The Jenn Bongiorno barn has been on a roll all meeting long at the Meadowlands, and on Saturday night, ‘J-Bo’ standout Albergo Hanover won his third straight at the Big M and fourth in a row overall by taking the $30,000 featured Preferred pace for four-year-olds in a lifetime best 1:49.
“I’m not surprised at how good he’s been,” said Bongiorno, who entered the weekend second in the Big M trainer dash-win standings (with 29) and tops in win percentage (31). “But I am more impressed with him each and every week. He won a Pennsylvania Sire Stake for us last year, so we always knew there was talent there.”
The son of Well Said-Allamerican Celeb, who continued his hot streak despite bumping up from non-winners of six to the Preferred ranks, had that talent on display Saturday, coming first over after leader Hayden Hanover, who had reached the half in :54.4, down the backside. Joe Bongiorno, Jenn’s brother and driver, kept his horse alive racing first over while inching closer to the leader and under serious late urging surged past Hayden Hanover at the conclusion of a heated stretch duel to win by a determined head. Hudson Phil was third.
“Being first up into Hayden – whom I consider a stakes horse – was a little nerve-racking for me,” said Jenn. “But the truth is, this horse is so talented and has such a big heart, I knew he wouldn’t embarrass himself.”
Albergo Hanover, who paid $9.60 as the second choice in the wagering, stayed perfect in four starts this year and has now won 11-of-31 lifetime, good for earnings of $143,409 for owner Gestion J Y Blais Inc.
So Jenn, is Albergo Hanover as good as your None Bettor A, who has won four straight at the Big M in sub-1:50, the most recent in 1:48.4?
“I don’t know,” said Jenn. “None Bettor is 6 and Albergo is 4. They both are really nice and, truthfully, I am just so grateful to have these amazing animals under my care.”
Fifty-five contestants vied for $5,000 in prize monies in the 2019 edition of the 18 to 30- year old handicapping challenge at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday evening. The contest offered a $5,000 total prize pool, with prize payouts to the top three finishers furnished by Jeff & Paula Gural’s Allerage Farm.
Emily Nicol of Rahway, NJ, captured the $2,500 top prize with a $234.80 mythical bankroll. She hit long-shot Stimulus Plan in Race #3 for $194.20 which quickly put her into the lead. Nicol remained in first place the entire remainder of the contest finishing with $234.80.
“I liked his name,” Nicol stated when asked what made her select Stimulus Plan 55-1 long shot. “I just had to pick him with a name like that!”
Christine Kelly of Nutley, NJ, finished in second place with $65.60 earning the $1,500 prize. Kelsie Quintana of Weehawken, NJ, finished in third place with $58.20 to grab $1,000 in prize money.
There is no contest entry fee. The contest format required players to make a mythical $2 "across the board" wager on one horse in races 2 – 10 at the Meadowlands. The winner was determined by the player that amasses the largest mythical bankroll from their selections.
All contest participants were treated to free hot dogs, hamburgers and other grill items plus soft drinks and water on Victory Terrace, the popular rooftop area at the track.
College students were also given a “stimulus plan” on Saturday. All received a free live program and $5 betting voucher. Plus ten lucky students were randomly selected to receive a $1,000 college scholarship courtesy of Allerage Farm.
Next up at the Meadowlands Racetrack is the fourth annual Burger Battle on Saturday, June 8. This free event runs from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers. Two lucky fans will win a spot at the Judging Table and help determine the top three burgers. Judging takes place at 4 p.m.
One lucky player betting on the Meadowlands at the Western New York OTB hub cashed in for $32,091.10 after hitting the 50-Cent Pick-5 at the conclusion of the fifth race Saturday night. The winning numbers were 6-2-3-9-2.
After the first four races were won by horses with odds of 15-1, 11-1, 58-1 and 6-1, Smileandsaycheese scored as the 1-5 favourite to complete the Pick-5.
However, the race did not result in a single-ticket winner in the 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five, upping the carryover for Friday night to $102,608.04.
(Meadowlands)