Changes made to the scheduling and conditions of the MGM Borgata and Blue Chip Matchmaker pacing series have resulted in sharp nomination gains for the 2025 editions, which get underway in late March at MGM Yonkers Raceway.
Nominations for the MGM Borgata Series for older male jumped from 30 in 2024 to 42 this year, the highest number of horses to pay the $5,000 USD eligibility fee since 2021 when 46 signed on. The Blue Chip Matchmaker had a similar increase, going from 21 mares last year to 33 for the 2025 edition. The last time more than 33 nominated for the Blue Chip Matchmaker was back in 2019 when 43 paid into the event.
Both series are set to get underway two weeks later than in 2024, with the first of five preliminary legs of the Blue Chip Matchmaker set for March 28 and the opening round of the MGM Borgata commencing a few nights after on March 31. Another major change in 2025 revolves around the added money for the final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker, which gets a boost from $125,000 USD to $200,000 USD, equalling the MGM Borgata total. With that increase, the Blue Chip Matchmaker final will certainly offer the richest purse in recent history and far eclipse the $276,200 USD purse from 2024.
Following five consecutive weeks of $50,000 USD preliminary legs, in another scheduling adjustment for 2025, the finals will occur after a week off to provide horses some much needed rest before racing in the rich events. Both finals are slated for Friday, May 9 and will be accompanied by a pair of $100,000 USD consolation events.
In terms of equine power, the connections of Hellabalou have paid his nomination fee and the Ron Burke-trained pacer will look for a third consecutive victory in the final of the MGM Borgata. The seven-year-old won the finale in 1:50.2 last year defeating Coaches Corner and Desperate Man, who are both among the list of eligibles for 2025. Others looking to take home the title include double millionaire Charlie May and last December’s MGM Grand Prix winner Typhoon Banner N.
The lucky winner of the Borgata will receive an invite to the June 7 Battle of Lake Erie at sister track MGM Northfield Park and be grandfathered into the MGM Grand Prix Series, which kicks off on Nov. 24 at Yonkers.
Headlining the mares lineup for the Blue Chip Matchmaker is 2024 champion Lit De Rose. The 10-year-old millionaire recently prepped for the series with a qualifying effort at Yonkers. Joining her in the field are last year’s second-place finisher Coachellabound N, double millionaire Grace Hill, and some talented four-year-olds like multiple stakes winner Rocket Deo and Ohio champion Seaside Diva.
In addition to the purse money, the winner of the Blue Chip Matchmaker final also gets a free breeding to either American Courage, Cannibal, Shadow Play or Sunshine Beach.
Yonkers is currently racing on a Monday to Friday schedule with first race post time set at 6:45 p.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway; photo of 2024 Blue Chip Matchmaker champion Lit De Rose)