by Amy Silver, publicity director, Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ — OK Commander has been scratched out of the $1 million Meadowlands Pace Final on Saturday night, July 17, due to lameness.

The horse developed an abscess in his right front leg after winning his Meadowlands Pace elimination in 1:47.4 on July 10.

Delmarvalous, who finished fourth in Rock N Roll Heaven’s stunning 1:47.3 elimination mile, moves into the vacant spot for trainer George Teague, Jr. Teague also trains another Pace finalist, I’m Gorgeous.

Brian Sears, who steered OK Commander to his elimination win, will still have a drive in the Pace final. He qualified Nova Artist and also drove Delmarvalous in his elimination race.

Elimination winners Rock N Roll Heaven and Rockin Image chose their post positions for the Meadowlands Pace. There was an open draw for the rest of the field.

The Meadowlands Pace will be carded as the eighth race on the Saturday card, with post time slated for 9:45 p.m. (EDT).

Post-Horse-Driver-Trainer-Line
1. Kyle Major, Jody Jamieson, Shawn Robinson, 15-1
2. Rockin Image, Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter, 3-1
3. Rock N Roll Heaven, John Campbell, Bruce Saunders, 5-2
4. Valentino, George Brennan, Lou Pena, 15-1
5. I’m Gorgeous, Andy Miller, George Teague, Jr., 12-1
6. Delmarvalous, Brian Sears, George Teague, Jr., 12-1
7. Nova Artist, Brian Sears, Lou Pena, 15-1
8. One More Laugh, Tim Tetrick, Ray Schnittker, 9-2
9. Fred And Ginger, Dave Palone, Ron Burke, 10-1
10. Sportswriter, Mark MacDonald, Casie Coleman, 6-1