The $75,000 New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) finals for three-year-old pacers and trotters will be raced on Friday's Meadowlands card. Each final holds the possibility of a clean sweep, boasting repeat leg winners in all divisions.
The colt pacers number just two with Melanies Fran poised to annex the stake as a sophomore, just as he did last season. His lone opponent, Hypnotico, as yet has been unable to muster a challenge to the defending champ. Dave Miller drives and Kevin McDermott trains Melanies Fran for the 80 Slot Right Stable.
Pacing fillies number five and Hypnotic Tale has won both preliminary legs, resulting in 9-5 morning line favouritism as she departs from post four in the fourth race. It's Dave Miller again with the assignment for trainer Linda Toscano and Ron Mario, who bred and raised the filly from his good mare Born Storyteller.
DeWayne Minor is holding the best hand in both trotting finals with Samis Rolin Stone also on the verge of a series sweep in the filly division. She's been a handy winner each time and has the favourite's role in the final with DeWayne doing the driving from post two in the second race for breeder/owner Daniel A. Lengacher.
The colt trot (race 3) holds a quartet of competitors with Minor sending Annemette Minor's Shoshie Deo (PP2, George Brennan) into the fray after being a bit of a surprise winner over defending champ U Need Stones in both legs. In last week's 1:53.4 career best win he stalked U Need Stones throughout, outkicking that rival in the stretch.
Off the racetrack, the Super Hi-5 Jackpot carryover continues to climb, now in excess of the $240,000 mark.
(with files from The Meadowlands)