For photos from the Meadowlands contact Lisaphoto@playmeadowlands.com

Saturday, May 3, 2014

The Queen is Dead and Other Things

Sad news that Moni Maker has passed away.  The Queen of Trotting died at the age of 21 as the result of colic.  In Moni Maker's last start, she raced under saddle in an exhibition with jockey Julie Krone in the saddle.  If you didn't get to see her race, you missed a great one.  I suggest you go to YouTube and catch some of the videos of her racing on both sides of the Atlantic.  In the meanwhile, here is Moni Maker's RUS trial.




Speaking of things passing, tonight is the final standardbred card at Hazel Park Raceway.  After this evening, the trotters are being pushed aside for the benefit of thoroughbred horsemen as harness racing has apparently worn out its welcome due to political issues and an unwillingness for horsemen to pay to enter their horses to race in overnight events, money going to the track (yes, it sounds an awful like kickbacks).  So if you are in the Hazel Park area, stop in and see the passing of an era and remember the good days.

If you can deal with crowds, today may be a good day to head to your local tracks as many tracks are running special promotions all day tied into the Kentucky Derby.  Among the tracks doing something different are Pocono Downs which will race a double header starting at 11AM and Tioga Downs, which starts at 5pm but then takes an hour off for the Derby before resuming their card.  It stinks that harness tracks depend on the runners to pay the bills, but it is what it is.


Sunday Night has the initial two Grand Circuit events at Miami Valley Gaming.  In the Sam 'Chip' Noble II Memorial Pace (Race 8), three east coast mares look like they will take the top honors.  My selection for that race is 4-2-7-1.  The price won't be great but you will collect.  In the 9th race, the Miami Valley Distaff Trot, Maven is the one they are talking about,. making her parimutuel debut for 2014 on Sunday night but at 4-5. I will try to beat her.  I  will go with Palone and Cowgirl Hall at 8-1, making my numbers  3-5-6--8.

Have a great Saturday.

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