Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at the Meadowlands on Saturday (April 18).
Author: by Bob Pandolfo
Training to begin next week at Ocean Downs
Ocean Downs has announced that training for the 2026 racing season will begin next Wednesday, April 22, at the vacationland oval, with the hours of training set at 7 a.m. through noon.
College Tuition wires Rosecroft trotters
All-age track record holder College Tuition took his preferred path to victory in Thursday’s (April 16) $12,000 Open Handicap Trot at Rosecroft Raceway, wiring his six foes in a personal seasonal-best 1:53.2.
Phyllis Copeland, 82, dies
Phyllis Copeland, 82, whose Standardbred racing career spanned more than 60 years, passed away on April 3, 2026.
Kingpin: Zidek receives national bowling Coach of the Year honor
As the old expression goes, there is no “I” in team. There is no “I” in coach, for that matter, either. Both thoughts seemed relevant as Jeff Zidek, best known in harness racing as the track announcer at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, reflected on the latest honor he received for his other gig as the head women’s bowling coach at Saint Vincent College.
Blood Queen looks to keep progressing
For a while last year, trainer Ryan Miller thought female pacer Blood Queen might never get to the races. Now that the well-bred 3-year-old filly has three wins in six lifetime races under her belt, Miller is anxious to see what she could become.
Fred Morgan Jr., 73, dies
Frederick Eugene Morgan Jr., 73, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on Monday (April 13) from Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Big M to honor legacy of Abbatiello with Carmine’s
This Saturday (April 18), the Meadowlands Racetrack and Carmine’s NYC are hosting an Evening with Carmine’s at the Meadowlands, a one-night dining experience honoring the legacy of the late Carmine Abbatiello.
Updated list of April 15 stakes payments reminders
The April 15 deadline is drawing near for many stakes payments. Here is a list of notices that have been submitted to the USTA Newsroom.
Next Generation buy-ins due
Nominations are due starting Wednesday (April 15) for the $150,000 est. Next Generation events, to be held at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday, July 4. If less than 10 (10) $8,000 entries are received by April 15, the nominations will stay open with a $10,000 nomination fee due May 15.