by James Witherite, Meadowlands racing media
East Rutherford, NJ — Market Share, the 2012 Hambletonian winner, squares off against Rock Of Cashel and five others in Saturday night’s (Nov. 19) top trot at the Meadowlands. The $13,000 conditioned event is carded as the second of 11 races on the evening’s program.
The 27-time winner boasts over $3.7 million in career earnings, and enters the race off a third place effort behind Mambo Lindy in a similar event last week. As regular driver Tim Tetrick will be at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack for the Fall Final Four, Victor Kirby picks up the assignment for trainer Linda Toscano.
While Market Share leads the field in terms of star power, Mark Harder trainee Rock Of Cashel has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite following a pair of runner-up finishes at this level. Andy Miller drives the 6-year-old, who shows ability to threaten from on or off the pace.
Among the five to square off against the marquee pair is Hoosier invader Double A Cash Hall, who earned minor placings in Indiana stakes events and invitational races.
Veteran trainer Todd Buter takes over the conditioning duties for fellow Michigander Scott Galloway, and Greg Merton will drive the 3-1 second choice.
The evening’s top conditioned pacing event carries a $14,000 purse, and is carded as race seven. Betting Exchange, a standout on the New York Sire Stakes circuit last summer, has been installed as the lukewarm 7-2 morning line favorite in the wide-open affair following a 1:50.4 effort in defeat to Stay Up Late at the same level two starts back.
Andy Miller drives the son of Bettor’s Delight for trainer Tom Fanning.
As usual, a combined $105,000 in guaranteed Pick-4 and Pick-5 pools await players on- and off-track alike. Fans on course will receive 2017 wall calendars featuring the work of Meadowlands photographer Michael Lisa, while supplies last. Post time is slated for 7:15 p.m.