Seven years ago, Chris Alford had the opportunity to participate in several races during Little Brown Jug Week at the Delaware County Fairgrounds while in the U.S. on holiday. The renowned Australian driver’s return to the States this week is all business. Alford, who is approaching 8,000 lifetime victories and is the winningest driver in Australian history, will get in the sulky behind Aussie-bred Aldebaran Zeus in Saturday’s $1 million MGM Yonkers International Trot at MGM Yonkers Raceway.
Big M’s New Jersey Classic finals to be shown on FS2
When it comes to national television exposure, The Meadowlands has had plenty during 2023, and this Friday (Sept. 8), the TV departments at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and The Big M will combine forces to show five of the six finals for the New Jersey Classic Series for 2- and 3-year-olds of each sex and gait live during a two-hour live presentation on Fox Sports 2 (FS2) beginning at 9 p.m.
Ontario Sired Harvest and Autumn Series details released
Woodbine Entertainment today released details for the upcoming Ontario Sired Harvest Series at Woodbine Mohawk Park and the Ontario Sired Autumn Series at Flamboro Downs and Western Fair.
MGM Yonkers International Trot leads Grand Circuit weekend
On Saturday (Sept. 9), MGM Yonkers Raceway will feature the $1 million MGM Yonkers International Trot for older trotters.
Neverhaveneverwill, 28, dies
It is with sadness that Bluestone Farms reports the death of Neverhaveneverwill (Big Towner-Keystone Wallis-Albatross). She was euthanized after many months of treatment for a navicular cyst and a calcified tendon. She was 28 years old.
Maryland Sire Stakes Summer Showcase for 2-year-olds held at Ocean Downs
The 2023 meet at Ocean Downs concluded on Wednesday (Sept. 6) with the Maryland Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-olds featured.
Walter Case Jr. wins five at Bangor Raceway
Bangor Raceway kicked off a compact, four-day September meeting on Wednesday (Sept. 6), featuring twin splits of the rich Maine Sire Stakes sophomore colt division interspersed amongst a competitive 12-race program. But it was veteran driver Walter Case Jr. who provided the fireworks to herald the opening day festivities, mounting a five-win charge as the spotlight brightly shone on one of Maine’s favorite sons.
Pandy’s Meadowlands selections for Sept. 8
Handicapper Bob Pandolfo offers his selections for the full card at The Meadowlands on Friday night (Sept. 8).
Summer Slash dismantles top mares at Batavia
After coming up short in her last outing, Summer Slash got back to her winning ways while imposing her will on a field of top pacing mares in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6).
Update to Pick-5 carryovers on Thursday and Saturday at Yonkers
This week’s seeded $5 minimum Pick-5 at MGM Yonkers Raceway was not hit on Wednesday night’s (Sept. 6) program, so there will be a carryover of $19,100.75 in the sequence starting in Thursday night’s (Sept. 7) fifth race. This carryover amount is combined with $15,000 of seed money from the SOA of New York to make the total “free” money available $34,100.