The Halloween Series for distaff pacers has always shown some of the top younger talent racing in the Midwest. On Sunday (Nov. 26), things will heat up again in the $25,000 Halloween Series final as Cool Kate, a winner of three straight, and Resurrection Dawn, who will have to overcome post eight, will square off at MGM Northfield Park.
Author: by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park
Tactical Approach set for FanDuel challenge
Two 3-year-olds have defeated older rivals in the history of the FanDuel (formerly TVG) Championships at The Meadowlands. On Saturday, one of those winners’ sons will look to duplicate the accomplishment. Three-year-old colt Tactical Approach will take on six older male foes in the FanDuel Open Trot Championship at the Big M. His sire, Tactical Landing, won the event in 2018, when another 3-year-old, Six Pack, finished second.
Maxim Hanover hopes to continue winning ways in Governor’s Cup
The connections of Maxim Hanover hoped to see their 2-year-old male pacer develop as this season progressed, and after watching the colt win four of his past five races, it looks as though the plan is coming to fruition. Maxim Hanover, who had three second-place finishes among six winless starts to begin his career, captured the Matron Stakes on Nov. 2 and heads to Saturday’s $454,000 Governor’s Cup final for freshman male pacers at The Meadowlands off a lifetime-best-equaling 1:52 victory in one of last week’s two eliminations.
Pair of pacing Opens at Cal Expo Friday
An $8,000 Open Pace featuring A Major Omen and a $7,500 Filly and Mare Open Pace headed by stablemates Lucky Lil Lady and Prom Queen get the marquee treatment Friday night (Nov. 24) at Cal Expo.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Nov. 25
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (Nov. 25).
Halekai III wins $25,000 Autumn Leaves final at MGM Northfield Park
Halekai III got the perfect trip in Wednesday’s (Nov. 22) $25,000 Autumn Leaves series final at MGM Northfield Park, upsetting race-favorite Contechsfashion.
Merriman ties Herve Filion for third in all-time wins
Aaron Merriman had a pre-Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday (Nov. 22) at MGM Northfield Park, earning his 15,183rd victory late in the program to tie for third in all-time North American wins with Herve Filion.
Saratoga Hall of Fame to auction memorabilia
The Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame is hosting an auction sale by County Line Auctions on Saturday (Dec. 9) featuring memorabilia from the former Hall of Fame location at the Saratoga Springs oval.
Louie The Lilac doubles up in Batavia feature
After a convincing victory off class relief last week, Louie The Lilac moved back to the feature race and won again in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 22).
Why Not Now sustains first-over strike in Progress
Why Not Now sustained a first-over push through the final half of a 1:48.2 mile to reel in El Rey and evade Moment Is Here in winning the $260,000 Progress Pace, for 3-year-old colts and geldings, on Wednesday (Nov. 22) at Bally’s Dover.