from RUS MidAtlantic
East Rutherford, NJ — A field of nine trotters will be facing the starter at the Meadowlands Saturday evening (Sept. 9) as Hyway Marcus looks to repeat in the $5,000 Bill Weaver Memorial Trot, the second leg of the RUS MidAtlantic Monte Series, which will be contested as a non-wagering event after the third race on the evening program.
In the first leg of the series, Hyway Marcus won comfortably in 2:02.1 at Ocean Downs, however four new horses will be joining the fray in addition to those returning from the Aug. 20 race. This week, the 6-year-old son of Gut Instinct draws post position four and retains the services of Sash Moczulski as rider.
Looking to upend the first leg winner is The Franchise, who is making his first purse start of the year after winning his qualifier at Saratoga back on Aug. 11. The Franchise starts from post position two with Michelle Crawford looking to score a minor upset.
Also looking to be a threat is Keenan (Maria Buchanan) who starts from post position seven. Keenan finished second to Hyway Marcus in his last start and with an earlier move may be in the thick of things at the wire.
Catalyst (post six, Stephanie Jacobs) finished third in the first leg of the series but must be respected as it was his first RUS start in two years and he had qualified ten days earlier in 2:01 at Ocean Downs.
Pine Tab (post nine, Helene Gregory) was scratched sick out of the first leg but qualified in 2:00.1 back on June 12 at Gaitway Farms. Being this is his first RUS purse start of his career, it will be interesting to see if he can return to his morning form.
Making his first start of the season is fan favorite Funny Photo (post five) being ridden by owner Sophie Engerran. With a lifetime record of 13-4-2-3 under saddle, he is a consistent horse. Last time at the Meadowlands, Funny Photo was a far back second to Modest Prince in last year’s RUS America series at the Meadowlands where the North American race record of 1:56.3 was established.
Also competing Saturday evening are returnees One True Friend (post one, Hillary Hartnett) and Admirable Hanover (post three, Vanessa Karlewicz) who are being joined by Mr Protab (post eight, Emma Wahlberg) who makes his 2017 debut.
The Bill Weaver Memorial Trot is in memory of breeder-owner William Weaver III who passed away earlier this year. His forte was breeding trotters and he was a supporter of racing under saddle.
Post time Saturday evening is 7:15 p.m.