North American News - Adios showdown awaits

The stage is set for a fascinating harness racing clash between Al Papi (Papi Rob Hanover) and North America Cup champion Odds On Mr Mamba (Odds On Equuleus) in Saturday’s $420,500 Grade 1 Delvin Miller Adios at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The two elimination winners were given first choice of starting positions, with trainer Melanie Wrenn selecting post four for Odds On Mr Mamba. Ron Burke then chose post three for Al Papi, who was installed as the 5-2 morning-line favourite ahead of Odds On Mr Mamba at 3-1.

Al Papi earned favouritism with a stunning 1:47.2 elimination victory, finishing just one-fifth of a second outside the track, stakes and world record established by his sire, Papi Rob Hanover.

No Waitlist supplied the early speed through a sharp opening half of :54.1 before Al Papi moved from third and swept to the lead approaching three-quarters in 1:20.3. He maintained a clear advantage through the stretch, closing in :26.4 to defeat Melillo by two lengths.

The performance confirmed Al Papi as one of the fastest three-year-old pacers in North America, although Saturday’s final will present a different tactical challenge.

Odds On Mr Mamba was required to work harder when winning his elimination in 1:49.3. James MacDonald sent him forward from post six before eventually clearing Loua Dipa and Frantic Hanover.

Once in control, the North America Cup winner dictated the race before holding off Frantic Hanover by a neck. It was his 11th victory from just 13 career starts and lifted his earnings to $764,305.

The gelding was supplemented to the Adios for $35,000 after his connections bypassed the Meadowlands Pace. That decision could be rewarded with another major Grade 1 victory just six weeks after his North America Cup success.

Burke holds a powerful hand in the final, qualifying five of the nine starters. Along with Al Papi, his team includes Melillo, Frantic Hanover, Loua Dipa and Another C Note.

Loua Dipa adds further interest as the only filly in the field. She finished fourth after sitting behind Odds On Mr Mamba in her elimination and could be capable of improvement with the right trip.

Melillo produced a strong finish for second behind Al Papi, while Frantic Hanover came within a neck of upsetting Odds On Mr Mamba. Both appear genuine chances if the favourites become involved in an early battle.

The draw has created the prospect of a genuine tactical contest. Al Papi showed tremendous speed when moving around No Waitlist last week, while Odds On Mr Mamba has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to control major races from the front.

With both favourites drawn beside each other, the opening stages could prove decisive.

The Adios will be the final event on a 16-race program beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The race will also headline a national broadcast on CBS Sports Network between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

 

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink