HarnessRaycer’s Picks June 29

Due to complications with technology, we were unable to post or make picks for last week. We are entering the fourth week of this series. The last time we posted picks was the week of the North America Cup, where we had three winning bets. One being on Captaintreacherous, returning $48, another a $16.20 win payoff on Hilarious Halo and the exacta in that race with a 40-1 shot second, returning $242.20 for $4. Those victories put our bankroll at a new high of $476.10, starting from $200 over a four-week (not really on a weekly basis) period. We’re focused on Sun Stakes Saturday this week, with nearly $2-million in stakes purses. Good luck to all!

BANKROLL: $476.10

Pocono Downs

Race 4 - $25,000-$30,000 Claiming Handicap

(8) Black Hat – He has great speed off the gate, can either clear the lead or race from near the top. I see him getting away well, but there is speed to the inside of him, so he’ll have to race slightly off the pace, like he did two starts back.

Plays: $10 across the board on 8            Cost: $30

Race 5 - $50,000 Ben Franklin Consolation

(3) Bolt The Duer – Races his best with a pocket trip. With his draw and what the horses to the inside of him are expected to do, a pocket trip for Bolt The Duer is very likely. He should provide us with some value, with all eyes being on Sweet Lou failing to make the final.

Plays: $10 win on 3     Cost: $10

Race 9 - $300,000 James Lynch Final

(6) Somwherovrarainbow – The freshman champion has not done as well as the fans had expected. She raced very well on the lead in her elimination, but being parked to the quarter cost her. She is one of many horses with gate speed and will likely not race on the lead in the final, rather try to stick close to the lead.

Plays: $6 across the board on 6, $4 exacta box 5,6,8                Cost: $42

Race 10 - $500,000 Max Hempt Final

(9) Captaintreacherous – I am always puzzled on why everyone is against this horse. I feel that because of all the negative outpour from fellow handicappers and his bad draw, he’ll be of good value; above even-money. He has great prospect and this could be one of his best performances.

Plays: $20 win on 9, $6 exacta 9/5,6,8 Cost: $38

Race 11 - $500,000 Ben Franklin Final

(7) Modern Legend – A horse that can close is ideal in a race of this condition. Most horses will be trying to get on the lead. To add on to it, nearly half of this field has tremendous gate speed. Modern Legend usually sticks in the middle of the pack and picks up cover and comes flying late, like he did in his elimination, which to add on, went in a world record-equaling 1:48. He’s always in the mix late and should be very sharp tonight.

Plays: $8 across the board on 7            Cost: $24

Race 12 - $500,000 Earl Beal Jr. Final

(8) Celebrity Maserati – This horse will lose a ton of support due to his loss in his elimination as the favorite. I am a fan of the beaten favorite angle and looking at this horses resume, he disappoints on few occasions. He can race on or off the pace, which will be a benefit. If he needs to leave, he’ll likely sit a pocket trip as Smilin Eli will want to be on the lead. If he chooses to sit off the pace, speed comes from a majority of the field, so a battle on the lead could be likely. Either way, he’ll race his best tonight.

Plays: $10 across the board on 8, $4 exacta 8/1,2,5,9            Cost: $46

Good luck!

Total Bet: $190

BANKROLL: $286.10

Captaintreacherous Shows his Class in North America Cup Triumph

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – Appearing to be done around the final turn, Captaintreacherous powered into the stretch and went by the leaders to a 1:48.3 lifetime-mark score in the $1,000,000 North America Cup.

Captive Audience blasted off the gate to challenge Fool Me Once for the lead. Apprentice Hanover got away in third and Vegas Vacation back fourth. Captive Audience dived to the cones and got the lead through a :26.1 first quarter. Fool Me Once edged out of the pocket heading down the backstretch and re-took the lead at the half. The half was clocked in :54 (:27.4). Captaintreacherous flushed out Vegas Vacation into the far turn. Fool Me Once was blazing his way to three-quarters, timed in 1:20.2 (:26.2).

Captaintreacherous gliding to a 1:48.3 score in the North
America Cup (New Image Photo)

Filion was heavily urging Fool Me Once down the stretch. Captive Audience was attempting to keep up and Captaintreacherous fanned off his fading cover and began picking off rivals one by one. He flew by everyone and with the awe of the crowd; Captaintreacherous won the North America Cup in 1:48.3. Twilight Bonfire came from the back to finish second and Wake Up Peter was third.

Captaintreacherous returned a generous $4.80 to win. Our selection in the North America Cup is owned by Captaintreacherous Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and Tim Tetrick drove Captaintreacherous; sweeping the sophomore pacing events and won his first North America Cup. 

"Today I was second over, but we were still three or four lengths off the leaders turning for home and they were pacing strong," Tetrick said. "I put a lot of confidence in my colt. When I called on him, he did his job."

"They have to want to do it, they have to want to be champions and put their nose out in front, He doesn't always win by much, but he gets the job done when he's good," Tetrick said about Captaintreacherous. 

"Tim worked out a masterful trip and the horse showed up," trainer Tony Alagna said. "Every time this horse gets a question mark he comes back and answers it with an exclamation mark."

I Luv The Nitelife in Fan Hanover Romp

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – The filly equivalent to the North America Cup on the Mohawk stakes card, the Fan Hanover, was a showcase for Richard and Joanne Young’s I Luv The Nitelife, leaving the field in her wake and winning the $391,882 Fan Hanover in 1:49.1.

Jettin Jamie led the pack into the first turn, passed the quarter in :26. Jerseylicious got away in the pocket and was sent after Jettin Jamie for the lead. Jerseylicious cleared shortly passing three-eighths and I Luv The Nitelife was on her tail to apply pressure. I Luv The Nitelife cleared the lead passing the half in :54.1 (:28.1).

I Luv The Nitelife in her 1:50.4 elimination triumph

Love Canal took command of the two wide flow entering the far turn, carrying Belle Boyd up into contention. I Luv The Nitelife picked up the tempo at three-quarters in 1:21.4 (:27.3). She instantly gained separation on Jerseylicious, flattening out in second and Belle Boyd was closing well. I Luv The Nitelife was clear by about 5 lengths heading to the wire and stopped the timer in 1:49.1. Belle Boyd finished second, Jerseylicious held on to third and Love Canal had no room to pace, settling for fourth.

I Luv The Nitelife was the lukewarm public choice, returning $3.20 to win. She is owned by Richard and Joanne Young, trained by Chris Ryder and was driven by Tim Tetrick. Tim is the first driver to win the Fan Hanover two years in a row and has won the race a record three times. 

Maven Flies by Rivals in Armbro Flight Victory

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – The first stake event on the North America Cup undercard went to Maven, as she fanned off cover into the stretch and surpassed all mares in front of her to win in 1:52.4.

China Pearls left the gate the quickest and set the fractions, with Cedar Dove getting away in second and Smarty Pants third. The public’s hope Maven was in fourth passing the quarter in :27.3. China Pearls began to rate on the lead, developing a two-wide flow to challenge. Intense America from fifth edged to the outside and waited for cover to follow. Maven was up to the task and began her first over route into the far turn. China Pearls was in control through a :56.1 (:28.3) half-mile.

China Pearls was still in the lead and was soon under the pressure of Cedar Dove, as she tipped first over at the three-quarter pole. Maven had to fan wide and Intense America, now third over, did not show any bid. Three-quarters was timed in 1:24.2 (:28.1).

Maven winning her Armbro Flight elimination in 1:52.4

Maven came off cover and exploded down the stretch. China Pearls was attempting to trot with the closers, but failed to do so. Cedar Dove gave chase to Maven and had to settle for second, while Bax Of Life from last closed to finish third and Mystical Starlight moved with her, finishing fourth.

Maven ($2.80) is owned by William Donovan, trained by Jonas Czernyson and was driven by Yannick Gingras. Maven is currently undefeated in her four-year-old campaign and is over the $1-million plateau with her win in the Armbro Flight.  

HarnessRaycer’s Picks June 15

This series can be up and rolling again, since my scholar activities are currently dormant with the coming of summer. This week’s bets are focused on Mohawk’s feature card, headlined by the $1-million North America Cup. The undercard of Canada’s signature race also provides us with value opportunities. Good luck to all!

BANKROLL: $330.70

Saturday, June 15

Mohawk Racetrack

Race 2 - $271,470 Armbro Flight Final (Mare Trotters)

(1) Intense America – She has shown great consistency in her last six starts, with her last two being the most dazzling of all. Against the best mares in Canada two starts back, she went gate-to-wire in 1:53, winning by 2 lengths. She tried to do that again in the eliminations, but lost by a length and a half to Maven. The daughter of Taurus Dream is riding on a big effort Saturday and could surprise the Mohawk crowd.

Plays: $5 win on 1, $4 exacta box 1,2,3            Cost: $29

Race 5 – $391,882 Fan Hanover Final (3yofp)

(1) Love Canal – She didn’t get to pace her race in the elimination with the nine-hole. She prefers to be towards the middle of the pack rather than in its rear. Nonetheless, she closed very well to finish fourth in 1:51.3, pacing a :25.4 final quarter. She should be placed near the lead with her draw and will be a menace to I Luv The Nitelife in the stretch drive.

Plays: $10 Across The Board on 1.            Cost: $30

Race 6 – NW $25,000 Last 5

(1) All Speed Hanover – This is his third start off of a two-year layoff and all he’s shown is improvement. Going up against tough company in the B-ranks at the Meadowlands and finished second in a sprint to the wire, after challenging first over through fast fractions. He’ll be very sharp from the rail and could put in a monster mile.

Plays: $10 win on 1     Cost: $10

Race 7 - $1,000,000 North America Cup Final (3yop)

(4) Captaintreacherous – The talented colt from the first crop of Somebeachsomewhere has shown many characteristics that his father showed on the racetrack. He may have seemed vulnerable to Captive Audience in the elimination, but is poised to get a perfect trip and kick into the stretch like he did in last year’s Metro pace.

Plays: $20 win 4 $10 exacta 4/6,8    Cost: $40

Race 8 – NW $9,200 Last 5

(3) Hilarious Halo – Drops in class after a disappointing effort against non-winners of $14,000. He’s won against this group before and should be placed on the lead and save some energy for the stretch.

Plays: $6 win on 3, $4 exacta 3/1,4,9,10            Cost: $22

Race 11 – $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational Pace

(3) Ok Commander – He has beaten a majority of this field in previous starts and is one of the many horses with gate speed. He likes to get into a pocket when he can and since he is to the inside of most of the speed, that mission is possible.

Plays: $6 Across the Board on 3, $4 exacta 3/1,2,10                        Cost: $30

Total Cost: $161

BANKROLL: $169.70

Go big or go home! Good luck!

Captaintreacherous Headlines Star Sophomores in North America Cup

Tuesday afternoon at Mohawk Racetrack was flooded with owners, trainers, drivers and media, as the track was conducting the post position draw for Saturday night’s $1-million North America Cup final. The three elimination winners, Captaintreacherous, Fool Me Once and Vegas Vacation, got to pick their posts and a random fourth place finisher will be drawn by lot.

Below is the field.

PP-Horse Name-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line

1-Apprentice Hanover-Jody Jamieson-Ben Wallace-20-1

2-Vegas Vacation-Scott Zeron-Casie Coleman-5/2

3-Fool Me Once-Sylvain Filion-Mark Austin-4-1

4-Captaintreacherous-Tim Tetrick-Tony Alagna-2-1

5-Twilight Bonfire-David Miller-Dan Collins-30-1

6-Wake Up Peter-Ron Pierce-Tony Alagna-8-1

7-Sunshine Beach-Chris Chrisoforou-Mark Steacy-15-1

8-Odds On Equuleus-John Campbell-Robin Schadt-8-1

9-Captive Audience-Randall Waples-Collin Johnson-8-1

10-Martini Hanover-Dave Palone-Chris Ryder-25-1

Looking at the names participating in this year’s renewal of the North America Cup, it shows that this year’s sophomore crop is arguably the best in the last few years. This year’s group of eliminations also displayed the talent of these three-year-olds, as every elimination was clocked in 1:49 or faster, the first time in the history of the Cup. 

Captaintreacherous with the slight advantage over
Odds On Equuleus in the 2012 Metro Pace
(New Image Photo)

The 30^th edition of the North America Cup looks to be setting up similar to another signature race at Mohawk, the 2012 Metro Pace. Few may remember what occurred in that $1-million classic, so ahead is a brief summary. A fast pace was set up front because of a battle between Johny Rock and Vegas Vacation. Captaintreacherous ended up third over around the far turn and at three-quarters, which was paced in :28.3. Captaintreacherous fanned off his cover and took the lead from the briefly second-over Apprentice Hanover entering the eighth pole. Fourth over in the flow was Odds On Equuleus, who began chasing down Captaintreacherous approaching the wire. Captaintreacherous dug in and won the Metro in 1:49.2, pacing the final quarter in :27.1.

Some names from the freshman equivalent of the North America Cup have not appeared in this year’s final. Yet, it’s uncanny how the race sets up similarly to the Metro. The likely speed-demons of the Cup look to be Fool Me Once and Apprentice Hanover.

After two failed attempts to race off the pace, trainer Ben Wallace changed tactics with Apprentice Hanover and decided he wanted his colt to race from the front. He proved his speed in his elimination, battling for the lead through a quarter in :26.2 and a half in :54.1 (:27.4).

Fool Me Once under a firm grip by Sylvain Filion
winning his elimination in 1:48.1
(New Image Photo)

Fool Me Once was a monster on the front last week. Sylvain said he did not want the lead in a post-race interview, but Fool Me Once blazed through fractions of :26.2, :54.1 (:27.4) and 1:21.2 (:27.1) to kick home in :26.4, pacing the mile in 1:48.1. Since Fool Me Once was trapped in a pocket two weeks ago in the Somebeachsomewhere, expect Filion to be aggressive on the lead.

To top off the speed in this race, there are horses that like to brush to the lead later in the race. Both Vegas Vacation and Captaintreacherous race like that. Vegas will likely be put into a spot, where he can either pick up cover or make his pursuit to the lead after or at the half. Right behind him will likely be Captaintreacherous, since he starts from a more outside post. Vegas Vacation will make his move to a half timed near :53 and change, with the quarter going in the :26 range.

Captaintreacherous "flying" down the stretch to win
his North America Cup elim in 1:48.4
(New Image Photo)

We have not seen the power that Captaintreacherous holds. He greatly resembles the likes of his sire, Somebeachsomewhere, in the ease he shows making big moves. He’s shown the power he is capable of in many of the big dances, such as the Woodrow Wilson and Metro. Although he may not be the value we are looking for on the win ticket, he is an almost certain winner of the Cup, the full-certainty is not on him, as it is horse racing. The value will be within the exotics.

The closers in this field, consisting of Wake Up Peter, Captive Audience and Odds On Equuleus, will highlight the underneath-section of our exotics. For second, we’ll take Captaintreacherous’s main rival at two, Odds On Equuleus. He tried to race on the lead in the Somebeachsomewhere, which he was not capable of doing. Campbell then guided Odds On Equuleus to the back of the pack and closed to finish second to Vegas Vacation in his Cup elimination.

Also to be included in the exacta is Wake Up Peter. He competed against Fool Me Once, who paced the fastest of the three eliminations, going in 1:48.1. Wake Up Peter showed a tremendous amount of pace once he shook loose in the stretch, finishing second by 2 lengths with a :26.1 final quarter. He got lucky though, as the rail opened up for him. He cannot pace that kind of trip this week and likely won’t, as Pierce will be more aggressive with him. 

Starting Points Established for the 30th North America Cup

Tuesday afternoon at Mohawk Racetrack was flooded with owners, trainers, drivers and media, as the track was conducting the post position draw for Saturday night’s $1-million North America Cup final. The three elimination winners, Captaintreacherous, Fool Me Once and Vegas Vacation, got to pick their posts and a random fourth place finisher will be drawn by lot.

Below is the field.

PP-Horse Name-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line

1-Apprentice Hanover-Jody Jamieson-Ben Wallace-20-1

2-Vegas Vacation-Scott Zeron-Casie Coleman-5/2

3-Fool Me Once-Sylvain Filion-Mark Austin-4-1

4-Captaintreacherous-Tim Tetrick-Tony Alagna-2-1

5-Twilight Bonfire-David Miller-Dan Collins-30-1

6-Wake Up Peter-Ron Pierce-Tony Alagna-8-1

7-Sunshine Beach-Chris Chrisoforou-Mark Steacy-15-1

8-Odds On Equuleus-John Campbell-Robin Schadt-8-1

9-Captive Audience-Randall Waples-Collin Johnson-8-1

10-Martini Hanover-Dave Palone-Chris Ryder-25-1

More later.

Entry Takes Artiscape; Pet Rock Shocks in Roll With Joe

NICHOLS, NY— Mare and Horse pacers met at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon to compete in the $158,000 Artiscape Mare Pace and the $184,000 Roll With Joe Horse Pace.

One mare from the five-horse entry crossed the finish line in the winning position, though not one that was expected. Economy Terror scratched out of the race, so it left the Burke quartet to square off against the other five mares. Of the entry, Camille took first with her stable mate, Rocklamation, finishing second.

As expected, a fast pace was set in the early stages of the mile. Big Mcdeal showed a jolt of speed off the gate and Anndrovette chased her down around the turn to clear the lead, but paced the first quarter in :25.1. Heading into the second turn, Feeling You edged out of fourth and began a charge towards the leader; Camille and Drop The Ball were on her tail following her every move. Anndrovette had no breather and went the half in :52.3 (:27.2).

Camille closing on the field to win the Artiscape

Feeling You was hung due to the tremendous speed being used by Anndrovette. Big Mcdeal sat the pocket for most of the mile and had room to tip out of the pocket and she stuck her nose infront of Anndrovette at three-quarters in a wicked 1:19.4 (:27.1). The backfield began flying after the leaders heading into the stretch. Camille was widest of all challengers, closing with Rocklamation alongside. Drop The Ball was too coming into contention late and Anndrovette was digging in for minor honors. Camille had more than Rocklamation and won the Artiscape in 1:48.3, equaling the all-age mare pacing world record. Anndrovette was third and Drop The Ball was fourth.

Camille returned $4.40 to win. She is owned by trainer Ron Burke’s Burke Racing Stables, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, M1 Stables LLC and Jack Piatt III and was driven by Matt Kakaley.

Arguably one of the hardest races to develop a scenario for was the Roll With Joe, taken by Pet Rock in 1:48.1, versus our Sweet Lou, Betterthancheddar and A Rocknroll Dance exotic.

Golden Receiver set the pace, with Betterthancheddar in second and Sweet Lou wide in an attempt to take the lead, versus racing off the pace like in his past races. Sweet Lou cleared the top from Golden Receiver after a :26 quarter. Pet Rock immediately made his move and edged out of the pocket, in desperate need of cover. Brennan was the one to provide Pet Rock that cover, as he brought Betterthancheddar to the outside to challenge Sweet Lou for the lead passing the half in :53.2 (:27.2).

Pet Rock strolling to victory in the Roll With Joe

Pet Rock sat second over, watching the fireworks unfold in front of him in the form of a duel. Sweet Lou was a game foe to Betterthancheddar and still held command at three-quarters in 1:20.1 (:26.4). Pet Rock fanned wide turning for home, as did other trackers Rockincam and Foiled Again. Pet Rock took the lead from the tiring Betterthancheddar and Sweet Lou. Foiled Again was closing fast, with Rockincam moving along with him. Pet Rock had just enough and won by a length in 1:48.1 (:28). Foiled Again was second, Rockincam was third and Betterthancheddar held on for fourth.

Pet Rock went off the fourth choice on the tote-board and returned $13.80 for the victory. He is owned by Frank Bellino, trained by Virgil Morgan Jr. and David Miller was in the bike. 

Top Aged Pacers Square Off in Tioga Afternoon Action

Tioga Downs puts up the big bucks as they attracted the top free for all mare and horse pacers in their featured races this afternoon. On the card filled with Sires’ Stakes competition are the $158,000 Artiscape Mares Pace and the $184,000 Roll With Joe Open Pace.

First up of the two is the Artiscape. Ron Burke has four of his top mares entered in the contest, while Chris Oakes’s star mare Economy Terror is a part of the five-horse entry of Bettor B Lucky, Ginger And Fred, Rocklamation and Camille. This appears to be a good race to go bargain hunting, with the five-horse entry having a tremendous resume to attract the attention of bettors. Two horses raise questions in this dectet, Drop The Ball and Royal Cee Cee N, coincidently the two morning line long shots.

Drop The Ball winning the 2012 Allerage Pace
(Red Mile Photo)

Drop The Ball was caught in a bad shuffle in the Golden Girls last week and was able to shake loose and get third. That was her first start on lasix and she showed improvement off of the speed she showed in the Betsy Ross, where she eventually quit. She has the post to get away in a stalking position, which has always been her forte, but Callahan has to be aggressive with her and not wait for the stretch. If she can get a second over trip, perfect, third over, questionable. She just cannot be on the lead or first over, it will be practically forfeiting her chances.

Royal Cee Cee N catches my eye as she drew post 8, a post that requires (usually) a horse to race from off the pace. Her last start can be put into the garbage, as Royal Cee Cee N is not the kind of horse that can race on the lead, especially against some of these horses like Anndrovette, who likes to be on top. She showed a good closing effort the last time she was on a three turn oval at Harrah’s Philadelphia in the Betsy Ross, where she was shuffled and did not have room until late to finish third. Pierce will have to be aggressive with his mare, too and give her a good trip and opportunity to show what she’s got.

Overall, this race does have a speed factor similar to what occurred in the Betsy Ross. Feeling You drew the rail and it is very likely that she will leave to get a pocket trip, which brings Camille into the race from the second tier; Tetrick will likely challenge for the lead aboard Anndrovette, while Big Mcdeal raises questions. She [Big Mcdeal] showed that she can race well on the lead throughout her sophomore campaign, but has appeared to been experimenting with racing styles in her last few starts. She is a possibility to throw off the pace scenario. Theoretically, we will see a quarter around :26 and change and a half in :54-:53, as the leader will attempt to rate. The tempo will quicken and most horses on the lead may be finished.

The five-horse entry has two horses that raise question marks, Economy Terror and Rocklamation. Rocklamation has the racing tendency that of the horses we like in this event, while Economy Terror is questionable on how she will race from the far outside. Of our two contenders, Drop The Ball has the best shot, but I’d still advise to put Royal Cee Cee N in any exotics as she could be a spoiler.

It’s hard to tell how the betting will be distributed in the Roll With Joe. Betterthancheddar looks to be the value of the race at his 5-1 morning line, but all the buzz around him could make him the post time favorite. Pet Rock gets the second tier and will likely take money after that phenomenal trip he went in the Open last week.

Considering Betterthancheddar will perhaps be the favorite, he is the horse to beat. He was shuffling in the stretch to try and find a seam in the Molson and did not get one until late. Brennan will likely give him the perfect trip or attempt to get the lead, a near impossible task based on the paper.

A Rocknroll Dance winning the 2012 Battle of Brandywine
(USTA Photo)

A Rocknroll Dance also has a shot. This horse has been cursed with several bad draws this year and should be aggressive since he has a few starts in his belt. He won the Meadowlands Pace on the rail and he drew the rail again. Though that has no significance, rather the way he races on the rail. Exempt his first start of the year when he started from post 1, since he was coming off a layoff. He will leave and try to get a pocket trip, which would be perfect with the open stretch at Tioga. He has been improving with every start and could be sharp at the right time.

A fast pace looks to be the expected scenario in this race. Golden Receiver will go for the top and with A Rocknroll Dance trying to leave, Pet Rock will get a pocket and likely try to sit third. Betterthancheddar will eventually challenge or await cover to ride. Speed is also likely from Aracache Hanover, Sapphire City, Warrawee Needy and perhaps Rockincam. With the likelihood that Brennan could get parked with Betterthancheddar, he may not be the value we may think he is today. Of course, there is a huge possibility that Sweet Lou sits off the pace and gets a perfect trip to win this race. But what appears likely is that Betterthancheddar and A Rocknroll Dance will finish in the top four, so they are ones to consider in exotics and perhaps in the win column. It will be your call.

First race post at Tioga is 1:30P.M. eastern. 

Chalky Outcomes in Cup Eliminations

CAMPBELLVILLE, ON— Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack displayed the top-caliber of three-year-old colt pacers as twenty-one squared off in three eliminations of the North America Cup. Seven drew into the three and each elim went for $50,000.

Pacer of the Year Captaintreacherous made his second start off the bench a winning one, holding off the challenge of Captive Audience to win in 1:48.4.

See And Ski took the lead, while Captaintreacherous was caught on the outside and forced to battle for the lead through a :26.3 first quarter. Captaintreacherous cleared the lead passing the three-eighths, while Moonliteonthebeach was cued to challenge through a :55 (:28.2) half. Captive Audience edged out of the pocket and began his journey second over, while Sunshine Beach was third over and Varadero Hanover fourth over. Captive Audience began to fan off his cover, in pursuit of Captaintreacherous, at three-quarters in 1:22 (:27).

Captaintreacherous flying home in a lifetime best 1:48.4
(Courtesy of New Image Media)

Captaintreacherous was under pressure down the stretch. Captive Audience took a narrow lead, but lost it as Captaintreacherous dug in. He found more and held off Captive Audience by three-quarters of a length, Sunshine Beach closed for third and Varadero Hanover was fourth.

Captaintreacherous was the favorite and returned $2.40 to win. He is owned by Captaintreacherous Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and was driven by Tim Tetrick.

Fool Me Once led his septet around the Mohawk oval at every pole to win his elimination in a dazzling 1:48.1.

Martini Hanover was parked on the outside as he tried to leave, while Fool Me Once was immediately guided to the top. Rockin Amadeus quickly sealed a pocket spot, hanging Martini Hanover at the quarter in :26.2. Rockin Amadeus gapped the leader passed three-eighths as Martini Hanover began to abandon his challenge attempt on Fool Me Once. Martini Hanover was put into the pocket, while Rockin Amadeus sat in third. Fool Me Once took the field by the half in :54.1 (:27.4).

Fool Me Once under a hand-drive wins in 1:48.1
(Courtesy of  New Image Media)

Heading around the turn, Rockin Amadeus began to edge out of third in an attempt to challenge the leader. He moved up into second, boxing in Martini Hanover at three-quarters. Twilight Bonfire tracked his move, sitting second over through three-quarters timed in 1:21.2 (:27.1). Rockin Amadeus flattened out badly into the stretch, drifting and shortening strides. Wake Up Peter was weaving his way past horses and Martini Hanover was giving chase. Approaching the wire and Fool Me Once extended his lead under minor encouragement and went on to win hi elimination, over Wake Up Peter, Martini Hanover and Twilight Bonfire was fourth.

Fool Me Once paid $7.60 to win. He is owned by Mark Austin Stables and Daniel Smith, trained by Mark Austin and was driven by Sylvain Filion.

The public was correct again in the final elimination, choosing Vegas Vacation as the favorite after his stakes-record performance in the Somebeachsomewhere. He brushed to the lead after the half and did not look back.

Resistance Futile left for the lead, with Apprentice Hanover alongside him and Johny Rock tucking in third. Resistance Futile led by the quarter in :26.2. Apprentice Hanover cleared the lead from him and Vegas Vacation made his move after command. He cleared it at the half in :54.1 (:27.4). Into the far turn, Johny Rock was flushed first over by Odds On Equuleus, while Beach Memories tracked the two third over. Vegas Vacation led the way past three-quarters in 1:22.3 (:28.2).

Vegas Vacation winning under wraps in 1:49
(Courtesy of New Image Media)

Odds On Equuleus tipped off cover and began to chase Vegas Vacation. Apprentice Hanover was keeping a good pace from third and Beach Memories was trying to rally, but the presence of Odds On Equuleus did not discourage Vegas Vacation and he went on to win in 1:49 (:26.2). Odds On Equuleus was second, Apprentice Hanover was third and Beach Memories finished fourth.

Vegas Vacation returned $2.90 to win. He is owned by West Wins Stable, Adriano Sorella, Anthony Beaton and Phyllis Saunders, trained by Casie Coleman and was guided to victory by Scott Zeron. 

World Record Shattered in Big M Open

On Saturday’s card at the Meadowlands, twelve horses entered in the $50,000 Open Pace. It was scratched down to a field of ten approaching post time and Golden Receiver was going to be sent off the gate as the 3/2 favorite.

Golden Receiver launched off the gate and was put to the pylons before entering the first turn, while Fred And Ginger sneaked up the cones to park out Pet Rock as he tried to tuck into the pocket. Pet Rock challenged Golden Receiver for the lead and the duelers went by the quarter in :25.3. Pet Rock did not leave Golden Receiver’s side heading down the backstretch. Sweet Lou was sent three wide to take the first over position heading to the half, while Modern Legend tracked his move. The half went in :52.3 (:27).

Fred And Ginger splitting horses to win the $50,000 Open

Heading to three-quarters, Sweet Lou took the lead from Golden Receiver. Modern Legend was second over and Dynamic Youth was circling rivals. Three-quarters went in 1:20 (:27.2). Modern Legend swung wide to attempt to pass Sweet Lou, while Dynamic Youth was closing well on the far outside, with Pet Rock alongside him coming with another bid. Fred And Ginger began weaving through horses and split Golden Receiver and Sweet Lou within the sixteenth pole to clear the lead. Sweet Lou fought on, but had to settle for second, Modern Legend was third and Dynamic Youth was fourth. The mile went in 1:47.3 (:27.3).

Fred And Ginger ($8.20) is a five-year-old pacer by Real Artist, out of the mare Graceful Motion by Beach Towel. He is owned by Jerry and Theresa Silva, Howard Taylor, Ed Gold and Robert Feldman, trained by Ron Burke and Ron Pierce was in behind, guiding his stallion to a world-record effort for five-year-old and up stallion pacers of 1:47.3.  

Older Pacers Highlight Weekend on East Coast

The Free for All pacing division for both the open ranks and the mares were featured this weekend, with the $150,000 Molson Pace final going off on closing night at Western Fair and the $183,400 Golden Girls Stakes being contested at the Meadowlands. The Molson Pace was for the males, going post ward on Friday night and the Golden Girls was contested Saturday.

Foiled Again and Betterthancheddar headlined the Molson field and went off the two public choices at post time. The third choice, State Treasurer, was steered to a perfect trip by Randy Waples to win the Molson in 1:51.1.

Foiled Again got the lead and Betterthancheddar was in the pocket and Aracache Hanover was wide around the turn in third. Foiled Again led the field by the quarter in :26.4. Aracache Hanover inched into second as the field prepared for the second circuit. State Treasurer began to follow Aracache Hanover passing the half, Keystone Velocity joined the flow third over and A Rocknroll Dance had cover to follow in the back. Foiled Again had the lead at the half in :55.1 (:28.2).

State Treasurer flying down the center of the
course to win the Molson (Iron Horse Photo)

Aracache Hanover began to falter entering the backstretch. State Treasurer circled his tiring cover and took over second from Betterthancheddar. State Treasurer was applying pressure to Foiled Again at three-quarters in 1:23.1 (:28). State Treasurer took the lead into the stretch. Betterthancheddar was anxious behind Foiled Again trying to find racing room and Keystone Velocity was flying down the far outside. State Treasurer took the lead from Foiled Again and Betterthancheddar split horses to take second. Foiled Again held on for third and Keystone Velocity was fourth.

State Treasurer ($11.40) is a four-year-old horse by Real Desire, out of the mare Ideal Treasure by Western Ideal. He is owned by Sally and Sophie MacDonald, trained by Dr. Ian Moore and Randy Waples was in the bike

Two divisions of the Golden Girls were carded for Saturday night at the Meadowlands.

Feeling You taking the photo with Anndrovette
in 1:48.4 (Lisa Photo)

Feeling You rode a pocket trip behind Anndrovette to win the first division in 1:48.4. Anndrovette had no trouble clearing the lead and took the field by the quarter in :26.3. She had no challengers, so Tetrick rated her on the lead and went by the half in :54.4 (:28.1). She was left unchallenged at three-quarters and paced it in 1:22 (:27.1). Feeling You tipped out of the pocket and began to chase down Anndrovette at the head of the stretch. Ginger And Fred and Bettor B Lucky battled for third as Feeling You got her nose in front of Anndrovette at the wire to win in 1:48.4.

Feeling You ($6.40) is owned by Stephen Oldford, Oldford Farms and Tyler Buter, trained by Amber Buter and Andy Miller did the driving. The daughter of Cambest paced the mile in a lifetime-best of 1:48.4.

Rocklamation was the one to beat according to bettors in the second division, going off the 2-1 favorite. She got away last, while Royal Cee Cee N fought for the lead and Camille sat the pocket. The quarter was timed in :27. Economy Terror led those following her approaching the half, as she began to pace after the leader since there was no spot at the pylons for her to occupy. Rocklamtion tracked her second over as the half was paced in :55.3 (:28.3).

Economy Terror began flying towards Royal Cee Cee N heading to three-quarters. Rocklamation kept up with her cover and Krispy Apple was locked at the cones for most of the mile, but was able to tip to the outside behind Rocklamation. Royal Cee Cee N had a nose on Economy Terror at three-quarters in 1:23.1 (:27.3).

Rocklamation closes to win in 1:49.3 (Lisa Photo)

Economy Terror powered to the lead into the stretch. Royal Cee Cee N began her retreat from the lead and Rocklamation fanned off cover to chase the leader. Krispy Apple went deeper on the track to come with her late bid. Rocklamation took over command from Economy Terror and Krispy Apple was closing late as Rocklamation had a length and a quarter advantage on the field, winning in 1:49.3 (:26.2). Krispy Apple was second, Drop The Ball closed to finish third and Economy Terror was fourth.   

Rocklamation ($6.20) is a five-year-old mare by Rocknroll Hanover, out of the mare Art Sale by Artsplace. She’s owned by Jerry and Theresa Silva Stables, Stable 45 and Our Horse Cents Stables, trained by Ron Burke and Yannick Gingras was in the bike.