Showing posts with label harness sires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label harness sires. Show all posts

  • Freshmen In Focus

    POSTED Aug 21, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    The green pacers and trotters have not been racing for long but the best of the frosh-colt pacers so far are about to strut their stuff in Metro Pace eliminations at Mohawk this Saturday, Aug. 24. The biggest feature for the future glamour boys is the highlight of their season and next week the final will showcase the top finishers in this week’s elims. 
     
    Our glamour-boy trotters are also back on Sunday, Aug. 25, fighting at Vernon in the “Zweigs” (colts and fillies a-trottin’) and since only eight dropping into the box for the Cane Pace for the colt pacers at Tioga, no elims will be necessary; next week presents the $360,212 final.
     
    More live horses are projected in our exclusive horses to watch (H2W) list from tracks around North America.
     
    TwinSpires offers special bonuses for Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet. Check out the Hoosier details here.
     
    Metro Men  
     
    Saturday, Aug. 24, Mohawk sets up the field for the top frosh-colt pacing stakes, The Metro with three elimination miles, each with a purse of $40,000. 
     
    In set one we have Arthur Blue Chip, who we gave out last week as he won his Nassagaweya split against similar at 7-1. He may be bet more heavily here but still be worth it. More than an outside chance, however, goes to outside post 9 and Avalanche Hanover. He is another son of Somebeachsomewhere, this one trained by Linda Toscano, and he is bound to be in the mix for a shot at the big final.  
     
    The next elim divison finds our other Nassagaweya winner, also paying 7-1, in a good spot to repeat. He is Somewhere In LA. Also raring for a good spot in the final and a possible upset here (odds are unpredictable) is Play It Again Sam. 
     
    The third elim also leans towards the talents of another Somebeachsomewhere colt, Idealbeach Hanover. He was third to Somewhere In LA last week and may escape some bettors who like entries by more popular trainers. Carracci Hanover is also from the same sire and may be as good as the other frosh members of that family.
     
    ‘Great’ And Green Ladies
     
    The Metro sister event for the frosh-filly pacers is the She’s A Great Lady and there are two $35,000 elims in store for this group. 
     
    These are two tough miles to handicap but in round one we are leaning toward Bahama Blue. She is the only filly here by Somebeachsomewhere and there is no denying that among these unpredictable youngsters, his influence is turning into money this season. 
     
    That being said, there are three from the sire in the second elim but we like a gal from the sire Well Said. She is Take That Hanover, trained by local John Darling.
     
    Super Trotters Return
     
    The soph-colt trotters battle again, this time at Vernon on Aug. 25 in the $360,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial. The fillies have their own version and a consolation for each division makes for a quartet of good wagering action. Read our analysis through the spinoff blog dedicated to top horses headed for the Breeders Crown.

    Go to Breeders Crown Countdown.

    Canadian Pacing Derby

    Two eliminations for the Canadian Pacing Derby attract 15-hopefuls as they prepare to dash this weekend for spots in the final field.

    Bolt The Duer seems to hold favoritism in division one, off of a world-record mile at Saratoga. Also in that field is Sweet Lou, coming off a third to A Rocknroll Dance in a world-record mile at Pocono. Sweet Lou is the kind of horse that can win eliminations against this caliber and going against this field he may not be a tremendous price but offer enough value for us to feel confident supporting him. 

    Warrawee Needy and A Rocknroll Dance highlight the second elimination. Although those two draw the best over the rest of the field, Pet Rock is not one to throw out. He always finds his way into the race, whether he uses an early brush to the lead or a sweep past everyone late. He’ll likely be forwardly placed and save something for the stretch.

    H2W Legend

    Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track. These are possible contenders we have judged from reviewing races. 

    The horses’ names are listed beneath the name of the track after the date they will be racing. The race in which they are entered (R and race number) follows. If a + is in front of a horse’s name it means it is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” signals the horse is entered but on the also-eligible list. Types of wagering on any of the H2W listed horses are based on your judgment. If you have any questions, email us at TwinSpires. 

    H2W

    Batavia
    8/23/13, Marvelthisbliss R1
    8/24/13. +Native Roots R3

    Ocean
    8/23/13, +Powerful Passage R5; Fandemoniom R10

    Plainridge
    8/24/13, +Go Go Cocomo R1 

    Pocono
    8/24/13, Raging Grin R2; Harbor Point R3; DM Bodatious R4; Cashendash Hanover R8; Drive All Night R11

    Running Aces
    8/24/13, +My Cover Girl R1; +Steph’s Place R3; +Poetic Movement R3; +Shark Standing R6; +Gift Of Honor R7

    The Red Mile
    8/24/13, Banco Solo R2; Ma Chere Hall R12

    Tioga
    8/23/13, Maggie O R1; Celebrity Spitfire R3; Cruise Queen R8
    8/24/13, Strong Hope R6; Wisenheimer R9

    Yonkers
    8/23/13, EL Rock R3; Fox Valley Sage R4; Virgin Mary R9; JK Fine Art R11
     

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Stars On Tap In Saturday Stakes

    POSTED Aug 14, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    There is no shortage of harness stars in weekend programs in the east. Highlighted by the return of the pacing-champ Captaintreacherous, pacers and trotters, young and old, are ready to battle for big dough on Saturday, Aug. 17. 
     
    Pocono Downs’ Super Stakes Saturday tops the bill, with Saratoga featuring the six-digit final of the Joe Gerrity for open pacers and Mohawk offering Grand Circuit stakes, including the Nassagaweya for two-year-old colt pacers and the Eternal Camnation for two-year-old filly pacers. Also on the docket, the famous Gold Cup & Saucer presents its 54th edition from Charlottetown Driving Park.
     
    More live horses are projected in our exclusive horses to watch (H2W) list from tracks around North America.

    Check the launch of this year's Breeders Crown Countdown blog, the official bettors' reference to all races leading to and the elims and finals of the 2013 series.
     
    TwinSpires offers special bonuses for Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet. Check out the Hoosier details here. 
     
    Super-Duper Day 
     
    Saturday, Aug. 17, Pocono’s stakes group consists of the Valley Forge, Colonial Trot and Battle of the Brandywine. The sophomore filly and colt pacers, along with colt trotters, will be vying for a piece of the $2.5-million pie offered at the mountain oval. 
     
    The cavalcade of stakes action kicks off with the $75,000 Valley Forge II, one of a pair of consolations, where the betting board should be buzzing. Morning-line favorite Uf Dragon’s Queen has not only been improving recently but appears to be at her peak. She races against a weak field of soph fillies, the class that best fits her chances to win.  
     
    Since her victory in the Adioo Volo, Nikki Beach has become a money-burner. In her last start she went off at 9-5 and finished third to Somwherovrarainbow in a sires stake. She appears to be a one-dimensional racer, which makes most what’s bet on her equal to the money lost betting the longest shot every race. Her favoritism will prove to be beneficial for Handsoffmycupcake, likely to go off above her 7-2 morning line in the other Valley Forge consolation. She has recently reached a height in her performance, with her last start among her most impressive; going first over through fast fractions and holding the runner-up position to final starter Novascotia Hanover. The rail is an ideal spot for Handsoffmycupcake, allowing her to get closer to the pace with ease. 
     
    Chris Ryder holds the cards in the $350,000 Valley Forge final with his star filly I Luv The Nitelife heading in as headliner. Although she has been defeating this group week to week, this looks to be her toughest contest. 
     
    Improving since her last meeting in the James Lynch, Somwherovrarainbow seeks redemption and victory. In a race where speed is the adjective, Somwherovrarainbow can use her gate speed to her advantage, getting a spot near the lead while the fight happens in front of her. 
     
    The co-feature to the night is the trio of Colonial events for the glamour-boy trotters. Consolation two as a team of Hambletonian starters in Punxsutawney and Wheeling N Dealin competing against seven other second-string stakes horses. Among that seven is Andy and Erv Miller’s Team Six. Lacking a two-year-old season, the son of Yankee Glide is showing improvement in each appearance. His most recent effort at the Meadows can give a label to this colt, a mid-pack stalker that can chase down company with the help of cover. His draw might put him more towards a sharp-stalking spot but that should be no problem. 
     
    Hambletonian elimination winner Creatine and third-place finisher in the Hambletonian Oaks, To Dream On, headline the other consolation. Now, as odd as it is to have a filly go against the boys in a race like this, To Dream On will be in contention with Creatine for favoritism. Absent from that ballot is Pine Credit but he leads the value candidates in this mile. Since his failure to make the Earl Beal Final in June, he has been on a trail of improvement, being a threat on the sires stakes circuit in the Empire State. Back at his top form, he should transfer his talent on the half-mile onto the five-eighths at Pocono. 
     
    Likely to be ridiculously over bet in the Colonial Final is Hambletonian winner Royalty For Life, with that victory stamping him division leader. But because he won the Hambletonian and defeated this group before, it does not lessen the competition of this affair, which should prove profitable for us. 
     
    In the second-tier of the betting will be Smilin Eli, Spider Blue Chip and Corky. Oddly enough, the valiant effort put by Hambletonian fourth place finisher Aperfectyankee appears to be ignored. Listed at 12-1 on the morning line, he was third in his Hambletonian elimination, returning to the final by getting away far off the lead and picking off horses one by one in the stretch drive. This colt appears to be favoring the five-eighths oval, seeing as he crushed restricted class stakes horses on this track before. His post should allow him to race near the likely hot pace and pick up the remaining pieces for an upset. 
     
    With division champions like A Rocknroll Dance, Roll With Joe and Rock N Roll Heaven claiming victory in the final of past editions of the Battle of the Brandywine, Captaintreacherous will attempt to join that elite group of glamour boys. Under the final of the Battle of Brandywine are its consolations, which are competitive betting events. 
     
    Consolation two has several choices to take the most money, including Ultimate Beachboy and Only The Lonely. Pat Lachance enters a star colt from his barn, whose last start was a major appeal to his form. Sir Richard Z Tam has been showing rapid improvement in the past weeks. Two weeks ago at the Meadows, he was parked through a :25.3 first quarter, secluding to a pocket spot and sweeping passed horses into the stretch to finish second. He should have no trouble getting into contention from his post and poses a bigger threat to this group than so appears. 
     
    The first “Battle” consolation appears to be the best betting race on the stellar card. Every horse has an opportunity to win here, as well as take favoritism. Sweet Talkin Satin will likely bring a price to us due to what he’s been against these past months. 
     
    The Tom Tetrick trainee has been stationed at Hoosier Park, dominating the sires stakes bunch in Indiana. The colt’s tremendous amount of speed and control will be a perfect match for the Pocono oval, although another monster-in-the-making here is Martini Hanover. Though he looked to be a “one hit wonder” in the Adios consolation, he has proven himself to be stronger. He defeated sires stakes horses at the Meadows two weeks ago with a furious brush from the back of the pack to the lead. He should get another trip mapped out that will bring him somewhere on the board. 
     
    What needs to be said in the Battle final? With Captaintreacherous making his return off a confidant qualifier, he is set to start from post 4 and trounce. His 5-2 morning line odds is a mockery of his class and strength. Nonetheless, the more people unconvinced of his greatness, the more money into our pockets. The ideal price for “The Captain” would be even-money but it seems there are still many bettors that could be hesitant of his ability after a layoff. In fact, he will only be stronger.
     
    On the under card are three Invitationals for open horses. Kicking off the trio of Invitationals is a $50,000 Mare Pace. Drop The Ball will take all the money off of her triumph in the Lady Liberty. Showing improvement is Feeling You, closing tremendously to finish fourth last out. She makes her second start off of a layoff and will be a major player with the right trip. 
     
    Sevruga, off of his upset in the John Cashman Memorial, holds the sword for likely favorite. What’s weird is that division star Market Share, off of a horrible mile and a loss, will likely not get bet as hard with post 8 again. He remains the best in the division and exempting his loss two weeks ago, the layoff will be dangerous for everyone that looks to defeat him again. 
     
    Completing the Invitationals is the $50,000 Pace, with Pet Rock listed as the favorite from the rail. Since his last mile was unimpressive, A Rocknroll Dance will take less money. His poor effort in the U.S. Pacing Championship is nothing to look at negatively, with a lightning fast pace and zero breathers. He should have an easier time here where a super-pace is not as likely.  
     
    Eternally Yours 
     
    These two expensive miles for frosh-filly pacers, named after the beautiful Eternal Camnation, are tough-as-nails events. A look at the bloodlines may be a key to early successes. Sire Somebeachsomewhere leads all the sires of this field with frosh winners and does so by a landslide. Two of his fillies are here, both with the best inside posts. The Jamiesons’ Bahama Blue may be the best of the pair but be a judge of value, since Palm Beach Hanover, the other daughter, may offer a better deal. 
     
