by James Witherite, Meadowlands media relations

East Rutherford, NJ — Henderson Farms’ Bushwacker (9-5 morning line) and Kenneth Jacobs’ Doctor Butch (2-1) are poised for a Saturday night (Jan. 9) rematch in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadowlands, and the heavily favored pair will square off against a quintet of other foes in the night’s most prestigious of 14 races, carded as the second event.

Doctor Butch, the lone millionaire of the septet, was assigned post six for his second start of the meet. The 6-year-old Art Major entire turned in a massive rally in last week’s Open, kicking third-over cover late to pass all but one of his rivals. John Campbell handles the driving duties once again for trainer Linda Toscano.

The one that Doctor Butch failed to pass — Bushwacker — was assigned the outside post seven in the group by virtue of a string of four straight top two finishes against Open company at both Dover and the Meadowlands. Last week, the 5-year-old Rocknroll Hanover gelding found a seam up the pegs in the final eighth to kick clear off a pocket trip. Corey Callahan handled the driving assignment for trainer Chris Ryder last week, and “The Captain” is slated to be back aboard the 13-time winner this week.

Other notable contestants include Kingofthejungle (Andy Miller, post five), who won three straight races before facing defeat in the final sixteenth in last week’s Open, and Sunfire Blue Chip (Brett Miller, post two), who has amassed more than $920,000 in career earnings.

A sub-featured upper-level conditioned pace will go as race nine on the evening, with a field of nine vying for a purse of $15,000. Following a traffic-troubled journey last week, Ron Burke trainee Ultimate Beachboy drops down from the Open ranks for his third outing of the meet. Yannick Gingras will drive the 2-1 morning line favorite from post seven, but the pair will face their fair share of formidable foes.

Mr Franklin N (Tim Tetrick, post one) and Rockin Wizard (Callahan, post six) both come back off solid in-the-money finishes at this class, while Good Side (Jim Marshall III) steps up off a third-level win and four prior top three outings between Freehold and Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Punters should note that while the Pick-5 and Pick-4s still combine for $105,000 in guaranteed pools, the Pick-5 now begins in race three and the Pick-4s are due to begin in the fifth and ninth events. Likewise, the 20 cent Jackpot Super High 5 will be offered in races seven and 14, with more than $50,000 in carryover money awaiting this week’s players.

On Saturday evening from 6-9 p.m., fans who have opted into the e-mail database can redeem coupons for $5 wagering vouchers they have received in their in boxes.

Post time for both the Friday and Saturday cards this week at The Meadowlands will be 6:35 p.m. (EST). For more information on racing, dining, and entertainment at the Meadowlands, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.