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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Harness Racing 2008; Dream Year for Maritimes Canada Standardbred Racing Fans

The exploits of Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play, the thrilling Gold Cup and saucer, plus the many human achievements in the sport by Maritimers made 2008 the most exciting year ever, and a racing season we shall never expect to see again in our lifetimes.

For the North American Harness Racing industry as a whole, it was a year of more positives than negatives. Beach and Dewey each achieved a well-earned star status, while Muscle Hill showed early speed that just got stronger as the season wore on. The 3 year old pacing crop had four $1 million plus winners (Somebeachsomewhere, Art Official, Shadow Play, Badlands Hanover) plus Dali and Santanna Blue Chip.

Here are some USA and Canadian harness racing news stories from 2008:

Jim Whelan stance in OHHA / WEG contract dispute defended - Dec 29, 2008


Dali wins Matron Stakes in World Record 1.48.2 - Dec 15, 2008


Southwind Farm buys interest in Muscle Hill - Dec 6, 2008


Online Tribute: Somebeachsomewhere retires to stud as richest, fastest 3 year old pacer EVER - Nov 30, 2008


Muscle Hill trots to world record victory in Breeders Crown Final - Nov 30, 2008


Somebeachsomewhere edges Shadow Play to win Breeders Crown in 1.48.3 - Nov 29, 2008


Somebeachsomewhere SENSATIONAL in OSS Super Final - Nov 16, 2008


Shadow Play races 2009 for new partnership - Nov 16, 2008


Enough Talk has a cool pedigree; World-record trotter from outcross branch of main sire line - Oct 12, 2008


Shadow Play edges Badlands Nitro to win Windy City Pace - Oct 11, 2008


Top Trotting Sires of 2008, Emerging Star Stallions - Oct 5, 2008


Deweycheatumnhowe wins thrilling 3rd heat Final of Kentucky Futurity - Oct 4, 2008


Somebeachsomewhere wins Bluegrass, ties all-age world-record with 1:46.4! - Sep 27, 2008


Standardbred Horse Books; Gifts for Harness Racing Fans - Sep 20, 2008


Western Hanover Line 1st and 2nd in Jug; PEI's Shadow Play wins on leather shoe in final - Sep 2008


Dewey wins Canadan Trotting Classic; Beach to race at Woodbine!!! - Sep 13, 2008


Volomite sire line ascending with Somebeachsomewhere, Garland Lobell sires - Aug 30, 2008


SomeBeachSomewhere online videos and fan website links - Aug 21, 2008


Gold Cup & Saucer To Pownal Bay Matt - Aug 17, 2008


SomeBeachSomewhere - World-Record 1.49.2 at Flamboro Downs on a half-mile track!!! - Aug 14, 2008


Research Standardbred Harness Horse Boodlines - No Registration required - Jul 20, 2008


Somebeachsomewhere sets world record for 3 year olds of 1.47; Places to Art Official! - Jul 19, 2008




Somebeachsomewhere Online Race Videos

Beach as a 2 year old:

Somebeachsomewhere race video, 2007 Metro Pace Final Win


Beach as a 3 year old:

Website with Video of Somebeachsomewhere 2008 Breeders Crown Win


Watch Somebeachsomewhere's 1.46.4 world record at The Red Mile online video


2008 Meadowlands Pace Final Art Official noses out Somebeachsomewhere in world record

Monday, December 15, 2008

Dali wins Matron Stakes in World Record 1.48.2!!!

Matts Scooter grandkids Beach, Shadow and Dali Shine in '09

Congrats to Dali and all his connections on a great finish to a solid season. The ascending 3 year old colt broke the track record, the Matron Stakes record and tied the world record for a 3 year old pacer on a 5/8 mile track, set by Shadow Play in the Adios earlier this year.

HN Horse Driver Win Place Show
6 Dali Ron Pierce 3.60 2.40 2.20
2 Blueridge Western Dave Palone 2.80 2.10
4 Lisfinny David Miller 2.20



Time: 1:48.2

Finish Order: Dali, Blueridge Western, Lisfinny, Santanna Blue Chip, Proper Respect, Jo Pa`s Wild Card, First Rate, Mystery Chase


With this convincing victory Dali lowered his lifetime mark by a second and set himself up nicely for stud duties, whether it be in 2009 or 2010.

Read the USTA article on Dali winning the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs

Once again it proves to be Matts Scooter's year. Somebeachsomewhere is by his son Mach Three. Shadow Play is out of Matts Filly, a daughter of Matts Scooter and Breezes Girl, by Warm Breeze.

Dali, a son of Real Desire out of the Matts Scooter daughter Armbro Tea, is the star of the Holyday Season and makes grandad Matts proud yet again. Considering the robust and improving form Dali showed in the elimination and final, had Somebeachsomewhere been there it's likely there would have been an incredible stretch duel between Beach and Dali, with the winner breaking the world record. Even as it is, Dali's victory over a sharp Blueridge Western and a strong Lisfinny is a completely satisfying way for a Canadian stantardbred racing fan to end the harness horse stakes racing season. For someone with PEI (dad) and NB (mom) heritage, 2009 will always be remembered as the Dream Season. Dali is some beautiful icing on the cake for all his fans in Ontario, and across Canada, the USA and around the world.

Here's thanks to all involved in harness racing in 2008, and may you have an inspiring, fun, adventurous and rewarding 2009!!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Dali lowers mark to 1.49.2 in Matron elim; Beach scratched, off to stud

Dali lowered his mark by almost a full second with his 1.49.2 victory in the first Matron Stakes elimination at Dover Downs this evening. The colt has had some tough racing luck this year, not the least of which is being part of the first crop of three year old pacers to sport 4 one-season millionaires: Somebeachsomewhere, Art Official, Shadow Play, and Badlands Nitro. A son of Real Artist out of the Matts Scooter mare Armbro Tea, Dali is the pride of horse owner Aaron Waxman of Ontario.

First Rate led through early fractions of 26.1 and 54.2, but Dali was first over and was only a nose behind at the 3/4 in 1.21.4. From there Dali took command and paced home in 27.3 for his new lifetime mark of 1.49.2. Lisfunny placed, Santanna Blue Chip took third and First Rate held on for fourth.

In the second elimination race, Somebeachsomewhere was scratched due to a virus (he'll now head to Hanover Shoe Farms to prepare for his mare book), so Blueridge Western went to post as the prohibitive favorite and did not disappoint, winning in a relaxed 1.51.1, with Proper Respect in second, Jo Pa's Wild Card third, and Mystery Chase fourth.

Tom's Toy won the $100,000 final of the Delaware Breeders Stakes for 2 year Old Fillies in 1.54.4

Full results from Delaware Breeders and Matron Stakes Races at Dover Downs

NOTE for Harness Horse Breeders: Four of the big names in this year's sensational 3 year old pacing crop are grandsons of Matts Scooter. Somebeachsomewhere is by Matts' son Mach Three, while Shadow Play, Santanna Blue Chip and Dali are all out of Matts Scooter mares.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere draws post 4 for Matron Stakes elimination at Dover Downs Monday

Here are the two elimination fields for Monday December 8th, 2008 Matron Stakes at Dover Downs in Delaware.


Race 10


PP Horse Med 2008 Year to Date Driver Trainer ML Base
Sts W P S Time Earnings Stable Odds Claim

1 Santanna Blue Chip L 14 2 4 4 Q1:53.1M $666502 Jody Jamieson Carl Jamieson

2 Trade Editor 21 5 1 4 1:51.1S $143354 Andy Miller Julie Miller

3 Lisfinny 24 5 3 3 1:50.1F $198543 David Miller Robert Mc Intosh

4 Dali 17 2 2 4 1:50.1F $453941 Ron Pierce Duane Marfisi

5 First Rate 21 4 3 3 1:49.0Z $91862 Tim Curtin Samuel Beegle

6 Dina`s Gamble 9 2 4 1 1:53.3F $56675 Brandon Givens Wayne Givens



Somebeachsomewhere's in the Race 12 elimination for the Matron Stakes; Beach drew post four, and Blueridge Western looks like his main competition, leaving from the 3 hole. Other challengers include Mystery Chase, a winner of over $380,000, and Proper Respect with 9 wins and over 150k on the card.

Race 12


1 Jo Pa`s Wild Card L 21 4 7 2 1:51.3F $81056 Corey Callahan Jim Campbell




2 Dragon King L 21 6 1 4 1:51.2F $141444 David Miller Roy Williams




3 Blueridge Western L 21 3 9 2 1:50.1M $513716 Dave Palone Kevin Mc Dermott




4 Somebeachsomewhere 15 14 1 0 1:46.4M $2448003 Paul Mac Donell Brent Mac Grath




5 Proper Respect L 22 9 5 3 1:49.3M $153996 Ron Pierce Carlo Poliseno




6 Mystery Chase L 22 5 4 4 1:49.2M $382246 Donnie Russell Donnie Russell

Shadow Play to get Hero’s Welcome Saturday at Charlottetown Driving Park

Shadow Play, a son of The Panderosa out of Matts Filly by Matts Scooter, is scheduled to arrive back home in P.E.I. this week. He'll get the winter off before returning to racing in 2009 to face Art Official and all the older horses. Shadow Play is set to stand at stud for Blue Chip Farms in 2010, and Maritimes harness racing fans will be cheering him on big time next year.

The brilliant colt is trained by Dr. Ian Moore of Winsloe, and owned by PEI's Doc Moore, Quebec's Serge Savard and the RG Group (Ron and Gail McLellan) of New Brunswick. Shadow Play is expected to stand for Blue Chip in the USA and in either Australia or New Zealand. Even racing there isn't out of the question.

"I would love to come for a visit ‘Down Under. Your industry is very progressive and a lot of your horses compete well up here. It's something I have always wanted to do," said PEI's Moore.

Regarding his highly anticipated return to Prince Edward island, his trainer was looking forward to the appreciation.

"We will be taking him home on Tuesday in his newly bought trailer and the Charlottetown Driving Park is holding a ‘Shadow Play day' on Saturday afternoon. We are pitching in with some purse money and giveaways. It should be a great day," Dr Moore said.












Full story on Shadow Play's return to Charlottetown PEI on HarnessLink.com

Charlottetown Driving Park official website

Shadow Play to race in 2009, stand at Blue Chip Farms in 2010 - The Guardian

Monday, December 1, 2008

Beach to Race in Matron Stakes at Dover!!!

That McGrath's quite a kidder. "I feel badly that I didn't say anything before now, but if he'd shown the least little bit of tiredness tonight, it would have been his last race," the trainer said. "But we decided to show him off a little bit more."

I've loved everything about the way Somebeachsomewhere's career has been handled, and this latest surprise is a truly unexpected dessert. The eliminations if necessary will be a week from tonight on Monday, December 8th, with the Matron Stakes Final going to post December 15, 2008.

Congatulations on an amazing season that just keeps rolling on to Brent McGrath, Jean-Louis Arsenault, Paul Macdonnell, co-owners James Bagnell, Pamela Dean, Reg Pettipas, Garry Pye, Stuart Rath and breeder Stephanie Smith-Rothaug.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Online Tribute: Somebeachsomewhere retires to stud as richest, fastest 3 year old pacer EVER

Pacing's Champion Somebeachsomewhere; A Tribute to the Fastest Harness Horse Ever









Somebeachsomewhere (Mach Three - Where's The Beach, by Beach Towel)



Beach has brought excitement and joy to many, and he raced his heart out every night he set foot on the track. I would suspect that I am not the only person to have the standardbred flame rekindled and stirred by this incredible racehorse.

Much respect to Brent Mcgrath, Paul Macdonnell and all the colt's connections, who were gracious and exemplary during Somebeachsomewhere's rise to prominence. Now standing at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania for a stallion fee of US$20,000, he will be bred to the finest mares from the fastest families, and the sport moves forward yet again.











Somebeachsomewhere Best 6 Racelines, fastest pacing horse ever:


27 September 2008 Red Mile Bluegrass $134 000 1/7H 1:46.4 27.2

World record mark, fastest time ever over any track by a 3 year old.



19 July 2008 Meadowlands M Pace F $1 100 000 2/NK 1:47.0 27.4

Tied for 2nd fastest race time ever (at the time, fastest ever) by a 3 year old with race winner Art Official. His over-long trip probably added three lengths or more to the journey, so this was one of if not the very best race of Beach's career. Ironic that it's considered his only "loss", when he set a world record and gave the greatest performance I've ever witnessed in harness racing.



4 October 2008 Red Mile Tattersalls $293 000 1/3H 1:47.4 26.2

Tied Stakes record with world record 3rd time under 1.48. One week after setting 3 year old world record.



29 November 2008 Meadowlands BC Final $500 000 1 1:48.3 26.3

Stakes Record (shattering the previous record by 1 1/5 seconds!) Breeders Crown 2008 Championship win by 1 3/4 lengths over Shadow Play capped a brilliant career record of 20 wins and one 2nd in 21 lifetime starts. 3 Year Old (All Ages??) World record FIFTH RACE in 1.48.3 or faster, and world record EIGHTH TIME in 1.49.0 or faster!!!



17 August 2008 Flamboro Confed F $493 000 1/4 1:49.2 26.3

2nd heat and same-day final Beach sets world record on half mile track of 1.49.2 over 4 turns!!!












1 September 2007 Mohawk D-Metro $1 000 000 1/2 1:49.3 27.4

In the Metro Pace final last year Somebeachsomewhere set a 2 year old pacing world record of 1.49.3, setting the stage for 2008's world-beating performance.




Somebeachsomewhere Tributes and Links

Photographic Tribute to Somebeachsomewhere by Clive Cohen at MonsterFromTheMaritimes.com


Somebeachsomewhere page on Wikipedia


Website of Somebeachsomewhere's grandsire Matts Scooter

Sire of Somebeachsomewhere, info on Mach Three, webpage MachThree.net

Sire of Somebeachsomewhere's dam Where's The Beach, Beach Towel













Somebeachsomewhere Online Videos

Beach as a 2 year old:

Somebeachsomewhere video, 2007 Metro Pace Final


Beach as a 3 year old:

Online Video of Somebeachsomewhere 2008 Breeders Crown Victory


Watch Video of Somebeachsomewhere's 1.46.4 world record at The Red Mile


2008 Meadowlands Pace Final Art Official outlasts Somebeachsomewhere in world record time


Video of Somebeachsomewhere winning OSS Super Final at Woodbine Raceway Toronto


Beach winning 2008 Messenger Pace at Yonkers


Somebeachsomewhere video wins 2008 Pepsi North America Cup

Somebeachsomewhere victory 2008 Pepsi NA Cup, 6 minute video


Video of Somebeachsomewhere 2008 Confederation Cup 1.49.2 world record

First heat win 2008 Confederation Cup, Somebeachsomewhere online video



The fact that Somebeachsomewhere was able to dominate in a year that also featured Shadow Play and Art Official will just add to Beach's Legend.







Beach enjoying a snack of hay (Somebeachsomewhere photo by Raging Mike).











Shadow Play in a striking portrait by Raging Mike











Art Official was a tough competitor for Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play in 2008, and the night of the Meadowlands Pace Art Official was the fastest 3 year old ever, a record eclipsed by Beach a few months later in Kentucky.











Saturday, November 29, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere edges Shadow Play to win Breeders Crown in 1.48.3

Beach was sensational as usual, and the comparisons to Cam Fella and Niatross will be made for decades. With 4 world records and the greatest 3 year old campaign ever for a pacer under his belt, Somebeachsomewhere made believers of all with his convincing victory in this evening's Breeders Crown Pace for 3 Year Old Colts and Geldings.


Watch Online Video of Somebeachsomewhere winning Breeders Crown

Right behind Paul Macdonnell and Beach at the wire were Shadow Play with David Miller, while Blueridge Western with Dave Palone driving was a close third. For standardbred racing fans from Atlantic Canada, it was a 1-2 Maritimes harness racing triumph as Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick shared ownership in the two awesome pacers Somebeachsomewhere (NS, NB) and Shadow Play (PEI, NB, QUE).

Somebeachsomewhere trainer Brent Mcgrath is among the many who belive that Beach is the Horse of the Year.

He had four world records before he came here tonight. He’s never went a bad race, he has a single season's earning record. How is the door (to Horse of the Year) not open before tonight? It’s about zero degrees (Celsius) in Canada and it was 75 in Lexington and he was every bit as impressive as Lexington.

I think that he is the Horse of the Decade, the pacer who will be remembered as the fastest of the first decade of the twentieth century, and the fastest 3 year old ever on the racetrack at the time he raced.

Complete 2008 Breeders Crown results online

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

USTrotting.com Honours Maritime Canada Racehorses

The year 2008 in standardbred horse racing will always be remembered as a treasure for harness racing fans from Atlantic Canada, for never in our lifetimes will we expect to see another crop as powerful and entertaining as Somebeachsomewhere, Shadow Play and Santanna Blue Chip.










With the Breeders Crown standardbred stakes championship this Saturday 29NOV08, many racing fans will be watching Deweycheatumnhowe, Muscle Hill and other 2008 trotting and pacing stars, but folks from the Canadian Maritimes provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be focused on Shadow Play (incl. Habs great Serge Savard along with PEI and NB owners) and "Beach" (owned by NS and NB people), the fastest pacer ever and a truly exciting athlete for the ages.











Here's an excerpt from the excellent UStrotting.com article on Maritime horses in the 2008 Breeders Crown:



East Rutherford, NJ --- A thousand miles away from the bright lights of Broadway and the incandescent oval that is the Meadowlands Racetrack sit the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, collectively known as The Maritimes.

The region's 1.8 million residents are blessed with abundant natural resources, including skilled horsemen and passionate harness racing fans who will have rooting interests in the nearly $6 million in purses distributed in eight Breeders Crown races that highlight the program on Saturday night, November 29, at the Meadowlands.

Some portion of those millions could well be returning to the Maritimes thanks to the pride of Nova Scotia and Horse of the Year contender Somebeachsomewhere and his prime competition, Shadow Play, who carries the hopes of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Additionally, Maritime-born trainers Greg Peck, Carl Jamieson, Jeffrey Gillis, and Angus MacDonald, as well as Hall of Fame driver Bill O'Donnell, will be among those seeking Breeders Crown trophies.

"Somebeachsomewhere has become a folk hero in the Maritimes," noted Doug Harkness, a journalist who has been chronicling the story for the paper he publishes, the Atlantic Post Calls, and other newspapers in the region, including The Guardian, Truro Daily News, New Glasgow News and the Summerside Journal Pioneer.

Somebeachsomewhere, who comes into the $500,000 Breeders Crown 3-year-old colt pace with 19 wins in 20 lifetime starts, will wrap up his racing career on Saturday night. He is trained by Brent MacGrath, who is also a member of the ownership, the Schooner Stables of Westchester Station, Nova Scotia.

"His connections are Nova Scotians, but the horse has a great following throughout the Maritime Provinces," said Harkness. "Brent MacGrath, a car salesman from Truro, has been a hobby horseman for years -- he once had a small stable at the old Greenwood Raceway in Truro, where he met and became great friends with Paul MacDonell, who has driven Somebeachsomewhere in all of his races."

Somebeachsomewhere is closing in on the $3 million mark in career earnings.
It was MacGrath who put together the partnership of six, each of whom invested $10,000, to head to the fall 2006 sales to buy a yearling. At the Lexington Selected Sale, he spotted Somebeachsomewhere, the son of Mach Three-Wheres The Beach, and paid $40,000. The 3-year-old has a bankroll of $2,971,299, thanks to his string of stakes victories, including the North America Cup.

"Brent and Reg Petitpas of Shediac Bridge, New Brunswick, are the only two members of the stable with a racing background," explained Harkness. "Petitpas has owned horses for about 30 years and co-owns the good invitational horse Silent Swing, a winner of more than $1 million and a solid third-place finisher in this year's William R. Haughton. He also co-owns the 3-year-old Giddy Up Lucky, who was fifth in the Little Brown Jug.


Full article on Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play in 2008 Breeders Crown pacing final

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Shadow Play picks 2 hole, Beach draws 3; Dewey gets post 8

The post positions for the 3 year old Breeders Crown stakes races at The Meadowlands next Saturday, November 29th have been published.


Post positions for sophomore Breeders Crown divisions were drawn Saturday evening at the Meadowlands. The $4.9 million championships for two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers have finals scheduled for Saturday, Post time 7:00 p.m.

3YO Colt Pace - PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer

1, Blueridge Western, D Palone, K Mc Dermott
2, Shadow Play, D Miller, I Moore
3, Somebeachsomewhere, P MacDonell, B MacGrath
4, Share The Delight, Y Gingras, L Toscano
5, Dali, TBA, D Marfisi
6, Rudy Rednose, B Sears, G Teague Jr
7, Blue Claw, M Lachance, M Ford
8, Mystery Chase, G Brennan, D Russell
9, Bettor Sweet, C Manzi, J Poliseno
10, Lisfinny, J Campbell, R Mc Intosh

Somebeachsomewhere and Dali accepted byes into the final.


3YO Colt Trot - PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer

1, John Paul's Legacy, Angus Mac Donald, Angus Mac Donald
2, Holiday Credit, Ron Pierce, Jimmy Takter
3, In Focus, Dave Palone, Jimmy Takter
4, Broadway Marquis, Wim Paal, Wim Paal
5, Napoleon, Brian Sears, Noel Daley
6, Make It Happen, Ray Schnittker, Ray Schnittker
7, Cloud Casino, David Miller, Ross Croghan
8, Deweycheatumnhowe, Ray Schnittker, Ray Schnittker
9, Celebrity Secret, John Campbell, Staffan Lind
10, Crazed, Tim Tetrick, Frank Antonacci
11, Clerk Magistrate, Trevor Ritchie, Per Henriksen

All 11 entrants advanced to the final.


3YO Filly Trot - PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer

1, Somebody To Love, D Miller, R Croghan
2, Poster Pin Up, B Sears, T Smedshammer
3, No Pain No Gain, D Dube, J Czernyson
4, Feels Like Magic, W O' Donnell, R Norman
5, Stage Show, D Palone, J Campbell
6, Creamy Mimi, T Smedshammer, T Smedshammer
7, Kadealia, T Tetrick, G Teague Jr
8, Lantern Kronos, J Campbell, J Takter
9, Bella Dolce, P MacDonell, R Norman
10, Epangeline, R Schnittker, R Schnittker

Creamy Mimi, Lantern Kronos and Bella Dolce accepted byes into the final.


3YO Filly Pace - PP, Horse, Driver, Trainer

1, Tug River Princess, J Campbell, R Croghan
2, Knock Three Times, A Miller, E Miller
3, Native Bride, B Sears, J Sears
4, Chancey Lady, D Dube, R Bilach
5, A and G'sconfusion, D Miller, C Coleman
6, Hannah Isabel, Y Gingras, J Drolet
7, Btwnurheartnmine, T Tetrick, R Croghan
8, Kelly's Keepsake, R Pierce, E Miller
9, Stylish Artist, D Miller, R Croghan
10, Good News Lady, G Grismore, J Takter




Saturday's Breeder's Crown racing card at Meadowlands in New Jersey will likely be the final racing performances of Somebeachsomewhere and Deweycheatumnhowe, as they head off to stud, but the Blue Chip connections of Shadow Play have announced he'll race at 4 before stallion duties the following year. 2009 may provide some great Art Official / Shadow Play duels, assuming each can come back healthy.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Shadow Play draws post 6 for Breeders Crown Elim; Beach, Dali head to final

While Somebeachsomewhere and Dali are taking the week off and entering straight into the final, Shadow Play is taking the opportunity to use the elimination as a tuneup. He drew post position six and is facing the likes of Upfront Hannahsboy, Mystery Chase, Bettor Sweet and Share The Delight.


6th - Sixth Race Purse: $25,000

Distance: 1mi PACE


PP Horse Driver Best Last 3


1 Blue Claw M Lachance 1:50.1 2-8-4

2 Mystery Chase G Brennan 1:49.2 1-6-1

3 Lisfinny J Campbell 1:50.1 1-8-1

4 Share The Delight Y Gingras 1:50.2 1-6-1

5 Rudy Rednose B Sears 1:52.3 2-2-5

6 Shadow Play D Miller 1:48.2 1-2-1

7 Upfront Hannahsboy T Tetrick 1:49.2 1-6-4

8 Blueridge Western D Palone 1:50.1 1-2-2

9 Bettor Sweet C Manzi 1:49.3 1-3-2

10 Riggins R Schnittker 1:54.1 7-4-6


Deweycheatemnhowe and the other 3 year old colt trotters all drew straight into the Breeders Crown Finals, November 29th at The Meadowlands. The final race of Somebeachsomewhere, and likely Dewey also, means a historic evening for harness racing and a day to be remembered for a long time.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere SENSATIONAL in OSS Super Final

Thousands of Beach fans came out to see the final Canadian race of Somebeachsomewhere at Woodbine in Toronto last night and the brilliant sophomore pacer thrilled the crowd yet again. "Beach" and driver Paul Macdonnell went to the front from the gate and gradually pulled away from the field, reaching an eight length lead by the 3/4 and pacing ahead by twelve lengths at the top of the stretch. It seemed that driver Paul was saving something for New Jersey, as he took Beach home in a leisurely 29.3 for a stellar 1.50.3 on a cold and rainy Ontario evening.

Beach is now off to the Meadowlands for the Breeders Crown (finals Nov 29) before heading over to Hanover Show Farms where he will stand as one of the premier stallions in harness racing.

Horse PP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Stretch Finish Time 1/4 Driver Odds Trainer

Woodbine 7th Race 15NOV08 - OSS Super Final 3 Year Colts and Geldings

Somebeachsomewhere 3 1/1T 1/3 1/8H 1/12T 1/11T 1:50.3 29.3 P Mac 0.05* B Macgrath

Keystone Horatio 7 5/6H 5/12 4@/13H 2/12T 2/11T 1:53 29.2 Ra Wap 17.30 J Kopas

Trade Editor 4 3/3Q 3/4T 3/10T 4/15H 3/17 1:54 30.4 J Jamieson 48.90 B Burgess

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

$2.4 mil Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals at Woodbine Saturday

It's the most exciting night of the year for Ontario pacing and trotting stallion owners and standardbred breeders across the province. Somebeachsomewhere will race for the final time in Canada, and all his fans from the Maritimes, Ontario and all points in this great land will be out in droves to see him perform live one last time. All the best to The Beach and his connections this weekend and in the Breeders Crown, and best wishes also to all Ontario horse folks who worked so hard all year to have a chance to race this weekend.

Entries for 8 OSS Super Finals Races Saturday November 15th, 2008

Data as of 11NOV08,courtesy of woodbineentertainment.com:

3 -- Trot, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, P7, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 08:12 P.M. Lasix: 03:57 P.M.

1 Keep In Dutch M Baillargeon R Mcintosh (InConchnito/DutchessOfKent)
2 Cumin First R Zeron F Oreilly (StrikingSahbra/LookWhosCumin)
3 Daylon Mystique W Henry W Henry (AmigoHall/DaylonMarvel)
4 Easter Bonnet G Gagnon R Moreau (BerndtHanover/GypsysBonnie)
5 Elusive Desire P Macdonell M Keeling (AngusHall/ValleyAmber)
6 Ill Wait For You T Ritchie D Creighton (Kadabra/BlueCookie)
7 Pajama Land J Obrien J Obrien (Kadabra/IWayRegency)
8 Sos Respect S Filion K Oreilly (MrLavec/LovinAllTheTime)
9 Stonebridge Diva Ra Waples G Formia (AngusHall/Velvia)
10 Paycheck Lavec Do Brown B Shakes (MrLavec/GoTopDrawer)


AE1 Magical Debut= S Filion J Libby (StrikingSahbra/Belville)
AE2 Striking Fashion Ma Macdonald R Laarman (StrikingSahbra/FashionableLiv)
Race 3 - Retention Barn - All horses



4 -- Trot, purse $300,000 (EX, P4, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 08:33 P.M. Lasix: 04:18 P.M.

1 Winning Mister Ra Waples K Klages (AngusHall/WinningMissbrenda)
2 Mopey Corey= A Macdonald J Macdonald (SouthwindLustre/ArmbroKaitlyn)
3 Hitithard M Saftic J Ciarpelli (MrLavec/Donaver)
4 Play Right= Ma Macdonald J Dean (Kadabra/Poetry)
5 Senator Hall D Ackerman D Ackerman (AngusHall/LadyLeesun)
6 Pointe Of Honour P Macdonell P Wellwood (StrikingSahbra/GarlandBonita)
7 Hibbler C Christoforou H Poulton (StrikingSahbra/MeghansMemories)
8 My Friend= B Burgess B Burgess (AmigoHall/Machita)
9 Lemon Candy S Condren A Lorentzon (Kadabra/LemonsMill)
10 Striking Lindsey J Jamieson R Mcnair (StrikingSahbra/LindseyFireyimage)


AE1 Mapleson= R Mayotte T Cherwaiko (MalabarMaple/ZorgwijkConchy)
AE2 Kingsbury P Macdonell P Wellwood (Kadabra/RFirstInquirer)
Race 4 - Retention Barn - All horses


5 -- Pace, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 08:54 P.M. Lasix: 04:39 P.M.

1 Rose Seelster J Moiseyev J Kopas (Camluck/RavishingLady)
2 Arts Star Ma Macdonald C Coleman (ModernArt/BeachJenny)
3 Fashion Week P Macdonell K Oreilly (WesternTerror/Itsallchemistry)
4 Star Gazed M Saftic J Pentland (Astreos/CatchThisBunny)
5 St Lads Popcorn Ja Brewer J Darling (TwinBChamp/HotButter)
6 Shellace J Jamieson S Mcniven (AcesNSevens/IslandHussy)
7 Icey Breeze R Zeron R Mcnair (WesternTerror/IceChaser)
8 Take My Pulse S Condren J Kopas (RustlerHanover/VitalShines)
9 Northern Duchess M Saftic J Pentland (WesternTerror/LadyMist)
10 Cheap Motel Ra Waples R Boyd (Grinfromeartoear/MediaQueen)
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses



6 -- Pace, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 09:15 P.M. Lasix: 05:00 P.M.

1 Call Me Yours Ja Brewer S Gillard
2 Ms Goliath S Filion J Libby
3 Im Just Special J Jamieson T Artandi
4 Belka Hanover Ma Macdonald S Robinson
5 Voelz Hanover M Baillargeon B Baillargeon
6 Style Semalu R Zeron P Touchette
7 A Fiesty Affair Ma Macdonald C Coleman
8 Southwind Swallow(L) M Vanderkemp M Vanderkemp
9 Chancey Lady M Saftic J Pentland
10 Shipps Bikini J Moiseyev J Kopas


AE1 Windsong Eva L Ouellette W Cass
Race 6 - Retention Barn - All horses


7 -- Pace, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE NEW PADDOCK**

Post time: 09:38 P.M. Lasix: 05:23 P.M.

1 Lucky Man Ja Brewer C Coleman
2 Dougs Fame M Saftic R Mcnair
3 Somebeachsomewhere P Macdonell B Macgrath
4 Trade Editor J Jamieson B Burgess
5 Amillionpennies J Jamieson B Goit
6 The Life Boat C Christoforou W Preszcator
7 The Mohegan Pan S Condren R Mcintosh
8 Keystone Horatio Ra Waples J Kopas
9 Deuce Seelster(L) J Jamieson D Mccall
Race 7 - Retention Barn - All horses

8 -- Pace, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 10:02 P.M. Lasix: 05:47 P.M.

1 Trail Boss D Mcnair R Mcnair (ApachesFame/LavishGem)
2 Stonebridge Terror M Saftic J Darling (WesternTerror/NoParadise)
3 Shady Cam Ja Brewer R Duford (Camluck/ShadyWillow)
4 Ok Boromir G Piroski F Baker Jr (NoPanIntended/DoubleCreme)
5 Millionaire Cam J Jamieson T Osullivan (MillionDollarCam/MichellesJackpot)
6 Shipps Xpectancy J Moiseyev J Kopas (MachThree/ArmbroPurse)
7 Nebupanezzar S Condren R Mcintosh (NoPanIntended/WesternWonder)
8 Rescue Plan J Morrill Jr K Oreilly (WesternTerror/LifetimeRomance)
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses

9 -- Trot, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE OLD PADDOCK**

Post time: 10:24 P.M. Lasix: 06:09 P.M.

1 Only Lonely(L) T Ritchie C Beaver
2 Somebody To Love= L Ouellette D Mccall
3 Warrawee June R Zeron F Oreilly
4 Feels Like Magic= W Odonnell K Oreilly
5 Bella Dolce P Macdonell R Norman
6 Kadealia(L) J Moiseyev B Teague
7 *Pasadena Princess= Ra Waples R Mcintosh (cog: 19-DEC-2008)
8 Its My Time L Ouellette F Oreilly
9 Gaelic Mistress S Byron J Bax
10 Whatta Hotty= G Whelan J Whelan


AE1 Condi Lane(L) D Boughton R Young
AE2 Improper Hall Ja Brewer R Fellows
Race 9 - Retention Barn - All horses



10 -- Trot, purse $300,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-O.S.S. SUPER FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.


**PLEASE REPORT FOR RETENTION AT THE NEW PADDOCK**

Post time: 10:46 P.M. Lasix: 06:31 P.M.

1 Superfast Stuart Ra Waples S Weber
2 Mccarron= T Ritchie M Steacy
3 Hot And Coldplay=(L) L Ouellette C Beaver
4 Define The World P Macdonell J Bax
5 Hit The Mark(L) R Zeron R Fellows
6 Striking Rich To Be Announced M Guitard
7 B Strike Three(L) R Zeron B Shultz
8 J S Chisum= S Byron J Stewart
9 Elegant Hall S Condren R Maxwell
10 Nureyev Ma Macdonald W Companion


AE1 Sergeant York K Oliver L Walker
Race 10 - Retention Barn - All horses



Among trotting sires, Striking Sahbra has 4 in and 2 AE for the 2 year old races, Kadabra has 4 in and one AE while Angus Hall has 4 in. Mr Lavec has 3 in and Amigo Hall has two.

In the 2 year old pacing events, Western Terror has 3 fillies and 2 colts in, Camluck has a filly and a colt and No Pan Intended is represented by 2 colts.

Oh yeah, I just remembered, there's a colt wearing #3 in the 7th that's supposed to be pretty good, named after a song ...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Major Standardbred Stakes Races 2008 - October November December

Upcoming Harness Racing Stakes Events $50,000+++

For fans of trotting and pacing races, major harness horse stakes are being held in coming weeks, particularly the Matron Series at Dover Downs November 9th (tonight) and 15th, the $2.4 million Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals on November 15th at Woodbine, and the $4.6 million Breeders Crown races on November 29th at The Meadowlands.

Major Autumn Harness Racing 2008 Stakes Events:


Race Date Track Age, Sex, Gait Name of Race Purse

11/09/08 DOVER DNS 3YO OPEN PACE PROGRESS 350,000
11/09/08 DOVER DNS 3YO FILLY TROT MATRON 229,000
11/09/08 DOVER DNS 3YO C&G TROT MATRON 224,000
11/09/08 DOVER DNS 3YO FILLY PACE MATRON 199,000

11/15/08 DOVER DNS 2YO C&G PACE MATRON 266,000
11/15/08 DOVER DNS 2YO FILLY PACE MATRON 230,000
11/15/08 DOVER DNS 2YO C&G TROT MATRON 224,000
11/15/08 DOVER DNS 2YO FILLY TROT MATRON 194,000

11/15/08 WOODBINE 2YO C&G PACE OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 2YO C&G TROT OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 2YO FILLY PACE OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 2YO FILLY TROT OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 3YO C&G PACE OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 3YO C&G TROT OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 3YO FILLY PACE OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000
11/15/08 WOODBINE 3YO FILLY TROT OSS SUPER FINAL 300,000

11/21/08 FLAMBORO 2YO FILLY PACE TRILLIUM 75,000

11/22/08 WESTERN FAIR 2YO FILLY TROT TRILLIUM 66,000

11/24/08 FLAMBORO 2YO C&G TROT BUD LIGHT STKS 70,000

11/27/08 NORTHLANDS 4YO H&G PACE PRAIRIE GOLD SS 70,000

11/28/08 KAWARTHA 2YO FILLY PACE TRILLIUM 75,000

11/28/08 NORTHLANDS 4YO MARE PACE PRAIRIE GOLD SS 70,000

11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 2YO C&G PACE BREEDERS CROWN 650,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 2YO C&G TROT BREEDERS CROWN 650,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 2YO FILLY PACE BREEDERS CROWN 650,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 2YO FILLY TROT BREEDERS CROWN 650,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO C&G PACE BREEDERS CROWN 500,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO C&G TROT BREEDERS CROWN 500,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO FILLY PACE BREEDERS CROWN 500,000
11/29/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO FILLY TROT BREEDERS CROWN 500,000

11/29/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO FILLY PACE BREEDERS 50,000

11/29/08 WOODBINE 3YO C&G PACE AUTUMN SERIES (ONSS) 52,000

11/30/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO C&G PACE BLACK GOLD SS 70,000

11/30/08 WINDSOR 2YO FILLY TROT TRILLIUM 66,000

12/01/08 WOODBINE 3YO C&G TROT AUTUMN SERIES (ONSS) 50,000

12/05/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO OPEN TROT CHARLES SINGER MEM 50,000

12/06/08 NORTHLANDS 2YO FILLY PACE DEBUTANTE SS 100,000

12/07/08 DOVER DNS 2YO C&G TROT DSBF 100,000
12/07/08 DOVER DNS 2YO FILLY TROT DSBF 100,000

12/07/08 NORTHLANDS 2YO C&G PACE HARVEST GOLD SS 100,000

12/08/08 DOVER DNS 2YO C&G PACE DSBF 100,000
12/08/08 DOVER DNS 2YO FILLY PACE DSBF 100,000

12/13/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO FILLY PACE HERITAGE SS 50,000

12/14/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO C&G PACE ROCKY MOUNTAIN 50,000

12/15/08 DOVER DNS 3YO C&G PACE MATRON 236,000

12/18/08 WOODBINE 3YO FILLY TROT AUTUMN SERIES (ONSS) 50,000

12/19/08 NORTHLANDS 4YO MARE PACE PRAIRIE MAGIC SS 50,000

12/20/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO C&G PACE THE OIL BURNER 50,000

12/20/08 MEADOWLANDS 3YO FILLY PACE THE SNOW ANGEL 50,000

12/20/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO FILLY PACE SNOWFLAKE SS 50,000

12/20/08 NORTHLANDS 4YO H&G PACE PRAIRIE MAGIC SS 50,000

12/21/08 NORTHLANDS 3YO C&G PACE SNOWSHOE SS 50,000



November 15th is expected to be the final race of Somebeachsomewhere in Canada, which will be followed for him by the Breeders Crown and potentially the Matron in Dover before heading off to stud at the prestigious Hanover Shoe Farms. It is said that of the farm's 300 well-bred mares, all but 4 represent good crosses for The Beach.

I am hoping that the Breeders Crown final for 3 year old colts and geldings includes all of the top sophomores:

Tier One

Somebeachsomewhere
Art Official
Shadow Play
Badlands Nitro


Tier Two

Santanna Blue Chip
Bullville Powerful
Mucho Sleazy
Keystone Horatio
Blueridge Western
McCedes
Dali


If Breeders Crown day brings us a final with 3 of the top 4 (Art Official is done for the season but will likely come back in the spring), plus another 3 or 4 from the tier two list, then this will be a truly exciting way to finish off a record-breaking year in pacing.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

2 Year old Filly trotters race in Gold Final at Woodbine Friday

5 -- Trot, purse $120,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)

ONTARIO SIRES STAKES - GOLD FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.

Post time: 08:50 P.M. Lasix: 04:35 P.M.

1 Cumin First R Zeron F Oreilly (StrikingSahbra/LookWhosCumin)

2 Paycheck Lavec Do Brown B Shakes (MrLavec/GoTopDrawer)

3 Arona= C Christoforou C Christoforou (Kadabra/Lenu)

4 Pajama Land J Obrien J Obrien (Kadabra/IWayRegency)

5 Daylon Mystique W Henry W Henry (AmigoHall/DaylonMarvel)

6 Stonebridge Diva Ra Waples G Formia (AngusHall/Velvia)

7 Friendly Amigo= B Burgess B Burgess (AmigoHall/Diminutive)

8 Elusive Desire P Macdonell M Keeling (AngusHall/ValleyAmber)

9 Sos Respect S Filion K Oreilly (MrLavec/LovinAllTheTime)

10 Easter Bonnet G Gagnon R Moreau (BerndtHanover/GypsysBonnie)



AE1 Ill Wait For You T Ritchie D Creighton (Kadabra/BlueCookie)

AE2 B Cor Tanya R Rekila R Rekila (Mutineer/BCorJanice)

AE3 Napanee Seelster W Henry W Henry (AngusHall/NorthernKiss)



Of the ten fillies in the final, Kadabra, Angus Hall, Amigo Hall and Mr. Lavec each have two daughters in the race, while Striking Sahbra and Berndt Hanover daughters have the rail and the ten post.

Full race card for Friday November 8th at Woodbine Raceway

Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final 2 Year Old Trotting Colts Saturday at Woodbine

Volomite Trotting Sire Line Resurgent in Ontario Two Year Olds

The $120,000 OSS Super Gold Final for freshman trotting colts and geldings goes as the 5th race this Saturday, November 8, 2008:

5 -- Trot, purse $120,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
ONTARIO SIRES STAKES - GOLD FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.

Post time: 08:54 P.M. Lasix: 04:39 P.M.

1 Play Right= Ma Macdonald J Dean (Kadabra/Poetry)

2 Hibbler J Jamieson H Poulton (StrikingSahbra/MeghansMemories)

3 Mopey Corey= A Macdonald J Macdonald (SouthwindLustre/ArmbroKaitlyn)

4 Illusionsndreams T Durand T Durand (Kadabra/IntimateDream)

5 Senator Hall D Ackerman D Ackerman (AngusHall/LadyLeesun)

6 Pointe Of Honour P Macdonell P Wellwood (StrikingSahbra/GarlandBonita)

7 Lemon Candy S Condren A Lorentzon (Kadabra/LemonsMill)

8 Mapleson= R Mayotte T Cherwaiko (MalabarMaple/ZorgwijkConchy)

9 Kingsbury To Be Announced P Wellwood (Kadabra/RFirstInquirer)

10 Striking Lindsey J Jamieson R Mcnair (StrikingSahbra/LindseyFireyimage)



AE1 Northern Illusion= P Macdonell D Creighton (Kadabra/NorthernFuchsia)

AE2 Mr Escadar L Ouellette C Beaver (MrLavec/Escadilla)

AE3 Dr Cal M Baillargeon R Mcintosh (AngusHall/ArmbroSylvie)



Focusing on the ten colts who have earned or drawn in to the final, four are sons of Kadabra while three are Striking Sahbra. The other three starters are by Angus Hall (Senator Hall), Southwind Lustre (Mopey Corey) and Malabar Maple (Mapleson).

In recent decades the dominant trotting line has been Valley Victory - Muscles Yankee, but with the line nearly absent from the Gold Final, with only Mopey Corey (Southwind Lustre is a son of Valley Victory) to defend the champs, Ontario is proving once again to be the home of outstanding outcross sires.

Furthermore, of the other nine, none are by Speedster or Speedy Crown line stallions, but rather all are from the resurgent Volomite line (even pacing sensation Somebeachsomewhere is of the Volomite sireline):


Volomite - Trotting Descendants


Among world-class trotting sires, Kadabra is probably exceeded only by Revenue with regard to obscurity of top line.

Volomite

Worthy Boy

Star's Pride

Nevele Pride

Madison Avenue

Meadow Road

Primrose Lane

Kadabra


For a long time the Super Bowl and Supergill offspring were the second major line after Speedy Crown and his great grandson Valley Victory, but the emergence of the Garland Lobell sons has threatened this second line status. With Striking Sahbra and Malabar Maple, the line is well represented in the race for the cream of Ontario's two year old trotting crop.

Volomite

Worthy Boy

Star's Pride

Super Bowl

Supergill

Malabar Man Striking Sahbra

Malabar Maple


Garland Lobell son Angus Hall and his full brothers Conway Hall and Andover Hall are the ascendant outcross line transitioning to dominant line. In the same way that there are three dominant lines in pacing (Abercrombie - Art Major, No Nukes - Western Hanover, and Cam Fella), it can be confidently stated that the success of Garland Lobell sons and grandsons has established his line as a third dominant force in trotting, already challenging the Super Bowl-Supergill lin sires for second spot (after the arguably still supreme Speedy Crown - Valley Victory males).

Volomite

Victory Song

Noble Victory

ABC Freight

Garland Lobell

Angus Hall





Volomite - Pacing Descendants

Volomite

Sampson Hanover

Sampson Direct

Direct Scooter

Matt's Scooter

Mach Three

Somebeachsomewhere

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Maritime Madness as Somebeachsomewhere edges Shadow Play in rain-soaked Messenger Pace

Somebeachsomewhere wins Messenger in 1.52.1 in pouring rain

As they headed for home Shadow Play was grinding hard on the lead, with Somebeachsomewhere on his outside shoulder. They stayed that way until the final moments of the stretch drive, when Paul MacDonell and Beach dug in and inched past Shadow Play and David Miller. All in all a thrilling race for Atlantic Canada harness racing fans and standardbred horse racing fans everywhere.

Full article on Messenger Stakes at Harnesslink.com plus video of the race


Enough Talk kept his winning streak alive taking the Oleg Cassini in 157.4.

Happy Dreamer outlasted Artimitateslife to win the $384,000 Lady Maud in 157.3.

$2.8 mil purse money: Woodbine harness racing opens with Three Diamonds, Valley Victory, Governor's Cup stakes races

Here were the 4 big races at Woodbine yesterday evening:

4 -- Trot, purse $616,000 (EX, P4, TR)
GOLDSMITH MAID - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES

Andover Hall offspring were 2 of the faves but Cantab Hall had 4 contenders in the race; Angus Hall, Muscles Yankee and Credit Winner fillies all had a credible shot at the big win.


Finish/Results:

4 Up Front Annika (AndoverHall/PhotoOfALady)

5 Yursa Hanover (WindsongsLegacy/YankeeTopaz)

6 Musical Mystery (CantabHall/MusicalVictory)



5 -- Pace, purse $585,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-THREE DIAMONDS - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.

Race featured mostly fillies from the No Nukes - Western Hanover line, a source of early speed.


Finish / Results:

Hawaiian Drink (IAmAFool/BPassionate)

Special Sweetheart (WesternIdeal/LadysSpecialGirl)

Notjustaprettyface (JateLobell/WittySportslady)





6 -- Trot, purse $718,000 (EX, P3, TR)
VALLEY VICTORY - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD OPEN

Windsong's Legacy the only sire with 2 horses in the final as a cross section of top trotting stallions are represented in the race named after the sport's dominant modern sire, Valley Victory.

Finish / Results:

Federal Flex (MusclesYankee/ScullyFbi)

Encore Encore (BroadwayHall/KeysLaNina)

Judge Joe (CreditWinner/JudgeJudy)




7 -- Pace, purse $820,000 (EX, P3, TR)
D-GOVERNOR'S CUP - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD OPEN

From a sire line point of view, race seven offered competitors from each of the top three sire lines, those being:

Abercrombie / Artsplace

Hypnotic Blue Chip, Art Colony, Amazon Art, Ahead Ofthe Curve, Major In Art


No Nukes / Western Hanover

Dial Or Nodial, Well Said, If I Can Dream

Cam Fella

Nebupanezzar, AE1 Millionaire Cam


Outcross:

Mclaren, a son of McCardle, who was sired by Falcon Seelster, by Warm Breeze, by Bret Hanover.


Finish / Results:

Nebupanezzar (NoPanIntended/WesternWonder)

Art Colony (Artsplace/AsleepOntheBeach)

Major In Art (ArtMajor/MiamiSpice)




Summary of how the evening went for stallions:


On the trotting side, Valey Victory line and Garland Lobell line sires each had a win and a place in the two big races for trotters.

In the pacing events:

Abercrombie / Artsplace line got a win, a place and a show:

Hawaiian Drink, Art Colony, Major In Art


Cam Fella line got a win:

Nebupanezzar


No Nukes / Western Hanove line got a place and a show:

Special Sweetheart, Notjustaprettyface

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere draws Post 6 for $650,00 Messenger Pace final

Here are the six colts in the Messenger Stakes final at Yonkers Raceway this Saturday, October 25th, including post positions, drivers and trainers:

TENTH RACE - THE MESSENGER FINAL

Condition: 3 YEAR OLD OPEN FINAL STARTING FEE $10,000


HN PP Horse Driver Trainer Years Best Last 3

1 1 LEGACY N DIAMONDS TBA Ca Jamieson 1:53.3 9-2-3

1A 4 SANTANNA BLUE CHIP Ro Pierce Ca Jamieson 1:53.2 6-4-2

2 2 BROTHER RAY Ja Bartlett Ke Rucker 1:49.3 1-1-2

3 3 DALI Pa Lachance Du Marfisi 1:50.3 3-3-6

4 5 SHADOW PLAY Da Miller Ia Moore 1:48.2 1-1-1

5 6 SOMEBEACHSOMEWHERE Pa Macdonnell B Macgrath 1:46.4 1-1-1


World-record holding trotter Enough Talk, the first trotting racehorse ever to trot below 1.50 with his 149.3 victory in Virginia last week, will be racing in th eighth and has drawn the 5 hole, though he's carrying number 1 as part of an entry with 1A American Lane (P6) in the $100,000 Oleg Cassini Invitational. Artimitateslife drew the rail and leads the pack for the ninth race, the $381,000 Lady Maud final for 3 year old pacing fillies.

