Little Rocket Man held off the entire field in the stretch and picked up his 81st career victory by taking the $36,000 featured Open Handicap at Miami Valley (Feb. 15).
Author: from Miami Valley Raceway
Island Bouhinia A scores Saratoga feature
Island Bouhinia A (Betting Line) came into Sunday’s (Feb. 15) feature having been the runner-up in the Fillies and Mares Open in three of her last five starts dating back to last year. On Sunday, the 7-year-old distaffer drew the rail in pursuit of her first ever win in the ladies’ Open and had Jacob Cutting at the controls for her try in the $16,500 feature.
Blazing Home N a winner at Saratoga
Blazing Home N (Rock N Roll Heaven) sizzled on a freezing day in Saratoga on Saturday (Feb. 7) as the New Zealand invader won the Open Pace for the first time. Tony Morgan was in town and catch-drove Blazing Home N for trainer Larry Stalbaum, who saw his 7-year-old pacer win the Open at MGM Northfield Park on two occasions this January.
Europe’s elite gather for Prix de France
Thirteen of Europe’s best older trotters will meet on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 8) at Vincennes in the Prix de France, which is contested at Vincennes at 2100 meters – about 1-5/16 miles.
First Pocono qualifiers set for Feb. 9
The trotters and pacers return to Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania for the first time in 2026 on Monday (Feb. 9) at 11 a.m., as seven qualifying races will be held in preparation for the track’s initial betting card of the year at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Pandy picks seven winners at The Meadowlands
USTA handicapper Bob Pandolfo continued his hot handicapping at the Meadowlands Friday (Feb. 6). Pandy had 14 of the 15 winners listed, and seven winners on top that paid $13, $12.60, $12.60, $7.80, $5.80, $5.60 and $5.60.
‘Landing’ gets clearance, takes Big M feature
Clear For Landing found just enough space along the rail nearing the wire and shot through that opening to take the Friday night (Feb. 6) feature at The Meadowlands, a $17,500 high-end conditioned trot.
Yonkers cancels Monday card, adjusts draw schedule
Due to the ongoing major winter storm, MGM Yonkers Raceway has canceled live racing for Monday night (Jan. 26).
Illinois Awards Banquet to be held Feb. 28
The 2025 top performers in Illinois racing will be recognized on Feb, 28 at the Illinois Standardbred Banquet. The banquet will be held at Poe’s Catering in Springfield. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Feb. 15 and can be ordered by contacting Tina Schrock at 217-416-0006 (only 300 tickets will be sold).
Hokkaido Jiel posts huge Prix d’Amérique upset
In a race marked by constant lead changes, outsider Hokkaido Jiel and driver Franck Nivard appeared in the final stages and captured the victory in Sunday’s (Jan. 25) Prix d’Amérique, worth €450,000.