farroh yielded for the pocket. Mayhem Hanover came calling first over into the final turn with 9-5 favourite Sintra in tow as Best In Show maintained command to three-quarters in 1:22. But the backfield fanned across the track in behind the five-year-old Bettors Delight stallion through the stretch as Best In Show cruised to a 1-1/4-length victory in 1:49.2 over Century Farroh. Sintra rallied for third.

Owned by Richard and Joanne Young, Best In Show won his fourth race from 12 starts this season and his 10th from 43 overall, earning $744,399. He paid $10.30 to win.

Rocknificent roared from the pocket late in the $35,000 Fillies & Mares Open to post a 1:49.2 victory heading into the Roses Are Red next Saturday (Sept. 4) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

So Much More took the lead by a :27.1 first quarter while Rocknificent settled in the pocket. Gias Surreal tipped first over moving to a :55.3 half as Machnhope waited for and grabbed that cover to the final turn. Past three-quarters in 1:22.4, Gias Surreal started to backtrack, leaving a seam for Rocknificent to shake loose and shoot by So Much More late in the stretch to win by three-quarter lengths. Machnhope kicked off her fading cover to finish third.

Odds On Pick Six wins the BSS

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 18:37:49 GMT

The Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS) returned to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (Aug. 28). Four divisions of three-year-old pacing colts and geldings went head-to-head with each division won going gate to wire.

Odds On Pick Six won the first division in 1:50.2. Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. took the son of Racing Hill straight to the front from post 2 and led at every fraction of :27.1, :56.2 and 1:23.2 to win by 9-3/4 lengths for trainer Melanie Wrenn and owner Odds On Racing. Knight on Ice was second and Brighter Days finished third.

A full sister to Odds On Pick Six, ANGEL HILL will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Letsdoit S Dominates In Champlain Trot

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:28:37 GMT

The Champlain Stakes for two-year-old trotters kicked off “Grand Circuit Month” at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday evening.

A total of five divisions were contested, three for colts and geldings and two for fillies, over a ‘Good’ track.

Letsdoit S went to the front and never looked back to win the $62,307 first Champlain division for colts and geldings in 1:56. Doug McNair had the driving assignment for trainer Marcus Melander.

“(Marcus Melander) said this one the trips hadn’t been working out great for him,” said McNair post-race. “Just jogging around in the post parade he feels like a nice horse. He trots nice and he’s real professional, he makes your job a lot easier. When I got him in the race he had his ears up the whole way and knew exactly what to do.”

A son of Nuncio, Letsdoit S left from post six and made the front at the opening-quarter in :28.3. The race was never in doubt from that point, as Letsdoit S posted panels of :58.1 and 1:27.4 before kicking away from rivals with a :28.1 final quarter to win by three lengths. Mr Fritter finished second, while World At War Deo was third.

A homebred for Stall TZ Inc, Letsdoit S improved his record to two wins in four starts and $49,087 earned with Thursday’s triumph. The Melander trainee paid $2.90 to win.

Cash N Chip Repeat In Buckeye

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:14:06 GMT

The fourth leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for three-year-old filly trotters, contested Wednesday (August 25) at MGM Northfield Park, saw a pair of earlier winners victorious for a second time in the series while another sophomore earned her first win.

The repeat winners were led by Cash N Chips , who turned in the fastest time with a wire-to-wire win in 1:55.3 for Hunter Myers and trainer Steven Bush. The Cash Hall filly out of Sugar N Chips scored by 2-1/4 lengths with a final quarter in :29.2.

Chip It In picked up her second win in the series with Ronnie Wrenn Jr. for Chris Beaver in 1:57.1. Chip It In was first-up from fourth to win by a half-length. The filly is by Break The Bank K out of Chippiesbrownsugar.

Winning for the first time in the series was Rose Run Whitney. The daughter of Uncle Peter out of Stonebridge Dancer scored for Greg Grismore and trainer Ron Burke in 1:56.2 with the final quarter in :28.4. Rose Run Whitney got away fifth going three-wide at the three-quarters to score by 4-1/4 lengths at the wire.

The final leg for three-year-old filly trotters will be raced Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

Double Deceiver wins Kentucky Championship Series div.

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:23:23 GMT

Double Deceiver darted through the stretch with a :26.2 final quarter to collar his rivals in the lone $40,000 division of the Kentucky Championship Series for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings at The Red Mile.

Keg Stand, the 7-5 favorite, cleared control passing a :27.3 first quarter while Double Deceiver was shuffled to third and stayed at the pegs moving up the backstretch. Rebuff tipped first over from fifth into a :56.1 half and made steady gains on Keg Stand rolling to three-quarters in 1:25.3. That pair dueled for the lead at the top of the stretch while a gap opened for Double Deceiver to fan from off the pylons to the center of the course. With open racetrack ahead, the Cantab Hall colt cruised past his competition to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:52.4 while Rebuff took second and Keg stand faded to third.

Trained by Carter Pinske for the Pinske Stables and Makenna Pinske, Double Deceiver won his third race from five starts, banking $75,290. David Miller drove the gelding who paid $7.40 to win.

A half-brother to Double Deceiver, RACKUENCOURT will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Dribbling Bi winner at Pocono

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 17:18:27 GMT

Dribbling Bi broke his maiden in 1:59 in the Sunday (Aug. 22) twilight card at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. As the altered son of Cantab Hall and Dream Child was a pocket rocket with a 1-1/4 length victory for trainer-driver Jeff Gregory and Jesmeral Stable.

A half-brother to Dribbling Bi, EARTHQUAKE BI will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Forbidden Trade Helps McClure Make Canadian History

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:45:55 GMT

It's not everyday that Canadian harness racing history is made, but driver Bob McClure etched his name in the record books twice on Sunday (August 22) at Georgian Downs thanks to the efforts of O'Brien Award winners Forbidden Trade and Tattoo Artist.

Forbidden Trade, the 2019 Hambletonian winner, returned to his home province with force, taking the $75,000 Hon. Earl Rowe Memorial Invitational.

Driver Bob McClure settled into second with Forbidden Trade moving to a :26.4 first quarter before circling to the lead passing the stands first time.

From there, the five-year-old Kadabra stallion made little doubt on the lead, strolling to a :55 half and through three-quarters in 1:23 to stop the clock in 1:51.3, matching the track and Canadian record for a five-eighths track set by stablemate Lookslikeachipndale in 2016. Only For Justice gave chase in second, four lengths behind the winner, with Oney Hall closing for third.

Owned by Determination, Forbidden Trade won his third race from eight starts this season and his 19th from 38 overall, earning $1,647,162. Luc Blais trains the $2.60 winner.

McClure teamed with another old pupil returning from the States, Tattoo Artist, to take the $100,000 Four-Year-Old Invitational later in the card.

Back in the barn of trainer Dr. Ian Moore, Tattoo Artist took the lead past a :26.1 first quarter and sped around the track to a :54.1 half and 1:22.1 three-quarters with Fortify in tow from the pocket. The pair gained separation on the field as Fortify slid out of the pocket at the bottom of the turn to take on Tattoo Artist in the straightaway. But Tattoo Artist held firm on the lead, winning by a head in 1:49 over Fortify with Mayhem Hanover rallying from second over to take third from Warrawee Vital, who faded from a first-over trip. The time beat the track and Canadian record for a five-eighths track of 1:49.1 set by Betterthancheddar back in 2012 and equaled the all-time record set by Bigtime Ball in 2009.

A stallion by Hes Watching, Tattoo Artist won his fourth race from 12 starts this season and his 17th from 37 overall, earning $1,052,734. The $3.00 winner competes for owners Let It Ride Stables Inc., Frank Cannon, Diamond Creek Racing and J And T Silva Stables LLC.

COSA TV provided live coverage of the Earl Rowe Memorial and the Four-Year-Old Invitational in a special broadcast streamed live, which is available as a replay below.

High Minded Wins Kentucky Championship Series Div.

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:23:40 GMT

High Minded , a Captaintreacherous - Auniqueaquisition filly, wins the Kentucky Championship Series 3 year old fillies (Leg 2) at The Red Mile in 1:50. Congratulations to owners Camelot Stable Inc, Fred Wallace, The Bays Stable Llc, trainer Linda Toscano and driver Todd McCarthy.

Mikimoto wins at The Red Mile

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:16:45 GMT

Mikimoto , an Always B Miki - Stunning Beauty colt, wins the Kentucky Commonwealth Series 3 year old colts & geldings (Leg 2) at The Red MIle. Congratulations to owners Christina Takter, Goran N Anderberg, Rojan Stables, Caviart Farms, trainer Domenico Cecere and driver Christian Lind.

Grace Hill captures Sun Stakes pace

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 16:01:46 GMT

$250,000 JAMES LYNCH MEMORIAL

The $250,000 James Lynch Memorial had a “Nifty” finish as trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman sent out the 1-2 finishers, with Grace Hill (Todd McCarthy) rallying in the stretch to catch pacesetting stablemate Fire Start Hanover by three-quarters of a length, reducing the Lynch record to 1:49.

The stablemates were away quickly, practically a necessity at Pocono through mid-card; the other well-regarded horses, Blue Diamond Eyes (post seven) and favored Hot Mess Express (post nine) had to settle third and fourth, respectively, before the :26.2 quarter. Fire Start Hanover, the 2020 divisional champion, made a second move to the lead and hit the half in a relatively moderate :55, then picked up the pace as Blue Diamond Eyes and Hot Mess Express came out down the back, forcing Fire Start Hanover to a 1:22 three-quarters.

The outside horses could not sustain their gains, as was the case with many horses on the card, which set the stage for Grace Hill, licking her chops in the pocket. Fire Start Hanover battled valiantly, but Grace Hill paced past for her third straight win.

“Andrew (Todd’s brother) had been driving this horse, but when he picked off I was glad to get the opportunity,” said Todd McCarthy. “She has been racing well, and the trip worked out fine. And Nifty had the 1-2 finish, right?”

He did, headed by Grace Hill, who also equaled her mark with the victory. The daughter of Always B Miki (after whom the Invitational pace on the card was named) is owned by Tom Hill, who got to see his horse at a reasonable hour in England for once in the afternoon Pocono extravaganza.

To view, Grace Hill’s victory in the James Lynch Memorial click here .

PASS Splits To Grace Hill, Mikala

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:28:58 GMT

The two three-year-old pacing fillies who are stablemates in the 'Nifty' Norman barn and who were 1-2 in the Shady Daisy Pace on Hambletonian Day came to The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Saturday afternoon, trying to earn spots in their upcoming Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship while racing in separate divisions.

The one who won on Hambo Day, Grace Hill, won again; the one who was second, last year’s national divisional champion Fire Start Hanover, did not, and the latter would now need great fortune to qualify for the Championship, which will be held with the other sophomore Championships at Pocono on Saturday, September 4.

