Harness racing stars set for $2.3 million Meadowlands showdown

Some of North America’s biggest harness racing names will converge on the Meadowlands on Saturday night (November 14) for a spectacular $2.3 million programme featuring the FanDuel Championships and four major stakes races for two-year-olds.

The meeting brings together established champions, emerging stars and several leading drivers from New Zealand and Australia, with eight major events scheduled across the 14-race card.

Among the highlights will be the eagerly anticipated clash between On To Norway and Super Chapter in the $300,000 Group 1 FanDuel Open Trot, while former Horse of the Year Twin B Joe Fresh will attempt to continue her outstanding winning sequence.

 

Heavyweights clash in Open Trot

On To Norway arrives in exceptional form, having won 13 of his 16 starts this season.

The Ron Burke-trained four-year-old captured the Breeders Crown in 1:50 before adding another victory at Harrah’s Hoosier Park last weekend.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. will drive the talented trotter from barrier two.

Standing in his way is Super Chapter, who has established himself among the leading trotters in North America with victories in the Maple Leaf Trot, Yonkers International Trot and Dayton Trotting Derby.

The Marcus Melander-trained stallion has won seven of his ten starts this year and will have New Zealand reinsman Dexter Dunn aboard from barrier four.

Former champion Lexus Kody and Canadian star Logan Park add further depth to an outstanding field.

Logan Park, winner of the 2024 edition, has won 11 of his 17 starts this season and will be driven by Doug McNair.

 

Twin B Joe Fresh chasing five straight

Champion mare Twin B Joe Fresh will be looking to extend her winning streak to five in the $150,000 Group 2 FanDuel Open Mare Pace.

The Chris Ryder-trained six-year-old has been outstanding in recent weeks, capturing the Allerage and Dayton Distaff Derby before producing a brilliant 1:48.1 performance in the Breeders Crown.

Dunn takes the reins from barrier three.

Her opposition includes Talk Curdy To Me, who finished third in the Breeders Crown before returning to winning form at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

 

Open Pace promises another thriller

The $300,000 Group 1 FanDuel Open Pace has attracted a competitive field headed by Women Layer, Prince Hal Hanover and Ervin Hanover.

Women Layer comes into the race following a 1:48 victory in the Potomac Pace and has nine wins from 21 appearances this season.

Prince Hal Hanover, who has won the Allerage and Charles Juravinski Memorial Cup this year, is expected to make his final racetrack appearance before beginning his stallion career in 2027.

Australian driver Todd McCarthy will partner the Dr. Ian Moore-trained four-year-old.

Dunn has the drive on Ervin Hanover, whose six victories this season include the Dave Brower Memorial in a blistering 1:46.3.

 

Tactical Moni seeks another major victory

Breeders Crown winner Tactical Moni will attempt to maintain her late-season momentum in the $150,000 Group 2 FanDuel Open Mare Trot.

The Marcus Melander-trained mare has won her last two starts, including a 1:51 performance in the Breeders Crown.

Dunn will drive from barrier three.

Her main rival appears to be Warrawee Michelle, who has enjoyed major victories in the Miss Versatility final and Dayton Oaks Derby.

 

Young stars contest Fall Four

Four prestigious stakes races for two-year-olds will add further excitement to the programme.

The $386,830 Group 1 Goldsmith Maid features Breeders Crown winner Birr Castle, who has earned more than $1 million during her outstanding freshman campaign.

She faces unbeaten New York star Kountry Plunge, who will attempt to extend her perfect record to eight victories.

In the $383,830 Group 1 Valley Victory, Bentley Blue Chip will attempt to build on his recent Kindergarten Series final success.

The $300,000 Group 1 Three Diamonds brings together leading pacing fillies Jk Lady Liberty, Cleveland Darby, Miss Dolce and Holy.

Meanwhile, the $300,000 Group 1 Governor’s Cup features Metro Pace winner Eastie Boy, who will attempt to add another major title to his record after winning the Matron Stakes earlier this month.

Trainer Ron Burke has a powerful representation in the event, with Totally Tyler, Stonebridge Blitz and Blue Eyed Stranger also among his starters.

 

Australasian drivers in the spotlight

The meeting provides another opportunity for New Zealand’s Dexter Dunn and Australian brothers Todd and Andrew McCarthy to feature prominently on one of North America’s biggest racing nights.

Dunn has several outstanding opportunities, including Super Chapter, Twin B Joe Fresh, Tactical Moni and Ervin Hanover.

Todd McCarthy’s association with Prince Hal Hanover will also attract considerable interest as the talented pacer prepares for what could be his final race.

The FanDuel Championships will be staged in races four through seven, followed by the Fall Four events in races eight through eleven.

First post at the Meadowlands is scheduled for 6:20pm (EST) on Saturday, November 14.