    There are four by the top sire in the second split but you may want to take a shot with the dead-on-speed-sired Badlyinclinded. Veteran trainer John Kopas may have this daughter of Badlands Hanover primed for a huge mile and she is sitting in post 5, arguably the best starting post at Mohawk.
     
    Frosh Frenzy 
     
    Freshman colt pacers go in the Nassagaweya duo of miles also on Aug. 17. Another top frosh-pacing sire this season is Shadow Play and his colt, Arthur Blue Chip, attacks from the prolific Jamieson barn. He wasn’t the greatest pacer, though fast when he won, but Shadow Play may turn into one hell of a sire and his frosh crops may be where the most money could be made. 
     
    In the second split, two more products of Somebeachsomewhere may rule. Idealbeach Hanover gets the rail and Somewhere In LA comes from post 7. These two may offer the best value but even if they don’t, you may have a tough time beating one or the other. 
     
    The third “Nassa” hosts only one Somebeachsomewhere with the McNairs’ Canadian Edition. There is a lot of speed-breeding in this field, with a Mach Three, a Dali and two Shadow Plays, but the great thing about the “Some”-sired youngsters is they are versatile as well as fast; so green or not, Canadian Edition may get a strong career rolling quickly with this win. 
     
    Gold Cup & Saucer
     
    The 54th running of the Gold Cup & Saucer is presented this Saturday at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
     
    Machs Beach Boy, Escape The News and Hillbilly Hanover were the trial winners. Last season we were rewarded by Hillbilly Hanover after a few disappointments but that was against colts far better than those appearing in this feature. He won the best of the three trials and seems primed for a giant mile. It is hard to say which of the trial winners will get the most wagering, since Up The Credit will get money, being a popular sort in this neck of the north woods. If the win odds are stretched out between them, value could loom for “Hillbilly.”
     
    Saratoga Speed
     
    Some of the top older pacers that did not go to Pocono will show up for the $275,000 Joe Gerrity, Jr. Memorial Final at Saratoga on Saturday. However, seven may be struggling to defeat Foiled Again. Back on the half-mile, the biggest money-winner of all time has a ragged edge against this group and he should be ready to slice them up good, so to speak.
     
    We assume trainer Ron Burke opted for Foiled Again to meet this group for a big purse instead of a smaller one at Pocono where the horse would face stronger stock. It’s smart placement and although there might not be a lot of value in backing him, we can always hope that the crowd which usually supports Bolt The Duer far more than he deserves will show up and provide a tick or two more for Burke’s bruiser. 
     
    H2W Legend
     
    Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information. The list has shortened as the stakes season ensues but still offers the best possible contenders we have judged from reviewing races.
     
    The horses’ names are listed beneath the name of the track after the date they will be racing. The race in which they are entered (R and race number) follows. If a + is in front of a horse’s name it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. 
     
    An “ae” signals the horse is entered but on the also-eligible list (so it might not get into the race). Multi-horses may be listed in the same race.  Horses from previous lists that are not racing this week will no longer appear until they are confirmed in a race. 
     
    Wagering on any of the H2W listed horses is based on your own judgment. Your handicapping skills should include decisions to wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel. 
     
    H2W 
     
    Batavia
    8/17/13, + Every Girls Desire R4; +Adelia’s Prince R6 
     
    Ocean
    8/16/13, +Ladyofcastlebrook R1; +Ray’s Big Bubba R7; Powerful Passage R8
     
    Plainridge
    8/17/13, +Preachinatthbar R2; +Stingy R4 
     
    Running Aces
    10/17/13, Steph’s Place R2; Poetic Movement R2; Dapper Dan ae R3; My Cover Girl R4;Shark Standing R8; Cantholdmebackmack R9; Allamerican Redhot R10 
     
    The Red Mile
    8/15/13, Lauderdale R8
    8/17/13, Deo Gloria R4; Neddy Number Two R6
     
    Tioga
    8/16/13, Jk Geronimo R2; Samartina R3; Here Again R7 
     
    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Cotolo’s Harness Review, News And Notes

    POSTED Jun 30, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    Captaintreacherous, again denied by many, this time due to his outside post position in the Max Hempt Final at Pocono on June 29, paid a remarkable $4.80 by winning the race with defiance toward every harness-handicapping notion available.  
     
    The ever-so-great sophomore pacer, with Tim Tetrick aboard again, left from post 9 and raced on the outside for all three turns of the mile, sometimes three wide, and got up by a neck to defeat Vegas Vacation in 1:49.2. And he did it on the surface that was pelted by rain an hour before the event, turning the condition of the surface to “sloppy.” 
     
    Raised eyebrows are yet to fall back into place; the “Captain” is going every bit as perfectly as we predicted from the start of his soph career. It could be that we have seen the last time he will win at anywhere near 7-5. Twice now we have urged readers to wager on him over even money and twice the Captain came through. This is indeed a special pacer, a racer of greatness, able to avert adversity for the sake of winning. 
     
    We were also correct about the Ben Franklin Final, as Bolt The Duer received the trip needed to win, paying $6.80. 
     
    Our speculation into the onslaught of freshman races over the weekend produced only one winner and it was very obvious to all. He’s Watching won at Saratoga Harness and paid a paltry $2.90. The remainder of our ventures into the frosh world were all failures from 8-5 to 51-1. 
     
    For result stories and our winners on soph-colt-and-filly trotters’ stakes, visit the Hambletonian Society’s special archive page for the Hambletonian Trail stories. 
     
    H2W 
     
    $9.40 Cheyenne Cam, Buffalo
    $6.80 Columbia Art, Northfield
    $3.60 Hillbilly, Pompano
    $2.40 Vodka Is Terror, Saratoga 
     
    The following are the horses that finished second or third along with their post-time odds. Special notes on those finishes follow. 
     
    Seconds:
    The Riddler (8-5), Maywood 
     
    Thirds:
    Guts N Glory (2-1), Maywood; Misty’s Dignity (6-1), Northfield; MJ’s Victory (3-1), Northfield; Lislea Bonita (7-1), Scarborough; Parthenon (3-1), Running Aces; Twentyone Guns (5-1), Running Aces 
     
    All adjustments for returnees to the list and additions will be in the Thursday blog. 
     
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    News And Notes

    Also at Pocono on June 29, Foiled Again’s win in the Ben Franklin Final put the stalwart pacer’s earnings over the $5-million mark, putting him third to Varenne and Moni Maker on the list of standardbred’s highest earners. Much like Captaintreacherous did in his win on the same program, Foiled Again took an overland journey to win, catching Pet Rock and Razzle Dazzle at the wire. Now a nine-year-old, Foiled Again joined the Ron Burke stable in 2008. 
     
    With Arch Madness cutting the fractions in Pocono’s opening race on June 29, Uncle Peter got the perfect trip right behind him to come out in the stretch and win in 1:50.3. That is the fastest mile won by a trotter on a five-eighths track. Arch Madness fired major fractions of :26.2, :55 and 1:22.1 to allow Uncle Peter the speed badge. 
     
    Though we offered an alternative to the mighty I Luv The Nitelife in the June 29 James Lynch Final at Pocono, we also warned of this filly’s dominance over her soph division. When she won the “Lynch” she became the sport’s newest millionaire. This is rare so early in the season but she could be as special for her sex as the Captain is for his division. It was her fourth-straight win this year, having taken the Fan Hanover in Canada and winning her Lynch elim last week. 
     
    More baby races at the Meadowlands over the weekend offered some tips on youngsters looking in fine fettle to battle as the frosh season ensues. Trotting colts Flacco and Trixton, both trained by Jimmy Takter were impressive in wins. Trixton was the most expensive trotting yearling sold at auction last year, bringing a final bid of $360,000. He won for the second time in baby events.
     
    Dottie Major won at first asking for trainer Nick Surick; Put On A Display, a $175,000 Somebeachsomewhere filly led all way to win; colt pacers Murder He Wrote and Winds Of Change looked strong in victory. Two-year-old colts Stay Up Late and Avalanche Hanover also made good impressions.
     
    Extraordinary Extras
     
    Indulge in many standardbred topics at my Hoof Beats blog titled Vast Performances. 
     
    Every weekend as part of that blog we offer Balmoral Pick-4-and-win picks at the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program page which includes suggested win bets. 
     
    Recent Balmoral winners in tickets include:
     
    TE's Zenyatta, $32.40; Bring It All, $20.00; Galactic Star, $8.40; Shiswell's Delight, $8.40; Dontbeachatme, $8.00; Make Me Fly, $4.60; Mister Virgin, $4.00; Justlivinthedream, $2.80, $2.20.
     
    Connect to Twitter and follow Frank and Ray Cotolo for up-to-the-minute suggestions on wagers at many harness raceways. Then, wager from your TwinSpires accounts.  
     
    Ray Cotolo contributed to this blog.
     

     

    Cartoons by Thom Pye

  • Profit Targets

    POSTED Feb 6, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    Some minor stakes-series action continues at the New Meadowlands this weekend. Other than that, we are scouting the overnights around North America for value plays.

    Also, this weekend, TwinSpires once again offers 10-percent bonuses on Pick-4 hits, this week adding Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday nights to Saturday night’s early exotic at Woodbine.

    Check out the details for Woodbine here.

    Checkout the details for Buffalo here.

    Our exclusive horses-to-watch list (H2W) added Buffalo entries a few weeks back and it would worth your time to look for some of those horses listed on this blog in case they find a spot in the Wednesday, Feb. 13 Pick 4. Be aware that there is a blizzard warning in the Buffalo, New York area for this weekend and that could require racing to cancel. The same storm may affect northwest Pennsylvania, so the warning for closure spreads to the Meadows, also on the H2W list below.

    We have added the Woodine Pick-4 events to the H2W below (our top two choices for each of the Woodbine Pick-4 events) so you can be aware of some of our suggested contenders, all of which we hope will help you cash a larger exotic than would result from dead-on public choices.

    Last week our H2W list was on fire. We continue this week aiming for huge profits, which is nothing new for us—profit-making choices are our targets, always.

    Minor Leagues

    The Junior Trendsetter is a conditioned series for soph-colt pacers, giving us a glimpse of the division for the first time this season. Leg one features three divisions ($12,500 a field) on Friday, Feb. 8 at The New Meadowlands.

    In the first split Wilco is a 4-5 morning-line choice, leaving some contenders around him with upset shots. Beachfront was beaten by Wilco twice but had excuses with each mile that may not be in play this week. The Somebeachsomewhere gelding may be good at three and if he begins to show it now this could be the best price you will get on him.

    Next, our attention is drawn to Rock Icon, who was unraced at two and is coming from a grand local debut against similar stock as here. This is a son of Rocknroll Hanover, making him an instant contender regardless of his lack of credentials. The colt deserves a big shot here, especially at the probable price against already proven losers.

    In the nightcap, Fiftyshadesdarker may be a legitimate favorite and still over-priced at that. His thermo-brush last week left him parked but that might not be his position this time around the two turns. The probable favorite, Terror High, who just beat Rock Icon last week, went a similar trip and may be over-bet compared to the former.

    Saturday, Feb. 9’s Exit 16W series starts the card with a trio of $18,000 divisions. This is a series for four-year-old male pacers that will go on to challenge tougher elders as the season ensues. Here against their own age we might see some worthwhile betting action.

    Division one may be a showcase for Papa Ray since he began the season armed. But the outside spot for Yo Cheyenne Rocky may help his odds to be higher than his chances. He’s fast enough to overcome the post and has been tough in four starts.

    Next, Holdingallthecards attempts to stay perfect after dominating four events, three a sweep of a series. Mr Dennis gets another shot at him, though, and may be able to turn the tables here.

    Completing the triptych, seven closely matched males will pace and shuffle for a winner. We like Cee Pee Panic, who we won with a few weeks back. He’s in a great spot to win another for trainer Ron Burke.

    Legend


    Always review the H2W legend, published weekly, to authenticate the choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    Before the horses’ names is the track, followed on the next paragraph by a date it (or they) will be racing, with the race in which they are entered (R and race number). If a + is in front of a horse’s name, it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” means the horse is on the also-eligible list and needs a scratch to get into the race. Sometimes up to three horses are listed in the same race; it is up to you how to deal with the situation (note that in the past this situation has resulted in exacta and triples).  

    If a horse that has appeared on the list but was scratched or is not racing its second week consecutively, you will see a N/R after its name and will appear on a separate line from dated entries. And if a horse shows up at another track in its second week of being listed, it will display the plus sign as indicated above.  

    There is a margin of error, of course, so we encourage you to keep your own list along with our list to be sure our H2W is free of mistakes.

    All members of the list need to be considered serious contenders in the races noted. Wagering on any of them is based on your own judgment of value, as well as if you wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel.

    H2W

     
    Buffalo
    2/8/13, Quiet Judy R2; Sharp Lady R5; +Hidden Dragon R10
    Dudley Doright N/R; Fourstarzconfusion N/R; Grayland Becky N/R    

    Cal Expo
    2/8/13, Matty Rose R5; +Girls Lie Too R5; Smiling Major R6; Mister Fra R7; Wildcats Major R7; Windy City Paige R9; +Forever My Love R10; Barona Destiny R15
    2/9/13, Gliding Boheme R1; Lucky Asset R5; Paul The Powerful R5; L S Orchardwinner R7; Skyway Major R8; +Viking Mia R9; Hillcrest Romeo R9; Dukeofhazards R9; Connie’s Lady R10; Bewareofthisaffair R12; +Mighty Kicker R13; Heartland Express R15
    Cat Call N/R; Blue Boy Yankee N/R

    Fraser
    2/8/13, Red Star Bogart R1; Come Around Back R1; Anasazzi Road R1; Fancy Ideal R3; Red Star Vickers R4; +Millbanks Ariel R7; +Cody Cobraski R8; Thieving Magpie R8; +Bobbysslackystar R9; Promise To Lynette R9; +Kg Mattattack R11
    Procrastinationatinpeat N/R; Latino Hall N/R; Rich As Promised N/R 

    Freehold
    2/8/13, +Hello Linda R3; +Sammy L R6
    2/9/13, +Pocketfullapower R4; Move On R5; +GW Gizmo R12; Major Domo R12
    Devine Filly N/R; The Midnight Owl N/R  

    Maywood
    Racing returns Feb. 14

    Meadowlands
    2/8/13, Mystical Victress R1; +Celebrity Bombay R5; Live Jazz R6; +Lucky Roll R8; +Dragon Princess R9
    2/9/13, Astor R4; Oscar Oscar R6; Fiveknuckleshuffle R9; Odin Blue Chip R12
    Delightful Diva N/R; April Sunshine N/R;;

    The Meadows
    2/8/13, Thisoneandonemore R3; They Call Me Moon ae R3; +Bloomington R4; +Ram Jam R4; +Grin-n-scoot R5; Hillcrest Bigdaddy ae R5; +Campo Basso R6; +Haverford Hanover R7; Polo Johnny R7; Striking Lauren R10; +Aj Niko D’oro R10; Just Pretend A R11; Touch Of Steel R11; Pembroke Snapshot R12;
    TK Diva N/R; Charles Ray N/R

    Northfield
    2/6/13, +Hatitha R13
    2/8/13, Billys Joni R13; +Jessies Band R14
    Arts Shadow N/R; Katies Dreamboat N/R; Dawn Of New Money N/R; Beforethenightstarts N/R; Iknowwhatboyslike N/R
     
    Pompano
    2/9/13, KM Sweet Dreams R2; +Peaceful Prince R2; Allamerican Major R4; Competition Cam R4; Premier R4; Artistic Topaz R5; Victory Commection R7; +Ricks Sign R8
    Whiteland Will N/R

    Yonkers
    2/8/13, +Chang Dynasty R5
    Mobile N/R; Macho Lindy N/R; Summer Snow N/R; Hulas Z Tam N/R

    Woodbine Pick 4
    Race 4, In A Craze; PL Earl
    Race 5, Wine Photo; Mr Joe Sixpack
    Race 6, Reibercrombie; Odysseus Bluechip
    Race 7; Anderlecht; Upfront Hoosierboy

     
    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • The Breeders Crown Overture

    POSTED Oct 17, 2012 By Frank Cotolo
    For the next two weeks this TwinSpires blog and the exclusive Breeders Crown Countdown blog will work in tandem to address the eliminations and finals of the classic series involving all divisions of the standardbred racing world.

    It begins with complete coverage of all the Breeders Crown elims, two nights of races on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, a week before the finals (all on the same evening) at Woodbine.

    There won’t be eliminations for all 12 divisions. On Friday, Oct. 19, three freshman divisions will present elim races. On Saturday, Oct. 20, three sophomore divisions plus the Open Mare Trot hold preliminary races.

    The race divisions going directly to finals are the frosh-filly trot, the soph-filly trot, the Mare Pace and the Open Trot. Horses getting a bye, which means they can skip any preliminary event and go directly into the field of the final, will be mentioned inside the text analyzing those races.
     
    This blog will present Friday eliminations and the “Countdown” blog will present Saturday’s races. Next week we will split the finals with analysis’s of six for each blog.

    Shuffle your attention to catch all of the coverage, available exclusively at TwinSpires in cooperation with the Hambletonian Society.

    Freshmen Frolic

     
    We begin with the first of a pair of two-year-old colt pace elims on the Friday program. There have rarely been, in any divisions, as worthy a 1-5 morning-line shot than is Captaintreacherous. Perhaps his sire, Somebeachsomewhere qualifies, but outside the family, so to speak, what is there to do with this race that has not surfaced in the other eight races of this colt’s career?

    There are only seven horses here, two of which have never met “Captain.” One of them, Up And Out, appears to be no threat by means of speed or class. The other, Twilight Bonfire, may have more speed than he has shown in 10 races but he has only won a pair of them and has beaten others that do not seem to stand as tall as Captain.

    So you pass or you watch in wonder or you see an upset that is unpredictable because for it to happens would involve bizarre circumstances that have no place in any scenario one should use handicapping a harness race. Perhaps the two others mentioned could add to a decent priced trifecta if criss-crossed behind Captain.

    The second frosh-colt elim is where to look for value. The outside contender here is Good Day Mate. He may be the fourth choice in this group but cannot be overlooked per his recent trips, a pair of excused journeys and both against Captaintreacherous.

    He was second to Captain at 5-1 two back at The Red Mile, while his second venture there found him fourth against Captain while taking the overland route. He shapes up against the obvious top three (the 4, 5 and 7) and will not get the kind of action he received in the pair of failures. In one of those, he beat Apprentice Hanover, the morning-line favorite here.

    The single elim for frosh-colt trotters (Don’t You Forget It and Major Athens have byes) sets up to be a tempest between some heavy young hitters. One of them, Wheeling N Dealin, is yet to lose in his career, bringing a streak of seven wins to this mile. He must deal with Fashion Blizzard for the first time and these two face the danger of canceling each other out, leaving an outsider in a great spot to upset.

    That colt is one that failed us in the past two weeks but has every right to be the tortoise to those two hares in this situation. He is Caveat Emptor, a son of Deweycheatumnhowe that suffered enough trouble to make every event where he has appeared since he won on Aug. 19 suspect of his losses.

    What a price this colt will offer having a legitimate chance to strike down the streak by Wheeling N Dealin and leave “Blizzard” for an exotic-ticket position. Beware of this colt, he could even wire this field if he improves and stays out of trouble and, of course, if he doesn’t jump. But at the price he will be worth the shot.

    The single filly pace mile has 10 of the 13 to go in the final. A trio received byes included top divisional filly I Luv The Nitelife, Parlee Beach and UF Dragon’s Queen. The 10 left are a tightly knitted field of competitors making this event rife for an upset.

    It’s difficult to tell as of this writing but if Love Canal lives up to her morning-line odds or is at least the second choice to L Dees Lioness or tied with Nikki Beach, she would be an overlay worth supporting.

    A bigger surprise could come with the performance of Power Pack Hanover. She is two for two and could be getting better by the step. She certainly will be worth a chance to win, as the crowd will most likely dismiss her. We would rather speculate on her improvement with a wager, as the Somebeachsomewhere filly could be awaiting a monstrous sophomore season and be able to send up a flare with this elim and next week’s final.

    For Saturday’s Crown action at Woodbine, click here.
      

  • A Hot Hiatus Before Heading For Ohio

    POSTED Sep 12, 2012 By Frank Cotolo
    This week the Grand Circuit pauses for a well-deserved hiatus, catching its breath before it rolls into Delaware, Ohio, testing all eight divisions in one form or another on the speedy half-mile track for a week ending with the Jugette and Little Brown Jug features. Watch this blog for information on “Jug”-week input coming all next week. 

    The betting menu, however, remains full, with special state-bred features in the Midwest to another million-dollar affair for glamour-boy trotters over the northern border. There is plenty of action to go around before the whirlwind programs set for national heroes in Ohio next week. 

    Along with the Hambletonian Society and TwinSpires, our exclusive theater covering all the major activity in stakesville [sic] that could affect the 2012 series of champion-making events ensues at the specific blog, the Breeders Crown Countdown. The big show is presented again this year on a single card at Woodbine. Check the blog often for updates on great betting opportunities that don’t appear in the regular TwinSpires blog.  

    Freehold Feature


    On Friday, Sept. 14 the glamour-boy trotters go at it again with another cast of characters from the division in the $80,000 Charles Smith Memorial at Freehold. This is the scene of our introduction to the colt that turned out to be this year’s Hambletonian champ, Market Share. Though he lost the first major stakes on the Hambletonian Trail, he went on to enjoy the big mile at the Meadowlands and trot a hell of a mile when it counted most. But Market Share is not around for the “Smith” (see below about Mohawk).

    This event puts a lot of money on the line for a second-string field in the division, none of which have won more than three races during their so-called premier season. Although the top money-earner (Muscolo) has faced the top tier in the division (though he has not won a race this season), it is Frank Antonacci’s World Cup that captures our fancy.

    With not a lot of opportunities left for this colt (he is not eligible to the Breeders Crown), Antonacci has got to have him revved up for this purse. The strategy, methinks, will be simple: Have driver George Brennan take World Cup to the front as easily as possible and lead the field around the four turns, remaining in first at the wire. He may be worth the price to win as well as he could ignite a decent exotic as the key.

    Millions At Stake


    Mohawk presents the glamour-boy trotters in the Canadian Trotting Classic (CTC), a $1-million mile, on the Sept. 15 program.

    There is no doubt that trainer Linda Toscano will have Tim Tetrick gunning for a good spot early and using everything Market Share has to offer in the stretch. But some factors make this million-buck mile rife for an upset, the territory we need to cover if we are going to wager this event at all.

    Little Brown Fox is Market Share’s nemesis and has been, even though the former never made it to the Hambletonian due to a costly break in his elim. “Fox” took care of his foe in the CTC elim and the two will try to square off sometime during the mile.

    What becomes intriguing here is last week’s performance by Gym Tan Laundry. We have had a lot of faith in this guy leading to the August classic but he never truly fired until recently. In his CTC elim he flew three wide to take the lead at the first quarter against Knows Nothing and lost by a nose for the effort (he gave Knows Nothing the cover he needed as the 4-5 choice after making a strenuous quarter move to the top early against Money On My Mind.

    “Gym” is peaking at the right time, if this is a late-blooming surge. To find any value in this field, we need to go with the scenario that Gym will be the ignored contender and the opportunist to upset. In exotics with a Gym key, consider Solvato, another possible late-blooming member of the division showing recent signs of strength.

    Another $462,000 is offered frosh-colt trotters in the William Wellwood Memorial Final the same night. Isn’t is amazing to think that some of these green trotters may never be involved in a race of this stature? For sure, Aperfectyankee, who is an also eligible here,is not one of those, even if he does not get into this fray. Should he make it, look for a neat price on him, since it will have taken a scratch to get him here (he is the Peter Haughton winner, who inherits the future-book choice to win next year’s Hambo).

    Julie Miller’s student, My Man Can, is a definite danger here, as he looks for only his second win. Having overcome a foot injury, My Man Can is primed by the people who brought you Manofmanymission, last year’s terror of a trotter when on gait. My Man Can is “a big horse,” says trainer Julie, “but he’s just great to be around on and off the track.”

    Also look for some value in Cool Victory, who has been showing more talent each time he shows up for a race. He could be a good price here and is looking like he could be peaking as the end of the season arrives.

    The big stakes trio is completed with frosh-filly trotters battling in the $435,000 Peaceful Way Final. All eyes and most of the money will be upon To Dream On, who is five for five in her first season, including the Merrie Annabelle on Hambo day at the Meadowlands.

    She walloped her elim foes last week for trainer Jimmy Takter and seems to be worth every bit of her $200,000 yearling price. If we go against her it will be due to a price, almost an overlay guarantee in fact, from Bee-A-Magician, the filly that won the second elim. We love Kadabra frosh fillies and this one can only get better as long as she stays fit. If Takter’s undefeated gal were not here, Bee-A-Magician would probably be a prohibitive favorite. Perhaps the upset exacta is simple: Bee-A-Magician to To Dream On.
     
    Super Night

    Eight high-pursed events line the Super Night program at Balmoral on Sept. 15. At press time, the races had not been drawn. But based on elimination action, here are some of the horses we suggest you use as contenders in the night’s active stakes schedule.

    Frosh-colt pacer = Collet Hotspur
    Frosh-filly pacer = Thank You Doc
    Soph-colt pacer = Zall Good
    Soph-filly pacer = Fox Valley Hermia, Financial Effort
    Soph-and-up pace = Sporty Gypsy

    Watch Twitter, @FrankCotolo for late updates and more on-the-spot pics this Saturday evening.

  • Stakes Have Stars Spread Out For Action

    POSTED Sep 5, 2012 By Frank Cotolo


    National stars spread out this weekend to address some state-bred purses and more Grand Circuit events before all eyes focus on the herd’s arrival at Delaware, Ohio for Little Brown Jug week.

    Let’s look at the swarm of events that may warrant some valuable betting opportunities, along with our suggested contenders, most predicted to be overlays at press time.

    The Hambletonian Society and TwinSpires continue to generate extra activity at the Breeders Crown Countdown, following all eight divisions in the classic events, scheduled to be presented again this year on a single card at Woodbine. Check the blog often for updates on great betting opportunities from race analysis’s that don’t appear in the regular TwinSpires blog. This week, follow the Champlains and Simcoe conclusions at the blog.

    Lucrative Indiana State-Bred Splits


    Two- and-three-year-olds that are the best of Indiana this season each battle in a $200,000 Indiana Sires Stakes (INSS) Final. Let’s look at each one in order of their appearance on the Sept. 8 program, with comments for suggested contenders.

    Frosh-filly trotters start the festival of INSS blockbusters. A few of these gals are still maidens and one of them interests us. Princess Pablano, driven and trained by veteran Rod Allen, is an Allen-family homebred (her mare is CR Princess Bride). She is lightly raced this year and could be ready to move from maiden status at a price for the bettor and the best purse for Allen so far.

    It’s tough to see past Ron Burke’s Mr Jesse, though the rail could cause concern if the frosh-colt trotter has to make two moves. Even so, the most likely choice, Only Just A Dream, will have to negotiate the 10 hole and that can just help Mr Jesse. 

    Soph-filly trotters are next and you should look around the two six-digit winners this season (Blueridge Abigail and Cincinnati Star) because they can be beaten. The 10, My Sweet Sheila has been very strong for Robert Taylor and the post will add some value. Somehow, she should be in the mix if not upsetting the top two. 

    Soph-filly pacers hit the track next and we suggest you consider American Girl. Ernie Gaskin’s student has made a lot of money by winning only a third of her starts and should go into this pacing on all cylinders. 

    Soph-colt pacers could be ruled in this affair by Jammin Joshua, another Gaskin student. He has developed well over a dozen races and is in a great spot to maneuver a big mile for bettors and connections. 

    Frosh-colt pacers mix three products of Always A Virgin, with, we feel, the advantage going to Raise The Gin. Steve Carter’s colt has done everything asked of him and could top the season off with a huge increase in earnings and maybe a speed badge. 

    Next, the young filly pacers, green two-year-olds that have earned a great deal, with five maidens included. Dirt Diamond has won three of five and can turn in some wicked flashes of speed. Those credentials could compensate for post 9 and a few inside of him with bigger bankrolls. 

    Finally, soph-colt trotters conclude the six-digit purse parade. A great deal of support will be handed to the obvious and most likely winner, Jolenes Pinehonker. Aside from having a hilarious name, Lester Raber’s colt loves to win and in this context he could be the best. 

    Classic Canada Continues


    Mohawk once again presents the glamour-boy trotters in the Canadian Trotting Classic, with elims o Sept. 8. The $1-million final takes place on the Sept. 15 program. 

    Here are the two elimination fields, each followed by comments. 

    Elim 1
    1-Possess The Will; 2-Gym Tan Laundry; 3-Modern Family; 4-Appomattox; 5-Knows Nothing; 6-Guccio; 7-Money On My Mind; 7-Highland Yankee. 

    Big money has its target on Knows Nothing, who is an in and out type but remains a hometown favorite, certainly among these. We like Guccio, who looks as if his best work will be done in this second half of the season. As well, he may be able to take advantage of the speedboats that usually force the fractions in the first half of a race, including the hometown favorite. Guccio may never be able to keep up with the usual suspects that try to burn a big mile and not themselves but he is the type to take advantage of them and make a whole lot of money doing it. 

    Elim 2
    1-Little Brown Fox; 2-Lindys Jersey Boy; 3-Solvato; 4-Sormin Normand; 5-Beer Summit; 6-My Mvp; 7-Prestidigitator; 8-Magic Tonight; 9-Market Share. 

    Little Brown Fox is a major threat from the inside and may go off greater than his most recent events since Hambo-winner Market Share is here. However, that one has to negotiate post 9, as well as Stormin Normand returns to battle familiar foes. “Normand” may be the one out to prove the most, wanting to be exposed to a major mile for the money and to meet the final group head on for the million. He should be an overlay here, too. Watch for that pair, they could pull off a hefty exacta based on their overlay statuses.

    Freehold Features


    The $50,000 Helen Smith Memorial for New Jersey-bred soph-filly trotters is the Freehold highlight on Sept. 7, while frosh-colt pacers head to the gate there on Sept. 8 in the Lou Babic Memorial. 

    We would love to project a great upset for the “Smith,” but it is difficult to shy from Aunt Mel, the Erv Miller student who has been installed the morning-line choice (though 3-1 would be a generous price). 

    She won her Smith elim following wins in the Zweig for gals and a major stake at Springfield in Illinois. As the top money-earner from her class in this division in this field and from the coveted rail on the half-mile for this event she seems the proverbial mortal lock. 

    In the $106,700 Lou Babic, Tony Alegna’s red-hot stable sends out He Rocks The Moon with only the 8 hold to concern him. That is, if you don’t add to the mix the red-hot stable of Casie Coleman, which sends out Ideal Carver from post 5. The latter will most likely be the choice and maybe Alegna’s colt will be bet too heavily, leaving an upset chance from Charger Blue Chip from post 1. Noel Daley, whose stable may not be as hot as the aforementioned but is a force to reckon with in all situations, trains him. 

    Historic Repeats Itself


    A few Grand Circuit events left over from the Historic Week series are featured at Vernon Downs Sept. 7.  

    The $64,600 Debutante Stake for frosh-filly pacers has only four on the gate, so it is hard to nail an overlay this early. The same goes for the open trot Credit Winner, though it carries a $200,000 purse.  

    The $1919 all-aged Muscle Hill contest has seven on board and Pembroke Heat Wave would be our suggested contender. She keeps cashing checks against the best in the business and her recent Tioga Downs loss was a trip-decider for the winner, Beatgoeson Hanover, in here at post 1. Cedar Dove will gather most of the money, so go for the upset. 

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Speedy Weekend Expected, Updated

    POSTED Aug 22, 2012 By Frank Cotolo
    Harness drivers will have their “pedal to the metal” this weekend, no doubt, as they gun for big purses and prestige over profit.

    TwinSpires carries the DuQuoin State Fair from Illinois and even with reduced status and purses, there is plenty there to bet about, so to speak, and we cover what may be the best races to bet in this edition.

    On the regular circuit, Mohawk delivers elims for major freshmen affairs in the Metro Pace and She’s A Great Lady, the latter for only filly pacers. Also on the program, elims for the Canadian Pacing Derby (see Breeders Crown blog, info below).

    Due to deadline restraints, we have updates for the Zweig Memorial at Vernon and soph pacers in the Cane Pace elim at Tioga. SEE UPDATES BELOW.

    The Hambletonian Society and TwinSpires have activated the Breeders Crown Countdown, following prospective entries from all eight divisions in the classic events, scheduled to be presented again this year on a single card at Woodbine. Check the blog often for updates on great betting opportunities that don’t appear in the regular TwinSpires blog.

    Metro Motion


    The biggest two-year-old colt and gelding affair develops its field with elims on the Mohawk Aug. 25 program. Let’s look at the elims.

    The first split has two from hot trainer Tony Alagna and a pair from Casie Coleman. But Virgil Morgan, Jr.’s Bigrisk is here and he is very serious about being a contender in the division this year. His odds will be juicy, especially if driver Brian Sears opts to take the other colt he is listed to guide for Coleman.

    The middle split offers what could be a flashy mile, considering the presence of Captaintreacherous, who will be launching his usual assault, though this time he must deal with Johny Rock. Those two could burn one another out but it is hard just now to try to beat the “Captain,” who is at the top of his game. Johny Rock could be second if he doesn’t challenge the Captain along the way, making for very cheap exotics.

    The nightcap elim is the most contested of the three, making for a chance to see what Teresas Beach can deliver. This Somebeachsomewhere guy is being trained for the big money, so expect a big mile and maybe a big price.

    ‘Great’ Gals


    The frosh-filly pacers meet in the She’s A Great Lady elims on this card. In the first split we see three of the gals we have been following through the Grand Circuit stakes. We expect all of them to make the final. This could mean a triple in some order, including Miss Lauren, Jerseylicious and Cult Status. The latter will, no doubt be the highest odds and the better key horse.

    In split two we will go with Parlee Beach again. Last week she was the favorite but couldn’t get up. Tonight we think she may be co-favored, punching her odds up a bit, and race a big mile.

    Duke It Out At DuQuoin


    It’s the former home of the Hambletonian and World Trotting Derby and although those major events are gone, the sheer speed of this track will astound you. On the hottest days it becomes faster but it even smokes, so to speak, when wet.

    Here is a rundown of the races, with a focus on some horses to watch in various events.

    Friday, Aug. 24, with a 7 p.m. Central post time.

    In Race 1 for frosh trotters, you might take a chance on Emotional Force. Just how fast he can go when not running will be tested here. Coming from the fair in Springfield and seeing his early foot previous to that, he is worthy of improving on this oval.

    In Race 2, Crysta Belle comes out of a strong attempt to wire a similar bunch of frosh-filly trotters on the fair circuit and may find her way around and be slightly ignored for a mistaken class hike.

    In Race 5, Lane’s Game has speed to spare and no doubt will be firing early to get in front of her inside foe, Fox Valley Sienna. But that one may be over-bet, leaving a price for this speedy mare.

    In Race 7, Tinkers Damn will rightfully be the choice but maybe not by much in this short field that appears to hold challenges for her. So a price (you judge the value) may be at hand. She was second to Boi at Springfield and that one would clobber this field.

    In Race 9, outsider BC’s Bully could upset and pay a good price. No one will like him from post 9 but considering his style of racing he may be able to defy some cheap speed here and make the kind of swooping late move that almost got him a Springfield win while well supported.

    Saturday and Sunday, DuQuoin offers ICF (Illinois-conceived-and-foaled stakes) that were not drawn at press time. In the event that some good betting possibilities arise, check my Twitter account for them [ @FrankCotolo ].
    The Hambo crews and more go at it in the reloaded-with-cash Zweig Memorial finals for colts, fillies, including consolations. Those fields will draw after press time so check updates here, at Twitter and at the Breeders Crown Countdown blog. The same holds true for any elims created for the Cane Pace at Tioga, Sunday, Aug. 26.

    ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

    UPDATES – The Cane Pace elim and Zweig Memorials

    Sunday, Aug. 26, Tioga Downs hosts a $107,572 elim for the Cane Pace, the final to go on Monday, Sept. 3.  

    Two big stars, A Rocknroll Dance and Time To Roll, will appear in the final without having to face an elim. The top seven from the elim join them in the $322,716 mile. 

    Three others from the division, Pet Rock, State Treasurer and Heston Blue Chip, supplemented to the stakes and have to race in the elim with Mybrothergeorge, Dynamic Youth, I Fought Dalaw, Bettor’s Edge, Steelhead Hanover and Simply Business.

    Pet Rock has been a favorite of ours from before he proved to be a contender in the division. Supplementing to this is a serious investment and he will be all out in this elim. Although State Treasurer and “Heston” are also paying to get it, they may not be at their peaks right now. They could make the final but Pet Rock may be edgy enough now to win the elim and take on the likes of the two byes next week.

    The $350,000 Zweig final for the soph trotting colts at Vernon on Aug. 26 brings together less of the top glamour-boy trotters than we expected. Certainly the Hambo winner, Market Share, is out to redeem himself from the loss to Googoo Gaagaa in the Colonial and Uncle Peter is searching to find his best form after a terrible appearance in that event and losing as the Hambo favorite.

    Archangel returns to his home state for redemption, also, and Coraggioso meets this group with new connections after passing the Hambo for medical reasons.

     I haven’t given up on Uncle Peter, who gets his trainer back in the bike, which is a good sign. He will be a great price and still has to prove he has lost the talent he was showing and not just momentum.  

    Market Share will again look for a hot pace to trot after, while Archangel and Coraggioso will be gunning. If Uncle Peter is all right, he will take advantage of the other speed and not try any big moves until he can make one big move. If he returns to his best form and does so at the probable price he will offer, stamp it a bet because you may never get this kind of price on him again.  

    There is little to say about the $150,000 filly version because Check Me Out is here again and you know what I know—if she doesn’t break, she wins. Look for 3-2 or up if the crowd becomes hesitant about her winning.

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.