Grace Hill was up first, and the daughter of Always B Miki secured a sure spot in the final with a sharp 1:49.3 victory. Andrew McCarthy put her on the lead and rolled down the road in :26.1, :54.3, and 1:22.2; 19-1 shot Chase Lounge, with George Brennan, gave a momentarily thrill when tipping to the Pocono Pike and gaining for a few steps, but Grace Hill dug in and retained a half-length lead at the wire.

Fourth in two Sires prelims earlier, the peaking Grace Hill pushed her career earnings to $369,355 while getting a chance at the Championship for owner Tom Hill.

It was George Brennan, so close in the first division, who won the other cut in the Sire Stakes, with another daughter of Always B Miki, Mikala , equaling the 1:50.1 mark she earned while winning a previous Sire Stakes leg. Heavily favoured Fire Start Hanover took back and raced from last, coming her back half in :54.2 while wide most of the way, but in finishing second was no closer than 4-3/4 lengths to the 5-1 pacesetting Mikala, who cut fractions of :26.3, :55.3, and 1:23.1 prior to her :27 kicker.

Nik Drennan is Mikala’s trainer, and his Drennan Stable LLC is co-owner with Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, and Anthony Perretti Farm LLC.

Comprising the 'unofficial' top dozen point-winners in the Sire Stakes (the official records are kept by the Harness bureau of the PA Horse Racing Commission) are, in order: Mikala; Continualou; Blue Diamond Eyes (the 2020 champion) and Thebeachiscalling (tie); Grace Hill; Marsala Hanover; Incaseyoudidntknow; Always B First; Chase Lounge and So Iresistible (tie); Milieu Hanover; JK Alwaysbalady.

There were also three Stallion Series divisions full of fillies trying to earn a spot in their Championships, all eight of the Stallion Series finals taking place at Philly on Sunday, September 5.

Sire Always B Miki, who swept the Sire Stakes, also produced the co-fastest Stallion Series winner, as Nashville Elgenna (out of the storied mare Anndrovette) won in 1:51.1, popping out the pocket to pass pacesetter Podium Girl by 2-1/2 lengths. Andrew McCarthy, who won with Grace Hill, added a StS victory to his day for trainer Tony Alagna and Crawford Farms Racing.

Also scoring in 1:51.1 was the Captaintreacherous filly Mackie Hanover, who fought with challengers on both sides in the stretch before posting a nose decision over So Miki Hanover. Matt Kakaley drove the filly, earlier a 1:50 winner in the StS, for trainer Tom Fanning and owners Howard Taylor and Falcon Racing LLC.

The other Stallion Series divisional winner was the Betting Line filly Darby Hanover, who took a new mark of 1:51.3 with an easy triumph for driver Andy Miller, trainer Julie Miller, and the partnership of Andy Miller Stable Inc., Let It Ride Stables Inc., and Mr. Caroll Huffman.

The top dozen 'unofficial' Stallion Series point-earners, in order, reads as follows: So Miki Hanover; Mackie Hanover; Classicist; Darby Hanover; Podium Girl; Odds On Whitney (this group’s 2020 champion); Fighting Evil and Nashville Elgenna (tie); Tonianne; Star Captain; Shezafreaklikeme; Captains Maid and Filly Speaks (tie).

Though he didn’t triumph in any of the stakes, Dexter Dunn guided home four overnight winners to lead the horsemen’s colony at The Downs.

Two-year-old pacers continue the Pennsylvania-sired stakes action the next two days, with Sunday’s 5:00 card finding the colts and action and Monday’s 12:30 program spotlighting the fillies. Program pages are or will be available at the PHHA website.

Blue Knight goes the distance in Plainridge trot

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:39:01 GMT

Plainville, MA — After just getting beat a neck in a tough trip last week in this same class, Blue Knight came right back and finished the job on Friday afternoon (Aug. 20) in the $25,000 Open Trot at Plainridge Park.

Ivan Davies sent Blue Knight to the front with purpose, and the gelding took command by a gapped 1-1/2 lengths through fractions of :27.1, :56.3 and 1:24.4, while stablemate Midnite Craze (Drew Campbell) tracked from second. After the race passed three-quarters, Crossfit Mouse (Drew Monti) pulled from third and looked to have a lot of trot. But he made an uncharacteristic break, and that sealed the deal for Blue Knight, who opened up two lengths at the top of the stretch and cruised home under a line tap to win in 1:54.1.

Blue Knight ($8.60) has now won two out of the last three feature trots at Plainridge Park, and has not missed the board in his last seven outings. His fourth win of the year has pushed his 2021 earnings to $47,775 for owner Richard Mason. Ivan Davies also trains the winner.

Davies ended the day with a consecutive driving and training double after he won with Raybarnz ($4.40) in the ninth race.

New track record holder New Legacy put an exclamation point on last week’s 1:54 effort as he led at every station to win again in the $15,625 trot for 6-year-olds and under.

Driver Drew Monti got away third for a brief moment with New Legacy before brushing to the front to take the lead from Goodashim (Bruce Ranger) at the quarter in :28 flat. From there, he maintained a length advantage to three-quarters, where Stevic (Ivan Davies) had made his way up the rim to challenge. After they hit the final turn, New Legacy took off and left the field in his wake, trotting home under no urging whatsoever from Monti to win by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:55.

It was the second straight win and fourth of the year for New Legacy ($4.60), who is owned by Nickerson Racing, Joseph Hayes Jr., Steven Kouray and Donald De Luca. The 3-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick and Monarchs Sequel is trained by Jimmy Nickerson.

Drivers Nick Graffam and Bruce Ranger both had driving doubles, and Domenico Cecere doubled up on the training side.

Imstaynalive wins at Yonkers Raceway

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 17:44:47 GMT

Imstaynalive (Hunterton born, bred and sold), an American Ideal - Don't You Smile colt, wins at Yonkers Raceway in 1:52.3. Congratulations to owners Lachance Racing Stable, Dan H Mogridge, trainer and driver Pat LaChance.

A half-sister to Imstaynalive, DUCHENNE will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Forbidden Trade Opens Mohawk Qualifiers

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:42:55 GMT

Multiple O'Brien Award-winning trotter Forbidden Trade opened Tuesday morning's seven-race qualifying session at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Recording his first charted line on Canadian soil this year, Forbidden Trade took command from post five and clocked fractions of :29.2, :59.2 and 1:28.4 en route to the 1:56.3 one-length qualifying win with Bob McClure in the sulky. New Zealand import Rydgemont Son N, debuting in North America here, followed in second and Tuckers Son was third.

Trained by Luc Blais, Determination's five-year-old son of Kadabra-Pure Ivory returned to Mohawk after competing in the John Cashman Jr. Memorial Trot on Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands. Two-for-seven this season, Forbidden Trade won the Crawford Farms Trot at the Big M in early July. Canada's 2019 Horse of the Year has earned 18 career wins and more than $1.6 million in purses.

The same connections were behind three-year-old pacing gelding Shazam Blue Chip, who followed the pocket-pulling Number One Hit as he swept around the tiring leader at the 1:25.1 third quarter mark and then opened up 5-1/5 lengths on that foe with a :27.2 final frame to win his qualifier in 1:53 flat. The son of Shadow Play-Michelles Song has made just one start this year after putting together a 2-2-2 record during a 10-race rookie campaign.

The Determination-Blais campaigned Delvin Miller Memorial champion Donna Soprano was also in action this morning and closed from the back of a five-horse qualifying trot to finish third behind 1:58.3 winner Southwind Cersei, a sophomore filly driven by Paul MacDonell and trained by Sarah McCoy, and two-year-old gelding Royal Champane, who was coming off an early August Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots victory at Kawartha Downs for the Ben Baillargeon barn.

Another OSS Grassroots winner, Renegade Gypsy took the lone two-year-old trot of the session in 1:58.1 for trainer/driver Mario Baillargeon and Thestable Renegade Gypsy of Guelph, Ont.

The Archangel-Sea Gypsy gelding crossed over to the lead from post eight before the first turn and led the field through fractions of :29.4, :59.4 and 1:30 on his way to the 1-1/2 length qualifying win. Take Command and P P E followed in second and third, respectively.

Two-year-old pacing colt Heart Of Dixie was the fastest of the freshmen with a 1:57.2 mile in his third qualifying start for trainer Blake MacIntosh.

With James MacDonald in the bike, the American Ideal-Open Book Test colt pulled the pocket to take over command after fractions of :28.2, 1:00 and 1:29.1, with filly Just Like Wilma angling out from behind and following 1-1/4 lengths back in second. Pacesetter Maskedman finished third.

Owned by Ozzie Mackay of Moncton, N.B. and Gilles Landry of Dieppe, N.B., the Winbak Farm-bred colt Heart Of Dixie was a $25,000 yearling purchase at the Harrisburg sale.

Venerate wins at The Red Mile

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:32:37 GMT

Kentucky Championship action draws the trotting sophomores to The Red Mile for their second round of the series, with several horses shipping west after competing in the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks.

Colts and geldings open the card with a duo of Hambletonian finalists – winter book favourite Venerate and Really Fast, who went unraced as a two-year-old and qualified for the August classic. Andy Miller guides Venerate, one of three colts in the race sired by Love You, from post three for trainer Julie Miller while Dexter Dunn scores Really Fast from post five for trainer Nancy Takter.

A half-brother to Venerate, IMPRESARIO will be selling this fall in Lexington.

Six Feet Apart and Caughtinalandslide win Kentucky Commonwealth Series Divs

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:18:36 GMT

At The Red Mile, Six Feet Apart ($3.60) won in the $20,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, ripping off cover to a 1:52.4 win in rein to David Miller for trainer Brian Brown, who swept the pair of colt and gelding splits. His pupil Caughtinalandslide ($26.40) took the other division with a similar closing move to post a 1:53.3 mile with Todd McCarthy in the bike.

Venerable Remains Unbeaten In KY Series

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:22:11 GMT

Jim Doherty Memorial winner Venerable rung her unbeaten streak to five when venturing uncovered to a 1:54.1 victory in the $40,000 Kentucky Championship Series second preliminary for two-year-old trotting fillies on Sunday (August 15) at The Red Mile.

Off the 3-5 favourite, Venerable landed in fifth as the overflow field of 12 stacked into the first turn. Penelope J powered to the lead from post 10 and took the field past the quarter in :28.1 with opening-round winner Selfie Queen sitting the pocket. Towards the back of the pack entering the backside, second-tier starter Pink Gypsy angled off the pylons and prompted the hands of American Beauty and then Venerable to tip overland in the march to a :57 half.

Venerable led the two-wide tier into the final turn making steady gains on, and soon clearing the lead from, Penelope J. The Richard “Nifty” Norman trainee tripped three-quarters in 1:26 as Selfie Queen raced anxiously and soon lost stride from third inside, and sailed through the stretch chased by a wall of pursuers. More Than Ever emerged from the charge to snag second in the 1:54.1 mile with Pink Gypsy to the center of the track taking third and Spendthemoneyhoney sliding up the pegs for fourth.

A daughter of Walner, Venerable’s unbeaten streak has pushed her bankroll to $300,255 for owners David Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steven Arnold. David Miller piloted the $3.40 winner.

Ron Burke pupil S I P popped pocket and coasted to a 1:53.4 win in the lone $40,000 second-round division of the Kentucky Championship Series for freshmen trotting colts and geldings.

Fast As The Wind fired for the front from post nine while S I P, leaving from post eight, followed suit to settle into the pocket approaching a :28.3 first quarter. Driver Yannick Gingras stayed put with the Bar Hopping colt while Fast As The Wind raced uncontested to a :57 half.

The leader soon after faced first-over pressure from Bully Boy Hill heading to three-quarters in 1:26.1 but turned that challenger away coming to headstretch. However, the tempo-setter could not withstand the fresh legs of S I P as that pocket-sitter soared through the stretch to a two-length victory while chased home by first-round winner Double Deceiver. Fast As The Wind faded to third with Rebuff rallying for fourth.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Hatfield Stables, Brixton Medical Inc. and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, S I P scored his third win from seven starts, pushing his earnings to $132,432. He paid $9 to win.

Branded By Lindy ($5.80) led the winners of the three $20,000 Kentucky Commonwealth Series divisions with a 1:54 mile in rein to Scott Zeron for trainer Domenico Cecere, who sent three winners on the card. Access ($9.60) scored in the opening division in a time of 1:55.3 for trainer Bob Stewart and driver Andrew McCarthy while Bright Side Up ($14.40) rolled to a 1:55.3 victory in the other division for trainer Marcus Melander and driver Mattias Melander.

Date Night ($2.80) dominated her $20,000 division of the Kentucky Commonwealth Series for two-year-old trotting fillies with a 1:54.3 victory by driver Andy Miller for trainer Julie Miller. The other divisions went to Moni Heist ($5.40), driven by Yannick Gingras to a 1:56 win for trainer Domenico Cecere; and Medley, piloted by Andrew McCarthy to a 1:56.1 mile for trainer Brett Pelling.

Racing resumes at The Red Mile on Monday (August 16) with two $40,000 second-round divisions of the Kentucky Championship Series – one for the boys and one for the fillies. The 11-race card also features four $20,000 Kentucky Commonwealth divisions with two for the colts and geldings and two for the fillies. First-race post time is 1 p.m. (EDT).

Grace Hill wins, Fire Start Hanover upset in Pocono PASS action

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 19:29:54 GMT

The two 3-year-old pacing fillies who are stablemates in the Nifty Norman barn and who were 1-2 in the Shady Daisy Pace on Hambletonian Day came to The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 14), trying to earn spots in their upcoming Pennsylvania Sire Stakes championship while racing in separate divisions.

The one who won on Hambo Day, Grace Hill , won again; the one who was second, last year’s national divisional champion Fire Start Hanover, did not, and the latter would now need great fortune to qualify for the championship, which will be held with the other sophomore championships at Pocono on Saturday (Sept. 4).

Grace Hill was up first, and the daughter of Always B Miki secured a sure spot in the final with a sharp 1:49.3 victory.

Andrew McCarthy put her on the lead and rolled down the road in :26.1, :54.3, and 1:22.2. The 19-1 shot Chase Lounge, with George Brennan, gave a momentary thrill when tipping to the Pocono Pike and gaining for a few steps, but Grace Hill dug in and retained a half-length lead at the wire. Fourth in two Sires prelims earlier, the peaking Grace Hill pushed her career earnings to $369,355 while getting a chance at the championship for owner Tom Hill.

It was George Brennan, so close in the first division, who won the other cut in the Sire Stakes with another daughter of Always B Miki , Mikala, equaling the 1:50.1 mark she earned while winning a previous Sire Stakes leg.

Heavily favored Fire Start Hanover took back and raced from last, coming her back half in :54.2 while wide most of the way, but in finishing second was no closer than 4-3/4 lengths to the 5-1 pacesetting Mikala, who cut fractions of :26.3, :55.3, and 1:23.1 prior to her :27 kicker.

Nik Drennan is Mikala’s trainer, and his Drennan Stable is co-owner with Joseph Davino, Brad Shackman, and Anthony Perretti Farm.

Comprising the unofficial top dozen point winners in the Sire Stakes (the official records are kept by the Harness bureau of the PA Horse Racing Commission) are, in order: Mikala, Continualou, Blue Diamond Eyes (the 2020 champion) and Thebeachiscalling (tie), Grace Hill, Marsala Hanover, Incaseyoudidntknow, Always B First, Chase Lounge and So Iresistible (tie), Milieu Hanover and JK Alwaysbalady.

There were also three Stallion Series divisions full of fillies trying to earn a spot in their championships, all eight of the Stallion Series finals taking place at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Sept. 5).

Sire Always B Miki , who swept the Sire Stakes, also produced the co-fastest Stallion Series winner, as Nashville Elgenna (out of the storied mare Anndrovette) won in 1:51.1, popping out of the pocket to pass pacesetter Podium Girl by 2-1/2 lengths. Andrew McCarthy, who won with Grace Hill, added a StS victory to his day for trainer Tony Alagna and Crawford Farms Racing.

The top dozen unofficial Stallion Series point earners, in order, read as follows: So Miki Hanover, Mackie Hanover, Classicist, Darby Hanover, Podium Girl, Odds On Whitney (this group’s 2020 champion), Fighting Evil and Nashville Elgenna (tie), Tonianne, Star Captain, Shezafreaklikeme, Captains Maid and Filly Speaks (tie).

Though he didn’t triumph in any of the stakes, Dexter Dunn guided home four overnight winners to lead the horsemen’s colony at The Downs.

Two-year-old pacers continue the Pennsylvania-sired stakes action the next two days, with Sunday’s 5 p.m. card finding the colts in action and Monday’s 12:30 p.m. program spotlighting the fillies. Program pages are/or will be available at the PHHA website .

Grace Hill grabs gold in Shady Daisy

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 20:12:05 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — A pocket ride proved golden for Richard “Nifty” Norman trainee Grace Hill as she downed 1-9 favorite and stablemate Fire Start Hanover to win the $97,550 Shady Daisy, for 3-year-old pacing fillies, on Saturday (Aug. 7) at The Meadowlands.

Grace Hill grabbed the lead by a :26.4 first quarter before yielding into the backstretch to Fire Start Hanover. The pair continued up the backstretch as the field strode single file by a :54.3 half with the outer tier starting to develop with a first-over move by Off The Record.

Off The Record made slight gains around the final turn while Fire Start Hanover cruised over her anxious stablemate to three-quarters in 1:22.4. In the straightaway, driver Andy McCarthy angled Grace Hill from the pylons and dug into Fire Start Hanover through the final eighth of a mile, successfully downing the pacesetter by a head in 1:49. Mikala rallied to take third, several lengths behind the breakaway pair.

Competing for owner Tom Hill, Grace Hill has won two races from nine starts this season and six from 16 overall, earning $329,473. She paid $14.20 to win.

Katie’s Lucky Day takes center stage at Scioto for Ohio State Fair

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 20:02:58 GMT

Ohio State Fair action continued Friday evening (Aug. 6) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with three divisions of 2-year-old filly pacers going for $149,300, two divisions of 3-year-old filly pacers for $115,000 and two divisions of 3-year-old filly trotters for $111,000.

Katie’s Lucky Day and Trevor Smith took the first division of the 3-year-old filly trot in 1:54.1. Trained by Todd Luther for Black Magic Racing, the daughter of Uncle Peter-Yanksky has nearly $200,000 in lifetime earnings.

Venerable sets stakes record in Doherty

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 18:50:42 GMT

East Rutherford, NJ — Venerable remained undefeated Saturday (Aug. 7), winning the $326,850 Jim Doherty Memorial, for 2-year-old female trotters, by 2-1/4 lengths in a stakes record 1:52 for driver David Miller and trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman at The Meadowlands.

Brickhouse Babe finished second at 90-1, and Delilah Hanover was third.

Venerable’s time bettered the previous stakes record, 1:52.2, set by Mission Brief in 2014. The clocking was one-fifth of a second off the track record for a 2-year-old trotting filly, also held by Mission Brief.

Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, Venerable took the lead following the half, fended off a challenge from Jiggy Jog S on the final turn, and pulled away in the stretch to pick up her fourth win of the season.

Mon Cheval led the field to the quarter in :27 and Joviality S was on top at the half in :55 before Venerable and Jiggy Jog S hit three-quarters side-by-side in 1:23.4.

“I think I was doing more work than her; I was very nervous at the three-quarters,” trainer Norman said with a laugh. “But Dave said he kicked the (ear) plugs and she found another gear. She was very, very impressive.

“She just keeps getting better, it seems like.”

Venerable, the New Jersey Sire Stakes champion, is owned by David McDuffee, Mel Hartman, Paul Bordogna and Steven Arnold. She was purchased for $210,000 at the Lexington Selected Sale and has earned $280,254.

“Oh, boy, that was quite a performance,” McDuffee said. “She’s really pretty special.”

Venerable, a daughter of Walner out of Jolene Jolene, was bred by Maumee River Stables, Black Creek Farm, Martin Schmucker and Steve Stewart. She paid $3.40 to win.

Quincy Market wins at Batavia Downs

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:22:31 GMT

Quincy Market (Hunterton born, bred & sold) , a E L Titan colt trained by John Butenschoen, won the NYSS 2 year old colts and gelding division at Batavia Downs in 1:59.3. Congratulations to owners Harmony Oaks Racing Stabl, James A Crawford, Berg Bros Stable, Yorwollahan Racing Team and driver Corey Callahan.

Six Feet Apart wins at The Red Mile

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:44:11 GMT

Six Feet Apart (Hunterton born & sold) ($3.40), a Sweet Lou colt trained by Brian Brown, posted the quickest mile of the three $20,000 Kentucky Commonwealth divisions for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings. He rallied off a quick clip of :26.2, :53.4 and 1:22.4 set by Vintage Cowboy to win in 1:51 for owners Michael Robinson, Robert Mondillo, David Meola and Rich Lombardo Racing LLC. The other divisions went to Boston ($4.40), a 1:51.4 winner off a pocket trip for trainer Brett Pelling and owner Diamond Creek Racing; and Danger Zone ($4.20), a front-stepping winner in 1:52 for trainer Tony Alagna and owners Alagna Racing LLC and Ronald Ruggles.

Keg Stand wins at The Red Mile

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 18:39:56 GMT

Driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Nancy Takter teamed to take three of the four $40,000 divisions of the Kentucky Championship Series on Sunday (Aug. 1) at The Red Mile. Dunn totaled six victories on the 14-race card.

Takter and Dunn teamed to take the second of the two colt and gelding splits for the Kentucky Championship Series with Keg Stand (Hunterton born and sold) , a wire-to-wire winner in 1:53.3.

Keg Stand cruised to the top from post 5 and posted a :28.2 first quarter with 3-5 favourite Majestic J sitting second and Iwon’t Backdown As in third. He continued unpressured to a :57 half and three-quarters in 1:26.1 before striding through the straightaway to a two-length win over Majestic J. Iwon’t Backdown As finished third with Torrone taking fourth.

Winning his third race from five starts, Keg Stand has earned $86,276 for owners Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding.

Double Deceiver wins at The Red Mile

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 18:14:35 GMT

Double Deceiver (Hunterton born, bred and sold) darted off the pegs to the top of the stretch to take the opening colt and gelding division of the Kentucky Championship Series in 1:55.2.

Gigondas grabbed the lead while Paymaq pushed through from the pylons to protect the pocket coming to a :28.4 first quarter. Driver David Miller placed Double Deceiver into third moving to the backstretch while Bully Boy Hill tracked him from fourth. The field stayed single file to a :59 half and through most of the far turn until TNT Blue Chip began to move wide, prompting several to flush off the pegs.

Bully Boy Hill floated off the cones coming to three-quarters, forcing Miller to angle Double Deceiver as Paymaq began to pull pocket. Past three-quarters in 1:28.4, Double Deceiver fanned three wide and reeled in the tiring tempo setter to then win going away by 2-1/4 lengths. Bully Boy Hill chased the winner home to grab second, with Gigondas finishing third and Paymaq taking fourth.

A gelding by Cantab Hall, Double Deceiver won his second race from three starts and has banked $45,290 for owners Pinske Stables and Makenna Lynn Pinske. Carter Pinske conditions the $6.20 winner.

Awesome Trix wins Hambletonian Oaks Elim.

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 16:03:09 GMT

The second Oaks elimination saw fillies coming from everywhere in the homestretch, but it was Scott Zeron behind 24-1 shot Awesome Trix (Hunterton Bred & Sold) that found the shortest route, skimming the pylons late to score the upset in a 1:52.4 mile.

There was action from the outset as Dutiful left sharply along with Flawless Country and Iteration. Dutiful put Flawless Country in the pocket early but parked Iteration to the :28 first quarter before releasing her. Big City Pearl left from the outside post 10 and found herself parked for Verlin Yoder, who sent the filly up to challenge through the second quarter. Iteration and Big City Pearl were on even terms through the :56 half with Flawless Country moving up with cover second-over followed by Hot As Hill and 4-5 favourite Donna Soprano in the outer flow.

Brian Sears had Iteration in control at three-quarters in 1:24.1 but horses fanned across the track and sought room between rivals. Iteration was brave fighting off challengers for much of the stretch, but Zeron had been fortunate as the two horses he had been following while fourth on the pylons at the three-quarters fanned out for room that opened up the inside lane for Awesome Trix to utilize. Under Zeron’s urging, Awesome Trix hit high gear late for the one-length victory.

Iteration finished second with Hot As Hill, Flawless Country and Piper Hanover following her across the wire to earn spots in the rich final.

Awesome Trix , a daughter of Trixton that cost $13,000 as a yearling, the least of the 10 in the field, is owned by trainer Chris Beaver along with Aaron Merriman and Robert McNerney. In winning for the third time this year, Awesome Trix returned $50.80 to win.

“She interfered a lot as a two-year-old but had high speed,” said Beaver following the win. “She’s getting stronger this year and learning to go.”

Classicist wins at The Meadows

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:38:47 GMT

Hunterton born, bred and sold, Classicist , a Captaintreacherous - Mother Of Art Filly, won the PA Stallion Series 3 year old filly pace div at The Meadows in 1:52.2, Congratulations to owner David C Kryway, trainer Tahnee Camilleri and driver Todd McCarthy.

Adirondack wins Arthur Tompkins Memorial Div.

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:29:56 GMT

Adirondac k (Father Patrick-Mission Brief) vacated the three-hole just past the half before grinding away at leader Hot As Hill on the way to a determined half-length score in 1:52.2 after poking her head in front with an eighth of a mile to go. Miss Vet Hanover and Awesome Trix were second and third, respectively.

“She’s really developing into a nice racehorse,” said winning trainer Takter. “She was very wound up as a two-year-old. I think she’s going to have a really nice fall.”

As the 8-5 favourite, Adirondack returned $5.40 after winning for the third time from 10 starts.

Congratulations to owner Diamond Creek Racing, trainer Nancy Takter and driver Dexter Dunn.

Letsdoit S wins at the Meadowlands

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:56:32 GMT

LETSDOIT S , a Nuncio - Bacio colt, won the Kindergarten Series for 2 year old colts and geldings at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owner Stall Tz Inc, trainer Marcus Melander and driver Brian Sears.

Prancing Queen Wins Buckeye Series

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:27:55 GMT

The Crawford County Fair, in Bucyrus, Ohio, hosted the second leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for two-year-old filly pacers Wednesday (July 21).

Three first-leg winners found the winner’s circle again: Future Ex Wife, McAngel and Cruizinbytheseaside remained perfect in the series.

Future Ex Wife, (Fear The Dragon) from the Bill Rhoades Stable with Ryan Stahl in the sulky, stopped the timer in 1:57.4. Craig Stein owns the filly out of Lady Mach.

McAngel (McArdle) was three-wide at the three-quarter pole and went on to win by 2-1/2 lengths for Chris Page and Sandy Beatty in 1:58.2. McAngel is owned by Lawrence Crawford.

Also undefeated in the series is Cruizinbytheseaside (Downbytheseaside). The filly was a winner in 1:58.2 for Page, Virgil Morgan Jr., and owners Carl Howard and Larry Wills.

The newcomers on the winning stage were led by Hunterton sold Prancing Queen (Downbytheseaside),driven by Chris Lems for Scott Cox in 1:58.3. The filly is owned by Jason Ash, Parent Racing Stable and Scott Cox.

The final division went to She Means Business (Pet Rock) in 2:00.4 with Lems aboard for Ryan Miller. The filly is owned by Miller Racing Stable, Chris Gilbert, Mazing Racing Stable and Horseplay Racing Stable.

The third leg of BSS for two-year-old filly pacers will be held at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Aug. 11.

Melander's Dancinginthedark M Sweeps Dancer Splits

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 17:25:35 GMT

Trainer Marcus Melander again heads toward the Hambletonian with a strong contingent as displayed by pupil Dancinginthedark M in the two divisions of the $273,500 Stanley Dancer Memorial on Saturday (July 17) at The Meadowlands.

In the first division, driver Tim Tetrick sat slightly off the wings at the field's dispersal with Dancinginthedark M and settled into fourth while Delayed Hanover hustled to the lead around the first turn. Past the quarter in :27.2, Delayed Hanover asserted himself on the point when Take All Comers advanced first-over and dictated the tempo to a :54.4 half.

With Delayed Hanover speeding to the far turn, Take All Comers forced himself into a tight pocket as Brookview Bolt rolled up the inside but went off stride. Meanwhile, Dancinginthedark M pulled first-over and ranged towards Delayed Hanover nearing three-quarters in 1:23.1. Dancinginthedark M continued to dig into a stubborn Delayed Hanover in the sprint down the straightaway and downed his rival in the final eighth to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:50.1. Take All Comers finished third, but was placed sixth for interference to Brookview Bolt in the backstretch. With the disqualification, fourth-place finisher Tangled Love assumed third.

“He matured a lot during the winter,” winning trainer Marcus Melander said after the race. “He’s really a super horse. He’s very strong – he can go really fast, but what makes him so great is [that] he can keep that speed a long, long time. That’s a big advantage.”

Collecting his seventh win from 12 starts, Dancinginthedark M has now banked $198,309 for owner-breeder Menhammar Stuteri Ab. The Readly Express colt paid $2.40 to win.

You Ato Dream Earns New Mark In Del Miller

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 17:12:56 GMT

You Ato Dream strengthened their credentials as a legitimate Hambletonian Oaks contender with victories in their respective divisions of the $281,500 Delvin Miller Memorial for three-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadowlands on Saturday evening (July 17).

In the $139,500 second division (Race 3), 2020 Breeders Crown winner Lady Chaos, the 6-5 favourite, went out to command and slowed the quarter to :28. You Ato Dream, the 5-2 second choice away third for trainer-driver Jeff Gregory, thought it an opportune time to move to the lead, and, after making the top, put up soft middle fractions of :56.4 and 1:25. “When I saw the three-quarters time,” said George Romanoff, who shares ownership with Jeff Gregory Inc., William Richardson and Martin Garey, “I was feeling very comfortable.”

Lady Chaos did her best to try to dissipate that comfort, but after clearing relatively late, she could only get within a diminishing half length of the winner at the end of the 1:52.2 mile — also a lifetime mark. Hot As Hill finished only another neck back in third after a troubled trip. You Ato Dream has now won four of seven starts this year after only winning once and finishing second seven times in 10 starts as a rookie.

Disclosure wins NJSS Consolation

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 16:35:53 GMT

Hunterton born, bred and sold Disclosure won the NJSS consolation 2 year old fillies at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owners The Delaware Group, Equinex Racing Corp and Joe Sbrocco, trainer Christopher Beaver and driver Todd McCarthy.

Venerable Sweep NJSS

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 16:07:31 GMT

Hunterton born, bred and sold, Venerable impressed in taking her respective $200,000 finals of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for two-year-olds on the trot Friday night at The Meadowlands as Walner continued his dominance in the series by siring both winners.

Venerable, also three-for-three lifetime, was a dominant winner in the split for fillies as she lowered her previous lifetime best by two seconds to 1:52.2 in completing her three-race sweep. Jiggy Jog S was second with Delilah Hanover third.

Driver Dave Miller was content to sit fourth early with Venerable before darting to the top at the half in :56.3 and the Nifty Norman trainee never had an anxious moment from there, as Miller gave an ultra-confident steer through a final quarter of :27.1 to win by two lengths.

“I talked to Nifty all winter and they were together from the get-go,” said David Mc Duffee when referring to Venerable and Delilah Hanover. Mc Duffee is part of the group that owns both fillies. “They both have the [Jim] Doherty in two weeks. The good thing about Venerable is she’s a Kentucky bred, so she’ll be down there for a while in the sire stakes.”

How does one go about acquiring such good horses?

“It wasn’t hard,” said a smiling Mc Duffee. “All you have to do is spend $600-$700,000.”

Venerable returned $3.60 as the 4-5 public choice.

Feel The Force wins ONSS

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:56:17 GMT

The last group to make their Ontario Sires Stakes debut this season, the two-year-old trotting colts battled in four $22,850 Grassroots divisions at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday, July 15.

Fan favourite Feel The Force opened the Grassroots action on Thursday with a 2:00.2 score in the first division. Sea Can crossed the wire second, but went off-stride in the process so he was demoted to third and Usurp Hanover was bumped up to second.

“He’s a nice little horse that needs to get his confidence up,” said trainer Blake MacIntosh of Feel The Force. “I think he can keep improving as we go along.”

Guelph resident James MacDonald steers the Resolve gelding for St. George resident MacIntosh and his co-owners Steve Heimbecker of Waterloo and Van Camp Trotting Corp. of Port Perry, ON. The partners offered up $22,000 for Feel The Force at last fall’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Disaronno Hill wins Buckeye Stallion Series

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 17:18:57 GMT

Eldorado Scioto Downs hosted four $17,500 divisions of the Buckeye Stallion Series for 3-year-old filly pacers on Thursday (July 15).

Disaronno Hill (Racing Hill) took the long way around from post nine to win the second division in 1:53.4.

Cousin Margie (Jason Merriman) took the lead at the :27.3 quarter with Western Rosie (Tyler Smith) sitting second along the rail. Gillas Last Call (Josh Sutton) made a first over bid but couldn’t quite clear at the :57.3 half. Disaronno Hill (Brett Miller) sat second over and tipped three-wide at the 1:24.4 three-quarters. Posting a :28.4 last quarter, Disaronno Hill won by a half-length over Western Rosie with Gillas Last Call finishing third.

Going off as the 6-5 favorite, the filly out of the Well Said mare Beautiful Hill, paid $4.40 to win. Carl Howard, Kiara Morgan, Tre Morgan and trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. own the filly bred by Tom Hill, who now has $63,510 in lifetime earnings.

Keg Stand Wins Meadows PASS

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:47:13 GMT

Odds-on favourite, Hunterton born and sold, Keg Stand took the lead with a quarter-pole move and made it stand up, capturing his second straight stakes event in Wednesday’s (July 14) $156,320 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at The Meadows. S I P took the other split in the event for freshman colt and gelding trotters, known as the Hickory Pride.

Global Pandemic, winner of both previous career starts, hustled to the point but yielded to Keg Stand, who entered the Hickory Pride off a Pennsylvania All-Stars triumph. The son of Bar Hopping and Palm Beach Bi kept to his task for Dexter Dunn, defeating Global Pandemic by a half length in a sharp 1:55.1. Parola Hanover finished third.

“He has a really good attitude, and he’s really happy all the time,” said Nancy Takter, who conditions the $30,000 yearling acquisition for Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding. “We were looking for a Bar Hopping — my dad (Jimmy Takter) trained him — and he was the one we felt looked the best. He was actually a little physically immature when we bought him, but he’s a beautiful horse now.”

She said Keg Stand would be pointed to either the Kentucky Sire Stakes or the Peter Haughton.

Dancinginthedark M Rebound In Reynolds

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 16:07:15 GMT

A pair of big-time Hambletonian contenders – Hunterton born and raised , Dancinginthedark M and Venerate – bounced back from poor performances when they made breaks with impressive victories Saturday night (July 10) in the W.N. Reynolds Memorial for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings at The Meadowlands.

Dancinginthedark M ($3.20 as the 3-5 favourite) was moved to the front of the line in his $42,550 split by driver Tim Tetrick before the half and held sway from there as heavy rains fell to record a 1 1/4-length victory over Take All Comers in a lifetime-best 1:51.4. The Marcus Melander trainee is a son of Readly Express-Leila and is now six-for-11 lifetime.

Venerate Rebound In Reynolds

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 16:02:42 GMT

A pair of big-time Hambletonian contenders – Dancinginthedark M and Hunterton born and raised , Venerate – bounced back from poor performances when they made breaks with impressive victories Saturday night (July 10) in the W.N. Reynolds Memorial for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings at The Meadowlands.

Venerate (Love You-Peaceful Kemp) had to overcome post 9 and a brutal parked-out trip to get his mojo back in the other $43,050 division for males. The winter-book Hambletonian favourite floated away from the gate from post 9 and was handled with care by driver Andy Miller around the first turn. Racing first-over, he steadily advanced on leader Sonofamistery, the even-money public choice, down the backstretch but lost a little ground off the far turn into the stretch.

After they straightened up for the wire, Venerate began a steady gain once again and kicked into another gear at the sixteenth pole. Nearing the wire, Sonofamistery went off stride, but it likely would not have mattered as the Julie Miller-trained Venerate ($8.80 as the third betting choice) scored by a half-length in 1:52.1 after a mile that saw him never see the rail. After a brief judges’ inquiry, no action was taken against second-place finisher Sonofamistery.

Venerable shines at the Meadowlands

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 16:40:15 GMT

One week ago, Walner sired six of the seven divisional winners of the opening leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for two-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands, and the sport’s newest super sire stayed sizzling hot Friday night, as five of his progeny reigned supreme in the six $25,000 NJSS leg two events at The Big M.

Hunterton born, bred and sold Venerable ($3.20 as the 3-5 favourite) won one of the filly divisions for Miller and Nifty Norman in a lifetime-best 1:54.3 to stay perfect in two NJSS tries. Congratulations to owners David H Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul L Bordogna and Steven Arnold.

Keg Stand Impresses In PA All-Stars

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:34:34 GMT

Keg Stand and Global Pandemic were the winners in two $37,500 divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars event for two-year-old trotting colts at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Monday afternoon, as the freshmen saw their first stakes action at the mountain oval in 2021.

Keg Stand, a colt by Bar Hopping–Palm Beach Bi, was kept just off the upfront action by Dexter Dunn as Big Miles gave way to S I P nearing the :28.1 quarter; Whiskey Hanover came out in front of the stands and took over the top before the :58.1 half. Dunn moved Keg Stand first-over and was in gear going to the 1:27.1 three-quarters, and through the stretch Keg Stand had too much while finishing his mile in 1:55.4 for a maiden mark. S I P rallied for second, 1-1/4 lengths behind Keg Stand, who is trained by Nancy Takter for Black Horse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding.

Keg Stand had been a closing third in his only other purse start, in a Tompkins-Geers stake; the horse who won that race, Global Pandemic, is now undefeated in two starts after clocking his All-Stars mile in 1:57.2. Big Ben Hanover set the pace with fractions of :28.3, :58.3 and 1:27.2; Yannick Gingras moved the successful son of Cantab Hall–Nicoles Promise uncovered from third down the backstretch, and in the lane drew away to finish four lengths ahead of the fraction-setter for trainer Ron Burke and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC along with Hatfield Stables.

On the 11-race Monday card, if it wasn’t a stakes race, chances were – literally – that driver Marcus Miller won it, as Miller paraded back five winners to Victory Lane, moving him into a tie for fourth with Tyler Buter in the local drivers’ standings.

Forbidden Trade Upsets In Crawford Farms Trot

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:50:40 GMT

Hunterton Farm bred, raised and sold

Soaring four wide late in the stretch, Forbidden Trade upset a sterling field of older trotters, including the super mare Manchego , to win the $135,000 Crawford Farms Trot on Saturday (July 3) at The Meadowlands.

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Venerable wins at the Meadowlands

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:21:28 GMT

Hunterton born, bred and sold Venerable won the NJSS 2 Year Old Fillies - 1st Leg at the Meadowlands in 1:54.4. Congratulations to owners David H Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman, Paul L Bordogna and Steven Arnold, trainer R. Nifty Norman and driver David Miller.

Quincy Market Impresses at Yonkers

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:54:59 GMT

Quincy Market began their respective racing career by posting an upset win in the New York Sire Stakes events for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters that took place on Monday evening at Yonkers Raceway.

Driven by Corey Callahan in the first $47,966 division, 7-1 shot Quincy Market led through fractions of :30, 1:00.2, and 1:30.2 on his way to a 2-1/2 length win in 2:00. Grand Spa (Scott Zeron) was the runner-up after going first-over from third on the way to three-quarters, and T Rex Blue Chip (Dan Dube) finished in fourth from post seven.

An E L Titan-Dance To Market (Balanced Image) colt, Quincy Market is trained by John Butenschoen for owners Harmony Oaks Racing Stable Inc, James Crawford IV, Berg Bros Stable and Yorwollahan Racing Team. Quincy Market, a half-brother to $766,455 earner Il Villaggio, was bred by Steve Stewart and Martti Ala-Seppala and was purchased at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $20,000. He paid $17.60 to win.

Dutiful wins at the Meadowlands

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 19:11:01 GMT

Dutiful (Hunterton born, raised and sold) finished first in the 3 & 4 Year Olds N/W 2 (F&M or N/W L3 3) Extended PM Races Life at the Meadowlands. Congratulations to owner Menhammar Stuteri Ab, Paris, KY, trainer Jonas Czernyson and driver Corey Callahan.

You Ato Dream dominates Currier & Ives

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:53:24 GMT

Washington, PA — Hammered down to 3-5 in the wagering, You Ato Dream was expected to dominate Friday’s (June 25) $60,470 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old filly trotters at The Meadows. And did she ever, powering to the point down the backside and drawing off to crush by 6-3/4 lengths in 1:54.1.

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Sunny Crockett wins Pennsylvania Stallion Series div.

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:13:31 GMT

The Father Patrick - Moonlight In Miami colt Sunny Crocket t (Hunterton Sold) 3, 1:54.2f ($184,124) wins the Pennsylvania Stallion Series 3 YO Colts and Geldings div. for driver Andy Miller and trainer Julie Miller, along with the ownership of Willow Oak Ranch and Andy Miller Stable Inc.

Beads wins Graduate Series at The Meadowlands

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 21:25:02 GMT

Beads’ speed proved enough to hold off 2020 Hambletonian champ Ramona Hill, in her seasonal debut, with the Per Engblom trainee taking the second Graduate split in 1:51.

Off the slight 8-5 favourite, Beads took the lead to a :27.1 first quarter and faced no pressure through middle fractions of :55.3 and 1:24. Pocket-sitter Get Legs mounted a bid off the turn but stalled while Ramona Hill, sitting fifth throughout, gathered her momentum down the center of the course. The 9-5 second choice cut into Beads lead nearing the finish, but settled for second by three-quarter lengths. Get Legs finished third.

