In its 10-year history, the Carl Milstein Memorial has been won by some of harness racing's top three-year-old pacers and when the $300,000 event goes to post on Saturday (Aug. 12), it will feature multiple stakes winners looking to etch their names on the trophy.
Delvin Miller Adios runner-up Redwood Hanover has been installed as the morning-line favourite by Director of Racing Dave Bianconi and looks to break through with the biggest win of his career on Saturday night. A son of Stay Hungry, he has raced almost exclusively at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Toronto, where he scored a lifetime-best 1:49 triumph in a $75,000 division of the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes in June.
He was interfered with and broke in the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup, but rebounded nicely with place finishes in both the elimination and $350,000 final of the Adios at The Meadows near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Owned by Canadians Mac Nichol, trainer Anthony Beaton, Mckinlay & Fielding and David Mercer, he has compiled a solid resume, with five victories and $218,869 in the bank.
Beaton is very high on his talented colt.
“He went a tough mile in the Adios, but came out of it well; he is coming into the race in good shape and trained well this week," said Beaton.
Another son of Stay Hungry, Seven Colors, is fresh off a runner-up performance in the $315,700 Cane Pace at The Meadowlands. He enters Saturday for new owners William Pollock, Bruce Areman, and new conditioner Andrew Harris.
While he was a runner-up to top colt Confederate, he has put together quite the resume with earnings of $199,398.
“I can’t thank Brian Brown enough, he has been very helpful with the horse,” said new trainer Andrew Harris. “The horse is sharp and in great order; I’m excited to see him continue his career going forward.”
Other foes taking on Redwood Hanover and Seven Colors are two-year-old Indiana Sires Stakes champion Buzzsaw Russ, MGM Messenger Winner Captain Batboy, undefeated Iowa standout Chicken N Dice, multiple New York Sires Stakes leg winner Goldin Greatness, Save America, an earner of over $546,265, Paul Revere Pace winner Thunder Hunter Joe, and Kentucky Sires Stakes champion Tip Top Cat.
The card also features three great wagers for those playing on Saturday: a $30,000 estimated All-Stakes Pick-4 beginning in Race 8, a $10,000 late Pick-4 beginning in Race 12, and a $10,000 Super High Five in Race 13. All three wagers feature a low 14 per cent takeout.
Lady Luck's Dining Room will also be open with a dinner special available for $32; Summerfest Grille and Crooked Kettle Popcorn will also be on sight for guests from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To make reservations on Saturday, call 330-467-4101.
Post time on Saturday night is 6 p.m.
(Northfield Park)