MEADOW LANDS, PA, Sept. 2, 2008 — Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire may have had their preferred ballrooms, and it’s clear that the equine Ginger And Fred also has her favorite surface — The Meadows.
Ginger And Fred, along with Tim Tetrick, win 2 y.o filly PASS division in record 1:53 at The Meadows.
On Aug. 12, the freshman pacing filly set a stake record in a Pennsylvania Sires Stake called the Sand Tart. On Tuesday, she tripped the light fantastic again, crushing a divisional field by 9-1/4 lengths in 1:53 — another PASS record.
Tuesday’s $239,390 stake, known as the Meadow Cheer, was contested over five divisions, with Pedigree Snob, Melissa’s Fancy, Toomuchfunwithu and Girls Nite Out capturing the other splits. Tim Tetrick enjoyed a driving triple with Ginger And Fred, Pedigree Snob and Toomuchfunwithu while trainer Jim Arledge, Jr. fashioned a training double with Pedigree Snob and Toomuchfunwithu.
Tetrick was unhurried with Ginger And Fred, who sat fourth before launching her decisive backside move. The daughter of Real Artist-Graceful Motion quickly swallowed up the leaders and waltzed home in :28, with Hatsaway and Tidewater Misty a distant second and third, respectively. Her time erased the previous Meadow Cheer mark of 1:53.3 held jointly by Ramilette Hanover and Hug Me and is the fastest this year for a 2-year-old pacing filly on a 5/8-mile track.
“On paper, she looked very competitive,” Tetrick said. “But she missed a couple weeks with sickness scratches, and I was trying to take it easy on her and save as much as I could. I never even had to ask her to go. She did it real easy.”
Kevin Lare trains Ginger And Fred for the partnership of Taylor, Feldman, Gold and Silva, who acquired the filly in mid-season from breeder/owner Ronald Mersky. Ginger And Fred is eligible for such late-season stakes as the Three Diamonds, the Breeders Crown and the Matron.
Pedigree Snob, winner of the Sweetheart and Countess Adios, pushed her bankroll beyond $331,000 with a facile victory in 1:54. Amazon Queen was 7-1/4 lengths back in second, with Ashlee’s Star finishing third. Arledge said the daughter of Allamerican Native-Hallmark Hanover likely will race just once more this year, in the PASS championship.
“The owners didn’t want to stake her too hard this year,” Arledge said. “They want to keep her fresh for next year.” David Scharf and Steve Jones own Pedigree Snob.
Melissa’s Fancy, a half-sister to Artistic Fella, had to work much harder for her victory, opening a 2-1/2 length lead that nearly melted for the 1-5 favorite in deep stretch. With Dave Palone urging her on, she prevailed in 1:54.3, a neck ahead of the rallying Sand E Fiftyfive. Save My Shark was third.
“She’s a lot better from off the pace,” said Eddie Dennis, who trains the homebred daughter of Blissfull Hall-Everything’s Easy for Lawrence Smith. “But when you’re 1-to-5, you try to put them out of harm’s way and go from there. Even training down, I always kept her covered up. But if you give her a target to shoot at, she’ll run it down.”
Melissa’s Fancy will compete in the PASS championship, and Dennis said she may be supplemented to the Matron.
WAR BOOTS ON THE MARCH AGAIN AT THE MEADOWS
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 18, 2008 — Taking advantage of a field with little early speed, War Boots worked out a perfect pocket trip and went on to capture the $25,000 Invitational Handicap pace Monday at The Meadows, his ninth victory in 19 starts this year.
While War Boots customarily reserves his brush for the back half of the mile, trainer/driver Ray Paver today asked him for pace from the gate. The 4-year-old gelded son of Memphis Flash-Fancy Boots responded well, settling in behind race leader Up Front Jerry.
Though the opening panel was a sizzling 26.4, War Boots had plenty left for the stretch, downing Up Front Jerry by 1/2 length in 1:51.4. Real Hanover finished third. Shirley Mitchell owns War Boots, who now sports a career win percentage of 43.6.
GARCON TAKES $35,000 SERIES FINAL AT THE MEADOWS
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 15, 2008 — Trotting closer to the back of the pack than the front, Garcon got a few key breaks, unleashed a wide rally and went on to capture the $35,000 final of the A.W. Capone series for freshman colts and geldings Friday at The Meadows.
Garcon, a five-race maiden entering the series final, was 4 lengths back in fifth when things started rolling his way. First, Photoforwin, the third choice in the wagering, was forced into a premature three-wide move that carried him to the lead but tired him as well. Then, Our Rail Fantasy, the 2-1 second pick, broke stride while enjoying a pocket trip.
That was all the help Garcon needed, as Bill Zendt steered him clear of trouble. Garcon came home in 29.1 and scored in 2:00, 2 lengths better than Photoforwin, with Bad As Billy third. Zendt and his wife Leslie, who trains Garcon, own the gelded son of S J’s Photo-Shimette.
GINGER AND FRED DANCES TO STAKE RECORD IN PASS AT THE MEADOWS
Tim Tetrick win with Kevin Lare trainee Ginger And Fred in PASS for freshman pacing fillies in 1:53.2 at The Meadows.
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 12, 2008 — It wasn’t exactly a waltz, but Ginger And Fred danced to a stake record 1:53.2 in a $241,388 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for freshman pacing fillies Tuesday at The Meadows.
The stake, known as the Sand Tart, was contested over six divisions, with Tidewater Misty, Singnoevil Hanover, Up Front Dr J, Sand E Fiftyfive and Rising Star taking the other splits. Dave Palone and trainer Kelly O’Donnell enjoyed doubles with Tidewater Misty and Up Front Dr J.
Ginger And Fred had won three of her five previous starts but was coming into the Sand Tart off a sickness scratch. Moreover, she was facing Pedigree Snob, an early-season divisional leader who had captured the Countess Adios and the Sweetheart and sported a bank account north of $280,000.
Tim Tetrick sent Ginger And Fred to the front, and the daughter of Real Artist-Graceful Motion thwarted the extended uncovered bid of Pedigree Snob, who was second by 1-1/4 lengths. Little Red Dress was third. The time bettered the previous Sand Tart record of 1:54.2 established by Up Front Norma and Palone in 2004.
“She beat the best here. Whether that makes me the best, I don’t know,” said Kevin Lare, who trains the homebred Ginger And Fred for Ronald Mersky. “She’s a little temperamental, but she wants to do the right thing. As long as she keeps doing the right thing, I’m here to keep collecting the money.” He said Ginger And Fred is eligible for the Three Diamonds, the Breeders Crown and the Matron.
Trained by Kelly O'Donnell and driven by Dave Palone, Tidewater Misty draws off in her division of the PASS in 1:55.4.
Tidewater Misty and her stablemate, Up Front Dr J, entered the Sand Tart with a combined six races and no wins. Tidewater Misty was especially impressive in breaking her maiden, persevering on the outside for 1/2 mile before drawing off to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:55.4. Dagnabit Hanover closed with a rush for place while Gunjan Hanover saved show.
“She’s not very big — about 14 hands high, 700 pounds — but she’s game,” said O’Donnell, who trains the daughter of Allamerican Ingot-Lush Laag for David Beachler and Annefuria Singleton. “She won’t grow any more this year, but next year, she should be good. She’s staked to quite a few of the bigger races. I really don’t want to race her too hard because there’s not much of her. We could wear her right to nothing.
Signnoevil Hanover, trained by Dan Altmeyer and driven by Mike Wilder cruise to victory in PASS in 1:55.4
Singnoevil Hanover turned in another workmanlike performance for Mike Wilder, scoring wire to wire in an effortless 1:55.4 for her fourth win in six career races. Amazon Queen was a non-threatening second, 2-1/2 lengths in arrears, with Accountable Joe an even third.
Trainer Dan Altmeyer said his chief concern in the race was an apparently tiring track.
“We were a little leery when the first two divisions didn’t come home much,” Altmeyer said. “I told Mike, ‘If you get the lead, you’ll have to rest her some because I don’t know what the deal is with the track. She sure didn’t have any trouble getting over it.”
Altmeyer owns the daughter of The Panderosa-Sing Flying Monkey, who remains eligible for most of the rich late-season stakes, with Richard Kelson, Barry Waiter and Murray Brown.
SAND TART NOTES. In the $23,000 Filly & Mare Invitational Trot, I’m Justa Lady worked out a perfect pocket trip and scored a “Lightning Lane” victory in 1:57 for driver Tony Hall, trainer Bill Daumit and owners Janet Collins and Patricia Daumit. The 7-year-old daughter of Inquirer-Quite Becoming has won 51 races and $329, 119 in her distinguished career.
KNOXTROT HALL MAKES IT 6 STRAIGHT WITH ARDENDOWNSWIN
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 8, 2008 — Knoxtrot Hall won his sixth consecutive race, making it look easy in the process, when he captured a division of the $80,000 Arden Downs trot for freshman colts and geldings in Friday’s Grand Circuit action at The Meadows.
The event, known as the Henry Oliver, was contested over four divisions, with Wuthering Hanover, Salutation Hanover and Whata Hustler taking the other splits. Dave Palone enjoyed a driving triple in the stake with Knoxtrot Hall, Salutation Hanover and Whata Hustler.
Knoxtrot Hall began his career with a second-place finish in a baby race. Since then, he has tasted nothing but victory, including wins in divisions of the Reynolds and the Tompkins-Geers. In the Henry Oliver, Palone sent him to the front, and the son of Broadway Hall-Knox Trot never was challenged thereafter.
“Our game plan was to follow Broadwaylonghall, but when he ran leaving, we went to Plan B,” Palone said. “I let him trot the last turn and he took off.”
Rembrandt Spur was second by 2 lengths, with Valiance well back in third. Linda Toscano trains Knoxtrot Hall for Richard Gutnick.
Wuthering Hanover got to know most of The Meadows’ racing surface, as he drifted wide down the backside while on the lead and bore our badly in the stretch. But he was fast enough to win for David Miller in 1:59.4, 2-3/4 lengths better than Braggart. Photoforwin finished third after a long uncovered bid.
Jonas Czernyson, who trains Wuthering Hanover for Robert Rosenheim Stables, said he’s perplexed by the weaving ways of the son of Andover Hall-Windswept Image.
“It’s something in his head. He never does it at home,” said Czernyson, who is pointing the $105,000 yearling purchase for some of the big season-end stakes. “I trained him at home in 2:01 a week ago — straight as can be. My gut is telling me he’s a good horse. Hopefully we can get him right. He had no equipment on today (to help keep him straight), so we can go home and play with that.”
Salutation Hanover earned checks, but no wins, in taking on some of the division’s best in such stakes as the Peter Haughton and the Harriman. He found the Henry Oliver field to his liking, breaking his maiden with a front-end victory in 1:59.3, a length ahead of the pocket-sitting NF Quotable. Y-Dat was an even third.
“Since the first time I sat behind him, he’s been a total professional,” Palone said. “He does everything right, a pleasure to drive. He’s raced the best colts in the country and represented himself well. Nice to see him find a spot where he could get a record.”
Mickey Burke trains the son of Andover Hall-Swift Kathy for the partnership of Burke, Ringer, Baldachino and Scharf.
GRAND CIRCUIT NOTES. In the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap pace, Streetcarnamedsire effectively used the cover provided by the favorite, Jans Luck, to triumph in 1:53.1 for driver Tony Hall, trainer Kent Sherman and the partnership of Sherman, Patterson and Brudner. It was the 10th win this year for the daughter of Real Desire-Hornby Heart.
DENNIS DOMINATES GRAND CIRCUIT TROT AT THE MEADOWS
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 7, 2008 — An unfavorable post position forced Dennis to modify his preferred strategy, but he adapted nicely and went on to a decisive win in the $66,819 Arden Downs Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings in Grand Circuit action Thursday at The Meadows.
Dennis had captured eight of 18 career starts coming into the stake, known as the James Manderino, most of them at or near the front. In fact, he hadn’t been worse than second at the quarter pole in any of his five most recent starts
Leaving from the eight hole on Thursday, he obliged driver Mike Simons by taking back a bit and dropping to the pylons in third. He didn’t stay there long. When Simons sent him on a quarter-pole move, the son of Lindy Lane-Betty Jean responded with his customary enthusiasm. He won in 1:56, 2 lengths better than Foggy Lane K, with The Budster a closing third
“I was a little concerned,” said Roland Mallar, who trains Dennis for Bob Slowey, Anthony Minute and Dennis Osterholt, the horse’s namesake. “Mike had to use him pretty good to get to the front, and it was into the wind. But he’s a gamer. He hangs in there.
Mallar said he plans to give Dennis about 10 days off prior to the championship leg of the Pennsylvania Sires Stake.
$67,998 Ned McCarr Trot
Grand Circuit action also included two divisions of the Ned McCarr, the Arden Downs trot for 3-year-old fillies. Classic Lane and Hawaiianphotograph were expected to dominate their respective divisions and did not disappoint; each won handily for Dave Palone. They were among Palone’s seven victories on the 16-race card.
Palone allowed Classic Lane to float to the lead. Once she got there, she was all business, cruising to a 9-length victory in 1:57.1. Kalibrated edged Kim’s Big Crown for place money. It was another step forward in the remarkable improvement of the daughter of Lindy Lane-Heartland Classic, who failed to take a race mark at 2.
“She had growth problems last year, a little soreness in the knees,” said her trainer, Peter Foley. “She needed time to mature. She’s been a pleasant surprise. She’s not an easy filly on herself. The key to her was switching her to flip-flops. That’s kept her sound because she lands right out there on the heel.”
Hatfield Stables owns Classic Lane, who will be pointed to the remaining PA Sires Stake legs.
Hawaiianphotograph made it five consecutive victories — all in stakes — by scoring in 1:57.3, 1-3/4 lengths better than Custom Model. Olivia’s Jewel recovered from an early break to finish third.
“She had a nice, easy mile, didn’t she?” said Bill Zendt, who trains the homebred daughter of S J’s Photo-Hawaiian Rose for Shanamphilaniklou. “You had only one horse in there that wanted to challenge her, and that one followed her. So there was no battle.”
In addition to the remaining PA Sires Stakes legs, Zendt said he may try the filly in the Kentucky Futurity.
GRAND CIRCUIT NOTES. In the $23,000 Preferred Handicap Trot, Green Dot equaled his fastest victory this year by scoring in 1:55 for driver Tony Hall, trainer Steve Bush and Have A Dream Stable. Cosmic Man at better than 53-1 was second, with 28-1 Hoopie completing the surprise package.
THIRD DAY CRUISES IN $23,000 MEADOWS PACE
MEADOW LANDS, PA, Aug. 4, 2008 — Third Day set comfortable fractions to the half, enabling him to cruise to a handy 3-length victory in the $23,000 Preferred Handicap pace Monday at The Meadows.
With Dave Palone at the helm, Third Day fronted the field in a 57.0 half and so had plenty in reserve for the dash home. He scored in 1:52, with Vesuvio Grande second and Real Hanover third.
Mike Palone trains the 5-year-old gelded son of Cole Muffler-Art Today for Fran Azur. Third Day now has banked $349,912 for his career, which includes 21 victories in 80 starts for a win percentage of 26.3.
Classy aged trotter Oatmeister, owned by Sylvia Burke, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Jessica Hensley and trained by Michael Burke, cruised to a 1:56.1 victory today in the co-featured $14,500 conditioned trot, despite being saddled with Dave Palone in the sulky. The victory put Oatmeister over $53,000 for the year.
Dennis, In Focus, and Casperdfrendlyhors Win Divisions of PASS $204,637 Three Y.O. Colt Trot
Dennis, owned by Dennis Osterholt, Tony Minute, and Bob Slowey win division of PASS in 1:55.2 with Mike Simon in the sulky.
MEADOWLANDS, PA, Aug. 1, 2008 — In Focus, whose focus was anything but sharp in his two most recent efforts, regained his best form Friday at The Meadows when he trotted to a stake record 1:54.3 in a $204,637 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for 3-year-old colts and geldings.
The stake, known as the Hickory Smoke, was contested over three divisions, with Dennis and Casperdfrendlyhors capturing the other splits.
Undefeated on the season going into the Reynolds, In Focus broke stride in that event, then followed that with more gaiting misadventures in a 3-year-old Open at the Meadowlands. In the Hickory Smoke, the son of S J’s Photo-Beverly Crusher flashed his early-season farm, scoring wire to wire by 6-1/2 lengths over Lucky Jim, with Reputation third. He erased the previous Hickory Smoke record of 1:55 established by Baccardi Lindy and Daniel Dube in 2006.
“He seems to love The Meadows, and this was the best I’ve seen him here,” said winning driver Dave Palone. “He got around the turns much better today. It would have taken a pretty good horse to beat him.”
Jimmy Takter trains In Focus for Christina Takter, Jim Fielding and John Fielding.
Dennis was fresh off an all-out, unsuccessful effort to qualify for the Hambletonian, an exertion that trainer Roland Mallar feared might leave him flat for the Hickory Smoke.
“He had a rough three weeks with the shipping and the heat,” Mallar said. “It takes its toll on some of them. He’s not a big-framed horse anyway, and he could probably use 10 days or two weeks off. He put in a good effort today. He hung in there.”
Mike Simons sent Dennis on a quarter-pole move, and the gelded son of Lindy Lane-Betty Jean made it stand up. He prevailed in 1:55.2, 1-3/4 lengths better than The Pres. NF Rivertown finished third.
Bob Slowey, Anthony Minute and Dennis Osterholt own the homebred Dennis, whose remaining stake engagements include the Old Oaken Bucket.
Casperdfrendlyhors overcame post position 8 by gunning for the lead for driver Dick Stillings, then yielding to An Honorable Man for a neat pocket journey. He lowered his lifetime mark a full second by scoring in 1:56. An Honorable Man was 1/2 length back in second while Skad’s Winner trotted evenly to collect show money.
“I left from the 9 hole with him a couple starts back, and he raced well,” Stillings said. “Today was a little different in that he got to the top quick and was able to sit in the pocket.”
Rich Gillock trains the gelded son of S J’s Photo-Halls Plus, a mid-season acquisition, for J.D. Snyder, Jr.
HICKORY SMOKE NOTES. In the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace, Jans Luck endured a parked-out opening panel in 26.4 but hung on by a neck in 1:52.3 over the hard-charging Streetcarnamedsire. Palone drove the Mickey Burke trainee for the partnership of Sylvia Burke, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and M1 Stable . . .The card also featured the third leg of the A.W. Capone series for freshman colt and gelding trotters. Capturing $8,000 divisions were Bad As Billy, Our Rail Fantasy and Photoforwin.
WILDFLOWER BLOSSOMS IN MEADOWS $35,200 SERIES FINAL
Wildflower Hanover and Tony Hall capture $35,200 Donna Dunn Series final for 2 y.o. filly pacers in 1:56.1
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 28, 2008 — Wildflower Hanover survived a demanding first quarter and a judges’ inquiry to capture the $35,200 final of the Donna Dunn Pace for freshman fillies Monday at The Meadows.
Leaving from post position 7, Wildflower Hanover was parked in a swift opening panel of 27.1 before she and Tony Hall could clear to the lead. Shuffled to third, she charged through the “Lightning Lane” only to break stride briefly. The judges reviewed the bobble but confirmed her victory in 1:56.1, 1-1/4 lengths better than Singnoevil Hanover, who raced a big mile from post position 9. TSM Opal Star T, who swept her preliminary divisions, was a closing third, suffering the first defeat in her five-race career.
Randy Bendis trains the daughter of Western Ideal-Witchn Flight and owns with Frank Castelli and Reed Broadway. The trio acquired Wildflower Hanover at the Harrisburg yearling sale for $8,000.
“She was kind of a plain filly training down,” Bendis said. “She was just okay. But near the end of training she showed signs of being a nice filly. In the last couple weeks, we’ve seen maybe a special side to her. The thought was to take her off the gate today, but a couple of them fell off the gate, so Tony went forward. Last week she went overland, and Tony said she was good and fresh. So I wasn’t worried about that.”
He said Wildflower Hanover, who took her mark of 1:54.4 earlier in the series, likely will compete in the Molly Pitcher and New Jersey Sires Stakes but won’t be over-raced this season.
“I don’t stake many of my 2-year-olds overly aggressively,” Bendis said. “But we may have to step up her program next year.”
It was one of four wins on the 17-race card for Hall. Moira’s Bliss and Aaron Merriman took the $10,000 consolation for trainer Scott Cox and owner Towering Oaks Farm. The series was named for the late Donna Dunn, longtime Meadows owner.
The card also featured the $23,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, which showcased yet another renewal of the season-long battle between War Boots and Third Day. One of them has taken The Meadows’ top pace each of the last eight times it has been contested.
On Monday, War Boots edged his rival by leaving for position, then grabbing the lead for good at the quarter-pole. He downed Third Day by 3/4 lengths in 1:51.4, with Real Hanover finishing third. Ray Paver trains and drives the son of Memphis Flash-Fancy Boots for Shirley Mitchell.
LONESTAR LEGEND GOES STAKE RECORD 1:50.2 IN PASS
Lonestar Legend and David Miller in record setting 1:50.2 in 3 y.o. PASS colt pace at The Meadows
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 25, 2008 — Lonestar Legend made a confident 1/4-pole move and kept right on going, pacing to a stake record 1:50.2 in a $203,963 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for 3-year-old colts and geldings Friday at The Meadows.
The stake, known as the Tarport Effrat, was contested over three divisions, with Real Celebration and Goddess’s Justin taking the other splits.
Lonestar Legend, an improving Western Hanover-Precious Shopper colt, had rough trips in the Burlington and North America Cup but has settled down since then. His win Friday was his third straight, including a 1:50.1 victory in a division of the Reynolds.
“He had speed last year, but he had a bad throat and didn’t breathe real well,” said Don Swick, who trains the $100,000 yearling acquisition for Royal Wire Products and United Process Control Co. “We had him operated on and it helped a little, but he needed to grow up a lot. After his bad time in Canada, he let us reprogram him, and he’s been good ever since.”
Away third, in the Tarport Effrat, Lonestar Legend took the lead at David Miller’s urging and thwarted the uncovered bid of Dragoon K, defeating that game rival by 2 lengths. Lookout Hanover was a distant third. Lonestar Legend eclipsed the previous Tarport Effrat mark of 1:51 established by Voracious Hanover and Ben Stafford, Jr. in 2005.
Real Celebration and Ray Paver Jr. pace in 1:51.1 to win leg of PASS3 y.o. colt pace at The Meadows
Off a planned break of nearly three weeks, Real Celebration took trainer/driver Ray Paver right where he didn’t want to be — first over and chasing the speedy Shadow Play, who won in 1:49.4 last week at Pocono Downs.
“I was hoping for a two-hole trip, but I didn’t get out of there well,” Paver said. “When I kept him inside once before, he grabbed onto me and made a break, so I thought we’d come and sit out there. He doesn’t get tired. He just keeps digging.”
As Real Celebration kept digging, the frustrated Shadow Play broke stride. Real Celebration was strong enough off the bench to outlast Lisfinny by 3/4 lengths in 1:51.1, with Keystone Nautilus third.
Paver said Real Celebration is headed for the Adios at Pocono. David Wills, J. Richard Hess, D.J. Gregory and Paver own the son of Real Artist-Aparte.
Goddess's Justin and veteran pilot Dick Stillings take leg of PASS 3 y.o. colt pace in 1:52 at The Meadows
Goddess’s Justin enjoyed a great trip in the pocket, but when he was shuffled to third at the top of the stretch, driver Dick Stillings had second thoughts about his decision to stay inside.
“Whenever you’re in the last turn and horses are going three deep and the horse you’re following is 10-1, the suspicions are there,” Stillings said. “I thought about pulling earlier, but the leader never slowed down until about the 3/8-pole; by then, I’d have been parked in the turn.”
But the strategy proved effective after all, as Goddess’s Justin found room inside and scored in 1:52, 1/2 length better than Its That Time. Drive All Night rounded out the ticket.
Jim Arledge, Jr. trains the homebred son of Western Hanover-Yankee Goddess for Jacob Ramsburg and DM Stables.
$244,752 PASS ACTION AT THE MEADOWS
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 24, 2008 — As one of Manhattan’s signature pubs, PJ Clarke’s swings after dark. But the equine PJ Clark showed a penchant for daytime action Thursday at The Meadows when he captured a division of a $244,752 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for freshman trotting colts and geldings.
The stake, known as the Hickory Pride, was contested over eight divisions, with Shibboleth Hanover, Our Rail Fantasy, Earl H, KT Dixie Player, Y-Dat, Knoxtrot Hall and Triumphant Caviar taking the other splits. Dave Palone scored a driving double in the stake with Knoxtrot Hanover and Triumphant Caviar.
PJ Clark and driver Trond Smedshammer win leg of PASS for 2 y.o. colt trotters in 1:59.1 at The Meadows
It was the career pari-mutuel debut for PJ Clark after two baby races at the Meadowlands. Compounding the situation was his trip — he was parked out for more than 1/4-mile before clearing to the front. But the son of Broadway Hall-Add A Lil Bourbon widened his lead late, downing NF Quotable by 3 lengths in 1:59.1. Pine Hill Bling was third.
“He’s been pretty solid all along,” said trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer. “He doesn’t make too many mistakes. He’s good mannered and kind of quick, although he didn’t show it today. I don’t like to do anything fancy with them the first start. He went nice, easy fractions. I never had to pull the earplugs.”
Brittany Farms, Little E LLC and Dynasty Stable own PJ Clark.
Shibboleth Hanover and driver Doug Snyder win leg of PASS two y.o. colt trot in 1:59.1 at The Meadows
To say that Shibboleth Hanover was a bargain at auction would be an understatement, as trainer Clarence Martin, Jr. picked him up for a modest $3,200.
“He was small, a first foal, and he went early in the auction at Harrisburg,” Martin said. “But he videoed real well — he just bounced when he was going across the field. I thought he might be the best trotter I was training this winter, but I didn’t want to say too much.”
Despite three consecutive off-the-board finishes to begin his career, Shibboleth Hanover raced like a seasoned veteran in the Hickory Pride, following cover for Doug Snyder to nip a game Keystone Activator by a nose in 1:59.1, with Garcon well back in third.
Mary Martin and Maple Ridge Stable of PA own Shibboleth Hanover, a son of SJ’s Caviar-SOS Fire Fly.
Our Rail Fantasy with veteran Bill Irvine in the sulky, handily wins leg of PASS two y.o. colt trot in 1:59.2
Our Rail Fantasy demonstrated a fondness for the lead in his three previous starts, but in the Hickory Pride, trainer/driver William Irvine ducked him, then made the decisive move first over. Our Rail Fantasy scored in 1:59.2, 5-1/2 lengths better than Rustypalooza. Technicalybroadway finished third.
“This is the first time he’s been covered up, really,” Irvine said. “He leaves the gate well. But I thought he was the best today, especially when the favorite made a break.”
Whip Or Wheel Stables bred and owns Our Rail Fantasy, a son of Beat The Wheel-Fantasy Hanover.
Go Get Blanche Wins Again
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 22, 2008 — Go Get Blanche charged through the lane to win a three-horse photo and capture the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap trot Tuesday at The Meadows.
An unhurried sixth at the half, Go Get Blanche waited patiently while B V’s Sister and I’m Justa Lady skirmished for the lead. But when Aaron Merriman asked her for trot, she sped home in :28.4 to score in 1:56.1, a head better than B V’s Sister, a head and a whisker better than I’m Justa Lady.
It was the second consecutive victory for Go Get Blanche in the track’s top trot for fillies and mares. Sharlene Dufford trains the 4-year-old daughter of Go Get Lost-Cayenne Pepper K and owns with Phillip B. Sollon.
ELLEN HARVEY A WINNER!
Ellen Harvey (#4) and Mike Wilder win PASS for two year old trotting fillies at The Meadows in 2:01.2
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 21, 2008 — Ellen Harvey is a winner!
Of course, everyone who works with her at Harness Racing Communications already knows that. But today, her equine namesake, a freshman trotting filly named Ellen Harvey, broke her maiden in a division of a $231,626 PA Sires Stake at The Meadows.
The stake, known as the Meadow Gladys, was contested over six divisions. Also capturing splits were Lost Photo, Broadway Paige, Cherries Hanover, Caviar Forthe Lady and All Star Hanover. Dick Stillings drove Lost Photo and Broadway Paige to 1:59 miles; those fillies now share the stake record.
Ellen Harvey’s 2:01.2 win for Mike Wilder was the slowest split of the stake, but she showed heart in thwarting the extended uncovered bid of a game Rompaway Bridget, who fell a nose short. Rusty’s Centerfold was a close-up third.
“That horse came at her hard, and she just turned away all challengers,” Wilder said. “”She doesn’t show being on the front end before, and she may have been a little green. Off a helmet, she might be even better.”
Jimmy Takter trains Ellen Harvey, a daughter of Andover Hall-Shes The Limit, for Christina Takter, John Fielding and Louie Camara.
The two Ellen Harveys, by the way, are acquainted. In her office, the human Ellen Harvey sports a shoe given her by the equine Ellen Harvey. She says she intends to reciprocate and present the filly with a high-heeled shoe from her extensive collection.
“It will be lavender because I’m past my pastel stage,” she said. “And it will be a right shoe because I want her to get off on the right foot.”
Broadway Paige and Dick Stillings win leg of PASS for two year old trotting fillies at The Meadows in 1:59.
Broadway Paige has been in the money in all six career starts with three wins, including a division of the Reynolds. In the Meadow Gladys, she had so much trot that Stillings pulled the pocket with her before the 3/4-pole. The daughter of Broadway Hall-Financial Paige drew off to triumph by 7-1/4 lengths over Leader Of The Bax, with SJ’s Minolta a distant third.
“She’s done everything right so far. She’s still developing her speed,” said Brian Roland, who trains Broadway Paige for Anthony and Carol Risi and Bernard O’Brien. “We bought her at Harrisburg for $12,000. That looks pretty cheap so far. She toed in pretty good, but a lot of it was the shoeing. When we trimmed her feet and started jogging her, she broke straight over. She doesn’t hit.”
Lost Photo wins leg of PASS for two year old trotting fillies in 1:59 with Dick Stillings in the sulky.
Lost Photo, who entered the Meadow Gladys off a victory in an early-closing series, lowered her mark by five seconds by brushing past the leaders in the stretch. Stay With Us was 1/1-2 lengths back in second while Some Like It Lindy was third.
“She’s trained decently, and I knew she had more than she showed in that first win,” said trainer Rich Gillock. “She’s such a little thing, but she has a lot of heart. She comes from a good mother. That means a lot, too.”
Andray Farm and Lindwood Farm own the homebred daughter of S J’s Photo-Lost Lady One. The record set by Lost Photo and Broadway Paige erased the old mark of 1:59.2 established by Blossom Seelster in 2003.
MEADOW GLADYS NOTES. War Boots marched to his seventh victory of the year the hard way, coming first up to capture the $23,000 Preferred Handicap Pace in 1:51.1 for trainer/driver Ray Paver and owner Shirley Mitchell . . . Also featured on the card was the third leg of the Donna Dunn series for freshman pacing fillies. Taking $8,000 divisions were TSM Opal Star T, Wildflower Hanover and Singnoevil Hanover.
LEADER OF THE BAX LEADS THE WAY IN MEADOWS SERIES
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 15, 2008 — Leader Of The Bax converted a perfect pocket trip to victory Tuesday at The Meadows, taking a division of the Mary Wohlmuth Trot for freshman fillies.
Doug Snyder guided the daughter of Broadway Hall to the pocket behind leader Allamerican Phoebe. Leader Of The Bax made her winning move around the far turn, drawing off to triumph by 3 lengths in 2:01.4 over Nordic Nymph. Lasers Kayde passed the tired Allamerican Phoebe for show. Dane Snyder trains Leader Of The Bax, who has been in the money in all three career starts, for Windsong Stable.
Also capturing an $8,000 division of the Wohlmuth series second leg was Lost Photo, who poured through the “Lightning Lane” for Dick Stillings in her career debut. The winning time was 2:04.1 Rich Gillock trains the daughter of S J’s Photo for Andray Farm and Lindwood Farm.
In the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, Go Get Blanche was pushed extremely wide in the lane but continued her sustained rally. She scored for Tony Hall in 1:56.2, 1/2 length better than That Fly’n Angel. B V’s Sister was third. Sharlene Dufford trains Go Get Blanche, a daughter of Go Get Lost, and owns with Phillip B. Solon.
TSM OPAL STAR T CRUISES IN MEADOWS SERIES VICTORY
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 14, 2008 — TSM Opal Star T, who overwhelmed her Reynolds division last week with a 1:53.4 mile, came right back to her home track Monday with an in-hand victory in a division of the Donna Dunn Pace at The Meadows.
In the second leg of the series for freshman filly pacers, Dick Stillings sent TSM Opal Star T through an easy first half of :58.1. But when first-time starter Samantha Q threatened late, TSM Opal Star T slipped effortlessly into another gear, defeating Samantha Q by 5-1/4 lengths in 1:55.4. Ashtoreth Hanover was a distant third.
It was one of five wins on the 16-race card for Stillings. Jan Fread trains TSM Opal Star T, a daughter of Jate Lobell, for Ted Tomson. Native Pursuit and Pretty Pedals also captured $8,000 Donna Dunn divisions.
In the $23,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, Third Day blistered the first quarter in :27 but had plenty left in reserve to triumph in 1:51, equaling his career best and giving Dave Palone one of his five wins on the card. Classic Cullen N was 2-1/2 lengths back in second with War Boots a closing third. Mike Palone trains Third Day, a son of Cole Muffler, for Fran Azur.
OUR RAIL FANTASY CAPTURES MEADOWS SERIES DIVISION
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 11, 2008 — Our Rail Fantasy enjoyed comfortable fractions on the front end, then cruised home to take his division in the opening leg of the A.W. Capone Trot Friday at The Meadows. The series for freshman colts and geldings was named for the late Bill Capone, longtime Meadows owner and breeder.
Our Rail Fantasy was parked out for much of his career debut in a Reynolds division, but he made an easy lead today under the guidance of trainer/driver Bill Irvine. The son of Beat The Rail clocked an unpressured opening half in 1:31.1 and widened his lead coming home. He scored in 2:01.2, 5-1/4 lengths better than Mr Dreamy. HRS Major Windfall trotted evenly to collect show money.
Whip Or Wheel Stables bred and owns Our Rail Fantasy. In the other $8,000 Capone division, Rebel Justice, a homebred son of Yankee Douglas, reserved his brush until the stretch, prevailing in 2:02.2 for driver Brad Provost and trainer William Provost.
Also featured on the card was the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Pace, which went to Go On BB, who shrugged off post position 8 to fashion a wire-to-wire victory in 1:52.2. Randy Tharps drove the daughter of Dontgetinmyway, who was won 32 of 40 career starts. Mickey Burke trains Go On BB for Frank Baldachino.
SINGNOEVIL HANOVER SCORES IN MEADOWS EC SERIES
MEADOW LANDS, PA, July 7, 2008 — Singnoevil Hanover fired out for good early position and had plenty left in reserve to fashion a victory in the opening leg of the Donna Dunn Pace at The Meadows on Monday.
The early-closing series for freshman fillies is named for the late Donna Dunn, longtime Meadows owner and wife of trainer Walter Dunn, who serves as USTA director in District 7.
Mike Wilder hustled Singnoevil Hanover to a pocket seat behind Amazon Queen. Although Singnoevil was shuffled back a spot, she found late racing room and broke her maiden in 1:55.3, edging Amazon Queen by a neck. Bale Me Out was third.
Dan Altmeyer trains the daughter of The Panderosa and owns with Richard Kelson, Barry Waiter and Murray Brown.
Also winning $8,000 Donna Dunn divisions were Serenity Hanover and Allover Hanover.
STREETCARNAMEDSIRE TAKES $23,000 MEADOWS F&M PACE
MEADOW LANDS, PA, June 27, 2008 — Streetcarnamedsire made a confident quarter-pole move to the front, then held off the late charge of Kat N Mouse to win the $23,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap pace Friday at The Meadows.
Comfortable on the lead, Streetcarnamedsire ripped off the third panel in :27.4, discouraging any outside flow. But the unused Kat N Mouse eschewed cover and challenged in the lane. Tony Hall got Streetcarnamedsire to the wire in 1:52.1, 3/4-lengths ahead of Kat N Mouse. Simmichacha was a ground-saving third.
Streetcarnamedsire has won eight of 18 starts this year. Kent Sherman trains the daughter of Real Desire for Betty Sherman, Melissa Patterson and Michael Brudner. The victory was one of four on the 13-race card for Hall.
GO GET BLANCHE TAKES $23,000 MEADOWS F&M TROT
MEADOW LANDS, PA, June 18, 2008 — Seven lengths in arrears at the half, Go Get Blanche launched a relentless bid that carried her to victory in the $23,000 Filly & Mare Open trot Wednesday at The Meadows.
The conditions seemed less than favorable for a sustained wide move — sloppy track, the venerable Whotookwhat on the lead with comfortable fractions. But Go Get Blanche kept coming for Tony Hall, prevailing by 3/4-lengths over Whotookwhat in 1:57.2. Tich finished third.
The win pushed the career bankroll for Go Get Blanche to $101,582. Sharlene Dufford trains the 4-year-old daughter of Go Get Lost and owns with Phillip B. Sollon. It was one of four victories on the 13-race card for Hall.
Elderly, Non-Driving Bill Zendt Finally Wins His 3000th
Las Vegas, Nevada---The non-driving s.o.b. Bill Zendt has finally won his 3000th race. This is something that most decent drivers get done in their 30s, but Zendt is an especially bad driver, and has been since this author worked for him way back in 1974.
The only real driver in the entire natural Zendt family is Bill's father Wilbur, now well into his 80s. Wilbur is the picture of health and could still outwork and outdrive any of the other Zendts today, with the possible exception of Bill's lovely wife Leslie.
Bill got his 3000th win on trotter Fudgjoe, who looks remarkably similar to an old Wilbur Zendt horse, Scotch McKlyo, a pacer from long ago.
Zendt was catapulted into prominence by the hard work and sheer genius of his father, who always shunned the limelight. Wilbur is without question one of the very best horsemen I have ever known. He would be at the barn very early in the morning until very late at night, even shoeing horses all afternoon while Bill was on the golf course tearing up the turf and disturbing the worms with his well known "worm burner" drives. Wilbur would hang horses up so well that even Bill could easily win with them, and as Wilbur confided to me many times, "That takes some kind of hanging up!"
Wilbur's ability to attract good owners to the barn also helped Bill a lot, especially when Wilbur semi-retired to Mifflintown, Pa. To this day, Wilbur breaks colts and still shoes them in Mifflintown! My sources tell me that Wilbur also still hangs up any difficult horses for Bill.
Without Wilbur, the Zooker, old George, Jim Graham, and a host of others no one would have ever even heard of Bill Zendt.
On a more serious note, congratulations to an old friend I've known for 35 years or so, and one of my all time favorite drivers!
By: Gary Schmidt
Dr. Heather Stone Headed to Beijing Olympics
Dr. Heather Stone is headed to 2008 Beijing Olympics
MEADOW LANDS, PA, June 3, 2008 — Elite athletes long to perform in the Olympics, but do equine veterinarians harbor the same dream? If the vet in question is Dr. Heather Stone, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”
And her dream will come true this summer, as Stone has been selected by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to serve on the equine vet team for the Beijing Olympics.
Stone, a Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission veterinarian who works at The Meadows, is a resident of Bethany, WV. She was graduated from Bethany College and the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Even during her school years, the Olympic games were on her radar screen.
“It’s always been a goal of mine,” she says. “I geared my education at Ohio State to the Olympics.” That preparation included training under an Olympics-experienced veterinarian and internships that featured Olympics-type work. Her work at The Meadows for the commission has provided valuable preparation as well.
Noted Anton Leppler, Pennsylvania Commissioner Deputy Director for Harness Racing: “We are extremely proud to have a valued member of the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission getting this great opportunity to represent the USA and harness racing on an international level.”
The experience promises to be both exhilarating and exhausting, if only because of the length of the assignment. While the Olympics may be over for athletes in a few days, for Stone and her colleagues, it will last three months. That’s because the equine vet team must supervise the import and quarantine of more than 200 horses, monitor them during the Olympics and coordinate their return home.
That figures to be a stressful period for the equine participants, who must deal with extensive travel and ensuing isolation. To allow for shorter flights, officials have established six pre-shipment quarantine areas around the world. Horses will ship to those centers and relax a bit before completing the final leg to Hong Kong. America’s horses will gather at the pre-shipment facility in New Jersey and travel to a second pre-shipment center in Europe before departing for Hong Kong.
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the premier racing facility in that region,” Stone says. “They’ve converted a golf course and a country club into equine grounds. They even have air-conditioned stalls because it’s a fairly tropical climate. It should be really amazing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
In Focus, Lear Jetta, Napoleon Score in Currier and Ives Stakes
In Focus and Dave Palone score in 1:54.4 in Currier and Ives
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 30, 2008 — In Focus trotted his best under relentless pressure, scoring in 1:54.4 to take the fastest division of the $135,137 Currier & Ives Friday at The Meadows. Lear Jetta and Napoleon also captured Currier & Ives splits.
In Focus enjoyed a comfortable first half in :58, but when Lucky Jim loomed menacingly down the backside, the son of S. J’s Photo found himself in a battle. In Focus dug in for Dave Palone and prevailed by a neck in the fastest mile this year by a sophomore gelding trotter on a 5/8-mile track. Production finished third.
“He picked me back up; he’s beautiful to drive that way,” Palone said. “Once he makes the front, he relaxes, and he doesn’t pick you back up until a horse comes to him. He’ll have to learn to race out of a hole to go with the top ones. It’s not that he’s hot, but he doesn’t like any stones hitting him in the face.” Jimmy Takter trains In Focus for Christina Takter, John Fielding and Jim Fielding.
Lear Jetta and Tim Tetrick win Currier and Ives division in 1:55.2
For Lear Jetta, the Currier & Ives was another day at the office as he won for the 13th time in 15 starts, pushing his career earnings to nearly $414,000. He recorded a front-end victory in 1:55.2, best time this year for a sophomore trotting colt on a 5/8-mile track, yet for the second consecutive week, driver Tim Tetrick never felt compelled to pop the earplugs. Uknowme was second, with The Budster a rallying third.
”We opened him up a little bit,” said Bob Myers, who trains the son of Lindy Lane for James McAuliffe. “We had a set of cheek rolls on him, but Tim said we had to get him just a little bit quieter. So we opened him up completely.”
Myers said Lear Jetta has generated a number of inquiries from potential buyers but that McAuliffe probably has taken to “screening” such calls and not returning them.
“He says, ‘I’m 92 years old — what do I need with money? I just love to watch him race.’”
Napoleon and Stephane Bouchard win their division of the Currier and Ives in 1:55.4
Napoleon, the New York freshman trotting champion, experienced recent gaiting problems, including a costly break in a Dexter Cup elimination. Driver Stephane Bouchard said the connections identified and corrected the flaw.
“He was making breaks when dirt hit him in the face,” Bouchard reported, “so we put a mask on him. I trained him behind a horse and qualified him with the mask, and he was perfect.”
The son of Credit Winner, who is trained by Brendan Johnson, was solid in the Currier & Ives, going wire to wire in 1:55.4, by far a career best. Celebrity Phantom was 4 lengths back in second while Reputation finished third. Ken Tucci, one of Napoleon’s owners, said the colt’s best races should be ahead of him.
“We think we have his problem solved,” Tucci said. “We have a lot of high hopes for him. He’s eligible to everything. He has a lot of potential, but it’s a very deep group of 3-year-olds this year.”
In Focus and Napoleon are eligible for the Hambletonian, but Lear Jetta is not.
CURRIER & IVES NOTES: Kat N Mouse showed her class and competitiveness in the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap pace. Passed by Martha’s Revenge before the 3/4-pole, she rallied to defeat that rival by 3 lengths for Bill Zendt in 1:52.3 . . .Dyno Trevor captured the $20,000 Preferred Handicap trot for Mike Wilder in 1:55.3 . . . The filly division of the Currier & Ives is set for Friday, June 20, at The Meadows.
TOM’S OK LADY RAGES LATE, TAKES $18,000 MEWDOWS TROT; PALONE WINS 9
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 29, 2008 — Shuffled to seventh at the half, Tom’s OK Lady unleashed a wicked late brush that enabled her to overtake the venerable Whotookwhat and capture the $18,000 Filly & Mare Open Handicap trot Thursday at The Meadows, one of 9 driving wins on the 18-race program for Dave Palone.
Whotookwhat, who has won 42 times in her career, was in the process of grinding down race leader Worthy Flier when Tom’s OK Lady swung wide for the drive. She scored in 1:55.1, defeating Whotookwhat by 1/2 length. Worthy Flier saved show.
With her victory, the 5-year-old daughter of Inquirer pushed her career bankroll to $201,312. Mickey Burke trains Tom’s OK Lady for Sylvia Burke, M1 Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Bethann Palone.
Five of Dave Palone’s wins were for his brother, trainer Mike Palone, who raced seven horses on the Thursday card. Five weeks ago, Dave Palone set the record for most victories on a single pari-mutuel raceway card when he drove 11 winners.
I'M JUSTA LADY SCORES IN $18,000 MEADOWS F&M TROT
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 20, 2008 - I'm Justa Lady converted a cozy pocket trip to victory Tuesday, capturing the $18,000 Filly & Mare Open Handicap at The Meadows, making it two in a row against the track's top distaff trotters.
Tony Hall guided the daughter of Inquirer to the lead, which the pair willingly relinquished to Whotookwhat. In the stretch, I'm Justa Lady poured through the “Lightning Lane†to down the redoubtable Whotookwhat in 1:56 over a sloppy track. Lavec Dream closed inside to be third.
Bill Daumit trains I'm Justa Lady, whose career earnings now exceed $309,000, for Janet Collins and Patricia Daumit.
THIRD DAY PREVAILS IN $20,000 MEADOWS PACE
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 19, 2008 - Third Day, who had been a step short in recent efforts, made up that step and more Monday at The Meadows when he captured the $20,000 Preferred Handicap pace.
Third Day finished second in his two most recent starts, both against the track's top pacers. On Monday, however, he let it be known early that second wouldn't be good enough when he made a decisive quarter-pole move for Dave Palone. The son of Cole Muffler thwarted a game first-over bid by War Boots to prevail by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:52.1. War Boots edged Rock N Roll Star for place.
Both Third Day and Rock N Roll Star are trained by Mike Palone for Fran Azur. The win was one of six on the 13-race card for Dave Palone and pushed Third Day's career bankroll to $291,402.
Fast fillies beat windy conditions, competition to earn stake wins
Despite windy conditions, a new stake record highlighted five divisions of the Adios Betty Pace for Pennsylvania sired 3-year-old fillies at The Meadows on Saturday.
The day started with a wire-to-wire win from Dragonfest, a Dragon Again filly driven to victory by Mike Wilder. The John Butenschoen-trainee reeled off an opening quarter of 26.4. The filly then got a breather, posting a 30-second quarter to reach the half in 56.4. The break was more than enough for her, as she reached the ¾ pole in 1:24.3 before finishing the mile in 1:54.
“I was a little worried at the quarter, getting there so fast,” said Wilder. “The owners said she was versatile, but they wanted me to go forward with her and I can’t say enough about how she responded. She’s just like driving a car.”
Harmony Oaks Racing Stable, Zilli, and Baron own Dragonfest, who held off HL Showbiz and Pembroke Lil.
In the second division, patience paid off for driver Dave Palone. Up Front Bethann, a top performer from last season, was making her season debut, and let the dust settle early. Palone let her sit fourth as Sayo Hanover (Randy Tharps) cut fractions of 26.3 and 55.4. As the field passed the half, Palone moved his Dragon Again filly to the outside and she swept right to the lead, reaching the ¾ pole in 1:23.3. Up Front Bethann easily held off See And Be Seen (Wilder) and Saymynamesaymyname
(Richard Stillings) in 1:53.1.
“She had a tendency to get hot last year,” said Palone. “She minded her manners today and was really calm. She sat in the pocket nicely and I was really pleased with her.”
Ed Mullinax owns the winner, while Kelly O’Donnell earned the training victory.
The third split brought an upset local winner, as 9-1 shot Lucy B scored for trainer Patrick Medors and driver Aaron Merriman. Lucy B, making her initial start on lasix, used a power move after sitting mid-pack through fractions of 26.4 and 55.3, taking the lead down the backstretch and opening up a large lead. She paced the third quarter in 27.3, reaching the marker in 1:23.1 before holding on for a 1:53.3 win over An Original (Ray Paver) and Color My World (Kyle Bolon).
Beulah Bigley of Clarksville, PA bred and owns Lucy B, a filly sired by Whelan Willie. For driver Merriman, it was his first Meadows stake win.
The fourth group was the fastest of the day, as Thong, a Western Hanover filly went wire-to-wire in a stake record time of 1:52.1 for Palone. “I knew she was a good filly,” said Palone. “I spent some time chasing her on the Grand Circuit last year, and this season she just got nipped at Freehold, so I wanted to give her a shot. That was an
unbelievable mile with the wind.”
Jerry Silva and the North State Street Stable own the winner, who is trained by Kevin Lare. Pavla Hanover (Wilder) finished second, ahead of Real Nasty Miss (Stillings).
The final Adios Betty division was won by Don’t Deny Me, driven by Brian Zendt for trainer Ken Rucker. After taking a seat third to the opening quarter in 27 seconds, Zendt moved the Allamerican Ingot filly to the outside, taking the lead before the half in 56. 2 then going on to reach the ¾ in 1:23.4 and the finish line in 1:54.
Rucker Stable, Inc. owns the winner, who beat Riven Hanover (Wilder)
and Twin Oaks Tess (Tony Hall) to the wire.
Dave Palone led the way on the 15-race card, posting seven victories
for the afternoon.
The Meadows races again on Monday afternoon at 12:15. Stake action returns on Thursday, as 3YO Colt & Gelding trotters will be featured. Post time is 12:15.
Worthy Flier Sets Mark In $18K Trot At The Meadows
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 13, 2008 - Worthy Flier made it three wins in a row Tuesday at The Meadows, launching a determined uncovered bid that carried her to victory in the $18,000 Filly & Mare Open Trot.
Worthy Flier was only 3-1/2 lengths back when she made her move, but she was trying to overhaul Whotookwhat, arguably the queen of trotters at The Meadows, who had enjoyed a comfortable 58.2 half on the lead. Trainer/driver Charlie Norris kept the daughter of Pegasus Spur alive on the outside, and she prevailed by 3/4-lengths in 1:56.4, a career best.
Whotookwhat saved place over a fast-closing Winnie The Who. Leonard Buckner owns Worthy Flier.
Meadows Owners Renee And Bill Bercury Share Their "Good Will"
Bill and Renee Bercury and Good Will
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 13, 2008 - Whenever the trotter Good Will races at The Meadows, he has a large national following - about 70,000 victims, and their families, of spina bifida. That's because the trotter's owners, Renee and Bill Bercury of Slippery Rock, PA, are donating 10 percent of the gelding's earnings to the Spina Bifida Association of America.
"We are so grateful for, and honored by, the generosity of the Bercurys," said Cindy Brownstein, CEO of the Spina Bifida Association. "We have seen first hand how their unique idea has inspired our families. We are all cheering for Good Will's success."
The Good Will story has its roots in a 2004 trip the Bercurys made to Alaska. While staying in Denali National Park, the Bercurys met Scott Price and his son Patrick, who were traveling to every state to research a book about the good things that happen to people. What particularly impressed the Bercurys was the determination of Patrick Price, a spina bifida sufferer who wasn't letting his need for a wheelchair hinder his professional pursuits.
The Bercurys made a donation to the Spina Bifida Association, the Prices later published their book, Looking for Goodwill (Providence House Publishers), and there the story might have ended. But destiny kept bringing the Bercurys and the Prices together.
"We saw them at dinner in Anchorage," Renee recalls. "When we took a boat ride in Prince William Sound, there they were at the gas station. We kept running into them over and over, something that's not easy to do in Alaska. It seemed like fate."
Thus, when Renee and Bill purchased a yearling Donerail-Celestial Way trotter named C Small Hanover at the 2006 Adios sale, they renamed their $6,500 acquisition Good Will and made the Prices the "honorary" owners. Says Scott Price:
"Meeting the Bercurys soundly confirmed what we found in our interviews for the book - we are surrounded by a vast reservoir of good will. It is broad and deep and worth looking for every day. We love telling people about Bill, Renee and the horse."
According to the association, spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the US. It occurs when a baby's spine fails to close during the first four months of pregnancy. The disease is particularly frustrating because its cause is unknown, its effects varying. Fortification with folic acid prior to pregnancy can prevent spina bifida, but there is no effective treatment once pregnancy occurs. As a result, progress in the fight against spina bifida can be fitful.
The same might be said of Good Will's progress. At 2, he trained down to 2:15 and seemed uninclined to go faster. But he finished third in each of his first two starts this year, showing both manners and a bit of speed. Then, following a poor outing, he finished second in the $33,800 final of the South Strabane Trot and broke his maiden next time out. In five starts, he's earned $10,130 - including $1,013 for the Spina Bifida Association.
He may have plenty of upside as his half brother, Columbus Hanover, was a trotting star in Pennsylvania and Illinois; he's earned more than $450,000, took a career mark of 1:53.4 and continues to grind it out at age 10.
"I don't know if he'll be great," Renee says, "but he has he family to at least make a little bit of money."
John Marshall, vice president for racing at The Meadows, congratulated and thanked the Bercurys for their generosity and kindness.
"I hope their efforts will serve as an inspiration for others," he said. "That's just the sort of community involvement our sport needs."
The Bercurys are the perfect owners to help a young trotter realize his potential. Bill, who also trains the horse, has driven in many amateur events and is well known for his enthusiasm for the sport. When a Bercury horse is about to cross The Meadows finish line first, track announcer Roger Huston typically adds the flourish: "Bill Bercury says harness racing is fun!"
Now, the Bercurys have found a way to share their Good Will.
SAND SHOOTER LAUNCHES SOPH CAMPAIGN WITH PASS VICTORY
Sand Shooter and David Miller
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 9, 2008 - Sand Shooter, runner-up in last year's Breeders Crown for pacing freshmen, launched his 3-year-old campaign impressively Friday at The Meadows by effortlessly taking a division of a $202,360 Pennsylvania Sires Stake, scoring in 1:51.1 over a sloppy track.
The stake, known as the Bye Bye Byrd, was contested over five divisions, with Upfront Hannahsboy, Mystery Chase, Sheer Brilliance and Truponder capturing the other splits.
Sand Shooter, a $40,000 yearling acquisition, hadn't raced since that Breeders Crown, but he showed no signs of rust, moving to the lead at the quarter pole for David Miller and drawing off to win by 5-1/2 lengths over First Rate. Keystone Nautilus was third.
"He's big and strong now, and he had plenty left in the tank," said Jim Arledge, Jr., who trains the son of Western Hanover for Bill Sanders and Jerry Silva.
Sand Shooter's stable mate, Upfront Hannahsboy, provided Arledge and Miller with stake doubles but had to work harder for his victory. The son of Dragon Again, using Lasix for the first time, accelerated from post position 8 for early position, then came uncovered to wear down 1-5 favorite Its That Time. He prevailed by 3/4 lengths in 1:53, with Arterosa third.
"At the end of last year we knew he was bleeding," Arledge said, "but we couldn't get him on Lasix at the right time. He trained back super. He likes a horse in front of him. If he can get that, he'll pass anybody. He was at Peninsula Farm all winter, and he really filled out."
Upfront Hannahsboy and David Miller.
C. Ed Mullinax owns Upfront Hannahsboy who, as Sand Shooter, is being pointed to the Burlington and the North America Cup.
Mystery Chase and Dave Palone winning PASS in 1:51.3 Friday
Mystery Chase also had to chase the leader, but once he cleared down the backside, the outcome was no mystery. He won for Dave Palone by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:51.3. Atochia overcame significant road problems to be second while Silver Dragon was well back in third. Jim Campbell trains Mystery Chase, a son of Real Artist, for Arlene and Jules Siegel.
"When I talked to Jim on the phone, he informed me this was a nice colt," Palone said. "Jim's a low-key guy. When he endorses them, you know they're all right."
BYE BYE BYRD NOTES: Idle Hour, a top 2-year-old from the George Teague, Jr. stable and winner of the Suslow final, endured a tough first-over trip and finished third in his division . . . Rock N Roll Star worked out a pocket trip and took the $20,000 Preferred pace in 1:51 for driver Aaron Merriman, trainer Mike Palone and owner Fran Azur . . . Although Mullinax named Upfront Hannahsboy for Dave Palone's daughter Hannah, the horse has defeated Palone in several stakes. “Every time that horse beats me, Hannah really tortures me,†Palone said. To add insult to injury, Hannah plans to uplink to YouTube a video of her namesake's exploits.
Amy Kane Remains Undefeated, Takes PA Sires Stake Division
Amy Kane and Dave Palone winning PA Sires Stakes division
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 3, 2008 - Amy Kane remained undefeated in seven career starts by capturing a division of a $204,860 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for 3-year-old filly trotters Saturday at The Meadows.
The stake, known as the Stenographer, was contested over five divisions, with Hawaiianphotograph, Morguns Sweetheart, Classic Lane and Charged Freight taking the other splits. Dave Palone drove seven winners on the 17-race card, including four Stenographer divisions.
The event kicked off 2008 sires stake racing at The Meadows, with purses statewide expected to double to $10 million this year. In 2007, the purse for the Stenographer was $95,880.
A daughter of S J's Caviar, Amy Kane won all four of her starts at 2 as well as two overnight events at Woodbine this year. As is her practice, she went right to the lead for Palone and won handily in 1:57.2, just two ticks off the stake record set by No Nonsense Woman in 1997. Kiss The Dice was 1-1/2 lengths back in second, with Prada Hall third.
John MacMillan, who trains Amy Kane for Percy Elkins, said the filly is professional and doesn't need the lead to win.
"She' s never been fully extended," said MacMillan, Rideau Carleton's leading trainer by wins and purses in 2007. "I think 1:57.2 is a good mile today for the conditions. Most of the drivers keep her out of trouble because she's generally bet off the board. They want to keep her clear of traffic. But you can take her off with two fingers. She'll do whatever you like."
Hawaiianphotograph and Dave Palone winning leg of PA Sires Stakes.
Hawaiianphotograph won a single race in nine starts at 2 but matured so much over the winter that Palone confidently mover her to the lead before the quarter. She prevailed in 1:57.3, 4-1/4 lengths better than AJ's Baby. Tobacco Bay was a distant third.
"She was a nice filly last year, but she wasn't strong enough," said Bill Zendt, who trains the homebred daughter of S J's Photo for Shanamphilaniklou. "She still trotted pretty well last year, but she got a lot stronger. We've staked her pretty good."
Dave Palone and Morguns Sweetheart winning leg of PA Sires Stakes.
Things looked bleak for Morguns Sweetheart heading into the stretch; she was shuffled back to fifth and appeared destined for a minor award. Palone got off the pylons just in time, then dived into the "Lightning Lane" with plenty of trot.
"I never popped the plugs on her - I didn't need to," Palone said. "I just needed to find my way out. I wanted to be extra careful with her because they took the hopples off. I almost got myself in trouble being too cautious. I had to zig and zag to find room, but she was loaded."
Buzzy Sholty trains Morguns Sweetheart, a daughter of Lindy Lane, for Sholty Stable. Drink N Drive was second by 1/2 length, with Tag Dancer's Filly a close-up third. The winning time was 1:59.3.
Kat N Mouse Makes It 5 For Last 7 At The Meadows
MEADOW LANDS, PA, May 2, 2008 - Kat N Mouse shrugged off a demanding first quarter and went on to fashion a comfortable victory Friday in the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. It was her fifth win in the last seven starts - all in The Meadows' top distaff pace.
The daughter of Expensive Scooter went for the lead from post position 5 and got it, but not before being parked in 27.1. After a second-panel breather, Kat N Mouse and Bill Zendt triumphed in 1:52.2, 2-1/4 lengths better than the ground-saving Don't Blame Her. Streetcarnamedsire, who handed Kat N Mouse her only two losses in that seven-race stretch, was third.
Alan Davadik trains Kat N Mouse for Michael and Kathleen Callipare.
In the $20,000 Preferred Handicap Trot, Heza Challenger and Randy Tharps used a quarter-pole move to propel them to a 3/4-length victory in 1:55.4. Meadows newcomer Ashwood Ace closed stoutly for second while early leader Maingate Victory finished third.
Heza Challenger, a son of Chip Chip Hooray, has captured three of his last four races for trainer Bruce Riegle and owner Robert Kauffman
I'm Justa Lady Regains Form In $18,000 Meadows Trot MEADOW LANDS, PA, April 29, 2008 - The redoubtable I'm Justa Lady, whose form had slipped in recent weeks, showed that she remains a force to be reckoned with, moving uncovered to take the $18,000 Filly & Mare Open trot Tuesday at The Meadows. The victory for the daughter of Inquirer sent her over the $300,000 mark in career earnings.
A 10-time winner in 2007, I'm Justa Lady had only a single win in nine 2008 starts, and that in a conditioned race. On Tuesday, though, Tony Hall sent her first over from fourth, and she scored in 1:57.3. Winning Sister was 1-3/4 lengths back in second while Whotookwhat, saddled with post position 9 for the second straight week, finished third.
Bill Daumit trains I'm Justa Lady for Janet Collins and Patricia Daumit.
Elsewhere on the card, the sophomore woes continued for Pizzazzed, a winner of $213,696 at 2 who has struggled so far this year for Roger Hammer. Following a failed first-over move, he faded and finished last in a field of seven.
In his three 2008 starts, all conditioned races against older horses, Pizzazzed has finished seventh, fourth and seventh.
MEADOW LANDS, PA, April 28, 2008 - Pacey Deucey, usually a strong closing force, flashed early speed that helped him capture the $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace Monday at The Meadows.
Even with his quick burst from the gate that got him way third, the son of Cam's Card Shark needed an extended first-over move to put the talented field away. The 17-10 favorite scored by 1-3/4 lengths for Tony Hall in 1:53 over a track rated sloppy. The durable 5-year-old gelding has won 15 times in 48 starts in 2007-08.
Third Day saved ground and popped off the pylons late to grab second while Up Front Ohio made up considerable ground to finish third. Kent Sherman trains Pacey Deucey for Kor-Ans Stables.
