North American news

Although there is a slight lull in the American stakes racing this week, Trainer Ron Burke holds a strong hand in Thursday’s (Nov. 5) $115,000 Grade 3 Matron Stakes at Bally’s Dover, with Eastie Boy and Stonebridge Blitz occupying the two inside starting positions.

Eastie Boy (Sweet Lou), the 2-1 morning-line favourite, has won four of his 11 starts this season, including the Metro Pace, and leads North America’s two-year-old male pacers with $590,432 in earnings.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. will drive the talented colt, who finished a luckless fourth in the Breeders Crown after producing a sharp 26.1-second final quarter.

Stablemate Stonebridge Blitz (Tall Dark Stranger) is the 5-2 second favourite and will start from barrier two with Yannick Gingras aboard.

The youngster has won twice this season, capturing divisions of the Bluegrass and International Stallion Stakes, and also caught the eye with a 26-second closing quarter when sixth in the Breeders Crown.

Both Burke runners are expected to benefit from their favourable draws after encountering traffic problems in their latest assignments.

Their main opposition appears to be Hungry Marco (Stay Hungry), a five-time winner this season who is rated a 7-2 chance for trainer Jamie Sullivan and driver Tim Tetrick.

The six-horse Matron Stakes is race eight on Thursday’s program, scheduled for 6.50pm Eastern.

Eastie Boy is also being aimed at the Grade 1 Governor’s Cup at the Meadowlands on November 14.

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink