Northern Exposure; Jersey Giants

The big Saturday features this week take us to Canada, where Woodbine hosts the Princess Final and the Diplomat Final, starring sophomores. The co-starring events are at the Meadowlands. Of course, there are four John Simpson Stakes on Friday, May 10, for soph-filly-and-colt trotters and those Grand Circuit races will be covered in this week’s Hambletonian Trail blog, brought to you exclusively by TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society.

Speaking of exclusive, more harness horses to watch (H2W) appear on our weekly list from tracks around North America.

As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning the Pick 4 at Woodbine on Saturday nights continue. And now, get the same deal with Pick 4s at Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet, and double points plus (click here).

Check out the details for Woodbine here.

Check out the Hoosier details here.

Diplomats And Princesses

Canadian three-year-old pacers are in action as May moves onward and the colts meet in the final of the Diplomat (colts) and Princess (fillies) pacing series at Woodbine on May 11. There could be future stars in this group as the divisions’ members develop into summer. The fillies chase a purse of $55,600 while the colts and geldings square off for $55,800.

Belle Boyd should be the choice for the filly field, as she was very strong winning the second leg of the Princess at 1-9 after taking round one. In leg two she made up 6 lengths to catch pace-setter Super Soph, second choice at 5-1. Trainer Carl Jamieson’s gal should fill most of the win pool. Bucking this dominant filly means a small shot or a pass. We will go with Super Soph to take her out at a price.

Given a trip not unlike the one that got him second at 64-1 in leg two of the Diplomat Series, Orillia Joe could overcome the recent successes of Veradero Hanover, who won the first leg, and Rockin Wizard, who took the second. Rockin Wizard went wire to wire in his affair for trainer Bob McIntosh, while “Varadero” was unable to overcome an outside journey in round two as he did winning round one. Still, trainer Richard Moreau’s student could win with a good trip but should the two have their disagreements on the pace of the mile, “Joe” could come up with a big win at a big price.

Tough Trot Tribe

The big boys, so to speak, those hard-nosed older trotters, are featured in two elims for the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial, both worth $40,000, at the Meadowlands on May 11.

In split one, Trond Smedshammer gears up Calchips Brute, from 11 races already this season, to probably take this one. Some familiar faces make up the seven here, including Guccio in his second appearance as a four-year-old. Wishing Stone, a transcontinental trotter going for Ron Burke these days, will be gunning and don’t overlook Opening Night in exotics.

The second “Cutler” story includes Modern Family, fresh off of a big win last week. But he will have to do better to assure his place here, especially with Mister Herbie, who debuts and may not need a race against these, most younger and most still getting their feet wet for the new season.

Also on the Cutler program, the Hudson River Series brings together a strong field of four- and five-year-olds with a $58,000 pures. Here is another chance for a price with Yo Cheyenne Rocky, who is yet to peak and has raced with the best types here.

And, a $50,000 Free-For-All Championship unites regulars from the Yonkers battles early on in the season, with Foiled Again looking to plow through another divisional wall of strong foes. We like the second return of Hurrikane Kingcole at four and would not be surprised if he has a surprise for some of the veterans here by cutting fiery fractions and holding on to win at a price.

H2W Legend

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