from the Meadowlands publicity department

East Rutherford, NJ — Four winter series draw to a close this weekend at Meadowlands Racetrack, beginning with the $80,000 Cape & Cutter for older pacing mares on Friday night, Feb. 19.

Native Bride, who was the 6-5 morning line favorite, had to be scratched due to a minor injury, said her trainer, Lou Pena.

“We didn’t want to take a chance with her, so we’ll wait on her for a few months. We want to bring her back for the major summer events.”

Chancey Lady, who upset Native Bride by a neck last week, is likely to inherit the role of post-time favorite for trainer Mark Kesmodel and driver John Campbell.

The field for the Cape & Cutter, from the rail out: 1, Ramona Disomma, G. Brennan, J. Hartline, 5-1; 2, Native Hotspur, R. Pierce, N. Willis, 15-1; 3, Chancey Lady, J. Campbell, M. Kesmodel, 3-1; 4, Flirtiscape, D. Miller, L. Pena, 10-1; 5, BC’s Jesse, Y. Gingras, K. Harrison, 15-1; and 6, Ginger And Fred, T. Tetrick, R. Burke, 4-1.

The action continues Saturday night (Feb. 20) with the $88,000 Exit 16 W, $80,000 Aquarius and $76,500 Junior Trendsetter.

In the most contentious of the three finals, Clyde Hirt Series champ Real Joke looks to rebound from a rare miscue last out in the Exit 16 W for conditioned pacers. Campaigned by Andy and Julie Miller, the 4-year-old gelding will face stiff competition from In Over My Head, two-for-two in preliminary action, Majestic Jackpot, Lisagain, Woodstock Hanover and Complex Series winner Pacinello.

New video feature: Woodstock draws a crowd

A large crowd will be gathered at the rail when Woodstock Hanover parades down the stretch in the $88,000 Exit 16 W Final on Saturday night.

Co-owner Glenn Ellis, a former waiter at the Meadowlands, talks about what it’s like to go from working in the grandstand to standing in the winner’s circle with the pacer.

Watch the video on Meadowlands Racetrack’s YouTube Channel by clicking on this link.