North American News - Meadowlands delivers a Fourth Of July spectacular

Saturday night’s Meadowlands program is loaded from start to finish, with six Grand Circuit features and the Meadowlands Pace elimination providing one of the biggest nights of the North American season.

Six horses currently ranked in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Top 10 are among those in action across a spectacular 11-race card.

Race 3 – JL Cruze Open Trot

The stakes action begins early with the $131,250 JL Cruze featuring a quality line-up of seasoned open trotters.

Defending divisional champion Lexus Kody returns after an impressive victory at Woodbine Mohawk Park and looks poised to continue his climb back to the top. Standing in his way is the ultra-consistent Aetos Kronos S, who has repeatedly been competitive in the biggest races this season without quite landing a major victory.

Ron Burke, Marcus Melander and Ake Svanstedt all have genuine winning chances in what shapes as an even opening feature.

Race 6 – Six Pack Mares Trot

The trotting mares take centre stage in the $129,400 Six Pack.

Last season’s outstanding three-year-old Yo Tillie tackles older mares for the first time after a dominant sophomore campaign, although barrier ten makes life difficult.

She faces a talented group headed by reigning Older Mare of the Year Warrawee Michelle, recent Armbro Flight winner Bourbonista S, the in-form Bravo Angel S and the classy R Dutchess.

Race 7 – Meadowlands Pace Elimination

While there is only one elimination this year, it has all the ingredients to produce a thrilling contest with the first seven across the line progressing to next week’s $800,000 final.

The race took on a different complexion when previously unbeaten Horse of the Year Beau Jangles was withdrawn earlier this week with a lung infection, removing the pre-post favourite from the equation.

That leaves North America Cup runner-up Brandon Blvd as one of the major players after drawing ideally in barrier three with Dexter Dunn in the bike.

Gentleman’s Club has the speed to make his presence felt from gate four after excuses in the North America Cup series, while Obliterate brings strong credentials following four wins this season and another favourable draw.

Azrael Blue Chip will be looking to bounce back after a luckless North America Cup campaign, while Bookie J, Sweet Lovin Lou and Always B Charlie all have the talent to force their way into next week’s final.

With seven of the ten runners progressing, the early speed and tactical battle could be just as important as the finishing order as connections look to secure their place in the Meadowlands Pace Final.

Race 8 – Graduate Series Final (Trot)

One of the night’s biggest highlights comes with the $230,000 Graduate Trot Final.

The spotlight falls on On To Norway, whose remarkable 27-race winning streak ended in last week’s final preliminary after being overhauled late by Mr Mouton.

That result has blown the race wide open, with unbeaten Super Chapter looking to maintain his perfect 2026 record, while Breeders Crown winner Meshuggah and Kentucky Filly Futurity heroine Delaney Hanover add further depth to a high-class field.

Race 9 – Dave Brower Memorial

The older pacing stars clash in the $168,100 Dave Brower Memorial.

Champion pacer Ervin Hanover resumes after a short break following his Mohawk Gold Cup victory and tackles another deep free-for-all line-up.

Among those standing in his way are Borgata winner Captain Albano, Send It In Invitational victor Huntinthelastdolar, millionaire Bythemissal, Joseph Auger Memorial winner Ken Hanover, and the rapidly improving For Once Inmy Life, who has been in outstanding form this season.

Race 10 – Graduate Series Final (Pace)

The $230,000 Graduate Pace Final has all the ingredients to produce another outstanding contest.

Canadian star Prince Hal Hanover enters off an impressive Graduate victory at The Meadowlands and has established himself among the leading four-year-old pacers.

He faces serious opposition from the brilliantly fast Captain Optimistic, along with recent Graduate leg winners Fallout, Ayeaye Captain Deo and Go Go Grasshopper in what looks one of the most competitive races on the program.

Race 11 – Perfect Sting

The stakes action concludes with the top pacing mares in the $153,200 Perfect Sting.

All eyes will be on Miki And Minnie, who has won her past three starts and recently lowered the Plainridge Park track record for four-year-old pacing mares with a sensational 1:49.1 mile.

Stablemate Twin B Joe Fresh looms as the major danger after returning to winning form at Harrah’s Philadelphia, while Breeders Crown winner Always B Naughty and the classy Louies Girl N ensure another quality Grand Circuit contest.

For complete race entries, click here: US Trotting entries.

From Bevan Greig for Harnesslink