The second leg of the New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) for three-year-old trotters and pacers will headline the Friday night (May 26) card at The Meadowlands leading into the $100,000 final for each of the four sophomore divisions next Friday.
There is but a single division of each group as the connections of a few leg one winners have chosen to take the week off with their final berth secured.
The pacing colts are first up with a six-pack set to go in the evening's second race. Every Way Out has dominated this class from day one and there's no reason to expect any change here. He'll begin from the outside in post six with regular driver Tim Tetrick in position for trainer Dylan Davis and owners Howard Taylor, Abe Basen, Ed Gold and Tom Lazzaro.
Trotting fillies are up in race five and, with leg one division winner Ariana G not among the nine declared, the anticipated match-up with Glitzy Gal will occur in next week's final. Glitzy Gal is in the race and has the favourite's role despite post eight off a convincing 1:52.3 win last week. She's matured nicely from age two to three for owners Mel Hartman, David McDuffee and Little E LLC. Nifty Norman trains and Dave Miller drives the $140,000 yearling purchase by Muscle Hill.
Trotting colts are up next in race six and What The Hill races back while Long Tom rests after wins last week. What The Hill is the most accomplished of the group and was dominant last week in a front-stepping 1:52.2 career record for Dave Miller. He begins from post two on Friday, carrying the hopes of Burke Racing, Our Horse Cents Stable, J&T Silva and Deo Volente Farms.
Pacing fillies wrap up the NJSS action for the evening in race eight. Homebred Philos Hanover lass Colorful Jasmine is the returning winner and she is the logical choice to repeat from the eight-hole for the Cancelliere brothers, Tom (trainer) and John (owner). Captain Corey Callahan has the drive.
Tantalize your taste buds in the terraced dining room Pink with a tropical Caribbean buffet or spend the evening on the roof in Victory Terraces with your host Gary Dileo.
Post time is 7:15 p.m.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)