The trainers of world champions Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play, primary players in Yonkers Raceway's $650,000 Messenger Stakes Saturday night, have commented on their charges heading in.
'The Beach' and Shadow Play, along with Santanna Blue Chip, have made their way to Mark Ford's training centre in preparation for the final jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown.
"He's ready for Yonkers," The Beach's co-owner/trainer Brent MacGrath said. "He shipped good and his mind's on his business...but then it always is."
Somebeachsomewhere, the fastest three-year-old in harness history (1:46.4) and richest pacer of 2008 ($1,791,163), starts outside his five rivals as the 1-2 early favourite. He aims for an eighth consecutive victory.
Shadow Play, a Maritime-based colt like The Beach, looks to add the Messenger to his stakes wins at in Adios, Little Brown Jug and Windy City. For the season, the son of The Panderosa has won a dozen of his 21 starts and $727,421. He drew Post 5 as was installed as the 5-2 second morning line choice.
"[Shadow Play] is just getting better every day," co-owner/trainer Dr. Ian Moore said. "We like our chances. We wouldn't have put up the ($60,000) supplement if we didn't."
MacGrath and Moore, who've been friends "for longer than I can remember," according to the latter, escorted their charges in tandem early Thursday morning.
Santanna Blue Chip, a millionaire in his own right, is back for his first local visit since finishing second in the $538,270 final of this summer's Art Rooney Pace.
Somebeachsomwhere, Shadow Play and Santanna Blue Chip, along with Legacy N Diamonds ('Santanna's' stablemate), Brother Ray and Dali are set to contest the 53rd edition of the Messenger, carded as the 10th contest on the 13-race program. First post is 6:50 p.m., with approximate post for the Messenger at 10:00 p.m.
$650,000 Messenger Stakes
Post – Horse – Driver/Trainer – Morning Line
1. Legacy N Diamonds - G. Brennan/C. Jamieson - 12-1
2. Brother Ray - J. Bartlett/K. Rucker - 15-1
3. Dali - P. Lachance/D. Marfisi - 20-1
4. Santanna Blue Chip - T. Morgan/C. Jamieson - 12-1
5. Shadow Play - D. Miller/I. Moore - 5-2
6. Somebeachsomewhere - P. MacDonell/B. MacGrath - 1-2
(Yonkers)