Fresh off the fastest trotting mile in Canadian harness racing history, 2018 Hambletonian winner Atlanta looks to stay unbeaten in 2019 when she pulls into The Meadowlands Friday night (June 21) for the fourth leg of the Graduate Series for four-year-olds.
Atlanta, currently second in the weekly Hambletonian/Breeders Crown Top 10 poll, has drawn post 8 in the first of two Graduate divisions and will start out at even money on the morning line. Last Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the Yannick Gingras-driven, Ron Burke-trained daughter of Chapter Seven and Hemi Blue Chip won the Armbro Flight in an eye-popping 1:50.2.
Six Pack (post 4, 2-1) takes on Fiftydallarbill (post 3, 5-2) in the second division. The Graduate Series finals are on July 6 at the Big M.
Another fabulous female on the Friday card is Caviart Ally, who will start out at 8-5 from post 2 in the third leg of the Rainbow Blue Series with Andy McCarthy in the bike.
Things look easier for the Brett Pelling trainee this time around, as in her last three starts, she was defeated by Shartin N, who won the Roses Are Red a week ago in 1:49. “She’s only had six starts this year,” said Pelling. “And I’m trying to dodge Shartin N a little bit if I can. No one is going to look at Caviart Ally and say the racing is getting to her. I’d almost rather race her than train her.”
In addition to the top-flight Friday night 13-race card, fans of the fifth race 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five have much to look forward to, as the wager’s carryover stands at $113,204.
Last Friday saw the 20-cent Can-Am Pick-4 take solid play once again, as $50,303 was poured into the pot. Despite two heavy favourites scoring during the sequence, those who cashed winning 20-cent tickets walked away with $325. Daring bettors who played one-dollar tickets cashed in for $1,626.
The 50-cent Pick-4 pool topped $100,000 for the sixth time in the last nine offerings, as a total of $117,098 was put in play.
Free program pages and expert selections for the 20-cent Pick-4 (Friday only) and 50-cent Pick-4 (Friday and Saturday) are available by going to www.playmeadowlands.com and www.ustrotting.com. Both wagers offer a low 15 per cent takeout.
‘HIGHA’ SEE YA ‘LATOR’: Last Friday (June 14) at the Meadowlands, Highalator remained atop the aged pacing division by taking the third leg of the Golden Receiver Series in 1:48.3 to run his winning streak to six.
Guardian Angel As impressed on the trot, taking the third leg of the Mr Muscleman Series in 1:52.1 to win his third straight.
COUNTDOWN TO THE PACE: The Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace is only two weeks away, and the top three finishers in the North America Cup – Captain Crunch, Bettors Wish and Workin Ona Mystery – are all going to be there, according to their trainers.
Meadowlands Pace Night is Saturday, July 13. The eliminations are one week earlier, on July 6, when there will be a special early 6:35 p.m. post time.
WIENER TAKES ALL: The second annual “Wiener Dog Derby” will take place at the Big M on Saturday (June 22).
It’s free to attend with free parking, and the action gets underway at 6:45 p.m.
There is $1,600 in prize money up for grabs.
Be aware that the only dogs allowed at the track will be dachshunds and all canines must be currently licensed and up to date on all shots, including a rabies vaccination.
Complete rules are available here.
HORSEPLAY CAR GIVEAWAY: Every live race night from now until Aug. 2, you could win a brand-new Toyota C-HR by participating in the Big M’s “Horseplay Giveaway”.
Just grab a free toy horse at the Players Club Desk or official Horseplay table and if you can throw your horse into a moving car at the conclusion of the sixth race, it will give you a chance at winning a $100 betting voucher and put you in the drawing for the C-HR.
In addition, for each horse that makes it into the car, the Meadowlands will donate $10 to a designated monthly charity. The drawing for the car will take place on Aug. 2, and to win, one must be present.
(Meadowlands)