by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Three-year-old trotting filly Check Me Out returns to the races this Friday (August 10) at The Meadows, after finishing third placed eighth for interference while on a break in the final turn at odds of 3-5 in the Hambletonian Oaks on August 4.

Trainer (and co-owner with Charles Iannazzo) Ray Schnittker says Check Me Out came out of the Oaks in good shape and is ready to race again.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Check Me Out will be back in action this Friday in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes race at The Meadows.

“She’s racing at The Meadows Friday (post four in a $140,557) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes,” says Schnittker.

In that race, Check Me Out’s seasonal earnings of $589,555 are $210,176 more than that of the remainder of the field combined.

“She’s got the Zweig (August 26 at Vernon Downs), the finals of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (September 1 at Pocono Downs), then Kentucky (Red Mile races September 30 for Bluegrass Stakes, October 7 for Kentucky Filly Futurity), Breeders Crown (eliminations October 20, finals October 27 at Woodbine), American-National (November 10 at Balmoral) and the Matron (eliminations November 11 at Dover Downs, final is November 18).”

Schnittker said racing fans will get more of Check Me Out in 2013 and maybe beyond.

“Oh she’s going to race next year, no doubt,” he said.

Asked if she might have a career like two-time (1998 and 1999) Horse of the Year Moni Maker, who raced all over Europe and wrapped up her career in 2000 with a record mile under saddle of 1:54.1, Schnittker said, “That’s what I’m hoping. We could do that, too. She’s actually really good under saddle. That was really exciting (the under saddle race) at the Meadowlands (on August 4).”