Last night at the Meadowlands were some Grand Circuit races which were perfect setups for the trotters as they continue their march to the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks. The chances of some horses seems to have become clearer.
Margarita Momma is definitely the filly to beat in the Oaks. MM went a tough trip and grinded out a victor against Gabby's Gambol who, while a maiden, was quite impressive. Graceful Sister did not disgrace herself in the same division of the Coaching Club Trotting Oaks and may have punched her ticket to the Oaks.
In the first division of the Dickerson Cup, it became clear that one of my favorites, Russell Hill is not Hambletonian caliber. While he may still go in the Hambo, yesterday's effort seems to show that he is a solid 2nd tier horse. He will make his money but not racing against the top tier horses. While Hot Shot Blue Chip finished 2nd against Cesar A Blue Chip, his two breaks during the race are of concern. The Chancellor looked like an easy winner until he broke in the stretch and went from a dead heat for 3rd to 7th.
In the second division of the Dickerson cup, Explosive Matter seems to have finally shown his form from last year while Citation Lindy put on a gutsy performance to finish second.
In the second division of the Coaching Club Trotting Oaks, Broadway Schooner seems to be finally showing some talent with her third place finish. Seaside seemed to overcome her breaking problems to gather a win. Neither one of these seem to be a challenger for Margarita Momma.
In non-Grand Circuit action, it seems Buck I St Pat has definitely tailed off by finishing second in the Mares Preferred pace. Hopefully, her connections will be able to get her back into form soon.
Up at Goshen Historic Track, it was a great day of racing. The grandstand was almost full (today it will be packed) and the people seemed to enjoy themselves for a great afternoon of racing. Granted a lot of children were in attendance but it goes to show you if you market harness racing as an event you can draw people, even without betting. The driving colony for the day was unusually strong for Goshen as you had drivers like Jack Baggitt Jr, Jason Bartlett, Stephane Bouchard, Billy Dobson, Andy Miller, Jordan Stratton, Steve Smith and Ray Schnittker driving regularly on the card. The amateur races were also very competitive. Out of the eleven races on the card, only three of them were open length winners. The people were treated to a great day.
Actually, there were a couple of impressive horses at Goshen yesterday which may be worth watching as the season progresses. In the Landmark Stakes for 3yo pacing fillies, Eagle Way won her third start of the year in 1:58. She will be one to watch as the year goes on. Also, Co Ed Desire, looked sharp in finishing second in her first start of the year (5 for 6 last year in KY). Expect her to show up in the open stake races as the season goes on.
Enjoy your Fourth of July Holiday. Be safe and if at the track, may your longshots be winners.
2 comments:
Hello, love your blog. However I am hoping that your brain was moving faster than your fingers when you typed in "Buck I St Pat has definitely tailed off by finishing second in the Mares Preferred PACE." I think she is still a trotter...LOL
Happy Fourth of July, Rebecca
You are correct, I meant trotter. However, if the connections of Buck I St Pat want to try her on the pace, they don't need to give me credit for the idea.
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