Each week, Meadowlands Racetrack statistician Bob Heyden ranks the top contenders for the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 18, 2009
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1. Well Said, Ron Pierce, Steve Elliott, Jeff Snyder, Lothlorien.
Won his three-year-old debut breezing around the track at Chester on June 3 in 1:53.2. "He has wicked high speed," explained Ron Pierce. "Most of the time he wants to go so fast I have to take a big hold of him so he won't outpace himself."
2. Dial Or Nodial, Brian Sears, Jim Campbell, Arlene & Jules Siegel.
Won his NJ Classic elimination convincingly in 1:50.2 and heads to $500,000 final as the one to beat.
3. Art Colony, Tim Tetrick, Casie Coleman, Tom Hill.
Debuted in good order at Mohawk winning a three-year-old open in 1:51 on June 6.
4. Johnny Z, Brian Sears, George Teague Jr., Elmer Fannin.
Second at the Meadows last week, but Teague wasn't happy with the result: "He scoped a little dirty. He was flat. Even though he was first over, the last quarter was just 29 seconds and he should have been up to that."
5. Mysticism, Tim Tetrick, Steve Elliott, Steve Arnold, Old Block Stables, K. Klein, Angelo Frassetto.
Second start of 2009 (June 6) was much better than the first, in which he missed a check at odds on - he won convincingly in 1:51.
6. Annieswesterncard, Ron Pierce, Joe Seekman, Sawgrass Farms.
Must step up his game after dull try in the $500,000 Hoosier Cup on May 30.
7. Drop Red, George Brennan, Bob Horowitz, Randy Perry.
Solid third in the $200,000 NJSS final. Steps into the ring in the Burlington at Mohawk this weekend.
8. Sheer Desire, Dave Palone, Ron Burke, Karr, Ringer, JJK Stb, Burke Racing.
Rebounded from Hoosier Cup disappointment with 1:51.2 win in overnight race June 9 at the Meadows. "I didn't like his blood work," Burke said. "It was only slightly off and I think being home, being around our own vet will help him. If I can get him right, I'll aim for the North America Cup. If not, I'll take my time until he is right."
9. Mr Wiggles, Brian Sears, George Teague Jr., Elmer Fannin.
After Hoosier Cup win makes next starts in Burlington and NA Cup at Mohawk. Teague: "He impresses me. He had issues early on with steering and breathing, but he's overcome a lot. He's got a big motor."
10. Vertigo Hanover, Jody Jamieson, Duane Marfisi, Uncirculated Stb, JL Benson Stb.
Fifth in Hoosier Cup and has pretty much flown under the radar so far.