Owned by Buckstone Land Livestock, Beads won his ninth race from 27 starts, earning $334,213. David Miller drove the four-year-old son of Archangel who paid $5.20 to win.

River Ness wins the Tompkins Geers at The Meadowlands

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 21:20:19 GMT

River Ness ($12.60) and David Miller captured the other division, sustaining a first-over push through the far turn and edging clear of Burke stablemate Treacherous Tom (Gingras) by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:53.3. Atlas Hanover (Andy McCarthy) faded to third after being worn down on the lead off the home turn. The Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby, and Frank Baldachino own the victorious son of Huntsville and Summertime Lea.

A whim is paying off for Paula Wellwood and Wolftrax

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 13:07:37 GMT

Chesterfield, NJ — If it seems unusual to see Paula Wellwood working with a pacer, it is.

In fact, it’s been nearly 20 years since the trainer welcomed anything other than a trotter into her stable.

But that changed when Wellwood and her family’s Dreamville Stable purchased Wolftrax for $40,000 at last year’s Lexington Selected Sale. The colt is Wellwood’s first pacer since soon after her father William, a Hall of Famer in the U.S. and Canada, passed away in 2003.

Wolftra x was bred, raised, and sold, by Steve Stewart, T L P Stable, James Daut and D’Elegance Stable IX.

..... read the complete story

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Verocity - Scioto Lightning Fast On Saturday

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:41:32 GMT

The track at Eldorado Scioto Downs was lightning fast Saturday (June 12). As reported by track announcer Barry Vicroy, the average mile time for the 14-race card was 1:50.3.

The Horse and Gelding Open Pace was won by Voracity (Noble) in 1:49. The eight-year-old gelded son of Sportswriter is owned by James Morris and Norman Rae Racing LLC. Trained by Christi Noble, Voracity also lowered his lifetime best while pushing lifetime earnings to $735,890.

Perron grinds out Currier & Ives victory at The Meadows

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 15:23:32 GMT

Washington, PA – Prior to Saturday’s (June 12) $99,370 Currier & Ives at The Meadows, trainer Chris Beaver predicted that his horse Perron would win some big races this year by roughing it on the outside. It was a bold forecast since Perron, the reigning Ohio champion, was winless in five starts this year. Perron was bred, raised, and sold by Hunterton Farm.

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Forbidden Trade Back In Win Column

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:38:34 GMT

The 2019 Hambletonian champion, Forbidden Trade, didn’t find the outside post eight too much to overcome as he won the $16,200 handicap trotting feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon.

Big Oil, himself a world record setter at two in 2019, made the 4-5 favourite work for control of the racetrack, but after the :26.4 opening quarter driver Bob McClure was able to give the millionaire a soft middle half, with fractions of :55.3 and 1:24.4. Turning on the speed down the stretch, the victorious son of Kadabra came home in :28 to complete the mile in 1:52.4, with Big Oil 1-1/4 lengths back.

This was the first seasonal victory for Forbidden Trade , but he’s had three quality starts in 2021: a fourth in the Cutler from post ten, a third in the Maxie Lee here after going uncovered to a stretch lead, and now this triumph. Luc Blais trains the winner of $1,345,082 for owner Determination.

In the faster of a pair of $14,400 co-featured trots, the Bar Hopping three-year-old colt Arnold N Dicky , who had gone a 1:54 world record-equalling mile at Delaware last year, came within two-fifths of a second of the local track record for his group, set by Googoo Gaagaa, with an authoritative 1:52.3 victory.

Driver Victor Kirby, whose three wins on the day was exceeded only by local leading driver Tim Tetrick with four, rushed Arnold N Dicky to the lead by the :56.2 half, and then the swift sophomore came home in :56.1 with powerful strides to stamp himself a consideration for the national stakes scene. Hall of Fame Chuck Sylvester trains the winner and is co-owner with Amy Stoltzfus and Linda Goldman.

With favoured Shikansen making an early break, driver Corey Callahan pointed the Father Patrick mare Cocktails N Dreams right to the lead and kept her there from early until late, reducing her mark a tick to 1:55.2 while winning the other co-feature. Katricia Adams trains the consistent distaff for Benjamin Gordon and Never Too Late Racing LLC.

Dancinginthedark M was positively airborne

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 20:35:48 GMT

Hambo hopeful ‘Dances’ to victory in Big M feature

Lisa Photo

East Rutherford, NJ — Hunterton born and raised , Dancinginthedark M was positively airborne through the stretch in the Friday night (June 4) feature at The Meadowlands, taking the $21,000 high-end conditioned trot in 1:52.3, and in the process marked himself as a Hambletonian contender for trainer Marcus Melander.

He was so good, in fact, he might even have surprised his driver a bit.

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Classicist wins $100,000 PA Stallion Series — Three-Year-Old Pacing Fillies

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 17:33:45 GMT

Classicist captured her second-straight stallion series division while Odds On Whitney took stake honours with her 1:51 score. High Minded, Star Captain and So Miki Hanover also won splits, with Andy Miller enjoying a stake double behind Star Captain and So Miki Hanover.

Tony Hall gave Classicist a pocket trip but said there was no guarantee that would be the best spot for the daughter of Captain Treacherous-Mother of Art.

“She’s been aggressive before, so they added a mini-bit. I was very thankful to have it today in that position,” Hall said. “She was really loaded and finished up strong. She wasn’t stretched out at all, and she still seemed to have something left.”

Classicist prevailed in 1:51.1, a half-length better than Darby Hanover, while Captains Maid earned show. Tahnee Camilleri trains the winner for David Kryway.

Party Girl Hill In Foal

Mon, 24 May 2021 17:35:12 GMT

“I guess she does everything right,” said Hunterton Farm’s Steve Stewart regarding world champion Party Girl Hill’s seamless transition from superior racehorse to motherhood.

“She arrived from Chris Ryder on a Monday, we bred her on Saturday two weeks ago and she’s in foal,” he explained.

Last year’s Dan Patch winner as three-year-old filly pacer of the year, Party Girl Hill was truly remarkable during her sophomore campaign, winning 15 of 16 starts for $880,345 earned. Her wins included the Fan Hanover, Jugette, Matron, PaSS Championship, Bluegrass, Adioo Volo and a split of the Tattersalls where she defeated her male counterparts in 1:47.2, her life mark.

Owned by breeder Tom Hill and trained by Ryder, the daughter of Captaintreacherous was retired in late April. Her consort, Tall Dark Stranger, was also a Dan Patch winner last year as both three-year-old pacing colt of the year and Horse of the Year.

Imstaynalive wins at Yonkers Raceway

Mon, 24 May 2021 15:39:38 GMT

Imstaynalive (Hunterton born, raised and sold), by American Ideal out of Don't You Smile, was a winner in 1:52.3 for trainer-driver Pat Lachance at Yonkers Raceway. Congratulations to owners Lachance Racing Stable and Dan H Mogridge.

Sunny Crockett wins Pennsylvania All-Stars 3 Yr. Old Colts & Geldings div.

Sat, 22 May 2021 20:27:05 GMT

Hunterton sold, Sunny Crockett , , a promising trotting sophomore from Team Orange Crush — trainer Julie and driver Andy Miller — recorded a stakes victory in the Pennsylvania All-Stars 3 Yr. old colts & geldings div. at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The Father Patrick gelding Sunny Crockett grabbed command past a :27.4 opener and posted splits of :56.4 and 1:25.3 in progress to an easy victory in 1:54.2, which reduced his speed record. Sunny Crockett already his eight wins in his still-young career for Willow Oak Ranch and Andy Miller Stable Inc.

Beads With A Big Bounce Back

Sat, 22 May 2021 20:24:43 GMT

Per Engblom’s trotting enigma Beads, whose frequent breaks in stride shadowed his speed, put the pieces together on Saturday (May 22) at The Meadowlands to win the second of two $50,000 opening-preliminary divisions of the Graduate Series Trot.

Away from post 6, driver David Miller floated Beads to the top as 8-5 favourite Lovedbythemasses broke stride moving to the first turn. Beads cleared command through a :26.4 opening quarter while pocketing Sorella into the backstretch, and slowed the tempo to a :55 half before the backfield began to move.

Sorella crept out of the pocket with Amigo Volo in tow as Beads cruised by three-quarters in 1:23.4. Off the turn, Beads started to step away from the competition and continued to widen his margin to the finish of a 1:50.2 mile. Amigo Volo rallied for second with Moon Bridge and Gangster Hanover sliding into contention for third and fourth, respectively.

“They told me going out [that] the best way to get along with him is just keep him busy,” winning driver David Miller said after the race. “Keep him moving, and talk to him a lot. So I did, and he felt very comfortable the whole way. At the top of the stretch, he just trotted away.”

Winning his eighth race from 25 starts, Beads has earned $296,713. Buckstone Land Livestock owns the son of Archangel who paid $11.00 to win.

Its Academic braved quick early fractions to then withstand a late charge from Hypnotic AM and win the first division of the Graduate Trot.

EL Ideal and Hillexotic both left for the lead and raced in tandem by a :27 first quarter with Its Academic tracking the dueling leaders wide of Absattitudexpress. Hillexotic yielded control to EL Ideal into the backstretch before Its Academic ranged to grab the lead by a :54.2 half.

With the tempo slowing, Absattitudexpress rolled out of fourth and pressed first over nearing three-quarters in 1:23.4. However her grind grew leg weary as Its Academic widened his lead on the spin for home. Hypnotic AM meanwhile revved from third over and entered another gear as she charged after Its Academic in the final eighth, but the 4-5 favourite held off the mare with the momentumat the beam in 1:51.1 with Hillexotic scooting up the pylons for third and Sermon snagging fourth.

“He raced humongous tonight,” winning driver Yannick Gingras said after the race. “It was a big half, and I did get a third-quarter breather there. I honestly wasn’t sure when the half popped up :54.2 – I knew I had to get a breather somewhere, and thankfully we got one. In the stretch I was letting him coast actually. Brian [Sears behind Hypnotic AM] was coming a lot faster than I expected; I almost got caught sleeping there. The plugs were still in. I was kind of letting my horse coast to the wire, and I got lucky that the wire came just in time.”

A four-year-old son of Uncle Peter, Its Academic won his fourth race from eight starts this season and his 17th from 32 overall, earning $585,688. Ron Burke trains the $3.60 winner for owner Brad Grant.

Lyons Sentinel sprung a 20-1 upset in the opening round of the Kissin In The Sand Series for Open Pacing Mares.

Away 10th to a :27 opening quarter, Lyons Sentinel followed a lively flow as control of the lead changed hands multiple times through the backstretch. Racine Bell initially grabbed command, but eventually was shuffled to fifth as Machnhope slid to the front before JK First Lady ranged to take over the top, catalyzing a :53.4 half.

Into the far turn, Treacherous Reign led the two-wide tier towards JK First Lady. Keep Rockin A, positioned second over, began to angle off her cover by three-quarters in 1:21.1 as driver Tim Tetrick followed suit with Lyons Sentinel. The Jim King Jr. trainee hit her best stride into the eighth pole, slowly reeling in late-leader Keep Rockin A and then edging by in the final strides of a 1:48.2 mile as her rival veered inside at the finish to settle for second. Racine Bell split horses to take third while JK First Lady held fourth.

Returning $43.00 to win, Lyons Sentinel won her 13th race from 31 starts, earning $1,378,664. Threelyonsracing owns the four-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous.

ROCKING THE CLOCK: Nicholas Beach, trained by Jenn Bongiorno and driven by her brother Joe, equaled the fastest mile of the year in harness racing of 1:47.2 when he ripped out of the pocket as the 8-5 second choice to gun down leader American History, the even-money favorite who had established the mark last week. This Is The Plan, who won the Borgata Series Final at Yonkers in his last start, shrugged off a 33-day layoff to miss a fast-charging nose in the $30,000 Open-Preferred Handicap for pacers. American History held third.

A LITTLE MORE: Gingras and Tetrick both drove three winners on the card. Gingras finished the weekend with a half-dozen victories.

All-source handle totaled $3,730,993, the seventh-consecutive Saturday to see betting bust the $3.5-million barrier.

Emilie Cas El Passes

Thu, 20 May 2021 18:46:20 GMT

Hunterton Farm is saddened to report the passing of elite trotting broodmare Emilie Cas El. She was 29. Canada’s Horse of the Year in 1994, she was trained and driven during her racing career by Dustin Jones who called her a horse that changed his life.

“She was the best trotter I had ever trained at the time when I broke her. I just couldn’t believe how good she was, she was a natural,” said Jones of the Garland Lobell daughter bred by Angus Farms of Bedford, Quebec. Jones co-owned the talented miss with Wendell Cass.

During her rookie season she was undefeated winning all 13 of her races. She started out in Jones’ home province of Quebec, winning all of her races there (all stakes), and then came to Ontario where she swept the Canadian Breeders Championship equalling the track record at Mohawk.

Emilie, a full sister to three top trotting sires – Andover Hall, Angus Hall and Conway Hall - concluded her racing career in Europe in 1997. Her summary showed 55 starts (29-7-6) for $454,688 in earnings.

One of Hunterton’s top broodmares for many years, she’s best known for her 11 ^th foal, a son of Muscle Hill who would go on to win the prestigious Hambletonian. In total Trixton won 12 of 19 career starts for $968,000 in earnings. Now a sire standing at Winbak Farm in Ontario, Trixton’s richest performers to date include O’Brien winner Evident Beauty ($890,000) and Play Trix On Me ($607,000).

Emilie’s bloodlines continue at Hunterton through her daughter Peaceful Kemp whose first foal, Venerate ($939,000) was last year’s Dan Patch award winner as two-year-old colt trotter of the year. The farm also has Emilie’s Credit Winner daughter and Breeders Crown winner Impressive Kemp, dam of Natural Kemp ($213,000) and Quality Kemp ($156,000) to date.

Emilie’s yearlings were coveted as nine were sold as yearlings for a total of $1,625,000. The highest priced was Trixton at $360,000. Her last foal arrived in 2015, and she had been enjoying a well earned retirement since then.

Photo Attached: Emilie Cas El, at the age of 26, has a visit with her trainer Dustin Jones in 2018. (Photo courtesy Dustin Jones’ Twitter)

Exploit wins PASS division at the Downs

Sun, 16 May 2021 20:18:20 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, Exploit wins the third Sire Stakes division also went in 1:50.3, with trainer Tony Alagna picking up a second Sires win with the Somebeachsomewhere colt EXPLOIT ( Hunterton born, raised and sold) , who lowered his mark a tick. Driver Joe Bongiorno sent the favoured colt up grinding against pacesetter Gamblin Mo, who moved to the lead after a :27.1 opener and hung midrace splits of :56 and 1:23.3. Exploit showed his grit by pacing his own last half in :53.4 raw to overhaul the leader by a head for Leblanc and Kribbs, Joe Sbrocco, In The Gym Partners, and Joseph Barbera.

Exploit wins PASS division

Sun, 16 May 2021 17:19:59 GMT

Hunterton born, raised and sold, Exploit wins the third Sire Stakes division in 1:50.3, with trainer Tony Alagna picking up a second Sires win with the Somebeachsomewhere colt Exploit, who lowered his mark a tick. Driver Joe Bongiorno sent the favoured colt up grinding against pacesetter Gamblin Mo, who moved to the lead after a :27.1 opener and hung midrace splits of :56 and 1:23.3. Exploit showed his grit by pacing his own last half in :53.4 raw to overhaul the leader by a head for Leblanc and Kribbs, Joe Sbrocco, In The Gym Partners, and Joseph Barbera.

Sunny Crocket Shines

Sat, 15 May 2021 17:22:30 GMT

Hunterton sold, Sunny Crockett , bred by Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld and Sam Goldband, captured the first PA Stallion Series division for three-year-old trotting colts this afternoon at The Meadows.

With Andy Miller at the lines, the son of Father Patrick grabbed the lead early and never looked back to hit the wire first in 1:55.3 with a two length advantage. Miller co-owns Sunny with Willow Oak Ranch. Julie Miller trains.

It was the second start of the season for Sunny Crockett who was 6-3-1 in 11 starts in his debut season for $110,000 in earnings.

Put On A Show Sold

Tue, 11 May 2021 19:48:40 GMT

Put On A Show p,5,1:47.3 ($2,406,628) has been sold to a Hunterton Farms -based group for an undisclosed sum. It was jointly announced by previous owner Richard Young and Hunterton Farms mentor Steve Stewart.

Put On A Show , a member the inaugural crop of Rocknroll Hanover, is from the brilliant Stienam’s Place p,3,1:50.4 ($1,402,301), is the dam of five foals to date. They include Meadowlands Pace winner Best In Show p,3,1:48 ($609,497), a son of Bettor’s Delight and Come See The Show p,2,1:52.3f ($131,886), a son of Somebeachsomewhere.

Put On A Show has been bred to last year’s superstar colt Tall Dark Stranger for the 2021 breeding season.

The new owners will be Steve Stewart, Taylor Stewart, Black Creek Farms and Victor Zehr .

So Irresistible bounces back, captures Weiss Series final

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:28:12 GMT

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Always B Miki sophomore pacing filly So Irresistible , winner of her first two Bobby Weiss Series preliminary legs only to come up a head shy in the final leg, bounced back to winning form with a 1:52.4 triumph in the $40,000 Weiss Series final Monday afternoon (April 26) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

So Irresistible was foaled, raised, and sold by Hunterton Farm for Courant AB of Sweden.

.... read the complete story

Party Girl Hill retired

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:15:11 GMT

Party Girl Hill returns to Hunterton Farm to become a broodmare. She was born and raised at Hunterton.

April 26 - Hightstown, NJ - Party Girl Hill , the world-record-setting 2020 Dan Patch Award winner for best three-year-old pacing female, has been retired because of an injury discovered after training this past weekend. Chris Ryder, who trained the mare for breeder-owner Tom Hill, said Party Girl Hill was nearly ready to qualify in preparation for her 4-year-old campaign.

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An Open Letter To Harness Racing

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:36:22 GMT

Open letter to the harness racing industry from Steve Stewart and Linda Toscano

April 25 2021

Last month we published an open letter to the harness racing community urging USTA leadership to negotiate in good faith over the details of the new federal law that will govern horse racing in the United States. Over 200 members of the standardbred industry, including many of the sport’s most prominent owners, trainers, and breeders signed that letter ( full story here ).

Many other people, realizing the new law is a reality and that we ought to have a seat at the table as the new regulations are created, have approached us since then to offer their support, as well.

We wanted to share an important update with those of you who supported the letter and those of you who may have your doubts. This past week, we were part of a small group who met virtually for one hour with Travis Tygan, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which will be responsible for implementing the medication rules and drug testing under the new law. Tygart will work with and report to members of a federal panel that will soon be announced to help bring uniformity and more results to drug testing in our sport.

Our conversation with Tygart was informative and productive. He is certainly open to the idea of having harness racing “opt in” to the new rules. We discussed funding and medication rules, testing protocols, and other matters of interest to the harness racing community. We believe there is an opportunity under the new law, with the guidance of USADA, for the standardbred community to present its best case for why our medication rules should be different in some ways from the rules governing other breeds.

More importantly, Tygart said he was interested in continuing the dialogue with the harness racing community to see if we can make more progress.

We have two requests :

First, if any of you have specific questions you would like to ask Tygart please send them to us using the form below. We will collect them and try to get them answered at our next meeting.

Second, we urge USTA leadership, which publicly ignored our open letter, to join the next virtual meeting with Tygart so that they, too, can get their questions answered.

Steve Stewart and Linda Toscano

LONG LIST OF KEY INDUSTRY NAMES SIGN LETTER SUPPORTING HISA

Steve Stewart and Linda Toscano have penned the following letter expressing support for HISA. 135 industry participants have agreed.

The undersigned are encouraging the standardbred industry to negotiate with the thoroughbred industry about how to best structure the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to be inclusive of harness racing's unique needs.

We (the undersigned) support the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.

We know that there are details about funding and other matters that will have to be worked out in good faith between regulators and members of the horse racing community. And we know that the new law is not perfect. But we believe that the new law is a legitimate and important step in the right direction toward universal medication rules for our sport, increased enforcement of drug rules to make the sport more honest and a greater public acceptance of horse racing as a safe, humane sport.

Steve Stewart and Linda Toscano have penned the following letter expressing support for HISA. 135 industry participants have agreed.

We (the undersigned) support the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.

We need all of these things to protect our sport's future. And we need to work within the broader racing community to make the law work for us, especially since it requires regulators to consider the "unique characteristics" of each breed. We believe that representatives of the standardbred industry should work with those who support the new law, and who will be enforcing it, to help establish the rules and policies that will likely govern our sport for years to come.

Breeders

Adam Bowden (Diamond Creek)

Bruce Trogden (Emerald Highlands)

Steve Jones (Cameo Hills)

George Segal (Brittany)

Mike Gulotta (Deo Volente)

Senena & Jeff Esty (Spring Haven)

Frank Antonacci (Lindy)

Bob Brady (Kentuckiana)

Al & Michelle Crawford (Crawford Farms)

Ken Jackson (Kentuckiana)

Mario Zuanetti (Atlantic Trot)

Massimo Bianchi

Margareta W.Kleberg (Menhammer St)

Tom Hill

Art Zubrod (Brittany)

Jim & Gibson Wilhite

Knutsson Trotting

Tristan Sjoberg

Bernie Noren

Al Libfeld

Sam Goldband

Charles& Julie Nash

Jon Wiesman

Pond A Acres

Andrew Cohen (Bays Stable)

Leah Cheverie

David Heffering (Tara Hills)

Frank Lomangino

Johan Arneng (Brixton Medical)

John Donato

Ernny Gerbaulet

Richard Gutnick

Peter Martinson

Robert Mondillo

Victor Zehr

Ed Telle

James Daut

Robert Hechoff

Richard Arnold (Willow Oak)

John Schmucker (Black Creek)

Dan Baer (South Mountain)

John Lengacher

John Bootsman (Boko )

Dan Lengacher

Duncan Taylor (Taylor Made)

Jeff Ruch (Pinestone)

Anders Strom (Courant)

Maumee River

Jeff Gural (Allerage)

All American Harnessbreds

Mike Andrew

Maurizio & Marina Biasuzzi

John Carver

Joe Mendelson

Jim Glass (Walco)

Stephanie Rothaug (Rails End)

Jim Avritt Sr (Meadow Creek)

Stewart Goldberg (Mini Sinks)

Randy & Kim Haines (Cool Winds)

Steve & Cindy Stewart (Hunterton)

Elmer Miller

Lorne Polger (Polger Holdings)

Trainers and Drivers

Ron Burke

Brian Brown

Virgil Morgan Jr.

Jimmy Takter (Hall Of Fame)

Ben Wallace

Casie Coleman

Nifty Norman

Jeff Fout

Ed Lohmeyer

Linda Toscano (Hall Of Fame)

Paula Wellwood

Mike Keeling

Jim Campbell

Carter Pinske

Tony Alagna

Donna Lee Ozment

Joe Holloway (Hall Of Fame)

Per Engblom

Tom Cancelliere

Enos Weaver

Donald Dancer

Blair Burgess (Hall Of Fame)

Brad Mcninch

Kevin Mcdermott

Jean Wellwood

Bob Stewart

Murray Brethour

Jim Arledge

Greg Peck

Kelly O'donnell

Tim Lane

Scott Mogan

Brett Bittle

Scott Zeron

Vets

Dr. Patty Hogan

Dr. Terry Ruch

Dr. Doug Hutchins

Dr. John Park

Dr. Lynda Rhodes Stewart

Dr.Nathaniel Newton

Dr.Ted Mazorisi

Owners

Mark Weaver

Howard Taylor

Herb Liverman

John Fodera

Murray Brown

Brad Grant

Fred Hertrick III

Carl Howard

Martin Sternberg

Bo Lofvander

Doug Millard

Ernie Gaskin

Robert Burgess

Fred Hudson

Bryan Montgomery (Regency Ins.)

Frank Chick

Myron & Stephanie Bell (Riverview)

Harvey Nagner (Radio Racing)

Marc Guilfoil (Ky.RacingComm.)

Richard Young

Martti Ala Seppala

Harvey Fried

Robert Lindstrom

Perry Soderberg

Tommy B Anderson

Jack Remey ( P. Judge)

Lynn Jones

Randy Manges

Bob Marks

Joyce & Richard Mcclelland

Bill Vit (Cool Cat)

Craig Henderson

Ray Baynes

Gary Corona

Allan Schott

Howard Perlmutter

Gorden Banks

Dan Kazmaier (P.Judge)

Bob & Jeanne Stewart

Mark Hanover

Ed Biddle

Kimmo Kempi

Nick Salvi

Mike & Don Robinson

Joe Sbrocco

Virginia Berkner

Steven Wienick

MarthaFrank

Robert Leblanc

John Balzer

Geoffrey Dubrowsky

Bill Reepmayer

Frank Cannon

Jason Settlemoir

Tim Konkle (Midwest Harness Report)

Chuck Sylvester (Hall Of Fame)

Wanda Polissini (Purple Haze)

Trond Smedshammer

Paul Kelley

Nancy Takter

Scott Alberg

Seth Cohen

George DeRocker

Mike Kimmelman Sr

Paul Huber

Jorgen Jahre

Carter & Helen Duer (Peninsula)

Ted Macdonnell

Bob McIntosh

Randy Taft

Todd Scadel

Mickey McGivern

Dr Arnie Chusid

Jason Bartlett

Taylor Gower

Dana Parham (Odds On Racing)

Joe Bongiorno

Jennifer Bongiorno

Todd Shadel

Greenshoe Colt out of Mission Brief Arrives at Hunterton

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 14:53:11 GMT

This royally-bred colt out of Mission Brief from the first crop of Greenshoe arrived recently at Hunterton Farm in Kentucky. It is the third foal out of the blazingly-fast Mission Brief, who earned $1.6 million and posted a mark of 1:50.2 at 3. Mission Brief has also produced a Father Patrick filly named Adirondack that sold for $400,000 to Diamond Creek Racing at the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Adironack earned over $16,000 in five starts at 2 in 2020 for trainer Per Engblom. Mission Brief also has a Walner filly named Jaya Bae sold to Courant Inc. as a yearling for $725,000 at the 2020 Lexington sale.

Mission Brief is owned by Glencairn Racing Stable, Martin Schmucker, Tom Schmucker, Steve Stewart, Black Creek Farm, Dublin Valley Farm and Maumee River Stables.

Cindy Stewart talks about Hunterton Farm

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 13:51:38 GMT

Captain Video Takes Valedictory

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:58:49 GMT

Captain Video went to the front and didn’t look back for driver Sylvain Filion in the $35,000 final of the Valedictory Pacing Series.

Filion had the four-year-old son of Captaintreacherous-Eitherurinorurout fired up leaving the starting gate, and in a matter of strides they found themselves on the lead. Once there, the Richard Moreau trainee threw down an opening quarter clocked in :28. He was under attack in the second quarter from race favourite Beyond Better, and together they sprinted through middle fractions of :56 and 1:23.

Beyond Better was no match for Captain Video at the head of the lane, however, and as a result Captain Video used a :28.2 closing quarter to win by 6-1/4 lengths over the 1-5 favourite in a time of 1:51.2. Bee Two Bee was third.

Sent off at odds of 3-1, Captain Video improved his 2021 record to 3-1-1 from six assignments with the win. The 11-time winner, who boasts a bankroll that now stands at $108,235, is owned by 1876472 Ontario Inc, Ecurie CSL, Sam Sergi and Mike Sergi.

Recap of 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 14:59:22 GMT

We are by nature optimists or we would not be breeding nor racing horses, right? Being an optimist is a character trait Hunterton

Farm’s Steve and Cindy Stewart unabashedly wear on their sleeves. In 2020, the year of the worldwide covid-19 pandemic, being

an optimist was helpful as the Stewarts waited for horses to race, and even now as they plan for the future.

Once the stakes racing season got underway, the Hunterton Farm team had plenty of top colts and fillies to watch on the track.

The shining star was Tall Dark Stranger, who Hunterton sold as a yearling on behalf of longtime client Jim Avritt Sr. Tall Dark

Stranger won the Meadowlands Pace and North America Cup, and with his victory in the Metro and Breeders Crown as a 2 year

old, he became the only horse to win all four of those races. As the leading money-winner in 2020, Tall Dark Stranger made himself

a top candidate for Horse of the Year honors.

Party Girl Hill, Tall Dark Stranger’s filly counterpart, was also followed closely by Hunterton. The filly was foaled and raised at the

farm on behalf of client Tom Hill. We watched as she reeled off 14 straight victories, including beating the colts in a division of the

Tattersalls Pace.

Two Hunterton homebreds won major stakes for 2 year olds and have the farm team dreaming about the 2021 racing season.

The 2-year-old trotting colt Venerate, who the Stewarts bred in partnership with Kemppi Stable and Black Creek Farm, won the

inaugural Mohawk Million and showed the kind of speed (1:51.4) that makes him an early-book favorite for the 2021

Hambletonian. The pacing colt Exploit, who was bred by the Stewarts in partnership with Michael Robinson, Bob Mondillo and

Steve Cheatham, won the Metro at Mohawk and then finished off his freshman campaign with a second-place finish in the

Governor’s Cup at the Meadowlands.

When Venerate and Exploit won the Mohawk Million and Metro on Sept. 26 at Woodbine Mohawk, their victories

were the culmination of an unbelievable week for Hunterton. The week began on Sunday, Sept. 20, when Hunterton horses

dominated the Kentucky Sires Stakes finals at the Red Mile winning five of the eight stakes races, with Venerate one of the new

Kentucky champions.

Venerate and Exploit were sold as yearlings by Hunterton and in 2020 the farm again sent yearlings to market that

have huge potential on the track. Courant AB paid a staggering $725,000 for Hunterton’s Walner-sired filly out of

world champion Mission Brief, setting a record for the highest priced filly of all time. Another Hunterton trotting-bred

filly, a daughter of Father Patrick-Graceful Kelly bred by the Stewarts and partners, brought $300,000 in Lexington.

Hunterton’s 2021 yearling consignment will feature several individuals that will likely be candidates as sale toppers, including:

• A colt by Walner from former champion D’One 1:51.3

• A Walner filly from Southwind Serena, the dam of Mission Brief and Tactical Landing

• A filly by Captaintreacherous from My Little Dragon, the dam of $1.3 million winner Stay Hungry

• A Cantab Hall brother to Venerate

Steve and Cindy and Hunterton know how to raise a very good horse, but the planning before that opportunity arises is important.

You don’t sell sale-topping yearlings and produce champions without the right bloodlines. Reinvesting in new blood is a key of the

Stewarts’ philosophy of breeding top horses. The Stewarts and various partners have added three notable trotting mares to the

broodmare band at Hunterton: the world champion Guinevere Hall (by Cash Hall), whose maternal family includes the prolific

matron Amour Angus (dam of Andover Hall, Conway Hall and Angus Hall); Evident Beauty (by Trixton), a winner of $805,301; and

Chasin Clouds Away (by Credit Winner), a half sister to On A Streak, the winner of this year’s Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Colt Trot.

Hunterton does not stand stallions and has stuck to its belief that concentrating on mares is its winning formula. The farm has

access to all of the breed’s top sires and will be booking mares to the new stallions on the scene in 2021, with Tall Dark Stranger

certainly on the list.

So the cycle continues. The matings are being planned, the foals will be born, and Steve and Cindy will be there to watch young

horses romp through Hunterton’s fields in Bourbon County, Ky., renowned as a birthplace of great racehorses. At this time of the

year, when it is natural to reflect on the past and anticipate the future, Steve and Cindy wish to thank all of their partners and

clients for their roles in helping achieve Hunterton’s goal of producing great racehorses.