Dougsmonkeybusines is unbeaten this year and will look to add another trophy to his case when he heads the cast for Friday night’s (April 14) $15,000 California Sire Stakes for 4-year-old pacing males at Cal Expo.
Failing favorites a hit with Big M faithful
The Thoroughbred game has always been somewhere chalk-haters go and try to cash big tickets. In fact, old-time horse players will tell you that for many years Saratoga Race Course was known as the “Graveyard of Favorites.” Well, it’s time to stand aside, Saratoga — and every other Thoroughbred track, for that matter — as the Meadowlands has the lowest percentage of winning favorites of any track currently racing in North America, regardless of breed.
Blue Chip Matchmaker and MGM Borgata Pacing series continue at Yonkers
The Grand Circuit at Yonkers features three $40,000 divisions on Friday (April 14) in the fifth and final round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series for open pacing mares. The Monday (April 17) card at Yonkers will see three $50,000 divisions in the fifth and final round of the MGM Borgata Pacing series for open pacers.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for April 14
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at The Meadowlands on Friday night (April 14).
Seekman’s arrow pointing upward
Travis Seekman is a couple weeks into his 18th season as a professional driver and the arrow is pointing upward for the modest Michigan native. The 32-year-old Seekman is coming off his best campaign in the sulky, going over the $1 million plateau in purse money for the first time.
Strong cards for Cumberland opening weekend
When Race Secretary Rob Pennington opened the box for Cumberland’s opening weekend, he was pleased to find over 150 horses had been dropped in for the double draw for Friday and Saturday (April 14 and 15).
Fayette County Harness Horsemen’s Association’s matinee on May 14
The Fayette County Harness Horsemen’s Association will be holding a matinee, with time bar races, on Sunday (May 14) with a 12:30 p.m. post time.
Rose Run Valor upsets in Miami Valley’s $30,000 Open Trot
Rose Run Valor used a ground-saving trip and an opening up the stretch to score a 1:53.1 upset in Miami Valley’s $30,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday (April 12).
Hoolie N Hector is lone John Brennan Series repeater
Hoolie N Hector was the only horse able to improve to two-for-two in this year’s John Brennan Trotting Series at MGM Yonkers Raceway after Wednesday night’s (April 12) second preliminary round.
MGM Northfield Park prevails in Driver’s Challenge
The Northfield/Pompano Driver’s Challenge concluded on Wednesday (April 12) at MGM Northfield Park, with the home team easing away to victory after another successful night. While Team Pompano scored five victories on Wednesday, it was too much to overcome as Team Northfield prevailed 248-170.