MGM Ursula/Borgata series third round previews

The MGM Borgata Pacing Series at Yonkers Raceway is beginning to take real shape as the third harness racing round approaches, with several key contenders now emerging as genuine threats heading toward the May final.

Last week’s heats added further clarity, with Soho Firestone A, Huntinthelastdolar, and Donegal Luther N all maintaining perfect records through two rounds, while Captain Albano stamped himself as a major player with a powerful first-up victory.

Leading chances emerging in round three!

Soho Firestone A has been one of the most professional performers in the series to date. His ability to control races on speed and absorb pressure late makes him ideally suited to Yonkers, and from another favorable set up he looks a major factor again.

Huntinthelastdolar continues to do everything right. His win last week showed versatility able to sit, wait, and still finish off strongly. That adaptability is a major asset in these tightly run series races.

Donegal Luther N shapes as the grinder of the group. His latest win came under pressure throughout, and the fact he was able to absorb a tough trip and still hold off challengers suggests he will be very hard to knock off as the series deepens.

Captain Albano may have produced the run of the round. Sitting parked and still proving too strong late, he brings a level of sustained power that few in the field can match. If the tempo lifts, he becomes especially dangerous.

 Key Match-Ups This Week

The upcoming heats bring some fascinating clashes:

• Race 4 sees Redwood Hanover and Celtic Spirit N drawn to control the tempo, but with Chase H Hanover capable of applying pressure if the speed slackens. Tactical positioning will be crucial here.
• Race 5 looks ideal for Soho Firestone A to continue his run, though Aye Aye Captain N and Howlenthehills both bring enough form to test him if the race becomes more than a sit-and-sprint.
• Race 6 is arguably the strongest heat, with Huntinthelastdolar, Captain Albano, and Mossdale Ben N all clashing. Add in Ima Perfect Choice, who continues to race consistently, and this shapes as a defining race for the series.

Fields for the next MGM Borgata Series legs next Monday (April 13) below

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The MGM Ursula McIntyre Pacing Series continues to build intrigue at Yonkers Raceway, with the second round producing a mix of dominant performances and major upsets that have reshaped the outlook heading into the next leg.

What looked a relatively defined group after the opening round has now opened right up, with several new contenders emerging and others needing to respond quickly to stay relevant as the series moves toward its May final.

Momentum Shifts After Round Two

The biggest statement came from Always Bstunning N, who handed a previously unbeaten favorite her first defeat with a strong on-speed performance. That effort signaled she is more than capable of taking control of a race when conditions suit.

Coastal Babe N continues to do everything right, backing up her first-up win with another dominant front-running display. Her ability to dictate terms makes her one of the most reliable runners in the series.

The wildcard performance came from Millwood Bliss N, who produced a powerful mid race move to score at big odds. While she now has to prove that effort wasn’t a one off, it showed the depth in this series is stronger than it first appeared.

Tarapasta also put herself firmly in the mix with a controlled all-the-way victory, showing that runners able to lead or sit close to the speed are proving extremely effective at this stage of the series.

Key Races This Week

Race 2

A strong line up where Seaside Diva looks well placed to bounce back. She showed enough in defeat last round to suggest she remains a major player.
Rocket Deo brings early speed and could shape the race, while Tick A Loch A is capable of improving sharply and cannot be underestimated.

Race 4

This looks one of the more open divisions.
Tarapasta brings winning form and maps to be prominent again, while Fearless Ginger continues to race consistently at this level.
Bath Bomb has upside and could be one to improve into the series if she gets the right run.

Race 5

A deep and competitive heat.
Always Bstunning N now carries the pressure of expectation after her upset win and will need to back it up.
Walkin On Sunshine and Square Deal both have the ability to step forward, while Louies Girl N looks a key runner aiming to reassert her authority after her first defeat.

Fields for the next MGM Ursula McIntyre Series legs this Friday (April 10) below

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink