A Great Weekend of Racing Action

Top racing occurs this weekend around North America as stakes season really fires up.

On Friday night at the Meadowlands, the Invitational Trot goes without Lucky Jim. A short but talented field of six trotters does battle; I expect a big effort from Prayer I Am in this race.

Over at Yonkers, while the open 3yos go on Saturday evening, six divisions of state breds go in the NYSS for 3yopc. I always like looking at these NYSS pacers because you never know, the next Kenneth J may come upon the scene. In addition to the sire stakes, there are good fields of Open trotters and F-M pacers in to go.

Saturday brings some top racing to the NY/NJ metropolitan area. At Yonkers Raceway, the $421,000 Art Rooney Final (3yocp) featuring Barber Pole and Hypnotic Blue Chip leads a strong card. The companion stake for 3yofp, the $293,000 Lismore Final goes with with Indulge Me and Spoiled Beach. In addition to these races, there is a strong field of Open pacers. How strong? You have Psilvuheartbreaker, a horse that earned over $178,000 without a victory this year in the field.

Over at The Meadowlands, there is NJ state bred action with the $200,000 finals for the NJSS for 3yo trotting colts and fillies. Does Hambo favorite Muscle Hill improve off of his 1:53.1 seasonal debut? The final for trotting fillies sees Margarita Momma and Gabbys Dream competing. For the NJ bred 3yo pacers, there is the Miss New Jersey ($175,000) and the Jersey Classic ($500,000).

Balmoral 's FFA Pace is of note on Saturday as the seasonal debut of Art Official takes place as he preps for the Dan Patch Invitational on June 20th.

The action north of the border is hot at Mohawk as well on Saturday night. Arch Madness and Corleone Kosmos take each other on in the $320,000 Classic Series Trotting Final. Falls for You heads the $320,000 Classic Series Trotting Final for Fillies & Mares. In addition to the Classic Series finals for trotters, there are finals on the pacing side as well as four divisions of the Burlington Stakes.

It is going to be a great weekend of racing. If I am missing any other races of interest, let me know.