The September issue of Hoof Beats features a closer look inside Nordic Catcher S’ record-breaking win in the 100th edition of the Grade 1 Hambletonian Stakes, held last month at the Meadowlands.
Author: from the USTA Communications Department
Hoof Beats: Insidious Enemy
The primary concern of horsepeople is, and should be, to get their steed to the winner’s circle in the next race. Still, many horsepeople seem too naïve to discern the decoupling game plan that is slowly being implemented.
Favorites prevail in Simcoe; Windor surprises in Champlain
Odds-on chalks Ayeaye Captain Deo and Crack Shot found the winner’s circle in their respective divisions of the Grade 3 C$159,124 Simcoe Stakes for 3-year-old pacing males on Saturday night (Sept. 6) at Woodbine Mohawk Park while the single division of the Grade 3 C$159,745 Champlain Stakes for 2-year-old pacing males went the way of a 29-1 upset by Windor.
Fragment shatters Batavia track record; Bartlett wins four at NY Night of Champions
Batavia Downs hosted the $2.4 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions on Saturday (Sept. 6) with eight divisions vying for $300,000 each. The competition was solid across the board, but two stars rose above the rest when the dust settled. Per Engblom’s Fragment turned a lot of heads when he scorched the Batavia oval in 1:52.1 for driver Jason Bartlett and shattered the track record for 2-year-old pacing colts by 1-2/5 seconds.
Last Goodbye charges to Tioga series final victory
Last Goodbye (Mike Merton) captured the $27,000 final of the Summer Sensation Claiming Series at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Sept. 6).
Congressional lays down the law at Pocono
The Always B Miki gelding Congressional probably wishes that Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania would never close.
Twin carryovers highlight Sunday at Aces
The Sunday night (Sept. 7) harness racing program at Running Aces offers a pair of notable carryovers for players to tackle as part of a big 12-race offering at the Minnesota oval.
Capt Jack Hanover takes Vernon Open
Capt Jack Hanover (John MacDonald) captured the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 6).
Dancin Champion, Bath Bomb headline Kentucky Sire Stakes
On Monday (Sept. 8), the 14-race card at the Red Mile shifts the spotlight to older horses as two $35,000 third-round legs of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for older pacers are feature events of the day. Those contests are supported by five $10,000 fifth-round legs of the Kentucky Wildcat Series for freshman male trotters and pacers.
Super Chapter, Go Dog Go renew rivalry in Lexington
On Sunday (Sept. 7), the Red Mile will once again host Sunday Night Lights sponsored by Crawford Farms, and the 14-race card is action-packed. There will be two $80,000 fourth-round legs of the Kentucky Championship Series, one for 3-year-old filly pacers and the other for sophomore male trotters. Kentucky champion and Hambletonian runner-up Super Chapter will meet foe Go Dog Go yet again seeking to avenge his loss last week.