Kinnder Hotblood captured the $7500 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Thursday (June 19).
Author: by John Horne, for Vernon Downs
Daley, Drennan lead the way at Magical Acres freshman qualifiers
Noel Daley sent out five winners and Nik Drennan had three as Magical Acres held its first of two sessions of qualifiers for 2-year-olds Thursday morning. The training center hosted a total of 11 races for the freshmen.
Ugottabkidnme steps out in style at Gaitway qualifiers
Ugottabkidnme represents the entirety of breeder/owner Kevin Kelly’s racing stable, so needless to say, there was a good deal of anticipation ahead of the 2-year-old male trotter’s qualifying debut Wednesday (June 18) at Gaitway Farm.
Standardbred Transition Alliance accredits six
The Standardbred Transition Alliance (STA) has concluded its 2025 accreditation and spring grant awards with a total of six non-profit adoption charities meeting all necessary criteria. This year, the spring grant distribution totaled $103,000.
Shenandoah Downs spring ‘By the Numbers’ meet review
Shenandoah Downs recently completed the spring portion of its “Ten Years of Racing in Woodstock” campaign for 2025, which featured a seven-week spring meet that ran from April 26-June 8.
Pepsi North America Cup handle second best in event history
Saturday’s card at Woodbine Mohawk Park produced total wagering of more than C$5.7 million that is the second-highest handle in history for a Pepsi North America Cup program. The total was up 25 percent over the 2024 handle of nearly C$4.6 million and bested the 2020 handle of some C$5.6 million that was the previous second best. Handle of C$6,317,624 for the 2022 NA Cup card still holds the event handle record.
Mallar, Tetrick/DiDomenico hot in Philly baby races
Trainer Polie Mallar continued on a roll with his 2-year-old pacers during the Tuesday morning session at Harrah’s Philadelphia, with three of his pupils winning (perhaps picking up on the fiery form of stablemate Ken Hanover), but even hotter was the combination of driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Scott DiDomenico, who linked up for victories with five first-time starters spread across the divisions.
Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll begins Wednesday
The first Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll of 2025 will be released Wednesday (June 18).
Campbell uses Wise Thinking for milestone USHDC win at Oak Grove
Some folks begin to reach their prime a “bit” later than others. Just ask Don Campbell.
Meadowlands handicapping contest this Friday
The Meadowlands’ sixth handicapping contest of the year takes place this Friday (June 20). Players must register and check in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6:20 p.m. (EDT).