“There really are no stars in this field like last year. Last year was the best bunch of three-year-olds, an outstanding group of horses. These horses are on the rise. None of them deserve the title of ‘Great’ yet.”
Even though trainer Ron Burke has a charge in to contest this Saturday's $450,000 Delvin Miller Adios at the Meadows in Pennsylvania, his comments -- which appear above -- clearly indicate that he is calling things as he sees them when it comes to the make-up of the field.
The Adios, also known as the 'Pace for the Orchids,' will head to the post for Race 12 on the Meadows' Saturday card. The projected post time for the race is 4:05 p.m.
After having been through a little bit of a pressure cooker during last year's Adios with Sweet Lou, Burke has told observer-reporter.com that this year's edition of the annual clash will hold a different vibe for him personally.
“Last year, there was a lot of pressure because we were favored,” Burke was quoted as saying. “We had so much hope Sweet Lou could win it. This year, it’s much more fun. So we’re just going to enjoy this race and have a party afterward.”
Burke took the chance to provide a little background info on Ultimate Beachboy, his pupil that has drawn Post 2 and will be steered by Dave Palone. The duo has been assessed at odds of 9-2 on the morning line.
“We bought him two weeks ago,” Burke explained. “We think there is an opportunity for him to make some money. He’s underachieved. His strength is his ability to be good. His weakness is sometimes he’s lazy.”
Here is a look at the Adios field with listed drivers and trainers (and morning line odds):
1. Lonewolf Currier, John Campbell, Kevin McDermott (7-2)
2. Ultimate Beachboy, Dave Palone, Ron Burke (9-2)
3. Some Kinda Beach, Andy Miller, Robin Cruise (10-1)
4. Sunfire Blue Chip, Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter (6-1)
5. Evenin Of Pleasure, Brett Miller, Tony O’Sullivan (10-1)
6. Beach Memories, Corey Callahan, Brian Brown (8-1)
7. Vegas Vacation, Brian Sears, Casie Coleman (5-2)
8. Word Power, Jim Morrill Jr., Larry Remmen (8-1)
(With files from observer-reporter.com)