from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Each week, Bob Heyden ranks the top contenders for the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 19.

Rank, Horse, Driver, Trainer, Owner, Bob Heyden’s Comments
1, Somebeachsomewhere, Paul MacDonell, Brent McGrath, Schooner Stables. Romped in his NA Cup elim in 1:49. Super horse now just weeks from heading to NJ (and out of Canada for the first time).

2, Badlands Nitro, Brian Sears, George Teague, Jr., John Celii and Teague Inc. Won his NA Cup elimination in game fashion, and is a real threat to take it all in this week’s final.

3, Art Official, Tyler Buter, Joe Seekman, Sawgrass Farms LLC. Game second to Somebeachsomewhere in 1:49 NA Cup elim.

4, Sand Shooter, David Miller, Jim Arledge, Jr., Bill Sanders and Jerry Silva. Stamped himself a legit threat in NA Cup elim. Player at the head of the class and has to be considered.

5, Dali, Luc Ouellette, Duane Marfisi, Uncirculated Stable. Put in a lot of tough miles but still digs in and gives it his best. Will likely try and make the top early to secure pocket trip to number 1 in the NA Cup Final.

6, Deuce Seelster, John Campbell, Darren McCall, Katherine Bardis. Won his NA Cup elim after a mini-bout with sickness the two weeks prior. Gets six-time NA Cup winner John Campbell. Campbell won NA Cup and Pace with The Panderosa in 1999.

7, Santanna Blue Chip, Jody Jamieson, Carl Jamieson, C. Jamieson, 1140545 Ontario Ltd, J. Gillis, and George Arthur Stable. Has shown a chink or two in the armor and will really have to step it up to be heard from this weekend.

8, Share The Delight, John Campbell, Linda Toscano, Four Horsemen Stable and Algonquin Farms. Made a break challenging on the final turn at Mohawk and did not qualify for the NA Cup Final. Has a lethal closing kick. Toscano finished fourth in 2007 Pace with Kenneth J.

9, Scape Ghost, Mark MacDonald, Mark Silva, Rodney Mitchell. Overmatched in NA Cup elim but shines at Big M. Never won anywhere else — like 1996 Pace champion Hot Lead.

10, Blueridge Western, Yannick Gingras, Mickey Burke, George Leon. Won the Berry’s Creek from post nine. Burke says, “Right now he’s the best we have among our 3-year-olds.”

Does Dad really need another tie?

Treat him to a special Father’s Day brunch on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands. Post time for the special matinee card is 1:10 p.m.

Pegasus Restaurant features a gourmet brunch package for $44.95 per person (includes admission and program; excludes tax and gratuity). Terraces will offer both a la carte dining and a brunch package for $39.95 (excludes admission, program, tax and gratuity). Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations.

Paddock Park activities include live music by Yasgur’s Farm, food and drink specials, sports games and a giant slide beginning at 12:00 noon. Gates open at 11:00 a.m.

For more information and to view the menus online, click here.