Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday, May 2 is clearly at the top of the horse racing calendar, one of the busiest and most entertaining events of the entire year at all racetracks.
The Meadowlands will use the occasion to kick off the 2015 Championship Meet promising a full slate of racing and activities to keep the fans entertained well into the night.
A new wrinkle this year is the early start with the first live race scheduled at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the appetite of what is expected to be a capacity crowd as they anticipate the Derby. Live racing will break for the running of the Derby, which is listed to be approximately 6:24 p.m., then resume around 7 p.m.
A brand new wager will be unveiled to celebrate the early start. Christened 4 in 40 minutes, the bet is a Pick 4 that incorporates two live Meadowlands races with two from Tioga Downs featuring a race every 10 minutes.
On the racetrack, the $47,124 Albatross and a division of the John F. Simpson Memorial stakes for three-year-old colt pacers continue the Grand Circuit push into the month of May. The race marks the return of unbeaten winter series sensation Wiggle It Jiggleit who has had a bit of a freshening in anticipation of his ascension into the top ranks for his division.
Wiggle It Jiggleit seared through his winter assignments, taking a leg of the Sonsam Series in 1:49.4 before demoralizing a solid group of sophomores in his Buddy Gilmour sweep. Owner George Teague Jr. and trainer Clyde Francis have teamed up to map a summer schedule that includes stops at all the major races for pacing colts and chose the Simpson to launch their prize pupil's return after a month break and a 1:53 qualifier in preparation. Montrell Teague has his regular role as driver which he has held in every one of Wiggle It Jiggleit’s previous races.
Also on the card is the $54,200 Whata Baron Series final, named for one of the early equine heroes at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Rediscovery appears to be the one to beat in the final after setting a career best 1:49.2 record in Leg 1 and overcoming a second tier start to win the second leg. From the powerful stable of Ron Burke, Rediscovery is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Phil Collura. The Meadowlands’ leading driver, Yannick Gingras, has the drive.
As the evening continues, Victory and E-Rock Entertainment will be hosting ‘the fight of the century’ where Floyd Mayweather will take on Manny Pacquiao. The undercard will begin at 9 p.m. Cover charge $25 for men, $20 for ladies. Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations call 862-668-2473 or email [email protected].
The gates open Saturday morning at 9:30, admission is free and there are a plethora of racing, dining and entertainment available, sure to satisfy all desires of the racing patron.
(Meadowlands)