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. Undefeated Canadian colt will make U.S. debut in July 12 Pace elims. Most intimidating horse to enter Pace since Nihilator, or maybe Niatross.

2, Badlands Nitro, Brian Sears, George Teague, Jr., John Celii and Teague Inc. Jogged in short-field Rooney elim at Yonkers last out with upstart Jason Bartlett at the controls. Looms as one to beat in Rooney final July 5. His 1:51.4 win was close to track record.

3, Up Front Hannahsboy, Aaron Merriman, Jim Arledge, Jr., Ed Mullinax. Freshened up after romps in Cleveland Classic and NA Cup consolation. If anyone is peaking at the right time, it’s this colt.

4, Santanna Blue Chip, Jody Jamieson, Carl Jamieson, C. Jamieson, 1140545 Ontario Ltd, J. Gillis and George Arthur Stable. Won his Rooney elimination on June 28. Jody Jamieson: “He’s sound and healthy. Originally we weren’t going to go to the Rooney, but the difference was no Somebeachsomewhere.”

5, Sand Shooter, David Miller, Jim Arledge, Jr., Bill Sanders and Jerry Silva. Was slated to race in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes division at Mohegan Sun at Pocono on July 1.

6, Scape Ghost, Mark MacDonald, Mark Silva, Rodney Mitchell. Second in four-horse Jersey Cup on June 28. Still, his final quarter was big and he will have to race that way in the Pace final.

7, Art Official, Ryan Anderson, Joe Seekman, Sawgrass Farms LLC. Won the $500,000 Hoosier Cup in 1:51, unleashing his customary stretch rally to get the lion’s share. Will have to step up real fast if he plans on spoiling any victory celebrations for SBSW on July 19.

8, Dali, Luc Ouellette, Duane Marfisi, Uncirculated Stable. Second in the Hoosier Cup. Improved effort, but he’s had the odd physical issue or two and this is not the year to bring any extra baggage on board the Somebeachsomewhere Express.

9, Blueridge Western, Dave Palone, Mickey Burke, George Leon. ‘Second tier’ type will have to rely on good draws and one or two of them stubbing their toes. Already has Berry’s Creek/Cleveland Classic in his hip pocket.

10, Deuce Seelster, John Campbell, Darren McCall, Katherine Bardis. Has to show that he can leave his home turf and regain that 9-for-12-form he flashed as a freshman.