Freehold Raceway rang in the new year on Friday (Jan. 1), with a pair of Preferred Handicaps. One was won by an established veteran, the other by a possible rising star. The $12,000 Preferred Handicap Trot went to Obrigado, who inched his earnings closer to the $2 million mark.
Closing date for Pocono Series nominations changed
The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono would like to alert horsemen to a couple of late changes relating to its set of four Game Of Claims late-closing series.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Jan. 2
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (Jan. 2).
Cal Expo Open Trot brings out Silverhill Volo
Silverhill Volo, riding a three-race winning streak for owner/driver/trainer Chip Lackey, heads the cast for Saturday night’s (Jan. 2) $7,900 Open Trot at Cal Expo.
MGM Northfield Park adds Pick-6 to wagering menu
MGM Northfield Park will kick off the new year with a revamped wagering menu highlighted by a new 50-cent Pick-6 each night. The new wager offers a low 14 percent takeout rate and will begin in race eight starting Sunday (Jan. 3).
Goldberg strikes gold at Dover
Goldberg struck gold in the final $20,000 Open Handicap Pace of the year at Dover Downs, using a :26.4 last quarter to repel Itsrockandroll A in the Thursday night (Dec. 31) feature.
Back-to-back grand slams for Mike Merton
On Thursday (Dec. 31), Mike Merton recorded his second driving grand slam in as many days, winning four of the 12 races on the final card of 2020 at Monticello Raceway.
Super Saturday on tap at Big M
After last Saturday’s (Dec. 26) sensational sendoff to 2020 saw a huge handle lead to a deep guaranteed Pick-5 pool, The Meadowlands looks poised to begin 2021 with another big Saturday (Jan. 2) night at the races. Post time is 6 p.m.
USTA President Russell Williams talks Hanover, HISA, horses in new Preview
USTA president Russell Williams, who earned a law degree and served as Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, has issued statements following HISA becoming law. In the latest edition of HarnessRacing Weekend Preview, Williams answered questions for Editor Kathy Parker about HISA, how Hanover Shoe Farms has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic year, horse sales, and horses in general.
Free full card past performances for Meadowlands Racetrack
Starting with the first race card of 2021, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will now offer free full card past performances for each race night through the Winter/Spring and Championship meets.