Ursula/Borgata series finals set to go, Beau Jangles returns

Friday night at MGM Yonkers Raceway shapes as one of the biggest nights of the North American harness racing season with the Grade 2 $478,000 MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final and the Grade 2 $456,000 MGM Ursula McIntyre Series Final bringing together many of the sport’s biggest stars over the demanding 1¼-mile journey.

The barrier draw has already added another fascinating layer to both features.

In the Borgata Final, Coaches Corner landed the coveted pole position and looks poised to take full advantage for driver Jason Bartlett and trainer Per Engblom. The classy son of Always A Virgin has been building nicely through the series and comes into the final off two wins and a second in his last three appearances.

From the inside draw he looks certain to play a major role.

The Engblom barn also has Huntinthelastdolar and Redwood Hanover engaged, giving the powerful stable a strong hand in the race tactically.

Donegal Luther N has been one of the revelations of the series and draws ideally in gate three for Yannick Gingras and Jared Bako, while 2025 Aria Invitational champion Captain Albano adds another layer of class from barrier four for Todd McCarthy and Noel Daley.

One of the biggest talking points heading into the final is defending champion Mossdale Ben N.

The Peter Tritton-trained star was brilliant winning this race last season, but he faces a much tougher assignment this time around after drawing post seven. The versatile New Zealand-bred has developed into a far more complete racehorse this season, showing he can race on speed as effectively as he can come from off the pace.

If the tempo is genuine, his toughness and stamina make him impossible to dismiss despite the awkward gate.

The Ursula McIntyre Final also looks packed with intrigue.

Silk Cloud A secured the pole position for Lauren Tritton and Peter Tritton and should get every opportunity to dictate terms from the inside draw.

But the horse many punters will focus on is Louies Girl N.

The Per Engblom-trained mare was outstanding throughout the series, winning four of her five preliminary appearances and finishing second in the other. Drawn beautifully in gate two with Jason Bartlett aboard, she looks set to start a deserved favourite.

Coastal Babe N has quietly put together a tremendous series for Jared Bako and Yannick Gingras, winning three races along the way, while Tarapasta continues to race with tremendous consistency for Travis Alexander.

Defending champion Aardie B Miki N faces the hardest challenge of all after drawing the outside gate in barrier eight for Andy McCarthy, but proven class can never be underestimated in races of this calibre.

With nearly $1 million in prizemoney on the line across the two finals, major stables represented everywhere, and tactical speed likely to prove critical around Yonkers’ half-mile circuit, Friday night promises elite-level harness racing from start to finish.

The return of superstar Beau Jangles

Meanwhile at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night, another major headline takes centre stage with the long-awaited return of unbeaten superstar Beau Jangles.

The Canadian and U.S. Horse of the Year headlines the SBOA Stakes eliminations for Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing colts and geldings and will make his first appearance since completing a flawless 12-from-12 juvenile campaign.

The Dr. Ian Moore-trained son of Cattlewash was simply untouchable at two, capturing elite races including the Grade 1 Metro Pace, Grade 1 Breeders Crown and Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final while banking a staggering $1.6 million.

Saturday’s return has only heightened the hype around the colt many believe could develop into one of the sport’s next global stars.

Beau Jangles has drawn perfectly in barrier one for regular driver Bob McClure and has been installed an almost unbackable 1-9 favourite in his elimination.

The biggest challenge may again come from Tilthecowscomehome, who spent much of last season chasing the brilliant colt while still putting together a superb campaign of his own worth more than $370,000.

While Friday night belongs to Yonkers and its rich series finals, Saturday could easily belong to Beau Jangles as harness racing fans finally get another glimpse of the unbeaten phenomenon.

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink