HAMBLETONIAN-BOUND EILEAN DONON RACING FOR A BIGGER CAUSE

(Meadowlands Barn Notes July 28, 2004)

Every time the three-year-old trotting colt Eilean Donon steps on the track, he has a lot resting on his withers.

One of his owners, the late Joseph Taylor, dedicated his one-third share of the colt's earnings to support the work of ConQuest, a national network of clubs and camps for Catholic boys age five to 15.

Eilean Donon, who drew post three in the sixth race, the second of two $100,000 elimination heats this Saturday at the Meadowlands, could substantially help the boys in the ConQuest program if he should advance to and win the $1 million Hambletonian on August 7.
He is rated 3-1 in the morning line, the second choice behind 2003 Trotter of the Year, Cantab Hall, who is 5-2 from post 10. The top five finishers from each division qualify for the Hambletonian Final.

Eilean Donon, named for a castle in Scotland, races for Kentuckians Steve Stewart, Ben Taylor and Joe Taylor's estate. He comes into the Hambletonian elims with earnings of $287,188, of which more than $95,000 has already benefited the boys who attend the ConQuest clubs for instruction in leadership, faith and virtue.

The Stewarts and the Taylors grew up together in the same housing subdivision that was part of the original Gainesway Farm of prominent Lexington thoroughbred and standardbred breeder Clarence Gaines. Joe Taylor, Ben's father, was the Gainesway farm manager for several years.
After the Gainesway Farm was sold, the Taylor family developed Taylor Made Farms, which sits on 1,600 acres in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Although the family's operations perennially lead North American thoroughbred consignors in gross receipts, they have maintained an interest in standardbred racing, teaming with the Stewarts on Eilean Donon.

Joe Taylor died late last year in an automobile accident when he went out delivering Christmas presents to friends, neighbors and farm employees, his yearly holiday season ritual.

As a way of supporting the boys club and camp, Joe Taylor, who founded the Lexington chapter six years ago, told the priest who oversaw the ConQuest program that he would donate every penny his share of Eilean Donon earned to them. His estate will continue the agreement through the end of Eilean Donon's racing career, according to one of his sons, Duncan.

"Joe was extremely religious and just loved kids," said Robert Stewart, who trains Eilean Donon for his brother, Steve, and the Taylors. "He had 21 grandkids. When he told this priest he was donating his third of what the horse made to the boys club, the priest said 'Oh, that's nice.' As the horse starting making money, they got very interested in how he was doing.

"Ben Taylor, Joe's son, got involved in harness racing through his dad," continued Stewart. "He's getting interested in it more and more, and follows what's happening in the sport. He likes the idea that the standardbreds race a lot more often than the thoroughbreds. Eilean Donon has been a lot of fun."

In many ways, Eilean Donon is lucky just to be competing for one of 10 spots in the Hambletonian, harness racing's premier event for three-year-old trotters. He underwent emergency surgery for a scrotal hernia and the removal of one testicle on July 7 at the New Jersey Equine Clinic in Clarksburg, New Jersey. Dr. Patty Hogan, who also treated Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones when he was badly injured in a starting gate accident last year, performed the surgery on Eilean Donon.

After a few days of stall rest and hand walking, Eilean Donon was back in training. He returned on July 23 at the Meadowlands, winning a Hambletonian prep impressively in a career best 1:54 on a sloppy track.

In addition to his owners and the boys in the ConQuest club in Kentucky, the colt has developed a cheering squad in the Scottish Highlands, the staff at Eilean Donan Castle.

"My brother, Steve, visited the castle during a vacation in Scotland," said Bob Stewart. "We're Scottish, although I don't know how far back the family tree goes. Steve has named several foals of Eilean Donon's dam, Legend Queen, after castles such as Buckingham, Myramast, and Grendel."

Eilean Donan [a different spelling than the colt] is a popular tourist destination in Dornie by the Kyle of Lochalsh. The name [which is Gaelic for island of Donan] was established when St. Donan brought Christianity to the area in 600 AD. A 20-year reconstruction project of the castle was completed in 1932, and it has been used as a location for weddings and movies and television [including the Highlander] over the years.

"We hope the horse does really well and maybe you should put one up there to St. Donan for the fastest hooves in the race," said castle keeper Rod Stenson.

When Stenson learned of Eilean Donon's surgery a few weeks ago, he remarked: "I never expected to be taking such an active interest in the life of a trotting colt, but we all send him wishes for a speedy recovery."

Apparently those good wishes worked.

"He came out of the race fine and I was real happy with how he performed," said trainer Bob Stewart. "I thought our draw for the eliminations was pretty good, too. We dodged three of the top four colts [Cash Hall, Windsong's Legacy, and Tom Ridge, who are in the other division], and the colt we have to beat, Cantab Hall, drew the 10-hole.
Plus, we get to keep [driver] John Campbell in the sulky for another week since Cash Hall is in the other division."

3rd Race Saturday -- $100,000 Hambletonian Elimination
[post time 5:43 p.m.]
Hd #, PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer, ML
1, 7, Cash Hall, John Campbell, Robert McIntosh, 2-1
1A, 10, Show Me The Monet, Brian Sears, Jim Campbell, 2-1
2, 1, American Mike, David Miller, Charlie Norris, 10-1
3, 2, Justice Hall, Jim Morrill Jr., C. Kevin Thomas, 15-1
4, 3, Hurri Kane Billy G, Daniel Dube, John McDermott, 10-1
5, 4, Windsong's Legacy, Trond Smedshammer, Trond Smedshammer, 5-2
6, 5, Al Dente Hanover, Cat Manzi, Joe Caraluzzi, 12-1
7, 6, Tom Ridge, Ron Pierce, Jimmy Takter, 5-1
8, 8, Rocky Balboa, George Brennan, Charles Sylvester, 8-1
9, 9, Blushfire, Mike Lachance, Paul Jessop, 20-1

6th Race Saturday -- $100,000 Hambletonian Elimination
[post time 6:49 p.m.]
PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer, ML
1, Lantern's Law, Trevor Ritchie, Jim Campbell, 5-1
2, Solomon Blue Chip, Brian Sears, Trond Smedshammer, 12-1
3, Eilean Donon, John Campbell, Robert Stewart, 3-1
4, Coventry, Doug R. Ackerman, Doug Ackerman, 10-1
5, Sand Vic, David Miller, Jim Arledge Jr., 8-1
6, Cincinnati Kid, Eric Ledford, Anne Schlichtig, 12-1 7
, Castle of Fortune, Jim Morrill Jr., Charlie Norris, 20-1
8, Classical Man, Luc Ouellette, Dave Sabatelli, 10-1
9, Southwind Elian, Catello Manzi, Kevin McDermott, 15-1
10, Cantab Hall, Mike Lachance, Ron Gurfein, 5-2

 
EATON ROAD KILL'S SEASON LIKELY OVER
Eaton Road Kill, it was learned Wednesday afternoon, will be a late scratch from the $30,000 winners over pace, the seventh race on Saturday at the Meadowlands.
The six-year-old gelded son of Cambest was "not himself'," according to trainer Mark Harder and owner Gregg Pistochini.

"This is all likelihood will end his season," said Pistochini. "In two weeks, we'll see if he is feeling good and possibly put him in the Canadian Pacing Derby. That would be it. If not, then he'll aim for next year at the Meadowlands and be fully staked to all the big events."
Eaton Road Kill, who was supplemented for $62,500 to the Breeders Crown Open Pace, failed to make Saturday's final, finishing sixth in last week's elimination race.

This year he has 12 wins, four seconds and one third from 22 starts for earnings of $366,568. He equaled the 1:48 world record mile for geldings held by Life Source on July 3 at the Meadowlands. He also won this year's mile and three-eighths Classic Series Final in Canada.

"This year was totally unexpected with Eaton Road Kill," said Pistochini, who is from Auburn, California. "Next year I hope to give him a chance to race in all the big races. He also won money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and on November 6 in Chicago I will be presenting a check for just over $18,000 to that wonderful group."

Meadowlands Barn Notes - Thursday, July 22

RAINBOW BLUE & KIKIKATIE FINALLY MEET!

Rainbow Blue and Kikikatie, who have compiled matching records of 16 wins in 17 career starts, will meet for the first time on Friday night at the Meadowlands.

The blacktop for this brawl is the sixth race, the first of two $81,600 divisions of the Tarport Hap for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Kikikatie leaves from post four with David Miller driving and is rated 3-1 in the morning. Rainbow Blue, winner of 14 straight races, drew post seven with Ron Pierce in the sulky and is listed at 2-1.

"I get reminded quite often about Rainbow Blue," conceded Joe Seekman, who trains Kikikatie. "No doubt this will be a tremendous match up, and I'm sure they're both ready to put forth a strong effort. Hopefully, at the end of the season with only two starts, we'll be fresher."
The two fillies have taken different paths to the Tarport Hap.

Rainbow Blue has been racing steadily since April, compiling a record of 10 wins in 10 starts this year. She opened her sophomore campaign with a sweep of the three-week Blossom Series at the Meadowlands, including the $73,760 final on April 24. She spent two weeks in May, snagging the elimination race and $100,000 final of the Roses Are Red at Hazel Park. Back at the Meadowlands in June, she won all three legs of the New Jersey Sire Stakes, including the $150,000 final on July 3. Her last start was a nine and a half-length tally at Rosecroft Raceway on July 10.

At two, the daughter of Artiscape - Vesta Blue Chip opened her career with a win in a $54,500 division of the Debutante Stakes during Historic Week at the Meadowlands. She suffered her only career loss in her third start, the $150,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes Final, finishing third by a neck behind Whig Party and Gina Spur. Since then, she has been flawless, banking a total of $368,619 for K&R Racing LLC and Teague Inc, both of Houston, Delaware. She is trained by co-owner George Teague Jr.

Kikikatie, by Real Artist - Katies Lucky Lady, has made only two starts this year, winning a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes on June 18 at the Meadows and the $122,000 final of the American National on July 3 at Balmoral Park.

She had not raced since suffering her only loss, a second by a neck to Pans Culottes in the $470,000 Breeders Crown for two-year-old pacing fillies on November 29, 2003 at the Meadowlands.

That was the only mar in the championship season of Kikikatie, during which she earned $788,044. She won 14 straight races at two, including the $568,172 She's A Great Lady at Woodbine on August 29, the $115,000 Bluegrass at the Red Mile on September 24, the $100,000 Pennsylvania Championship Final on October 18 and the $225,000 Matron Stakes at Dover Downs on November 8. She made only two starts over the racing surface at the Meadowlands, a win in the Breeders Crown elims on November 21 and her end-of-year loss in the final.

Kikikatie was a nearly unanimous choice as the Dan Patch Award winner as Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in 2003.

"We're very happy with the way Kikikatie has come back this year," said Seekman, who trains the filly for Lee and Linda DeVisser of Holland, Michigan. "We didn't bring here back until last month because we didn't want to overstake her. She just qualified real good at Hawthorne. She couldn't have been any sharper in her two wins, and she's ready to go.

"We took our time with her bringing her back, late June or early July was the plan all along," said Seekman, who is based in Centerville, Michigan. "It's been smooth sailing so far. She's got the same attitude that she had last year. She loves what she is doing. She's a little bigger, wider, strong and taller. She'll be [at the Meadowlands] for the Mistletoe Shalee, also. I hope she's ready for a big month there."

HARDER TRIES TWO FORMER CLAIMERS IN THE BREEDERS CROWN

After winning the Meadowlands Pace in his first try and battling for the lead in the trainers race, New Zealand-born trainer Mark Harder will send out two former claimers in Saturday's eliminations for the $552,500 Breeders Crown Open Pace, one of a quartet of older horse finals which will be contested on July 31 at the Meadowlands.

Camcracker drew post two in the first $50,000 division, the third race, and Eaton Road Kill leaves from post six in the fifth race. The top five from each advance.

Camcracker, an eight-year-old son of Cambest, has finished in the money in eight of 20 starts this year and banked $146,301 toward a career total of $934,659 for owners Aubrey Friedman and Brian Nixon, who claimed him for $75,000 on June 30, 2001 at the Meadowlands. He is rated 15-1 with Mark McDonald driving and faces, among others, the Haughton winner Four Starzzz Shark, listed at 2-5 from the rail.

"Camcracker has been struggling against those horses, and we're starting to look at possible deals for him to stand at stud," said Harder. "Obviously, he's not going to be that commercial in New Jersey or places like that. Maybe he'll go Down Under."
Eaton Road Kill was the sole supplement in this year's Breeders Crown, costing owner Gregg Pistochini $62,500 to enter. He is the 8-5 favorite with Daniel Dube in the sulky in the second division. The six-year-old Cambest gelding has back-to-back sub-1:49 wins, including a world record equaling 1:48 flat on July 3 at the Meadowlands.

"When Eaton Road Kill came here, we didn't think he'd amount to what he has," said Harder. "He deserves a shot, and the owner was happy to supplement him. He has raced on the lead for a while, but I think he can come from off the pace, too. He's peaking, but he's really been good all year long."

Eaton Road Kill has 12 wins, four seconds and one third in 20 starts this year, earning $366,568 toward a career total of $522,070. Pistochini claimed him for $62,500 in California in November of 2002.

Harder's extraordinary season hit its apex last Saturday when his entrants, Holborn Hanover and Camelot Hall, finished first and fourth, respectively, in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace.
At 58-1, Holborn Hanover was the longest priced horse to win the track's signature event for three-year-old pacers.

"Camelot Hall is probably not going to race until the Oliver Wendell Holmes [on August 7]," Harder said. "Holborn Hanover will race once before the Holmes. They both seem good coming out of the Meadowlands Pace.

"My mother and father were here for a month visiting up until the Wednesday before the Pace," he noted. "Before their flight, I didn't think I had a Pace winner. It absolutely meant a lot to me with the race being simulcast to New Zealand, and all of my friends and family got to see it."
Harder is engaged in a spirited duel for leading trainer of the meet with Noel Daley. He comes into the July 22 program with 98 wins to Daley's 97.

"As far as the trainers' race is concerned, that's just something that would be nice to win, but I'm not doing anything different just to win a title," he said. "I am very grateful because I know you've got to be given the chance with the right horses. I work hard and I try to do the job right, and it's gotten me to where I am today."

Breeders Crown Mare Pace Packs Punch

July 22, 2004

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Three-time Breeders Crown champion Eternal Camnation headlines a field of 11 pacing mares entered in the $300,000 Mare Pace, to be raced Saturday, July 31, at The Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ. The field of elite mares has won $12,440,636 and made 257 trips the winner circle over the course of their careers, resulting in multiple divisional honors and one Horse of the Year title.

Headliner Eternal Camnation, the richest pacing mare of all time with $3,593,458 in earnings, is seeking a record fourth Crown win. The seven-year-old daughter from the last crop of Cam Fella is the oldest in the field but remains at the top of her game, recently winning the Classic final for the second straight year. Only trotting mare Peace Corps has won four crown titles.

"I sure hope it happens," said Eternal Camnation trainer and co-owner Jeff Miller about a fourth Crown. "The draw is important even though there is a lot of speed in the race. You have to have position. There are about five mares in this race who can win it -- look at Sure Sign and the kind of form she has been showing. Or Loyal Opposition. It will depend on who ends up with the trip, who has position in the stretch and who doesn't get brutalized early in the mile."

Archrival Bunny Lake, whose Breeders Crown win in 2001 propelled her to Horse of the Year honors has tabulated more than $2.5 million for owners Skip and Wendy Spring and John Stark.
Also entered is defending sophomore Crown champ Burning Point, a 2003 Dan Patch winner; Sure Sign, winner of her last two starts; Carolina Sunshine and Loyal Opposition, who share the fastest speed record in the field of 1:48.4.

Ten of the mares entered in the Crown final will compete in a prep race on Saturday, July 24 at the Meadowlands. Always Cam will race at her home track of the Meadows in a preferred handicap prior to shipping east for the Crown.

This is the 18th year edition of the Breeders Crown Mare Pace, a race that plays an important part in divisional voting. Twelve of the Mare Pace champions have gone on to be voted best of their division at year's end.

An open draw for post positions will take place at the Breeders Crown press conference, 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 27, at The Charthouse, Weehawken, NJ.

Meadowlands Barn Notes - 47 enter $1.9 million Breeders Crown

July 20, 2004

Defending Breeders Crown champions Fool's Goal, Eternal Camnation and Stroke Play headline the 47 pacers and trotters entered in the $1.9 million Breeders Crown Opens to be raced Saturday, July 31, at the Meadowlands.

A total of 14 Breeders Crown Trot entries, including one mare, Windylane Hanover, were named to the $800,000 event, which will force a single elimination to be contested as the second race on Saturday, July 24, at the Meadowlands. First race post time is 7:30 p.m.

Based on their seasonal earnings, Fool's Goal, Cosington, Legendary Lover K and Windylane Hanover received byes to the final. The remaining 10 trotters will meet in the $50,000 elimination to determine who occupies the other six slots on the starting gate. The connections of the elimination winner may pick their post position for the final.

After an eight-year hiatus, the $250,000 Breeders Crown Mare Trot is back on the championship series roster. Seven mares entered the event, including 2003 sophomore Crown champion Stroke Play, a winner of six of her seven starts this year.

With 15 entered in the $552,500 Breeders Crown Pace, including supplemental contestant Eaton Road Kill, two $50,000 eliminations are necessary this Saturday night. The William R. Haughton Memorial winner Four Starzzz Shark drew the rail in the first division carded as the third race. Eaton Road Kill drew post six in the second elim, the fifth of 13 races on the program.

The $300,000 Breeders Crown Mare Pace drew 11 and the final will race with one trailer. Eternal Camnation, the richest pacing mare of all time with $3.59 million in earnings, will seek to become the first four-time Crown champion pacer. Nine of the entrants will meet in a $40,000 mares open, the sixth race, as they tune up for the final.

The Breeders Crown Finals on July 31 will be part of a twilight program that also includes the elimination races for the $1 million Hambletonian and the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks. First race post time is 5 p.m.

Post positions for the finals will be chosen or drawn at the Breeders Crown press conference, 12 noon, Tuesday, July 27, at The Charthouse, Weehawken, New Jersey.

The following four trotters automatically advance to the final (with driver and trainer):

Foreign classic winner -- Legendary Lover K (M. Lachance, G. Christiansen) Highest seasonal earnings -- Windylane Hanover*, $317,193, (R. Pierce, B. Bittle); Fool's Goal, $245,460, (J. Moiseyev, J. Doherty); Cosington, $183,772, (B. Sears, D. Menary). * Mare opted to enter Open Trot.

$50,000 Breeders Crown Trot Elimination
Post Postiion, Horse Number, Horse -- Driver -- Trainer

1 2 War Paint -- J. Campbell -- D. Tingley
2 3 Pinetucky -- G. Brennan -- R. McInnis
3 1 Center Field -- B. Sears -- T. Smedshammer
4 4 Stand Strong -- D. Miller -- J. Takter
5 1A Bebop -- T. Smedshammer -- T. Smedshammer
6 5 Meadowview Sunny -- TBA -- B. Shakes
7 6 Mr Muscleman -- R. Pierce -- N. Daley
8 7 Approved Action -- R. Daigneault -- J. Grasso
9 1B HP Paque -- T. Smedshammer -- T. Smedshammer
10 8 Elegant Man -- C. Manzi -- R. Bencal

15 Pacing Horses and Geldings

Two elims will be raced for 10 starters in the final. Elimination winners, in an order determined by lot, may choose their post position for the Final. All other post positions drawn on Tuesday, July 27.

$50,000 Breeders Crown Pace Eliminations

PP Horse -- Driver -- Trainer
1 Royal Mattjesty -- J. Campbell -- M. Langdon
2 Dr Drew -- D. Hiteman -- J. Seekman
3 Artesian -- D. Dube -- S. DePinto
4 Mini Me -- Y. Gingras -- B. Popfinger
5 Allamerican Captor -- L. Ouellette -- V. Morgan Jr.
6 Eaton Road Kill* -- D. Dube -- M. Harder
7 Life Sizzles -- Y. Gingras -- J. Smith

PP Horse -- Driver -- Trainer
1 Four Starzzz Shark -- M. Lachance -- D. Sabatelli
2 Camcracker -- M. McDonald -- M. Harder
3 Life Source -- C. Manzi -- R. Banca
4 Boulder Creek -- R. Pierce -- M. Silva
5 Allamerican Theory -- D. Miller -- D. Tackoor
6 Quality Western -- Y. Gingras -- B. Burgess
7 Whatanartist -- B. Sears -- V. Morgan Jr.
8 Peruvian Hanover -- J. Morrill Jr. -- N. Daley

Seven Mare Trotters No eliminations; open draw for post positions on Tuesday, July 27.

$250,000 Mare Trot
Mare, age, Sire - Dam
Armbro Affair, 4, Garland Lobell - Chiptease
Delmartha, 4, Conway Hall - Armbro Omegan
Gypsy Balance, 6, Balanced Image - Gypsy Melody
Lost Lady One, 6, Giant Hit - Lost
Lady Scully FBI, 6, S J's Photo - Sissy De
Stroke Play, 4, Yankee Glide - Lei Sunday
Yankee, 4, Muscles Yankee - Spiffey Yankee

11 Pacing Mares Final races with one trailer; open draw for post positions on Tuesday, July 27.

$300,000 Mare Pace

Mare, age, Sire - Dam
Always Cam, 5, Western Hanover - Sandlark Hanover
Animated Art, 4, Artsplace - Truly A Lady
Bunny Lake, 6, Precious Bunny - Lake Nona
Burning Point, 4, Camluck - Tour De France
Carolina Sunshine, 5, Cambest - Peggy Seale
Eternal Camnation, 7, Cam Fella - Cool World
Jasper Avenue, 4, Village Jasper - Lobro Xanadu
Loyal Opposition, 4, Cole Muffler - Tising Tising
My Fantasy, 4, Dream Away - My Little Pretty
Odds On Charmaine, 4, Western Hanover - Angel Be Good
Sure Sign, 4, Life Sign - Visi Darte

This Week In Harness Racing History - July 19-25

July 20, 2004

Courtesy Harness Racing Communications - www.ustrotting.com

July 19, 1979 Sonsom, driven by George Sholty, wins the Meadowlands Pace in a world record 1:53.2, rallying from sixth place to beat Hot Hitter by three-quarters of a length.

July 19, 1986 Quite A Sensation, driven by Terry Kerr, equals the world record for geldings pacing on a half-mile track, winning in 1:54.4 at Northfield Park near Columbus, Ohio.

July 20, 1977 Speed In Action, driven by Delvin Miller, sets the record for three-year-olds on a five-eighths of a mile track by trotting 1:58.2 at Blue Bonnets in Montreal, Quebec.

July 20, 1984 Bobbo, driven by Norm Jones, sets the world record for trotting on a half-mile track, winning in 1:58.2 at Yonkers Raceway in New York.

July 21, 1978 Passing Glance, driven by George Sholty, sets the world record for three-year-old fillies pacing on a five-eighths of a mile track by winning in 1:56.2 at the Meadows near Pittsburgh.

July 22, 1995 Luc Ouellette wins nine races on a single card at Yonkers Raceway in New York.

July 23, 1994 Duke Duke, driven by David Miller, equals the world record for three-year-old geldings pacing on a five-eighths of a mile track by winning in 1:52 at Scioto Downs near Columbus, Ohio.

July 24, 1993 Red B, driven by Danny Johnson, wins the Motor City Pace in 1:52.4 at Hazel Park near Detroit. Keepyourpantson is second.
 

Road to the 2004 Hambletonian @ The Meadowlands

July 20, 2004

(MORNING LINE ODDS, Horse, TRAINER, OWNER, THE SCOOP)

2-1, WINDSONG'S LEGACY, Trond Smeds-hammer, Ann Jeanette Brannvoll & Ted Gewertz, Won Dancer in 1:53. Off this week. "I told some people a month ago I had more faith in this horse than Power To Charm," said Smedshammer. "He's solid, durable, and tough. We won't do much with him at all 'til the eliminations, just jog, lunge him in the sand pit, and train a little on the straight strip."

3-1, CASH HALL, Bob McIntosh, Bob McIntosh, CSX Stable, Michael Kohler, Broke coming to the gate in Dancer. "He got sideways, wasn't paying attention and never got going," said McIntosh. "He'll school behind the gate at Showplace and John (Campbell) will school him after Q's Saturday at Meadowlands. We both have some ideas and together we should be able to work it out. I'll do some work on his stifles and am thinking about two head poles."

4-1, PEACEFUL WAY [filly], Dave Tingley, Goin My Way Stable, Tingley, & Stiller, Crushed Del Miller field in 1:52.3. "It's being considered," Tingley said of facing the boys. "She was only about 80% last week. She wasn't eating and her stomach was bothering her. She's picked right up since we started treating her. She'll be off this week, I'll talk more with John (Campbell), and
we'll decide next Tuesday. It's everyone's dream to win the Hambletonian."

6-1, CANTAB HALL, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, Lindy Racing, Silva, Sampson Street, First defeat, 5th in Dancer. "I knew something wasn't right by the way he was blowing between warm-up trips," said Gurfein. "Physically he's fine but the blood work results won't come back until Tuesday. I'm not pushing the panic button. My guess is he had a touch of a virus or something."

8-1, TOM RIDGE, Jimmy Takter, Christina Takter, Ross, Heffering, Banjo Farms, Added blinker cups, 2nd in Dancer. Off 'til elims. "He has a quarter crack in his left front that he got before the Historic," said Takter. "With two weeks off, I have time to patch it up. He went a strong mile and was very controllable, letting Cantab Hall go on the backstretch. Ronnie (Pierce) let him drift out in the stretch rather than fight him. He'll be fine, and I'm very optimistic."

10-1, EILEAN DONON, Bob Stewart, Steve Stewart, Taylor & Taylor Estate, "I trained him in 2:15 Friday, and he went very well," said Stewart. "I didn't know what to expect after the scrotal hernia surgery and I'm pleasantly surprised. He only missed 3 days of track work, I'd say we're 90% sure he'll enter the Hambletonian. Cat Manzi will drive him Friday (in an overnight)."

12-1, COVENTRY, Doug Ackerman, DR Ackerman & Ada Jean Ackerman, Seeks race this week at Big M. "I was impressed with Windsong's Legacy but some of the others didn't race well," said Ackerman. "After the Dancer, more guys might take a shot."

20-1, SOLOMON BLUE CHIP, Trond Smeds-hammer, Einari Kalle Vidgren, 6th in Dancer. "I was disappointed," said Smedshammer. "He trotted in 54.1 but couldn't keep up to me on the turn. He's not a horse I think can win the Hambletonian but can pick up a check."

20-1, SAND VIC, Jim Arledge, Bill Sanders, Broke in Dancer. Q's Friday. "David (Miller) said he got to leaning in and just got tangled up," said Arledge. "We'll do some vet work on his knees. We're still planning on the Hambletonian."

20-1, GREAT CHALLENGER, Jim Campbell, Arlene & Jules Siegel, "We'll make a decision after he races this week (at Meadowlands)," said Campbell. "We changed shoeing to lighten him up in front."

Note: Hambletonia Race is Saturday, August 7 at The Meadowlands Racetrack.  

The Road to the Hambletonian is compiled by Sam McKee.
 

Holborn Hanover wins $1 million Meadowlands Pace

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports WriterJuly 17, 2004

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Holborn Hanover scored the biggest upset in the history of the Meadowlands Pace, charging up the inside of the pylons to win the $1 million race at odds of 58-1 Saturday night.

The longest shot in the field of 10 colts and geldings, Holborn Hanover paced the mile 1:49 to beat favored Timesareachanging by three-quarters of a length.

What made the victory even more improbable was that the Mark Harder-trained gelding qualified for the final by posting the fastest fourth-place time in last weekend's three eliminations. The top three in each heat also earned a spot in the final.

``I just won the Meadowlands Pace, unbelievable,'' said part owner Albert Imbrogno of Milton, Ontario.

Holborn Hanover paid $119, $31 and $11.80 in scoring only his second win in 10 starts this year. Timesareachanging returned $4 and $2.80 and Metropolitan finished third and paid $5.60 for show.

``You just try to save as much ground as you can and hope you have a little luck,'' driver Jim Morrill Jr. said after posting the biggest win of his career.
The race had a lot of action up front and that seemed to benefit Holborn Hanover, a son of Cam's Card Shark.

North America Cup winner Mantacular and Metropolitan went quickly from the outside posts to vie for the lead at the start.

Hall of Famer John Campbell put Metropolitan on the lead entering the first turn, but George Brennan moved Camelot Hall, another Harder-trained 3-year-old, to the lead early on the backstretch.

Geartogear, who won one of the three eliminations last weekend, challenged Camelot Hall near the end of the backstretch.

Camelot Hall fought off that challenge and had the lead entering the stretch with Metropolitan second, Georgia Pacific third, and Holborn Hanover fourth on the inside.
As Camelot Hall tired early in the stretch, the inside opened up and Morrill shot Holborn Hanover to the lead.

Timesareachanging, with 24-year-old Yannick Gingras in the bike, made a bold late move on the outside, but the gelding could not catch Holborn Hanover.

``Second is not bad,'' Gingras said. ``Tonight, I am not that happy with it, but tomorrow I will be.''

Camelot Hall finished fourth and was followed by Georgia Pacific.

The final five spots were changed, because Mantacular interfered with Geartogear and Circle L Kid in the stretch. Brandon's Cowboy was placed sixth and followed by The Preacher Pan, Circle L Kid, Geartogear and Mantacular, who was disqualified from sixth to 10th.

 

Favorite in Meadowlands Pace has 24-year-old driver

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer
July 15, 2004

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Since joining the world's best harness drivers at the Meadowlands Racetrack seven months ago, Yannick Gingras has proven he can make living.

Gingras will get a chance to show everyone he can win the big races on Saturday night when he guides favored Timesareachanging in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace.

``I'm real excited, that's for sure,'' said Gingras, a third-generation horseman from Sorel, Quebec. ``It's a new feeling for me. It's the first time I've been in that race. I'm going to try to get the best out of it.''

If the 24-year-old Gingras wins, he will become the youngest driver to win both a million-dollar race and the Meadowlands' most prestigious pace.

Hall of Famer John Campbell was 27 when he won the Meadowlands Pace with Hilarion in 1982. Richie Silverman was 25 when he won the $1 million 1990 Woodrow Wilson with Die Laughing.

Setting records doesn't seem to interest Gingras, whose previous biggest win was in the $200,000 Miss New Jersey earlier this year.

``It would be nice, something special the first time someone does it, but I don't care,'' he said. ``If I would be 29 now, I would still like to win.''

Timesareachanging was made the 5-2 morning-line favorite after drawing the No. 7 post position on Tuesday.

However, Gingras has reservations about the favorite's role. He felt his gelding raced in the easiest of the three eliminations and benefited from a perfect trip, shooting past his opposition in the stretch to finish in 1:48.4.

The time was a second faster than the other two elimination winners, Geartogear and Circle L Kid.

``Time doesn't mean anything,'' insisted Gingras, currently ninth in the Meadowlands' driver standings.

Trainer Brett Pelling said there is a lot of early speed in the final and that should help Timesareachanging, who has won three of his last four starts.

That should give Gingras time to sit back and get into position.

Pelling isn't worried about Gingras handling the pressure.

``All horses have little idiosyncrasies. You tell him about it and the way a horse needs to be handled and he will get it done,'' Pelling said of Gingras. ``Obviously, he listens. That's the key to the whole thing.''

The two other elimination winners drew the inside post positions.

Circle L Kid, who will be driven by David Miller, drew the No. 1 post and was made an 8-1 choice. Geartogear and driver Ron Pierce got the No. 2 post. They are the 7-2 second choice in the pace for 3-year-olds.

Timesareachanging favored in Meadowlands Pace

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer
July 13, 2004

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Trainer Brett Pelling believed all year that he would have the favorite in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace.

It just wasn't supposed to be Timesareachanging.

Coming off a world record-tying performance in Saturday's eliminations, Timesareachanging drew the No. 7 post position on Tuesday and was made the morning-line favorite for the Meadowlands Racetrack's most prestigious pace.

Pelling had thought I Am A Fool would be the top 3-year-old after winning the Dan Patch award as the best 2-year-old pacing colt in 2003.

However, I Am A Fool tore a tendon about two months ago, and he probably will be retired to stud.

``This year looked like it would be a disaster,'' Pelling said. ``Now this has popped up and he looks like he is going to be a savior. He was always a good horse, but he was always a second-stringer. It's one of those things. He has changed and gone forward.''

Pelling said Timesareachanging has learned to control his speed. The gelded son of Cam's Card Shark has won three of his last four starts, capped by an impressive 5 1/4 -length win in 1:48.4 in the elimination on Saturday.

The time was a track record for 3-year-old geldings, matched the world record for 3-year-old geldings and was the fastest clocking for any race associated with the Meadowlands Pace. It also was a second faster than Geartogear and Circle L Kid, the other elimination winners, both driven by Ron Pierce.

``I would say last week was a perfect trip for him,'' Pelling said.

If Timesareachanging wins, 24-year-old Yannick Gingras would become the youngest driver to win the Meadowlands Pace.

The competition this Saturday night will be a lot tougher.

Geartogear, Pierce's choice in the final, was made the 7-2 second choice after drawing the No. 2 post position.

``I think we do have the horse to beat,'' Pierce said. ``He was well within himself last week.''

Camelot Hall and Metropolitan, both beaten as odd-on favorites in last weekend's eliminations, were the third and fourth choices, respectively.

Metropolitan had the misfortune to draw the outside No. 10 post position on Tuesday.

The good news is that driver John Campbell has won this race seven times, including twice from the outside post with Hilarion in 1982 and The Panderosa in 1999.

Campbell thinks the race is wide open, considering that four of the last five winners have started from the three outside posts.

``There has been no horse that has stepped up and stamped himself as the horse to beat week after week,'' Campbell said. ``Modern Art didn't make the final. I Am A Fool certainly was the favorite and now he is nowhere to be found. It's left things wide open to be the horse to beat every week.''

Circle L Kid, who will be driven by David Miller in the final, drew the No. 1 post and was made an 8-1 choice.

After Geartogear in the No. 2 post, the rest of the field in post position order with horse, driver and odds:

Georgia Pacific, Brian Sears	8-1
Holborn Hanover, Jim Morrill Jr.	15-1
Camelot Hall, George Brennan	5-1
Brandon's Cowboy, Daniel Dube, 15-1
Timesareachanging, Gingras	5-2
The Preacher Pan, Luc Ouellette	15-1
Mantacular, Cat Manzi	10-1
Metropolitan, Campbell	6-1

This Week In Harness Racing History - July 12-18

July 12, 2004

Courtesy Harness Racing Communications - www.ustrotting.com

July 12, 1977 - Escort, driven by Carl LeCause, wins the inaugural Meadowlands Pace in 1:54.4 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Nat Lobell is second.

July 13, 1991 - Crown's Invitation, driven by Mike Lachance, wins the Yonkers Trot in 1:59.3 at Yonkers Raceway in New York.

July 14, 2000 - Sammie's Girl, driven by Don DuPont, wins the Delvin Miller Memorial Trot in 1:56 at the Meadowlands and pays a stakes record $80.20 to win.

July 15, 1965 - Pocono Downs opens near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with more than 12,000 fans in attendance.

July 15, 1966 - Buffalo Raceway in Hamburg, New York, sets its all-time attendance record of 12,779 as Bret Hanover wins a stakes race there.

July 16, 1955 - Adios Harry, driven by Luther Lyons, equals Billy Direct's pacing world record by finishing in 1:55 at Vernon Downs in New York. "

The Final Road to the 2004 Meadowlands Pace

2004 Meadowlands Pace
Meadowlands Racetrack
July 17, 2004

Posted July 12, 2004

(EARLY LINE, HORSE, TRAINER, OWNER, THE SCOOP)

5-2, CAMELOT HALL, Mark Harder, D Scharf, S Arnold Sampson St., J Silva, 2nd in Pace Elim, carved 25.3 opening quarter. "He started out real fast so I had to settle him down a bit," said George Brennan. "I was very pleased with the way he raced."

7-2, TIMESAREACHANGING, Brett Pelling, Perfect World Ent., Won in 1:48.4, fastest for any Pace elim/ final. "He doesn't do anything wrong," said Pelling. "He's not an aggressive horse. He comes to the races with his game face on."

9-2, GEORGIA PACIFIC, Randy Bendis, Bendis, Castelli, Campbell, Varney, 3rd in Pace Elim. "He was real good," said Brian Sears. "He fired home real strong. Anything can happen in the final."

6-1, METROPOLITAN, Chris Ryder, N&G Smiley, TLP, J Langfelder , "We just weren't as sharp as we were in his qualifier," said John Campbell of 2nd in Pace Elim. "We'll need to do whatever we can to get ready for [for the final]."

8-1, GEARTOGEAR, Paul Reid, Perfect World Ent., Won his Pace Elim in 1:49.4. "I liked the way he raced tonight," trainer Paul Reid said after the elims. "We'll keep him on the same schedule."

10-1, MANTACULAR, Larry Rathbone, M&L Delaware Inc., 3rd in Pace Elim. "He got a little leg weary at the end," said Cat Manzi. "I wanted to race him a little hard tonight to get him ready [for the final]."

12-1, BRANDON'S COWBOY, Mark Ford, Martin Scharf, 3rd in Pace Elim. "He went fine," said Ford. "I'll just have to hope we can draw well and see if we can get some money in the final."

15-1, THE PREACHER PAN, Ivan Sugg, Peter Pan Stables, "The way the race was tonight is the type of race he likes, and it will be that way next week," said Luc Ouellette after finishing 2nd in Pace Elim. "He's got a good set of lungs."

20-1, CIRCLE L KID, Steve Elliott, John DiSomma, Won his Pace Elim. "We got a perfect trip behind [Camelot Hall] and just powered by him in the stretch," said Ron Pierce. "We were moving right along."

20-1, HOLBORN HANOVER, Mark Harder, Canamerica, J Fielding, Fastest 4th in Pace Elim. "He needs a trip [in the final]," said Harder. "He's just not as fast as Camelot Hall."

Four Starzzz Shark wins Haughton at Meadowlands Harness Racetrack

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer
July 10, 2004

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Four Starzzz Shark took the lead early and scored a 2 1/4 -length victory in the $700,000 William R. Haughton Memorial Final at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday night.

Four Starzzz Shark paced the mile in 1:48.1 in winning his sixth straight race and his eighth in nine starts this year.

The time was two-fifths of a second off the world record that Four Starzzz Shark set in winning his elimination last weekend.

``He is just getting better all the time,'' driver Mike Lachance said after Four Starzzz Shark won the richest pace for older horses and become the first horse to win this race twice.

The 6-year-old son of Cam's Card Shark paid $2.80 and $2.10 and earned $385,000, pushing his career earnings to $2,477,267. There was no show wagering.

Life Source finished second in the field of 10 and returned $2.10.
While Four Starzzz Shark never lost the lead, the horse was challenged a couple of times.

Boulder Creek took a run at Four Starzzz Shark right after the start, and Mini Me made a bold three-wide move at the end of the backstretch. Neither horse got to the lead.

Once Four Starzzz Shark reached the stretch, the horse found another gear and cruised home for his 24th win in 71 starts.

``He's such a great horse and he proved it again tonight,'' trainer Dave Sabatelli said. ``He was pressured the whole way. It's a thrill to train him.''

Allamerican Captor finished third and was followed by Peruvian Hanover, Art's Chip, Royal Mattjesty, Boulder Creek, Luckyisasluckydoes, "

Meadowlands Pace: Family finds comfort and joy with Brandon's Cowboy

July 9, 2004

On Saturday night in Michigan, Roger Cochran and his wife, Evelyn, will sit at their computer and watch Brandon's Cowboy compete in one of the three $1 million Meadowlands Pace elimination races. In Florida, their son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Amanda, will be listening to the call of the race on the phone.

Brandon's Cowboy has become a part of their family even though they do not own any percentage of the horse, nor do they even know anyone affiliated with him. Brandon's Cowboy has become part of the Cochran clan simply because he has provided them with a diversion, and some joy, during a difficult period in their lives.

On February 23, Brandon Cochran was born to Jeff, 30, and Amanda, 24. His birth was nearly two months premature, precipitated when Amanda began to hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors told the Cochrans that if another hour had passed, it was likely that both Brandon and Amanda would have died.

Brandon, who has a 3-year-old sister named Faith, spent a month in the neonatal intensive care unit before eventually becoming strong enough to leave the hospital.

Soon thereafter, Roger Cochran was home in Pentwater, Michigan, surfing the Internet. The 60-year-old retired minister saw a headline about Brandon's Cowboy preparing for an upcoming race, and he called his son.

"I told him I had a coincidental feeling," Cochran said. "I told him he should go to Tampa Bay Downs and put some money on Brandon's Cowboy to win. We're not big racetrack people, but I just thought it would be a good thing. I thought, 'Brandon is doing good, and this horse is going to win.' My wife's brother and a nephew were in town. We gathered around the computer and we're watching this race, and my son is listening on the phone, and we're cheering him on - and Brandon's Cowboy wins."

"I think he paid $3.40 to win, so I told my son to cash the tickets and keep the money in Brandon's medical fund. We didn't get financially rich on the bet, but we were richer for the experience of both Brandons in our lives."

The Cochrans continued to follow Brandon's Cowboy, and were thrilled by his nose victory over Four Starzzz King in the Berry's Creek final at the Meadowlands on May 8. That was Brandon's Cowboy's fifth straight win, although he has won just once in four races since then. About that same time, Jeff Cochran was diagnosed with skin cancer. Jeff is undergoing a second round of chemotherapy after the cancer was found to have spread to additional tissue, but it has not spread to his bone marrow.

"The prognosis was much better after finding that out," Roger Cochran said. "It seems like we've had some parallel weeks with Brandon's Cowboy. It seems that if my son and Brandon are doing well, then Brandon's Cowboy does well. We're always looking for Brandon's Cowboy to do well. In the midst of some difficult days, it's given us something to look forward to and root for.

"We've been through a tremendous amount of stuff," Cochran said, adding that Jeff was once electrocuted and Amanda survived a car accident that left her in a coma for a month and uncertain whether she would ever be able to have kids (hence, the name Faith for the couple's first-born).

Four Starzzz Shark tops Haughton final at Meadowlands

Four Starzzz Shark tops Haughton final at Meadowlands

July 8, 2004
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Four Starzzz Shark, fresh from a record-setting victory, heads the field for the $700,000 William R. Haughton Memorial final Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Four Starzzz Shark won his elimination mile last week in 1:47 4/5, lowering the harness-racing record for older pacers.

Mike Lachance will drive the 6-year-old, who is the even-money favorite in the field of 10 in the richest race for older pacers.

Four Starzzz Shark, who won this race in 2002, will try to become the only repeat winner in Haughton history.

The elimination victory extended his winning streak to five, which is the most important consideration for trainer Dave Sabatelli.

``I'm not worried about records, just winning races,'' said Sabatelli.
Life Source wasn't far off the Shark's pace. He won the other elimination in 1:48 and is the 4-1 second choice with Cat Manzi set to drive.

The full field for the Haughton in post position order are Art's Chip, Four Starzzz Shark, Life Source, Royal Mattjesty, Peruvian Hanover, Allamerican Captor, Camcracker, Luckyisasluckydoes, Mini Me and Boulder Creek."

Yahoo! Sports - Horse Racing - Four Starzzz Shark tops Haughton final at Meadowlands

Meadowlands (The Big M) Barn Notes - Wednesday, July 7

Meadowlands Harness Racing (the Big M) Barn Notes - Wednesday, July 7

July 7, 2004

ALTMEYER BIDS FOR SPOT IN $1 MILLION PACE WITH SANTASTIC'S PAN

It has been 13 years since trainer Dan Altmeyer brought a colt to New Jersey to try his luck at the $1 million Meadowlands Pace.

This year he puts his faith in Santastic's Pan, who is rated 12-1 in the morning line from post three in the third race on Saturday night, the second of three $50,000 elimination races for the Meadowlands Pace.

The first three from each elimination, plus the fastest fourth-place finisher, will advance to the $1 million Meadowlands Pace Final, the nation's richest event for three-year-old pacers, on Saturday, July 17 at the Meadowlands. The $50,000 eliminations are carded as races two, three and five on the 13-race card that also includes the $700,000 William R. Haughton Memorial Final for free for all pacers, the seventh race.

Altmeyer, who has nearly two-dozen horses training at the Meadows near Pittsburgh, made his last foray in 1991 with Cambest. Two years later, Cambest would become the fastest pacer in history with a time trial of 1:46.1 at the fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.

But on that early July weekend of 1991, Cambest failed to qualify for the final won by Precious Bunny.

"I actually thought Cambest could win," recalled Altmeyer. "We drew the 10 hole in our elimination, ended up finishing sixth, and didn't make the final. We ended up finishing second in the consolation to the filly Miss Easy."

This year, Altmeyer makes the trip East with Santastic's Pan, a son of 1999 Meadowlands Pace winner The Panderosa. The colt has banked $225,776, while winning eight of 20 career starts. He was undefeated last year during July and August, reeling off five consecutive stakes victories. Last September he flew from the back of the pack to win a division of the $88,540 Bluegrass at Lexington's Red Mile in 1:52 with a 27.2 final quarter

"This year's crop of three-year-olds are a tough bunch, and it's probably a big step for him to think he could win," said Altmeyer of Santastic's Pan. "If luck goes his way, he could show up somewhere and get some money. He races best off cover and sprinting home, but he can leave a ton if need be."

Santastic's Pan will be driven by Altmeyer's son-in-law, Mike Wilder, an Ohio native who is one of the leading drivers at the Meadows.

Wilder is married to Altmeyer's daughter, Heather, for whom Santastic's Pan's older half-sister, Heather's Western, is named. That stakes filly earned more than $173,000.

"Mike helps me train, he knows the horses, and I believe it's a real big advantage for me to use him," said Altmeyer. "I'm not a regular at the big tracks and can't always get the biggest drivers. Mike will race them how I want. He's confident and the pressure doesn't seem to bother him in the least."

"He doing very well right now," Wilder said of Santastic's Pan.

"This past weekend we raced him here at the Meadows, and he closed well against older horses and raced in 1:52 and a piece. It was his first race since he was in the [Pennsylvania] sire stakes a few weeks back. He's doing quite well. I think he's in a good spot in the elimination. I'm excited, looking forward to getting him into the final. That would really be something."

"He's the type of horse you can leave out of there or take up with two fingers," Wilder noted. "I know there are some good horses in there with him, but I feel he belongs right there with them. He's sharp right now, and I'm very happy the way he's coming into this race. I'm looking forward very much to Saturday."

The 2004 season has been an up and down one for Santastic's Pan.

He is winless in seven starts, but finished second in the Hempt Final at Pocono Downs to the highly regarded Skydancer Hanover. His most recent start was last Saturday where he finished third to rugged free for aller Sharky Spur at the Meadows.

"He needed a start, and I had to put him in against tough, older horses," said Altmeyer. "We raced him conservatively, and he finished very well. Actually he hasn't been bad this year and has been fairly sharp. We've had some bad luck and some little problems that have held him back. Right now, he's as good as he's been. He's a very easy horse with a great attitude and requires very little training. You can race him however you want. You can leave a quarter in 25 and change and back him off the gate the following week with two fingers. His older sister, Heather's Western, was the exact opposite and was very headstrong."

Altmeyer co-owns the colt with Jacob Ramsburg, who owns Frederick Underwriters Insurance in Frederick, Maryland. They have been partners on horses for quite some time.

"He called me one time before Harrisburg and asked me to look at his yearlings that were consigned to the sale," recalled Altmeyer, who breaks his colts each winter at Reveille Farms in Astor, Florida. "He told me to pick out what I liked, we'd bid them in and he'd have me as a one third partner. We've owned horses that way for a long time, and it's been a great relationship. I race strictly colts so we usually sell them at Harrisburg at the end of their three-year-old seasons. Once in awhile he'll want to keep one and is very good about buying out my interest. This past year, I kept a couple of four-year-olds in anticipation of slots in Pennsylvania. We finally got the legislation passed. Right now, we've got 22 head in training at the Meadows."

The weekend of stakes action begins on Friday night with three-year-old trotters. Twenty-three colts are split among three $35,000 eliminations for the $382,000 Stanley Dancer Trot and 25 fillies in three $25,000 eliminations for the $325,000 Delvin Miller Memorial, the last major preps for the $1 million Hambletonian and $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, both on August 7. The Miller and Dancer finals are on Friday, July 16.

$50,000 Meadowlands Pace Elimination - Race 2 - Saturday, July 10

PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer, ML

1, Westerly Bound, Ron Pierce, Tom Artandi, 15-1 2, Circle L Kid, Ron Pierce, Steve Elliott, 8-1 3, Mypanmar, Luc Ouellette, Ivan Sugg, 8-1 4, Unique Fighter, Brian Sears, Rich Banca, 6-1 5, Reason To Smile, Brian Sears, Brett Pelling, 12-1 6, Camelot Hall, George Brennan, Mark Harder, 9-5 7, Modern Art, David Miller, Joe Holloway, 4-1 8, Georgia Pacific, Brian Sears, Randy Bendis, 7-2

$50,000 Meadowlands Pace Elimination - Race 3 - Saturday, July 10

PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer, ML

1, Metropolitan, John Campbell, Chris Ryder, 7-5 2, Brandon's Cowboy, Daniel Dube, Mark Ford, 4-1 3, Santastic's Pan, Mike Wilder, Dan Altmeyer, 12-1 4, Grissini, John Campbell, Brett Pelling, 10-1 5, Geartogear, Ron Pierce, John Bavosi, 15-1 6, Leader Bayama, Sylvain Filion, Justin Filion, 15-1 7, Panspacificflight, Luc Ouellette, Brian Magie, 9-5

$50,000 Meadowlands Pace Elimination - Race 5 - Saturday, July 10

PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer, ML

1, Village Hero N, Rich Silverman, Jerry Silverman, 6-1 2, Marchand, Jim Morrill Jr., Noel Daley, 9-2 3, Holborn Hanover, Jim Morrill Jr., Mark Harder, 5-1 4, Mantacular, Cat Manzi, Larry Rathbone, 2-1 5, Timesareachanging, Yannick Gingras, Brett Pelling, 7-2 6, Western Prince, John Campbell, Chris Ryder, 10-1 7, The Preacher Pan, Luc Ouellette, Ivan Sugg, 15-1 8, Duca, Cat Manzi, Rich Banca, 10-1

DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR $50,000 HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE

There are still some spots remaining for the $50,000 Championship Meet Big M Harness Handicapping Challenge this Saturday.

There is a non-refundable entry fee of $250 and an additional $250 in cash will be required for the purchase of a betting card, the bankroll for the tournament. The winner will receive $25,000, with prize money for the top 10 finishers. The entry includes a program and a buffet dinner.

Each player will select five Meadowlands live races and must bet $25 to win and $25 to place on one horse in each of those races. Contest wagering is limited to Meadowlands live races only. Entrants may not add any additional cash to the bankroll but may keep all pari-mutuel winnings.

Entry forms are available at the Guest Service Center or online at www.thebigm.com. Entries must be in the hands of the Meadowlands Marketing Department, located on the ground level, by July 9. For further information call 201-842-5013.

Road to the 2004 Hambletonian - Monday, July 5

Road to the 2004 Hambletonian

July 6, 2004
(EARLY LINE, Horse, TRAINER, OWNER, THE SCOOP)

2-1, CANTAB HALL, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, Lindy Racing, Silva, Sampson Street, Won Historic in 1:54. Dancer elims next. 'I'm glad that first start is over and that he didn't have to go in 1:52 against Cash Hall,' said Gurfein. Regarding the colt tossing his head, Gurfein said 'It doesn't bother me so why should it bother you. He's just playing around. I'll make zero adjustments because he doesn't need any adjustments.'

5-2, CASH HALL, Bob McIntosh, Bob McIntosh, CSX Stable, Michael Kohler, Won Historic div in 1:52.4. Dancer elims next. 'That was a big mile but he did it easily with plenty left,' said McIntosh. 'His schedule has been tough. My strategy would've been different if he'd raced more at two. He needs seasoning and experience. He's tentative [about] leaving after the one bad experience at Hazel Park but John (Campbell) said he's getting better every start.'

4-1, WINDSONG'S LEGACY, Trond Smeds-hammer, Ann Jeanette Brannvoll & Ted Gewertz, Week off, Dancer elims next. ''We've been training and conditioning nice and easy with him,' said Smedshammer. 'He's getting better with every start, and I couldn't feel any better about the way things are so far.'

5-1, TOM RIDGE, Jimmy Takter, Christina Takter, Ross, Heffering, Banjo Farms, 2nd in Historric. Dancer elims next. 'He raced real good and was very ratable which is how we want to have him,' said Takter. 'Our goal is to win the Hambletonian. I'm very happy with"...

6-1, EILEAN DONON

10-1, SHOW ME THE MONET

12-1, AMERICAN MIKE

15-1, COVENTRY

15-1, GREAT CHALLENGER

20-1, Solomon Blue Chip

Hambletonian Harness Racing event is Saturday, August 7.

The Road to the Hambletonian is compiled by Sam McKee.

The Road to the 2004 Meadowlands Pace Harness Racing

The Road to the 2004 Meadowlands Pace - Monday, July 5

July 6, 2004
(EARLY LINE, HORSE, TRAINER, OWNER, THE SCOOP)

9-5, CAMELOT HALL, Mark Harder, D Scharf, S Arnold Sampson St., J Silva, Equaled Meadowlands track record 1:49 for 3yos winning Jersey Cup. 'It was time for him to show up and show what he can do,' said George Brennan. 'And he did.'

3-1, METROPOLITAN, Chris Ryder, N&G Smiley, TLP, J Langfelder, Q'd on July 2 at Meadowlands in 1:51.1, 26.1 final quarter. 'He's sharp right now, and I couldn't be happier with his qualifier,' said Ryder.

7-2, Panspacificflight, Brian Magie, Peter Pan Stables, Q'd on July 2 at Meadowlands in 1:52.2, 26.2 final quarter. 'They were going slower to the half,' said Luc Ouellette. 'I sat in with him and let him pace on his own the final eighth.'

5-1, TIMESAREACHANGING, Brett Pelling, Perfect World Ent., Week off after 3rd in NJSS Final. Will remained paired with driver Yannick Gingras for the Pace elims on July 10.

6-1, MANTACULAR, Larry Rathbone, M&L Delaware Inc., Worked between races at Vernon Downs on July 3. 'He doesn't normally like to go by himself, but he was fine,' said Rathbone. 'I went in 28, 58, 1:28 and then a 27 final quarter for a 1:55 mile. He did it easy, and he's ready for the Pace.'

8-1, GEORGIA PACIFIC, Randy Bendis, Bendis, Castelli, Campbell, Varney, 5th in Balmoral's $235,000 American National Final on July 3, beaten 6 1/2 lengths by Quik Pulse Mindale.

10-1, THE PREACHER PAN, Ivan Sugg, Peter Pan Stables, 4th in nw4 at Woodbine on July 3. "He's going to have to step it up this week to make the final of the Meadowlands Pace," said owner Bob Glazer.

12-1, BRANDON'S COWBOY, Mark Ford, Martin Scharf, 2nd to Metropolitan in July 2 qualifier, timed in 1:51.2. "He's had a little break and definitely needed it," said Ford. "He's training well, and I'm quite pleased with that qualifier."

12-1, MODERN ART, Joe Holloway, T Gewertz, M&M Frank, Val D'Or, Q'd on July 2 at Meadowlands in 1:52, winning by three-quarters of a length with David Miller driving.

20-1, HOLBORN HANOVER, Mark Harder, Canamerica, J Fielding, Week off heading into the Meadowlands Pace elims. Stablemate now with Camelot Hall.

Note: Meadowlands Pace race date is Saturday, July 17.

Horse Racing - This Week In Harness Racing History - July 5-11

This Week In Harness Racing History - July 5-11

July 7, 2004
Courtesy Harness Racing Communications - www.ustrotting.com

July 5, 1913 - Delvin Miller is born in Woodland, California. Harness racing experts name Miller the sport's most influential person of the 20th century. July 5, 1986 Flying Rich, driven by Buddy Gilmour, sets the world record for pacers 5 and older on a half-mile track, winning in 1:55 at Yonkers Raceway in New York.

July 6, 1996 - Continentalvictory, driven by Mike Lachance, wins the Yonkers Trot by two lengths over Kramer Boy in 1:56.2 at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York.

July 7, 1978 - Dudate Windswept, driven by Stephen Guy, sets the all-age world record for geldings trotting on a five-eighths of a mile track by winning in 1:58 at Laurel, Maryland.

July 8, 1995 - CR Kay Suzie, driven by Rod Allen, wins the Yonkers Trot by seven lengths over Abundance in 1:56 at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York. The time equals Peace Corps world record for 3-year-old filly trotters on a half-mile track.

July 9, 1999 - Lovelytobehold, driven by Jim Doherty, wins the Delvin Miller Memorial Trot by one-and-a-half lengths over Dream Valley OM in 1:54.3 at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

July 10, 1992 - Carlsbad Cam, driven by Rod Allen, wins the Meadowlands Pace by a length over Driven By Design in 1:51 at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. "