Drew Campbell had the hot hands at Cumberland on Friday (Aug. 4), winning four races on the penultimate day of the Summer meet at the iconic Southern Maine racetrack.
Juxta Cowgirl and I Get It take Friday Northville Open
The Friday (Aug. 4) spotlights at Northville Downs were on races five and six as 9-year-old pacing mare Juxta Cowgirl (Relentless Yankee – Juxtaposition) and driver/trainer Art McIlmurray captured the Mares Open Handicap Pace in 1:55.1 by 2-3/4 lengths while I Get It (Dontyouforgetit – Less Stress) captured the Open Trot with owner/trainer/driver Bob Rowland in 1:57.4, an easy victory.
Merton wins five including feature at Tioga
Driver Mike Merton won five of the seven races that were contested at Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 4) including the $11,500 featured trot with Andover Contessa.
Telenovela charges late to win Vernon feature
Telenovela (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) flies down the stretch to steal the $7,500 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 4).
Harrington schedule reminder
As live racing will return to Harrington Raceway on August 14, horsemen are reminded of a few pertinent dates.
Frank N. Mastrodonato, 64, dies
Frank N. Mastrodonato passed away at home on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 64, after his courageous battle with ALS. Predeceased by his parents, Frank “Chappy” & Ruth Mastrodonato; brother, Nick; son, Anthony. He is survived by his wife, Laurie Mastrodonato; children, Gina & Frankie Jr. Mastrodonato; step-son, Jamie Felker; sister, Anna (Dominic) Guerrieri; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Frank was an active member of the WNY Horseman’s Association for many years.
Hambo Notebook: Looking to join elite company
Scott Zeron could join elite company with Hambletonian win behind Tactical Approach; Team Miller hopes to celebrate with French Wine; McNairs make first Hambo journey with mercurial Osceola.
Hambo Notebook: Winner’s Bet, Ghostly Casper overcome tough trips to make final
After taking the long way home from post 10 in his Hambletonian Stakes elimination last week, Winner’s Bet will attempt to cash in on a more advantageous starting spot in Saturday’s $1 million final at The Meadowlands. Ben Baillargeon gets the feeling that if it weren’t for bad luck, Ghostly Casper might not have any luck at all.
Monticello to host NYSS 3-year-old filly trotters
The New York Sire Stakes season at Momticello has just three legs remaining. On Monday (Aug. 7), the 3-year-old trotting fillies roll into town with two splits of the NYSS worth $119,500 and two dashes of $20,000 Excelsior stakes.
Difference in age and experience, same goal for Alagna and Stoebe Saturday
At age 51, trainer Tony Alagna has run his own stable for 14 years, while 35-year-old Annie Stoebe opened her small operation just two years ago. Despite their difference in age and experience, the two are both pursuing the same goal Saturday, a win in the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old female trotters at The Meadowlands. Alagna enters the fray with elimination winner Heart On Fire and Mambacita, while Stoebe goes with Instagram Model, a Hambo Day winner last year in the Jim Doherty Memorial.