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DRF HARNESS HOME DIGITAL HARNESS EYE HARNESS PPS DRF BETS ENTRIES ARCHIVE
LEXINGTON SELECTED
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020
PREVIEW ISSUE
MAVERICK became the first-ever yearling to break the million-dollar plateau
when he sold for $1.1 million at the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale
Which horse will be the sale-topper on Monday’s opening session?
© 2020 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017
Regional sales raise optimism for Inside this issue
Lexington Selected Sale despite pandemic
Greg Reinhart: Walner seeks a seat at
the big table for Lexington Selected
Yearling Sale, Page 6
Jay Bergman: Concord Stud Farm takes
European front. “They lifted the European its show on the road to Lexington for
travel ban,” said Manges, who was hoping
EDITOR’S EYE that would mean the sale would attract the
the 1st time, Page 9
usual high-bidders from overseas. “Usually Derick Giwner: Final group of
By Derick Giwner they have a sale the week before our sale and Somebeachsomewhere yearlings start
many Europeans don’t make arrangements
@DRFHarness to come. This year there is no conflict. That’s
going on the block, Page 12
why we backed up the sale one day (from On The Backstretch: Profile of owner
With the pandemic realities of 2020 firmly Tuesday to Monday) when we decided to add a
Myron Bell, Page 14
settled into place, the Lexington Selected Mixed Sale. When the Mixed Sale was Sunday
Yearling Sale provides participants in the night, it was hard for people because they had Top stallion statistics for 2- and 3-year-
Harness Racing industry the opportunity to stay around until Monday.” olds, Page 18
to perhaps forget about the here and now to It’s doubtful whether in the current
dream of the future. economic environment the Lexington Ryder says Bettor’s Wish ready for
Nearly 850 yearlings will walk through Selected Sale can continue its historic gains Dayton Derby + Stakes analysis, Page 19
the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Lexington, from recent years. In 2018, the sale was up
Kentucky during the five-night sale which 10.6% and 2019 saw a 22% increase with the Email the Editor DGiwner@DRF.com
kicks off on Monday, October 5 at 7 PM, and first two million-dollar yearlings sold in the
while some were looking at a “doom and sport’s history. HARNESS DIGEST SCHEDULE
gloom” scenario as recently as a month ago, Issue dates next week are Oct. 6/7/8
recent events may have swayed the momen-
tum back to the bright side of the spectrum.
Two regional sales – Goshen in New York
and Ohio Selected – both showed strong “I thought [Ohio] would be To ensure proper delivery
returns, with the former coming in flat year- of the newsletter via
over-year and Ohio checking in up an amaz-
ing 18% despite the economic downturn
good, but to be up 18% email, add drf@email.drf.
com to your contact list
brought on by COVID-19. These positives
certainly brought a smile to co-sales manager
with 60 more horses sold
Randy Manges’ face.
than last year, that was
“Oh yeah,” said Manges when asked if he Discover
was happy with what has transpired so far
with yearling sales. “I thought Ohio would be
unbelievable.”
a decent sale because we had a strong online
response and we sent out more catalogs than
-Randy Manges
ever.
“I thought it would be good, but to be up 18%
with 60 more horses sold than last year, that Find your favorite tracks, PPs,
was unbelievable.” “We sold two million-dollar yearlings. I’m wagering, and everything
Looking ahead to Monday, Manges pointed not sure when that will happen again,” said
to a few factors which he felt were more posi- Magnes when asked about the 2020 catalog.
you need to win, faster than
tive signs for Lexington. First off was how “Still, it is a very nice sale. I’d like to think we ever before.
smoothly online bidding went during the Ohio can get to last year’s level, but I’m not going in
sale, which he also runs. Over 200 bids came optimistic.”
in online for Ohio and Magnes said about 20 While the numbers will ultimately decide DRF.COM/HARNESS
horses sold through that method. This newer the success of the sale, a decline won’t be due
method to placing bids will be key with many to lack of talent. The catalog is filled with prog-
Canadians who would normally visit the sale eny from top stallions and broodmares, includ- Follow
staying at home to avoid a 14-day quarantine ing many first-time sires – Downbytheseaside,
period in Canada
BHSCo.-Fall upon return.
Entries_Layout 1 10/1/2020 12:25 PM Page 1
A second piece of good news comes from the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
ACCEPTING ENTRIES Enter online now at
www.bloodedhorse.com
Black type entries close October 9
Easily find your next bet with
JERRY HAWS the upcoming race ticker
P.O. Box 187
CHAMPIONS CENTER, SPRINGFIELD, OH Wilmore, Kentucky 40390 Read highlights of the most
Phone: (859) 858-4415 important headlines & races
NOVEMBER 17, 18, 19, 2020 Fax: (859) 858-8498 “There’s No Substitute for Experience”
Quickly access the latest
videos & analysis
DRF Harness Weekend | 2 | October 1, 2020 Visit us your
Finding online at drf.com/harness
favorite track is a
breeze with new filters
BY ALWAYS A VIRGIN OUT OF ARTSTOPPER
Fastest
Standardbred
in History
Always B FAST
His 2YOs are making their mark on the
racetrack, led by the undefeated KYSS
Championship winner PERFECT STING,
who lowered his record time
to 1:49.2, making him the
fastest 2YO of the season.
Sire of multiple 2YO PASS and
PA All Star winners from his first crop,
including MONTEREY JACK,
ALWAYS A MIKI, GRACE HILL,
and SOUTHWIND GENDRY,
winner of the Elevation S.
Perfect Sting
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 HIP 64 Bonanza
Huntsville, Fear The Dragon, What The Hill, Resolve, and more than He’s a beautiful-looking colt
50 from Walner – who always spark interest from interested buyers. that seems to have good size
Below is a look at nine hand-selected yearlings from opening night judging by the video. Mom
which should garner plenty of interest from those in attendance as Designed To Be produced the
well as bidders in the virtual world. freaky-fast champion Green-
shoe with her first foal and
HIP 7 – Venerable the first-ever million-dollar
yearling with Maverick last
Here’s a first-crop Walner who is a half-sister to Pennsylvania year. The potential for great-
Sire Stakes winner Crucial (Father Patrick) and Ineffable (Cantab ness is there for this Walco
Hall), who was third in the Doherty this year. That’s two solid Farms-raised, Kentuckiana Larry Cohen video screen shot
showings from broodmare Jolene Jolene. The New Jersey and Farms-consigned colt that is Bonanza is a Muscle Hill half-
Kentucky-eligible trotting filly should get some attention for the eligible in both New Jersey brother to Greenshoe.
team at Hunterton and create early sparks on opening night. and Kentucky.
HIP 14 Violence HIP 71 Behindblueeyes
Northwood Bloodstock consigns this Sergent Stables filly eligible
in Pennsylvania. Third foal from Behindcloseddoors is a half-sister
to 2-year-old PA champion Sister Sledge ($830K+) and from the first
crop of Southwind Frank. With all of the Walners, Muscle Hills and
Chapter Sevens on opening night, maybe she falls through the cracks.
HIP 91 Pure Wow
Gina Dailey
Violence is a full brother to speedy 3-year-old Tuscany who
already has a 1:51 winning mile this year.
Heather Marshall
The name certainly gets to the point of the matter and seems Pure Wow is a half-sister to multi-millionaire Crazy Wow.
like the moniker of a future champion. Mom She’s Gone Again
has produced earners just about every year who seem to peak as Pennsylvania eligible trotting filly is a half-sister to $2.5 million
3-year-olds. Her most recent sophomore Tuscany, a full sister to earner Crazy Wow, who won the NYSS championship as a 2-year-old
Violence, has already posted a 1:51 career mark. Colt also has some and went on to be a top Grand Circuit performer in his second year of
champions in the bloodlines as second dam Travelin Superlite racing. Love her video! She moves so free and easy with strong fluid
produced 2009 2-year-old Dan Patch Trotting Filly of the Year Poof strides. Crawford Farms bred 2020 Hambletonian winner Ramona
She’s Gone. Hill and this one has the looks of another potential standout filly.
HIP 36 Stardust Volo HIP 100 Southwind Gauntlet
As a Muscle Hill trotting filly with black type up and down her card, From six previous foals broodmare Gambler’s Passion shows
she has inherent value even if all goes wrong and she never makes only one meeting with what I consider to be a potential elite stallion
it to the races. This is the second pairing with Muscle Hill for Ster- (Always B Miki) and the result is Southwind Gendry, a Pennsylva-
ling Volo and the first resulted in Breeders Crown winner Lily Stride nia Sire Stakes champion and Elevation winner in 2020 from his first
($701,858). Kentuckiana Farms product is New Jersey and Kentucky eight starts. Southwind Gauntlet, consigned by Preferred Equine for
eligible. Southwind Farms, is the result of the second pairing with a major sire
in Captaintreacherous. Will lightning strike twice?
HIP 62 Monkey Queen
HIP 124 Lightnier
Filly is a full sister to Gimpanzee, who was a 2-year-old Dan
Patch winner and just won the Caesars Trotting Classic on Septem- Here’s another Captaintreacherous filly and the last yearling to
ber 25 at Hoosier, and Iteration, this year’s rookie-filly New York go through the ring on Monday. She’s a half-sister to millionaire
Sire Stakes final winner. That’s potentially two home runs in three Medusa, O’Brien winner at age 2 Alicorn, and $362K earner Eight-
tries for this Concord Stud Farm product who is eligible in New hunrdolarbill. Preferred Equine-consigned Pennsylvania/NJ STDB
York and the New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund races. Development eligible filly from Lindy Farms is the first Captaint-
Sky’s the limit here. reacherous foal from this mare, so there’s certainly upside that he’ll
unlock a next-level talent.
DRF Harness Weekend | 4 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
Crawford Farms
From Our Farm ...
To the Winners Circle
Bred, raised and sold 2020 Hambletonian Champion
RAMONA HILL
LEXINGTON SELECTED YEARLING SALE
Yearling inspections begin Saturday, October 3 at Barn 11.
Offspring from a bouquet of million dollar earning mares
from our farm to table showcase!
CrawfordFarms.com
Chris Tully Trot.com
Walner seeks a seat at the big table for Lexington Sale
By Greg Reinhart
@gregreinhart
Thanksgiving is a couple months away, but
heading into the Lexington Selected Yearling
Sale, the adults’ table on the trotting side of
the breeding industry that includes the likes
of Muscle Hill and Chapter Seven might have
to make a place for the new kid on the block -
Walner.
There are 55 yearlings by Walner to sell on
the first four nights at Fasig-Tipton, and he
received some top-quality broodmares for his
first crop. There has been a buzz around what
Walner could do as a stallion since his career
ended prematurely, and now it’s time to find
out if reality lives up to the billing.
“When a first-crop stallion sells his first
yearling crop, it’s always very exciting to see
how the public will accept them. This horse
has gotten tremendous support from his syndi-
cate, and from what I’ve seen of his yearlings, Courtesy Cameo Hills Farm Video
they’re real nice-looking, and we’re hoping for HIP 59 is the first colt from two-time Dan Patch-winning mare Check Me Out.
big things. He’s a very exciting young stallion,”
said Mike Klau, Syndicate Manager at New Jersey’s Southwind Farms, his sire, is that he’s been able to breed some mares that Chapter Seven
where Walner stands. “The thing about him that is as brilliant as he was, isn’t able to due to mare residency requirements in New York, giving him
his racing career was too short, and I think with the potential he had, a path to draw in people who’d like to go to Chapter Seven but can’t.
unfortunately he never got to show it. We hope the yearlings will be the “Chapter Seven, because he’s in New York, and you have to ship the
ones to carry that potential. He got a tremendous book of mares. From mares up there, Walner has a little bit of an advantage. He’s bred a lot
what I’ve seen, I’ve been watching a lot of videos, they look a lot like him of mares from Kentucky, where you can ship the semen, where if you
and they seem to go like him.” wanted to go to Chapter Seven, you have to ship the mares to New York,”
Though Walner set said Klau. “Chapter Seven breeds a limited book and mostly syndicate
a world record of 1:51 members, and Walner’s pretty much the same. He’s fully syndicated and
3/5 at The Red Mile breeds mostly syndicate mares, but it’s probably easier to get into Walner
during his 2-year- than it is Chapter Seven at this point. He’s bred a full book every year.”
old campaign and A consignor in Lexington who bred mares to Walner is Cameo Hills
came back to win Farm, operated by Steve Jones. Cameo Hills will be selling five year-
both of his starts as lings by him, and while Jones isn’t a fortune teller, he does think that
a sophomore, includ- Walner is positioned about as well as possible.
ing a 1:50 2/5 victory “Walner certainly has a great opportunity. He has terrific mares
in a division of the bred to him, and he’s a great-looking horse and so are his yearlings,”
Stanley Dancer, said Jones. “As far as having a crystal ball to say whether he will join
the harness racing the top ranks, I certainly hope so because I’ve bred (mares) to him and
industry missed out supported him. He’s got every opportunity, that’s for sure, and all eyes
on seeing what he will be on him.”
could do in races As far an individual horses
like the Hambleton- by Walner that Cameo Hills
ian, Canadian Trot- will have on offer, they have
Derick Giwner ting Classic and the first colt out of the bril-
Walner had his 3-year-old season cut short Kentucky Futurity, liant Check Me Out (HIP 59
after winning his first two starts in 2017. as he was retired King Of The North), and the
prior to those events. well-bred filly Ms Spendalot
While that was certainly a blow to everyone who wanted to see him (HIP 23), who is from the
compete more, Klau noted that it may work to his advantage as a sire family of Dejarmbro.
because buyers may be seeking the horse who can fulfill that “what- “We’re selling Check Me
if” capability, comparing it to another successful sire. Out’s first colt. He’s outstand-
“It’s the same with Muscle Hill. I don’t think with Muscle Hill that ing and has been since Day One.
Courtesy Tristan Sjoberg
we ever saw his bottom. Even when he won the Hambletonian, he was That one kind of jumps out at
HIP 53 is a colt from first-time
under wraps and never was pushed to his limits, and I think the same you very quickly,” stated Jones. sire Walner.
could be said for Walner,” remarked Klau. “Unfortunately, he was “I’ve also got a Walner filly sell-
injured and never got a chance to race again. Yeah, I think the poten- ing the first night out of a Muscle Hill mare named Spending Spree that’s
tial that was there is what is exciting people, and given what (Walner’s got a very deep pedigree and has been a very good individual.”
sire) Chapter Seven has done, there is every indication that he should Another Walner first-nighter in Lexington is HIP 53 Jaqen H’Ghar.
the son that carries the line on.”
One thing that Walner may have going in his favor, when compared to CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
DRF Harness Weekend | 6 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
He is the first foal out of former Hamble-
tonian Oaks finalist Windowshopper,
and Tristan Sjoberg, from breeder
Knutsson Trotting Inc., had high praise
for both sire and yearling.
“I was impressed by Walner from the
get-go and loved watching him race. His
gait and attitude on the track was second
to none,” said Sjoberg. “Probably the most
naturally talented horse since Ready
Cash. When he was syndicated, I was
pleased to secure a share, and I wanted
to breed one of my fastest mares to him.
I decided on Windowshopper because of
her natural ability, and being a Donato
Hanover filly, she had that lightness of
feet that I think complements Windsong’s
Legacy bloodline characteristics. Jaqen
is a powerful colt; his hind is all about
strength and power.”
While Walner aims to join the big-
name siring contingent, his father Chap-
ter Seven is securely part of the heads of
state of the trotting market. His 38 year-
lings sold for an average of $87,895 last
year in Lexington, and he ended up with
both New York Sire Stakes champions in
the 2-year-old trotting divisions in 2020
in Iteration and Steel. In addition, Chap-
ter Seven filly Darlene Hanover won the
Heather Marshall
Jim Doherty Memorial, and Iteration
went on to win on the Grand Circuit in HIP 63 Cowboy Crushn is an “amazing individual” according to Michelle Crawford.
the Kentuckiana Stallion Management.
“Chapter Seven, he sort of stands far above everything in New average ($130,073) in 2019 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and
York on the trotting side, and really, I think, far above everything had one of the two $1 million horses sold. His 2-year-old sons South-
nationally with the exception of Muscle Hill. You could put Muscle wind Tyrion and Zenith Stride are both stakes winners this year, and
Hill ahead of him, but you could also argue that Chapter Seven is he comes to the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale with another group
right beside him. We’re lucky to have him here,” said Jones. “I own that should send the board spinning.
six shares of Chapter Seven and I also own shares of Muscle Hill, so I “He’s 14 years old and he’s been leading sire since 2016, I believe.
support both of them. He’s leading again this year and hopefully it’ll continue on for another
I’ve got a Chapter Seven filly that I love that’s selling the second few more years,” said Klau. “I don’t see any dip in the performances of
night (HIP 162 Storybook Ending). She’s not very big, but she’s very his offspring; if anything they’re getting better.”
correct and very athletic. I typically don’t like small, but everything’s It’d take a long time to go through all the exceptionally-bred Muscle
in the right place.” Hills in the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, but just a few that
Crawford Farms, another New York-based breeding operation run immediately jump off the page right away are HIP 12 Tetrick Wania
by Al and Michelle Crawford, also has several Chapter Seven year- FI, a half-brother to Walner, HIP 25 Nonna Bella, the first foal out of
lings that will be sold on nights one, two, and three. two-time New York Sire Stakes champion Non Stick, HIP 38 Slave
“One of my favorites is Cowboy Crushn (HIP 63) on opening night,” Labour, a half-brother to Hambletonian third-place finisher Back Of
said Michelle Crawford. “She’s an amazing individual with a gorgeous The Neck, and HIP 64 Bonanza, the first Muscle Hill out of Designed
body. She almost looks like a colt. Also, Nitemere Lane (HIP 180) and To Be, making him a half-brother to Greenshoe and to $1.1 million
Prasiolite (HIP 226) are both phenomenal individuals. Nitemere Lane yearling Maverick.
is the first living Chapter Seven foal out of Grannylane Hanover (a With Walner’s first crop stepping into the ring and trying to give
sister to near millionaire Gural Hanover), and Prasiolite is the first him an immediate and significant foothold in the market, and Muscle
foal out of Jewels In Hock (a $553,215 earner).” Hill looking to fend off Chapter Seven and others for another year,
Chapter Seven might have a spot near the top, but the market indi- it certainly shapes up to be an intriguing edition of the Lexington
cates Muscle Hill is still King of the hill. He was the leading sire by Selected Yearling Sale.
Ohio Stallion Registration Deadline
NOVEMBER 30th~don’t get shut out!
Foals conceived by Stallions registered with the
Ohio State Racing Commission are eligible
to the rich Ohio Sires Stakes!
For information contact Kimberly Rinker at 614-779-0269 kim.rinker@racing.ohio.gov Download forms at www.racingohio.net
DRF Harness Weekend | 7 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
BY CANTAB HALL OUT OF GALA DREAM
The Best Trotting Colt
of His Generation
Sire of:
AMIGO VOLO, 2-year-old
trot Breeders Crown champion;
at 3, PASS final winner,
Keystone Classic winner
CRUCIAL, at 3, winner of the PASS
Championship, winner of Moni Maker S.
GREENSHOE, SISTER SLEDGE, etc.
Leading sire by average earnings
per foal for 2YOs in 2019.
Amigo Volo
Concord Stud Farm tries its luck in Lexington for the 1st time
Larry Cohen video shot
HIP 62 is a full sister to double Breeders Crown winner Gimpanzee.
Farm. More significantly for Meirs and company was to alter the
jaywalking
process of preparing and showcasing a consignment that’s heavily
based on young well-bred trotters with exceptional looks to match.
“We’ve definitely expanded our videos of all the yearlings,” said
By Jay Bergman BergmanJay Meirs. In addition to showing yearlings in motion in the field, the
Concord Stud Farm videos also show closer details of the yearlings
walking from different angles. Clearly the inspiration is to somehow
incorporate what buyers would normally look for if they were physi-
There really isn’t anything revolutionary in Concord Stud Farm cally present at the sale, into a short video.
selling yearlings in Lexington, it’s just that the nursery has a history Meirs noted that there has been traffic at the Cream Ridge facil-
of selling in Harrisburg annually. The history of 2020 in the United ity. On the day of the interview, Linda Toscano showed up to take a
States will look a lot different to many but Concord Farms, like many closer look at the yearlings. For certain, trainers will be on-hand in
others in the standardbred business, has adapted nicely to trying Lexington to look at and bid on horses, but the likelihood that a large
times and offers an impressive array of yearling talent with just 14 amount of regular bidders, especially those from Europe, will be in
destined for the Lexington Selected auction on Monday, October 5. Lexington, has been minimalized.
“We’ve never sold in Kentucky, said David Meirs III, who owns “We need to be catering to owners 60 and above,” said Meirs. “I
the 249 acre farm in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. “There was so much doubt those people will be showing up at the sale. We’ve got to give
uncertainty earlier this year that we had to make a decision.” them as much information as we can.” The idea is that owners aware
In the breeding business you have to have a place to sell yearlings of the product can convey their interest to trainers on location. It’s
and about the time in 2020 that breeders were making final plans different for sure, but Meirs believes there could be a silver lining for
COVID-19 was ravaging the northeastern part of the country, upset- some owners. “I think owners will be focused and paying attention to
ting the normal way of doing business. everything online,” said Meirs. “If they see something going below
Fortunately for Meirs and his Concord Stud Farm consignment, the expectations, they will contact their trainers.”
quality he chose to send to Lexington landed him a dominant spot on As for Meirs’ expectations, they are reasonably high considering
the first night of the auction with nine of his 14 on the block that night the overall quality of the yearlings he’s bringing to the Lexington
and the remaining 5 offered on Tuesday, the second night of action.
A change in venue was only part of the process for Concord Stud CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
DRF Harness Weekend | 9 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
Larry Cohen video shot
HIP 83 is a Muscle Hill filly from the highly-desirable mare Brooklyn consigned by Concord Stud Farm.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 like in this one’s pedigree. “He’s a very nice colt,” said Meirs of the
Muscle Hill out of Order By Wish. Ghetto For Life is a full-brother
Selected sale. There’s a strong possibility buyers across the universe to a pair of major stakes performers in Beal Memorial champion
will be fixated on the screen when HIP number 62 walks in the ring Marseille and the 2020 Geers winner Rome Pays Off, second in last
at the Fasig Tipton Complex on Monday. Monkey Queen is the name year’s Breeders Crown juvenile colt and gelding trot.
of the Chapter Seven-sired filly who happens to be a full-sister to a HIP number 83 is another trotting filly likely to see bidding world-
pair of trotters that were major stakes winners on September 25 at wide. Cash Machine Girl has a pedigree that has been great for her
Harrah’s Hoosier Park. It’s not as if Monkey Queen really needed breeder and equally appealing to a host of buyers. She’s by Muscle
any advertising help to be noticed at this auction, but the full-sister Hill from the multiple stakes-producing Conway Hall mare Brooklyn.
to both Gimpanzee and Iteration, who captured the Caesars Trotting With just four foals from the dam, Brooklyn has had three yearlings
Classic and Kentucky Standardbred Management, respectively, got sell for $935,000 collectively, with the exported Brooklyn Hill, a 1:53
the support anyway. 1/5 winner at 2, the most expensive of the group at $390,000.
Monkey Queen is out of Steamy Windows, a daughter of Muscle “She’s a very nice filly,” said Meirs of Cash Machine Girl. “She’s a
Massive, and she is from the immediate maternal family of the great taller individual than the other foals by her dam.”
Muscle Hill, arguably the sport’s leading trotting stallion. Though more HIP number 38 may be a sleeper of sorts because he’s a June 13 foal,
than likely the winning bidder will hope for a Grand Circuit talent in but Meirs believes he already looks the part. “He’s going to grow a lot
Monkey Queen, she has dual eligibility in New York and New Jersey. but already looks the part,” said Meirs of Slave Labour, a Muscle Hill-
Gimpanzee, who was sold by Concord Stud Farms at the 2017 Harris- sired half-brother to this year’s Hambletonian third-place finisher
burg Sale for $170,000, was then known as Army Of Monkeys, a name Back Of The Neck. The dam Big Barb has only two foals and this is
to this day Meirs hasn’t forgotten. “I keep having bad dreams with her third, and first by the noted sire of champions.
Army Of Monkeys,” said Meirs. With 23 wins in 31 lifetime starts, Slave Labour has a powerful maternal line and is bred similarly to
Gimpanzee has more than made a name for himself. The 4-year-old last year’s standout 2-year-old Real Cool Sam.
looks for his third straight Breeders Crown later this month. The entire Concord Stud Farm Lexington Selected consignment
Just three numbers after Monkey Queen sells, Concord will send will be in Barn 15 at the Fasig Tipton Pavilion for inspection up until
HIP 65 Ghetto For Life into the ring, and there’s certainly plenty to the sale.
DRF Harness Weekend | 10 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessBREEDINGS
FOR A CAUSE
LEXINGTON SELECTED
YEARLING SALE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 § 6:45 PM
FASIG TIPTON SALES PAVILION
Join us in person or visit the Sale Results page on www.lexingtonselected.com for an
exclusive opportunity to bid on a 2021 breeding of six of the top stallions in harness racing.
The 2020 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale will be held on October 6 at 6:45 PM at the Fasig Tipton Sales Pavilion. Plus, enjoy
a cocktail hour in the Kentucky Room at 5:30 PM. All proceeds of the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge will be donated.
128 131
Thank you to Swan for All Syndicate
Thank you to Marvin Katz for and Bobby Brady of Kentuckiana
donating one 2021 breeding. Farms for donating one
2021 breeding.
1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON 1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON
FATHER PATRICK SWAN FOR ALL
3,1:50.2F ($2,558,133) 3,1:54.1F ($309,986)
BAY HORSE FOALED MARCH 12, 2011 BAY HORSE FOALED MAY 25, 2006
129 132
Thank you to Greenshoe Syndicate Thank you to Crawford Farms,
and Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky of Marvin Katz, Caviart Farms and
Hanover Shoe Farm for donating Howard Taylor for donating
one 2021 Breeding. one 2021 breeding.
1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON 1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON
GREENSHOE TALL DARK STRANGER
3,1:49.4 ($1,353,772) P,3,1:47.1-‘20 ($1,741,645)
BAY HORSE FOALED JANUARY 29, 2016 BAY COLT FOALED MARCH 12, 2017
130 133
Thank you to Victory Hill Farms,
and JK Endofanera Partners Thank you to Walner Syndicate
for donating one 2021 for donating one 2021 breeding.
breeding.
1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON 1 BREEDING FOR THE 2021 SEASON
JK ENDOFANERA WALNER
P,3,1:48.2 ($2,049,580) 3,1:50.2 ($567,652)
BAY HORSE FOALED FEBRUARY 28, 2011 BAY HORSE FOALED APRIL 12, 2014
Charitable tax benefit will be awarded to the donors of the stallion breeding fee, and the donors of the
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2020 Caesars License Company, LLC.Last Somebeachsomewhere yearlings go through the ring By Derick Giwner Harness Racing will mark the end of an era over the next month when the final yearlings – five at Lexington and 12 at Timonium – from the great Somebeachsomewhere head through the ring. The unforgettable horse with just one career loss in 21 starts, lost his battle with cancer early in 2018 but still has 20 foals remaining from his final crop. Thus far he has produced 17 million- aires over the last decade including leading sire Captaintreacherous. That Somebeachsomewhere sits atop the list of money-winning sires for 2-year-old pacers in 2020 is no surprise. His progeny swept the two richest races of the year thus far for rookies when Exploit won the Metro and Caviart Audrey the She’s A Great Lady at Wood- bine Mohawk Park on September 26. Should Somebeachsomewhere retain the top spot, he will fittingly with his final full crop regain the position for the first time since son Captaintreach- erous took it from him in 2018. As great as Somebeachsomewhere was on the track and in the breeding shed, his greatest legacy could be via his prolific sons that have gone on to stallion duty. Captaintreacherous has already produced a pair of millionaires and a stallion in Captain Crunch. Down- Gina Dailey bytheseaside & Huntsville yearlings HIP 103 Vicious is the first Somebeachsomewhere foal from Satisfy My Soul. will sell for the first time in 2020. So Surreal has produced a number of New York champions. Stay Hungry’s first crop gets sold in 2021 and Papi Rob including Bushwacker, Baby Your the Best, Put On A Show and others. Hanover joins the stallion ranks next year. Having that number of stal- The final three from Somebeachsomewhere sell on the second night lions in a decade in the breeding shed is no doubt impressive. of the sale. First up is a filly from Diamond Creek Farm out of Live Those looking to get in on the last crop from the great “Beach” won’t Entertainment and a full sister to $200K-plus earner Decoy. Selling as need to wait long at the Lexington Selected Sale. HIP 10 American HIP 233, Horizon is Pennsylvania and Kentucky eligible. Frontier from the Huntington consignment is a Pennsylvania and HIP 238 is the appropriately named Last Beach, a half-brother to Kentucky eligible son of Precious Beauty, a Jate Lobell mare that has near-$600K earner Alexis Faith and recent New York champion Test produced millionaire Sportswriter and 2-year-old Pacing Filly of the Of Faith, who just won the Kentuckiana Stallion Stakes on Septem- Year (2013) Precocious Beauty, who incidentally is the mother of 2020 ber 25 at Harrah’s Hoosier. All American Harnessbreds consigns the standout 3-year-old Tall Dark Stranger, so the family is very viable. Pennsylvania and Maryland bred. The other opening-night option from Somebeachsomewhere comes The final opportunity to own a “Beach” yearling at Lexington comes from Diamond Creek Farm. The colt is the first “Beach” foal from at HIP 309 with the colt Honali. Raised at Lindy Farms and consigned Satisfy My Soul after tries with A Rocknroll Dance and Sweet Lou. by Preferred Equine, Honali looks to be the breakout foal from My Named Vicious and listed as HIP 103, his dam’s side is full of big winners Little Delight, whose mom produced millionaire Stay Hungry. DRF Harness Weekend | 12 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harness
Did you ever want to know more about the people involved
in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the
harness landscape each week to profile a new personality from
the sport.
Derick Giwner
Owner myron bell Myron Bell has played a role in acquiring dozens of
champion horses throughout his career in the sport.
What kind of car do you drive?
Lexus.
How did you get started in the sport?
As a fan and bettor in 1960 at Roosevelt Raceway. We claimed
Favorite dinner meal? Snack? my first horse in 1968 for $3,000 and I bought my first yearling
in 1976 – Kindergarten, he was a New York Sire Stakes horse.
Chicken and pasta or meatballs with spaghetti; fruit.
I was in the automotive aftermarket until 1980. Then I decided
to come into this business full-time. I didn’t drive, I didn’t train
What is your favorite all-time track to visit? and I didn’t lie, so it was tough. The most important thing is that
Red Mile – It is a fair track that is not speed-favoring and allows I met great people. The reason I’ve been successful is because of
the best horse to win. the people I’ve met over the last four decades.
What is your favorite big event in racing? What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness
racing?
The one I win (joking). Right now it is the Meadowlands Pace.
I’ve seen them all except this year. We’ve had some success in it. Pedigree, pedigree, pedigree.
Again, it is a fair race for the best 3-year-olds in the country and
it is a prestigious race to win for our situation. We are looking What was your favorite moment in harness racing?
for stallions and having that race on your résumé is important.
We don’t think half-mile or five-eighths mile racing is a fair ba- It hasn’t happened yet. That’s what keeps me going.
rometer for what is great. If you look at the horses that have won
the Jug over the years, although many of them have become Which is the best horse you’ve ever owned?
stallions, very few have become successful. It doesn’t mean as
much winning the Jug, but if you win the Meadowlands Pace or Captaintreacherous, and he is the best sire. He is a great indi-
any Breeders Crown race held on a mile track, that is important vidual with great pedigree. The reason I bought him was because
in terms of a stallion career. of his pedigree. He is from the first crop of Somebeachsomewhere
and the family of Rodine Hanover and World Order. He has ster-
ling pedigree and it delivered. Pedigree doesn’t always deliver,
How often is racing on your mind? but when it does, that is when you get a Captaintreacherous.
23 hours a day.
Which horse is/was your all-time favorite?
What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? I can’t say I have one favorite over another. Any horse that tries
Spending quality time with my wife (Stephanie, who answered hard earns my favor.
from the background, “Watching basketball”). I like to watch
good college and professional basketball. Is there a race you haven’t won but are still holding out
hope to win?
What is your favorite basketball Team?
The Hambletonian. George (Segal) has won it but I haven’t.
I don’t have a favorite team. I root for players.
Some of your partners won it this year, including trainer
What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t Tony Alagna and John Fodera for the first time. Was that
know? a sweet moment for you?
I’m immersed in pedigree. I look at everything related to
Absolutely. Any time Tony wins a race I’m very happy for him
pedigree in terms of why certain horses are better than other
and that goes for other partners in the barn.
horses.
What is one word that describes harness racing for you? How many horses do you own?
Parts of 55 horses including broodmares.
Compelling.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
DRF Harness Weekend | 14 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessCONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
You’re also a breeder. How many mares do you have?
Eight broodmares. I’m selling some mares at the Maryland
sale this year in foal to ‘Captain’.
People talk about how hard it is to make money in the
sport as an owner. Agree or disagree?
It is very hard to make money unless you can come across
a great stallion. That keeps you alive in the industry where
you can reinvest at a high level. Otherwise most people do not
make money in the sport and they should know that going in.
They should enter this business for enjoyment rather than to
make a lot of money. If they get lucky, they can make a little
money and have a lot of fun.
You are known as an outspoken man. Has that been
more of an asset or a deterrent to your career?
When someone calls you outspoken, as long as you feel
and know you are telling the truth, people should not get
offended in any way, shape or form. You are better off telling
all facts than one lie. I don’t know if I’m outspoken or unspo-
ken. If someone asks for my opinion and I feel it is the proper
time to give an answer, I will. You can judge people by 1)
their spouse and 2) their friends. I’ve been very lucky to sur-
round myself with some of the best owners in the industry.
Lisa Photo
Of course, George (Segal), Brad Grant, Marvin Katz, John
Captaintreacherous winning the 2013 Meadowlands Pace.
Fodera, I could go on. We are very fortunate to have their
trust, comradery and friendship.
events. We felt it is in our best interest and the best interest of our
You serve as Racing Manager for Brittany Farms. What is family and people we would come into contact with, not to travel
right now. We really haven’t left our home base in Florida for the last
your relationship like with George Segal? six months.
We speak multiple times a day. I believe George is my friend and
George believes I am his friend. I would do anything in my power to Do you miss the experience?
make sure George gets the best advice he can get from me and other You miss it, but today with modern technology, you see every quali-
people. This is not a one-oared ship. We all pitch in and try hard to fier and race. I’m in constant contact with Tony (Alagna, trainer).
make our business successful. Brittany has been a very successful We speak every day. I’m selling five yearlings in the Lexington sale
breeder and a very successful racing entity. Hopefully it will con- and one in the Maryland sale. Tony is very active. He has a lot of
tinue for the next decade or two. good owners. If he likes any of those horses and wants me to stay in,
I can do that. I’m also keeping three ‘Captain’ fillies that I didn’t put
You are now 79 years old. What motivates you? in the sale.
Every day I exercise my body and mind. That is part of my regime.
I have a younger wife. I have to keep up. We try to live a good clean Will your absence change anything in terms of your
life. We are a team here. I couldn’t be successful without Stepha- participation as a buyer?
nie’s help and guidance. She is very well-liked. I have a few fans,
but because perhaps I’m too outspoken for most people, maybe I I enjoy scouting horses and going to the farms and looking at every
rub them the wrong way. If so, I cannot help that. I’m honest and yearling we are interested in, and even some we weren’t interested
sincere. in. The process is wonderful and I’ll miss that part immensely. I
also enjoy bidding on horses. But Tony is professional and he’ll do
You told me that you are skipping Lexington in 2020 due to anything to better our cause.
the pandemic. When is the last time you weren’t there?
1981 – I had some business issues to resolve and couldn’t go. I also CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
missed the Meadowlands Pace, Little Brown Jug and other signature
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DRF Harness Weekend | 15 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessBY YANKEE CRUISER OUT OF SWEET FUTURE
World Record-Holder
The only sire to win in 1:49 flat and sire a
son or daughter to record a faster time as
a 2YO at the distance.
Sire of:
WARRAWEE UBEAUT, DANCING LOU,
SWEET ACE, NO LOU ZING, winner of
Jenna’s Beach Boy S. and PASS final, etc.
Multiple PASS and PA Stallion Series
winners at 2 and 3.
Warrawee UbeautIf you could choose any horse in history to own, which horse
would it be and why?
I think I already had him in Captaintreacherous, because not only
was he a great horse on the track but also in the breeding barn.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
I’ve often heard you speak about the importance of youth in the
People have praised you for your ability to evaluate pedigree. sport and you have often used young guys like Scott Zeron and
Is it a science or just a great memory for genealogy? Joe Bongiorno on your horses. What is it about youth?
You have to be good at something. I believe I have a very good feel for When I was 15 years old and a sophomore in high school my dad took
the equine athlete. A good horse grabs you and says take me home. very ill and I had to take over his business. I left school and called on
I’ll go back six to eight generations. I’ve seen horses race in person customers and future customers. To the best of my recollection, 99% of
since 1960. Before then, I had a very good relationship with the late them were very nice to me as a young man. I was 5’ 7”, just 15 and prac-
Billy Haughton. We became very good friends and I admired Billy tically couldn’t shave, but I knew the product I was selling. Everyone
for his knowledge and would ask him about horses from the 1940s was very nice. I feel the best way to give back is to help young people.
and 1950s that I never saw. But from 1960 on, I’ve seen every horse One of my owners asked me a few months ago, ‘Why are you using the
race and I either respect the family or I’m not that crazy about it. kid Joe Bongiorno for?’ and I said because he is talented and he’s show-
People don’t study pedigree enough. They think any horse is equal ing it. He’s a very good driver and he’s only going to get better. Scottie
and any horse can win a race. Sure, in the real world anything can has done phenomenally well. We’ve also used Andy McCarthy, Dexter
happen, but when dealing with percentages over the course of time, Dunn and now Todd McCarthy. Young people deserve an opportunity.
you have to put the percentages in your favor as much as you can.
You are dealing with an animal and you want to start off with the How has COVID-19 affected your life?
best pedigree and conformation. To me it is very important and It has affected the whole world. I worry about my children and
George Segal is a big believer in it as well. grandchildren. My granddaughter just took her first job out of col-
lege and she travels into Manhattan every day. These are unsure
What are your thoughts on people who say you overspend on times. Hopefully we’ll get over it by next year and move on to bigger
pedigree? and better things.
Cheap is expensive and expensive is cheap. You never overpay for If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what
something good. You always overpay for something mediocre. Sure,
I don’t want to spend $400,000 for a pacing colt, but sometimes the would it be?
market takes you there. I’d like to buy every horse for $25,000, but The way it is marketed. Our horses are so superior to Thorough-
that is impossible. You want to buy the best-bred horse you can for breds yet they market their game so much better than we do. We
the fairest amount of money, but if you rate them the best colt or filly are almost ashamed to spend money. We have this stupid mentality
in the sale, in order to buy those, you have to dig deeper and go on. where everyone wants to see a $5,000 yearling being a champion. It
is about someone who spends big money and could have a big return
George Segal is in the Hall of Fame. Do you think your on their investment. Sure, we know some yearlings will slip through
credentials are good enough for that honor? the cracks, but you have to buy quality to get quality. We have a great
athlete who races 25 times a year as opposed to an animal that races
That is for the writers to decide. My name might not be on the pro- six times a year, yet we belittle Standardbreds compared to Thor-
gram with Brittany but I had a lot of fingerprints on the success. oughbreds. The Standardbred pacer and trotter is a great athlete. We
take them for granted. We have to build the horses up. The horses
Along those lines, make your case. What championship-type are king and the owners will follow if they know we have a good
horses have you had a hand in during their careers? product. I think they play it up much better in Canada than we do
here, maybe because we have other things on our minds.
Western Ideal, Real Desire, Captaintreacherous, Mr Muscleman,
American Ideal, American Jewel, Artspeak, Father Patrick, So How do you view the future of harness racing?
Fresh, Delinquent Account, Meadowbranch Irene, Trim Hanover,
Before Sunrise, Western Shore, Gala Dream, Real Desire, Tell All, I think people like to gamble. Handle has been up. Hopefully the
Mr Feelgood, Glidemaster, Quality Western, Yankee Skyscraper, My yearling sales won’t be as bad as originally feared. People want to
MVP, Propulsion, Modern Family, Little Brown Fox and Il Villagio. bet from the convenience of their home from their computers or cell
phones, but if we do not have things like hi-definition video feeds,
Do you think being just the behind-the-scenes guy of all those and 90% of the tracks don’t, how can we succeed? You can’t even
horses hurts your chances of getting into the Hall of Fame? make out the horses. It is such a poor product. At least The Mead-
owlands and Ontario have Hi-Def and you can see the product. A lot
Of course. I am a paid employee of of these other facilities it is so hard to see the horses. You know the
George Segal. I receive a check every driver colors and still can’t make them out.
month for my advice, good, bad or
indifferent. That says it all when the Time for the stretch drive:
guy that signs my check buys almost
every horse I suggest. George is the Best Horse You Ever Saw: Niatross – He really only lost two races
owner. The man that owns the horse and they were both flawed. A close second is Somebeachsomewhere
deserves all the credit. I’m in the and you can almost put it as a tie.
back. I’m the scout or the advisor. Best Driver Ever: To me the best under-pressure driver was Mike
Bill Parcells said you have to buy the Lachance, but John Campbell and Bill O’Donnell were right there,
food in order to cook it, but some- too. Now we have a new generation and these guys might be better,
Derick Giwner
one has to buy the food. That’s my but they have to prove it over the next decade or two.
George Segal (left) & Myron
job. I have seen every qualifier and Bell hold the Meadowlands Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes.
baby race over the last 40 years. We Pace trophy in 2013.
bought shares of Chapter Seven the Favorite TV Show?: It was Law & Order. I mostly watch MSNBC.
day Walner baby-raced because I thought it was the greatest horse I
ever saw baby-race. In fact I’m selling a Walner colt with Blue Chip at Trotters or Pacers?: Pacing fillies.
the Lexington sale. He’s HIP 44 and I think he’ll be well-received.
DRF Harness Weekend | 17 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessleading money-winning sires - 2020
2-year-old pacers 2-year-old trotters
Sire Name Foals Starters Earnings Avg Earnings Sire Name Foals Starters Earnings Avg Earnings
SOMEBEACHSOMEWHERE 116 93 2,117,207 (1) 18,252 LOVE YOU 6 4 705,766 (10) 117,628
CAPTAINTREACHEROUS 110 79 1,984,860 (2) 18,044 CHAPTER SEVEN 85 66 1,965,701 (1) 23,126
ART MAJOR 69 49 1,031,865 (6) 14,955 MY MVP 24 13 520,603 (12) 21,692
MCARDLE 48 30 673,719 (12) 14,036 MUSCLE HILL 110 77 1,883,999 (2) 17,127
BRING ON THE BEACH 15 8 209,019 13,935 LOU’S LEGACY 25 20 426,566 (16) 17,063
WELL SAID 71 53 939,680 (7) 13,235 SOUTHWIND SPIRIT 18 8 302,422 16,801
MR APPLES 19 13 196,072 10,320 BAR HOPPING 61 43 981,586 (6) 16,092
ALWAYS B MIKI 111 59 1,121,024 (3) 10,099 CANTAB HALL 88 60 1,346,018 (3) 15,296
AMERICAN IDEAL 113 68 1,070,968 (4) 9,478 SOUTHWIND FRANK 49 29 658,462 (11) 13,438
ROLL WITH JOE 71 51 670,304 (13) 9,441 FATHER PATRICK 91 71 1,130,238 (5) 12,420
SWEET LOU 84 53 761,624 (9) 9,067 DONATO HANOVER 75 40 912,011 (7) 12,160
ALLAMERICAN NATIVE 17 8 150,131 8,831 MUSCLE MASS 101 66 1,224,112 (4) 12,120
BETTING LINE 119 91 1,033,153 (5) 8,682 TRIUMPHANT CAVIAR 42 27 503,383 (13) 11,985
ROCKIN AMADEUS 37 21 301,854 8,158 DONTYOUFORGETIT 37 27 355,821 (18) 9,617
SHADOW PLAY 91 55 733,380 (10) 8,059 UNCLE PETER 88 56 766,070 (8) 8,705
BETTOR’S DELIGHT 121 61 895,107 (8) 7,398 CREDIT WINNER 55 36 468,275 (14) 8,514
JK ENDOFANERA 88 58 620,849 (15) 7,055 SWAN FOR ALL 89 54 716,454 (9) 8,050
RACING HILL 93 62 651,474 (14) 7,005 ARCHANGEL 42 17 324,549 (20) 7,727
ALWAYS A VIRGIN 102 63 697,543 (11) 6,839 ROYALTY FOR LIFE 54 28 347,191 (19) 6,429
WESTERN VINTAGE 17 12 112,195 6,600 KADABRA 70 31 434,121 (15) 6,202
PET ROCK 83 58 445,010 (18) 5,362 E L TITAN 30 21 176,728 5,891
ROCKIN IMAGE 96 66 415,594 (19) 4,329 TRIXTON 74 41 375,574 (17) 5,075
SUNSHINE BEACH 144 59 612,918 (16) 4,256
SPORTSWRITER 137 83 559,203 (17) 4,082 3-year-old trotters
BETTERTHANCHEDDAR 102 60 389,371 (20) 3,817
Sire Name Foals Starters Earnings Avg Earnings
3-year-old pacers READY CASH 7 4 881,945 (7) 125,992
MUSCLE HILL 103 57 3,521,812 (1) 34,192
Sire Name Foals Starters Earnings Avg Earnings FATHER PATRICK 81 56 2,093,016 (2) 25,840
CAPTAINTREACHEROUS 120 83 4,250,059 (1) 35,417 CHAPTER SEVEN 76 57 1,915,117 (3) 25,199
BETTOR’S DELIGHT 118 98 2,438,252 (3) 20,663 TRIXTON 90 44 1,491,830 (4) 16,576
SOMEBEACHSOMEWHERE 126 105 2,485,119 (2) 19,723 CASH HALL 30 19 491,108 (17) 16,370
SO SURREAL 45 35 862,398 (11) 19,164 WHEELING N DEALIN 34 24 501,333 (15) 14,745
SWEET LOU 94 72 1,677,773 (4) 17,849 CASSIS 25 17 364,305 14,572
WESTERN IDEAL 46 33 814,635 (13) 17,709 PIZZAZZED 15 7 216,548 14,437
YANKEE CRUISER 34 23 563,672 (20) 16,579 UNCLE PETER 96 57 1,379,624 (5) 14,371
ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN 40 30 625,885 (19) 15,647 CREDIT WINNER 49 33 690,289 (12) 14,088
NOB HILL HIGH 15 8 232,887 15,526 TRIUMPHANT CAVIAR 37 21 513,635 (14) 13,882
ROCKIN AMADEUS 41 18 632,055 (18) 15,416 RC ROYALTY 27 18 373,648 13,839
PET ROCK 64 45 966,870 (9) 15,107 MUSCLES YANKEE 24 19 304,753 12,698
SPORTSMASTER 18 12 265,314 14,740 ROYALTY FOR LIFE 69 47 868,487 (8) 12,587
BOLT THE DUER 28 21 390,402 13,943 WISHING STONE 30 17 367,963 12,265
ROLL WITH JOE 85 60 1,170,657 (5) 13,772 E L TITAN 40 28 451,761 (19) 11,294
ART MAJOR 92 75 1,143,617 (6) 12,431 MUSCLE MASS 99 67 1,003,461 (6) 10,136
WESTERN VINTAGE 17 12 187,038 11,002 KADABRA 84 57 840,642 (9) 10,008
HE’S WATCHING 77 57 834,874 (12) 10,843 SWAN FOR ALL 83 57 828,381 (10) 9,980
AMERICAN IDEAL 109 86 1,076,531 (8) 9,876 ARCHANGEL 48 30 468,762 (18) 9,766
TELLITLIKEITIS 56 36 526,524 9,402 DONATO HANOVER 96 58 704,093 (11) 7,334
BIG BAD JOHN 75 50 687,376 (16) 9,165 SEBASTIAN K S 68 31 493,535 (16) 7,258
SPORTSWRITER 120 95 1,083,359 (7) 9,028 CONWAY HALL 62 39 448,485 (20) 7,234
ROCKIN IMAGE 105 75 928,956 (10) 8,847 EXPLOSIVE MATTER 94 63 658,586 (13) 7,006
SUNSHINE BEACH 110 82 752,190 (14) 6,838
ALWAYS A VIRGIN 104 74 724,039 (15) 6,962 Statistics courtesy United States Trotting Association (accurate as of 9/29/20)
WELL SAID 86 63 675,304 (17) 7,852
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DRF Harness Weekend | 18 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessRyder says Bettor’s Wish is ready for Dayton Pacing Derby
By Jay Bergman and hopefully end his racing career in the TVG at The Meadowlands
before heading to Diamond Creek Farm for stud duty..
Trainer and part-owner Chris Ryder was quite concerned about the The undefeated Party Girl Hill, fresh off her world-record sweeping
racing future of Bettor’s Wish following the September 5 Canadian performance in the Jugette, will go on Sunday (October 4) in the Blue-
Pacing Derby at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Contacted the day after grass at The Red Mile. Ryder is more than amazed at how well the daugh-
the race, Ryder could not know for certain whether the 4-year-old by ter of Captaintreacherous has raced this year. After her performances in
Bettor’s Delight would return to the racetrack this year. After some Delaware he marveled about how well she comes out of the races.
time off and a qualifier at The Meadowlands, Ryder entered Bettor’s “She bounces back so quickly. The races look like they are hard but
Wish in Saturday’s $176,500 Dayton Pacing Derby with expectations they’re not hard on her,” said Ryder. “We shipped her to Kentucky
that the soon-to-be-stallion is healthy and ready for battle. after the Jugette and gave her three days off and she was ready to go.”
“Anytime a horse finishes Perhaps less appreciated in Party Girl Hill’s super season thus
tenth you have to be far is the caliber of fillies she’s had to race against. “I have a ton of
concerned,” said Ryder in respect for Lyons Sentinel,” said Ryder, praising the runner-up in the
retrospect. “We qualified first heat of the Jugette who cut the mile and paced in 1:49 4/5 over
him at The Meadowlands the half-mile track yet couldn’t hold off Party Girl Hill late. “She just
and Dexter (Dunn) thought goes where she needs to go,” said Ryder of Party Girl Hill, who he now
he felt like his old self.” That places ahead of the top fillies he’s trained, including Put On A Show.
was welcome news for Ryder
and certainly great news for
those who have appreciated
following the racing career
of Bettor’s Wish, first or Dayton Raceway
Derick Giwner second in 31 of his 38 career
Bettor’s Wish starts from post 3 in starts. Grand Circuit
Saturday’s $176,500 Pacing Derby. On Saturday Bettor’s
Wish faces eight rivals on a Stakes Analysis
super night of stakes action at Dayton Raceway. He landed post three
with Dunn in the sulky and faces a solid group of veteran performers BY DERICK GIWNER
as well as a sensational sophomore in Ocean Rock.
Ohio Sire Stakes champion Ocean Rock has toyed with most of his Race 8 - $175,000 Dayton Distaff Pacing Derby
rivals consistently on the tough Ohio Sires circuit but faces rivals
he’s never encountered before in the Dayton Derby. An altered son of We must all answer a big question here. Can (2) SHARTIN
Rockin Amadeus, Ocean Rock ships to Dayton off a sparkling 1:49 2/5 lose this race? She’s definitely the best mare in the field, but you
performance over the Delaware County Fair oval in an Ohio Breeders are looking at a short price on a horse that hasn’t raced in seven
Championship event. Ineligible to the Little Brown Jug, the perfor- weeks. I have to take a shot against her and my potion of choice
mance inspired the Noble’s (trainer Christi and driver Dan) to supple- is (3) CAVIART ALLY. The 6-year-old gave Shartin all she could
ment to the Dayton Derby and take on older foes. handle on a number of ocassions last year and she seems to be
Ocean Rock drew post six and will certainly add another major rounding into form. Two starts back she was a bit short and last
player to a field bustling with talent. time she had too far to come after a second-tier starting slot. Let’s
From the inside, Backstreet Shadow and Tim Tetrick have control- expect early speed here.
ling position as one of two of trainer Ron Burke’s stars in the event. SELECTIONS: 3-2-4-6
Though sixth in the recent Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, Backstreet
Shadow made two strong moves from post seven in that contest and Race 10 - $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby
had ample reason for tiring.
Century Farroh won the Dan Patch at Hoosier Park in August over After watching multiple replays and some careful thought I’ve
the pacesetting Bettor’s Wish but then returned to Hoosier Park last landed on longshot (7) CRYSTAL FASHION for one major reason:
week and finished seventh in its Pacing Derby. A 4-year-old by Mach Lack of trust in the favorites. “Fashion” closed from last to be
Three, Century Farroh drew post four and will likely be more aggres- fourth in the Caesars Trotting Derby last time and was even in
sively handled by driver David Miller on Saturday. the Maple Leaf prior to that. He’s as fast as anyone off the gate
Last year’s Breeders Crown sophomore champion Dancin Lou was and I’m hoping that Jordan Stratton will have the gas pedal down
also a non-factor at Hoosier Park last week following a second-place at the start since I don’t expect (4) MANCHEGO or (3) ATLANTA
finish in the Canadian Pacing Derby on September 5. A 4-year-old by TO BE showing early speed. The former is reportedly switch-
Sweet Lou, Dancin Lou could go over the $1 million mark in career ing to an open bridle and seems like to see off-the-pace tactics
earnings with a victory on Saturday. after some failed attempts on the front and a recent break when
Somehow people count out This Is The Plan and then the 5-year-old she was too fired up. The latter has proven lately that her game
rises to the occasion and shows he’s a force in this division. The Ron requires a decent trip to win against this top level.
Burke-trained gelding had been out of the money in major stakes races SELECTIONS: 7-4-3-1
until capturing the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby last Friday night in a
1:49 1/5 mile. Dexter Dunn guided him on that occasion, but Yannick Race 12 - $176,500 Dayton Pacing Derby
Gingras will return to the sulky on Saturday from post seven.
The field for the Dayton Pacing Derby is rounded up by some solid This group has been taking turns beating each other all year,
Ohio-based performers, with Sectionline Bigry (post 2), Bllack Hole so it’s best to avoid the favorite. (1) BACKSTREET SHADOW was
(post 8) and Our Majordan A (post 9) completing the group. used hard at Hoosier last time and paid the price but now shifts
The card also includes another pair of $175,000 events, the Dayton back to his favorite-sized track. He has 12 wins in 14 starts over
Distaff Derby for older pacing mares headlined by Shartin N and the the last two years on a five-eighths oval. (5) DANCIN LOU wasn’t
Dayton Trotting Derby with a field of nine trotters led by the elite great or bad in that same Hoosier race after missing 20 days. He’s
mare Atlanta. The trio of features are slated as races 8, 10 and 12 on one that seems to do his best work when used hard and maybe
a card that kicks off at 6:15 PM and also contains an octet of $60,000 Sears will put him in play earlier this time. (3) BETTOR’S WISH
Buckeye Stallion Series Championships. is the best horse when on his game and can clearly be a factor.
Ryder expects to start Bettor’s Wish in the Allerage (October 11) at SELECTIONS: 1-5-3-4
The Red Mile and then go onto the Breeders Crown at Hoosier Park
DRF Harness Weekend | 19 | October 1, 2020 Visit us online at drf.com/harnessYou can also read
