When opportunity knocked, Drew Monti answered. It led to the best season of the 25-year-old driver’s career. Monti was amid what he called a “pedestrian” campaign at his home track, Buffalo Raceway, when he was presented an opportunity to drive regularly at Plainridge Park. It gave Monti the chance to make new, as well as strengthen previous, connections and drive in an increased number of stakes. By the end of 2019, his purse earnings were a career-best $2.24 million.
Category: Archived
Stay Hungry’s book is full and closed
The book for sophomore pacing stallion Stay Hungry has been announced as full and closed.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Feb. 14
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at The Meadowlands on Friday night (Feb. 14).
The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono cancels Friday training
Due to the impending weather forecast, training will not be allowed on the main track at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Friday (Feb. 14).
Competitive racing, low takeouts equal big returns at Big M
In harness racing, it’s not uncommon to see tracks with favorites that win at a rate of 45 percent and higher, but at The Meadowlands, the races play out more as they would at major Thoroughbred tracks, meaning bigger payouts for the patrons. As of Monday (Feb. 10), the Big M’s post-time choices have been clicking 36 percent of the time, which is the same rate as at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. Santa Anita favorites are winning 38 percent of the time.
California horsemen to show support for Steve Wiseman
They say cancer has no friends, but in the case of Steve Wiseman that is not the case. The longtime California horseman has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Moments of Joy upsets in Mare Open pace at Dover
Dover, DE – Moments Of Joy shocks in the Mares Open Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday night. Moments of Joy and Victor Kirby left quickly and put the field to sleep. As the field remained in single file, Kirby and Moments of Joy were able to nurse a :29.1 quarter while Valuable Art remained in the pocket.
Change is good for Wilberforce at Buffalo
Hamburg, NY – After a couple of narrow losses in the $13,000 Open Trot level at Buffalo Raceway, a better post and a change of equipment proved to be the right remedy for Wilberforce ($3.10) on Wednesday night (Feb. 12)
Blooded Horse Sale in Springfield makes history
Springfield, OH – The Blooded Horse Winter Sale held Tue. Feb. 11, at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio, was the strongest in its 57-year history. Owners, trainers and breeders flooded the pavilion to restock stables and acquire broodmares. “People love coming to a sale to actually see and touch the horses they want to buy,” said sale manager Jerry Haws. “It may take a bit more time and resources, but the dividends far outweigh the cost. Bringing horses to a venue of eager buyers is a tremendous marketing tool. Consignors seemed to be pleased as there were substantially less RNAs.”
Lakeisha Hall takes The Meadows top Distaff pace
Washington, PA — Lakeisha Hall pounced on the leaders with a quick backside burst and went on to capture Wednesday’s (February 12) $18,000 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.