Meadows-based trainer Norm Parker sends Mattamerican into Saturday's Adios Pace eliminations for owner/breeder Bob Key and took time to talk about the three-year-old Allamerican Native pacer.
"This is a neat thing for me in that this is the second year in a row I've been in the Adios [eliminations]," said Parker during the interview produced by Jeff Zidek for The Meadows. "Last year with Dew N Doughnuts, another homebred, was a real big thrill. Mattamerican raced last year Adios Day in the Arden Downs. We thought he might be the kind of colt that could be there because he is a big, strong colt but it's not given at any given time. I was lucky enough in 2005 to race With Anticipation in the Adios [eliminations] so this is my third time at it and I'm sure hoping to make the final. Haven't been there yet, but hopefully we can do it this year."
A career winner of more than $100,000, Mattamerican took a new mark of 1:49.4 in his last start on July 5 in the Pennsylvania All Stars at Pocono Downs. He will start from post five in the second of three eliminations with Dave Palone driving.
(During the interview, four-year-old pacer Dew N Doughnuts attempts to steal the spotlight. Dew N Doughnuts competed in the 2013 Adios for the Parker Stable).
(With files from The Meadows)