North American News - Meadowlands Pace takes centre stage

North America’s glamour pacing event takes centre stage this weekend with the 50th running of the Meadowlands Pace, where an outstanding harness racing field of sophomore stars will chase one of the sport’s most coveted prizes. Adding further depth to an outstanding card is the $425,000 Hambletonian Maturity, featuring many of the continent’s elite four-year-old trotters.

Brandon Blvd the one to beat in $810,000 Meadowlands Pace

The spotlight falls squarely on the $810,000 Grade 1 Meadowlands Pace, where Brandon Blvd has the opportunity to cement his status as North America’s leading three-year-old pacer.

The son of Downbytheseaside announced himself as the horse to beat with a devastating victory in last week’s lone elimination, stopping the clock in a career-best 1:47.3 after trainer Andrew Harris elected to bypass an automatic berth and race for a better draw. The strategy paid off perfectly, with Brandon Blvd landing barrier two for Saturday night’s final.

Dexter Dunn again takes the reins on the red hot favourite, who possesses the tactical speed to either lead or secure the ideal trail from his inside draw.

The biggest threat could come from Sweet Lovin Lou. Scott Zeron’s colt produced an enormous finish for second in the elimination after circling the field four-wide and now looks ideally placed to settle before launching late from gate seven.

Gentleman’s Club has done little wrong this season and draws to receive every chance from barrier four for Andrew McCarthy, while Melillo gives the powerful Ron Burke stable another genuine winning hope after receiving one of the automatic byes into the final.

Bookie J is another capable performer who should enjoy an economical run from gate six after racing prominently throughout the elimination.

Selections

1. Brandon Blvd
2. Sweet Lovin Lou
3. Gentleman’s Club
4. Melillo

$425,000 Hambletonian Maturity loaded with star power

The supporting feature, the $425,000 Hambletonian Maturity over 1⅛ miles, has assembled one of the strongest four-year-old trotting fields seen this season.

Graduate Series hero On To Norway returns after creating history with his breathtaking 1:48.3 stakes record victory last weekend, a performance that also established a new all-age North American trotting record.

His toughest rival may again be Super Chapter, who was desperately unlucky when forced to close from well back after traffic issues in the Graduate Final. Dexter Dunn reunites with the Marcus Melander-trained star, who has the class to turn the tables.

Walspea continues to race with tremendous consistency after setting the pace in the Graduate Final before sticking on gamely for third, while Gimpanzee Dancer has enjoyed an outstanding season and remains a major player for Christopher Beaver.

Selections

1. Super Chapter
2. On To Norway
3. Gimpanzee Dancer
4. Walspea

 

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink