MGM Ursula/Borgata series builds momentum at Yonkers

The upcoming harness racing legs of the MGM Ursula McIntyre Series and MGM Borgata Series at Yonkers Raceway bring a sharper focus on the horses themselves, with several key runners now emerging as major players as both series build toward their finals in early May.

In the McIntyre Series for mares, a strong group has already begun to separate, led by the impressive quartet of Louies Girl N (Lord Forbes), Seaside Diva (Downbytheseaside), Coastal Babe N(Downbytheseaside), and Tick A Loch A (Always B Miki). Each brings a different profile into the next round, and all will be closely watched as they attempt to confirm their standing.

Louies Girl N arguably made the biggest statement with her powerful finishing burst, marking her as a mare with the ability to take control of a race quickly when required. In contrast, Seaside Diva showed the kind of race toughness and composure that makes her a consistent threat at this level, while Coastal Babe N stamped herself as a serious contender with a strong front end performance.

The wildcard among them is Tick A Loch A, who upset a short-priced favourite and now faces the challenge of proving that effort was no one-off. Backing up that performance will be key to her chances of progressing deeper into the series.

Beyond the headline runners, depth remains a major feature of the McIntyre division. Mares such as Bath Bomb, Always Bstunning N, Cheryls Shadow, Aardie B Miki N, Walkin On Sunshine, and Elusive A all have the ability to improve sharply and are capable of making their presence felt in the upcoming heats. With several of these runners having shown glimpses of strong form, the second leg shapes as an important opportunity for them to step forward.

Fields for the next MGM Ursula McIntyre Series legs this Friday (April 03) below

The Borgata Series presents an even deeper and more established field, with a number of proven open-class pacers now beginning to sort themselves into contention. Leading the charge are Soho Firestone A (American Ideal), Redwood Hanover (Stay Hungry), Huntinthelastdolar (Huntsville), Donegal Luther N (Bettors Creek), and Chase H Hanover (Captaintreacherous), all of whom bring strong credentials into the next round.

Soho Firestone A profiles as one of the most reliable runners in the series, consistently producing at a high level, while Redwood Hanover and Huntinthelastdolar both bring a level of class and professionalism that makes them difficult to oppose when they find their rhythm.

Donegal Luther N adds further depth as a horse capable of matching it with the top tier on his day, while Chase H Hanover, after producing a major upset, now moves from being an outsider to a genuine contender whose performances will be closely scrutinised.

There is no shortage of challengers, however. Horses such as Always A Thrill, Mossdale Ben N, Captain Albano, Verdun, Dele Row A, Aye Aye Captain N, Sherlock N, and Catalpa Rescue A all have the form to be competitive and will be looking to elevate themselves into the top bracket of the series.

Further depth is added through runners like Howlenthehills, Aroda N, Captain Moore A, and Coaches Corner, all of whom are capable of stepping up with the right run. In a series of this quality, it often only takes a slight improvement for a horse to move from being competitive to being a genuine winning chance.

Fields for the next MGM Borgata Series legs next Monday (April 06) below

As these upcoming legs unfold, the emphasis will be on which of these runners can begin to string performances together. Early success is important, but it is the ability to maintain that level across multiple rounds that ultimately defines the leading contenders.

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink