When Justify attempts to ride into history Saturday by securing the Triple Crown, it will cap an exciting, festive Belmont Day at The Meadows that features tasty food from an outdoor barbecue, drawings and giveaways, live music and a chance to cheer on a harness racing legend.
That legend is Foiled Again, the richest Standardbred ever with more than $7.5 million in lifetime earnings who’s facing mandatory retirement at the end of this year when he turns 15. He’ll be shooting for his 100th career victory. The Ron Burke trainee leaves from post 2 in race 11 with Dave Palone driving. That means the winningest driver all time will be driving the richest harness horse all time for the winningest trainer all time. It’s a perfect storm that doesn’t happen very often.
The 15-race card also offers a pair of rich total-pool guarantees — $7,500 for the Pick 4 (races 4-7), $5,000 for the Pick 5 (races 11-15). Special post time is 11:25 AM.
Two of the Belmont Day giveaways/drawings are Foiled Again-themed. The first 100 fans to stop by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) information table in the Racebook will receive Foiled Again towels modeled after the “Terrible Towel.” The MSOA also will conduct a raffle for a Foiled Again figurine produced by Breyer, a prominent name in the field. Just drop in a losing ticket from a race at The Meadows and you’re entered to win.
Other MSOA activities include paddock tours and jog cart/starting gate rides and a “Spin to Win” game with vouchers as prizes. For more information or to participate, visit the MSOA information table.
With so much to do, fans may work up a healthy appetite. When they do, they can head for the apron and sample the Belmont Day fare from the BBQ Pit, which also will offer beverage specials.
After the live card ends, the music kicks in. Ryan Cain and the Ables will perform live on the apron as part of The Meadows’ “Rockin’ on the Rail” concert series, which features a different band each Saturday through Sept. 1.
All of that rolls right up to the track’s simulcast of the $1.5 million Belmont, with an approximate post time of 6:37 p.m.
(Meadows)