A deep, talented field of 21 top three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, led by Meadowlands Pace runner-up Papi Rob Hanover, have been entered to contest the eliminations for the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids at the Meadows.
Three $25,000 eliminations are set for Saturday, June 25, and the top-three finishers in each elim will advance to the August 1 final. The eliminations have been carded as Race 5, 8 and 9. The card will kick off with first post at 12:45 p.m.
Papi Rob Hanover's loss in the final of the Meadowlands Pace was a heartbreaker. He held a narrow lead at the top of the stretch but was beaten a neck by a game Tall Dark Stranger, who isn't eligible for the Adios. Papi Rob Hanover will start from Post 4 in Race 8 for David Miller and trainer Brett Pelling.
Tuesday's draw for post positions also revealed strong contingents from trainers Tony Alagna and Ron Burke, who will each be represented by five horses apiece (they'll account for nearly half the field). Especially interesting from the 'Burke Brigade' is Elver Hanover, who began his career with 10 consecutive victories, but tasted defeat for the first time last week in an Ohio Sires Stakes leg. Chris Page will pilot Elver Hanover from Post 4 in Race 9.
Saturday's action-packed program also includes a pair of stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies: a $188,682 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and a $100,000 PA Stallion Series event.
The fields for the Adios eliminations with post positions, trainers and preliminary driver assignments appear below.
Adios Elimination (Race 5)
(Post - Horse - Trainer - Listed Driver)
1. Later Dudes - Brian Brown - David Miller
2. Roll With JR - Jeff Cullipher - Corey Callahan
3. Sandbetweenmytoes - Jim Campbell - Dave Palone
4. The Greek Freak - Ron Burke - Matt Kakaley
5. Put To Right - Tony Alagna - Andrew McCarthy
6. Captain Groovy - Ray Schnittker - Mark MacDonald
7. Chief Mate - Tony Alagna - Scott Zeron
Adios Elimination (Race 8)
(Post - Horse - Trainer - Listed Driver)
1. Somebodyitreasure - Andrew Harris - Andrew McCarthy
2. Tru Lou - Ron Burke - Matt Kakaley
3. Sweet Truth - Ron Burke - Matt Kakaley
4. Papi Rob Hanover - Brett Pelling - David Miller
5. Sea Of Life - Tony Alagna - Scott Zeron
6. Captain Barbossa - Tony Alagna - Andrew McCarthy
7. No Lou Zing - Nancy Takter - Josert Fonseca
Adios Elimination (Race 9)
(Post - Horse - Trainer - Listed Driver)
1. Rockin The Aces - Robert Cleary - Brett Miller
2. No Quarter - Brian Brown - Dave Palone
3. Macs Big Boy - Ron Burke - Matt Kakaley
4. Elver Hanover - Ron Burke - Chris Page
5. Capt Midnight - Tony Alagna - Andrew McCarthy
6. Seriously Hanover - Ron Coyne Jr. - Scott Zeron
7. Catch The Fire - John Ackley - Mike Wilder
(MSOA)