Full entries for Yonkers Raceway Saturday October 25th, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

No elims for Messenger; Somebeachsomewhere, Shadow Play to meet in final

Those hoping for a rematch between Art Official and Somebeachsomewhere may have to wait for the Breders Crown final, but next Saturday's October 25th Messenger Stakes pacing championship final will feature a small but stellar cast.

Here are the entries for the final jewel of Pacing's Triple Crown, the 2008 Messenger Stakes $650,000 Pace at Yonkers 25OCT08:

Somebeachsomewhere- This son of Mach Three (himself the fastest son of Matts Scooter) holds the world-records for 2 and 3 year old colts and tied the all ages record with his time of 146.4 in the Tattersalls Pace. The "Beach" has Nova Scotia ownership and is the most exciting and talented pacer to come along in years. Niatross won this race, and Beach will be heavily favoured to repeat the feat, and if track and weather conditions permit, fans may get to see him take a run at his 1.49.2 world-record for 3 year old colts pacing on a half-mile track.


Shadow Play - With ownership being a group of PEI'ers with legendary NHL defenceman Serge Savard, Shadow Play (son of top sire The Panderosa) is the 2nd reason Maritime Canada standardbred fans have experienced a thrilling 2008 harness racing season. His connections must feel he's sharp as they paid the $60,000 supplemental entry fee, and the colt is coming off a string of impressive races, including victories in the Little Brown Jug and the Windy City Pace.


Santanna Blue Chip - With just 2 wins in 12 starts, Art Major son Santanna has faced Beach, Shadow, Art Official, Badlands Nitro and all the top 3 year olds, and has 4 places and 3 shows and $588,000+ in winnings. Will make some noise but would need a duel between the top two and a perfect trip to pull this one off.


Dali - With just 1 win in 13 starts, Dali has also repeatedly faced the best colts in the world, and sports 2 places and 4 shows and $344,000 on the year. This son of Real Artist will need to be peaking at just the right time to do better than 3rd.


Legacy N Diamonds - Another fast son of The Panderosa, Legacy is an outsider here but in a small field has a chance to hit the board.


Brother Ray - The Dragon Again gelding is in top form, coming off an upset win Oct 11 in the James Dancer Memorial at Freehold, where he won in 151.3, but he's in tough company here.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Enough Talk has a cool pedigree; World-record trotter from outcross branch of main sire line

Arnie Almahurst branch of Speedster line chalks up another speed record; 1:49.3 first sub 1:50 trotting mile 11oCT08!!!



Enough Talk by Enjoy Lavec - Fashion Setter, by Donerail

Sire Line:

Enjoy Lavec by Pine Chip by Arndon by Arnie Almahurst by Speedster

Dam Sire Line

Donerail by Valley Victory by Baltic Speed by Speedy Somolli by Speedy Crown by Speedy Scot by Speedster

Full online pedigree of world record trotter Enough Talk, by Enjoy Lavec

The Arnie Almahurst line that Pine Chip and Enjoy Lavec hail from is an outcross branch of the dominant Speedster line, and this primary breeding is reinforced with a dam by Valley Victory son Donerail. Enough Talk's second dam Fashion Finder has a Canadian connection, being by the legendary Balanced Image (and out of the Brisco Hanover mare, Moorelands Vera!!!)

An estimated 98%+ of top level North American harness racing stallions are from one of three main standardbred sire lines; For Pacing, Hal Dale, For Trotting, Speedster, and for both pacing and trotting, Volomite.

Enjoy Lavec is standing in Sweden but the new world record is great news for his connections. They can keep him there and enjoy his fame or consider a move back across the Atlantic when overseas contractual obligations are fulfilled. He'd get some nice mares in Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania ...

In the meantime, other Pine Chip sons may get a little more action, while the Arnie Almahurst line in general (Dream Vacation, Arndon, Magna Force, Spellcaster, Florida Pro line stallions) will experience revived interest.

MILESTONE: Aptly-named Enough Talk TROTS 1.49.3 mile in Patriot Invitational!!!

Longtime harness racing vision comes true; next up, pacing's 1:45 mile?


I thought Deweycheatumnhowe would be the first trotter to go sub 1.50, but now he only has a chance to be second after Enough Talk (Enjoy Lavec - Fashion Setter, by Donerail) raced to victory in 1.49.3 at Colonial Downs in Virginia an Saturday, October 11th, smashing the previous world record of 1:50.1 that was held by Donato Hanover and Giant Diablo.







Enough Talk Breaks World Record - Photo: Coady Photography



Enough Talk and Ron Pierce took advantage of wicked fractions by Instant Photo and Vivid Photo, who dueled to the quarter in 26.2 and a half in 53.4, at which point Enough Talk was four and a quarter lengths back in fifth, but starting to move.



Lanson was first over and led to the three-quarters in 1:21.3, but at the top of the stretch driver Pierce took Enough Talk wide and to the lead where the 5 year old just buried his opponents, pulling away from the field and winning by eight and a half lengths, with Vivid Photo second and the late charging Green Day third.




Driver Ron Pierece is no stranger to trotting speed, for in addition to the new record with Enough Talk, he still holds the All Ages and 3 Year Old One Mile Track world record of 150.1 set by Donato Hanover, and in that race he broke a world record he held since 2004, when Pierce drove Tom Ridge to the fastest mile in history at the time, 1:50.2, in the World Trotting Derby at Du Quoin.







Watch Online Video of Enough Talk setting world record; Enough Talk YouTube video at HarnessLink.com

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Shadow Play edges Badlands Nitro to win Windy City Pace

Next stop for Shadow Play is the Messenger Stakes at Yonkers in New York



Melrose Park, IL --- In one of the most gutsy winning performances in the 26-year history of Maywood Park’s Windy City Pace, Shadow Play overcame a rugged trip and overtook Badlands Nitro in the late going to nail down a head victory in a stakes record time of 1:50.4.

The 4-5 favorite had to race parked outside of Badlands Nitro for the last half-mile and when asked, still had another gear, going on to add the $275,000 Windy City Pace crown to his recent Little Brown Jug championship.

“That wasn’t an easy trip for him and he did overcome it,” said winning driver David Miller. “He’s had a problem with his foot but he’s just amazing right now.”

From the two slot, Badlands Nitro out-sprinted the Illinois champion Mucho Sleazy, who had the coveted one post, and took command coming out of the first turn. After a: 27 first quarter Badlands Nitro's driver Brian Sears was able to slow the pace down.

Miller had to move Shadow Play out of third before the :55.4 half-mile marker and the Jug winner was still to the outside of Badlands Nitro at the 1:23.1 three-quarter pole and through the last turn where he appeared beaten.

However, Shadow Play dug down deep and responded with a furious late move, getting past right before the wire. Mucho Sleazy took third, beaten 1-1/4 lengths.

“When we got to the top of the stretch and I asked him for more he just did the rest,” said Miller, who added that Shadow Play’s next start would be in the Messenger Stakes at Yonkers.

The $132,000 winner’s share of the Windy City Pace boosted Shadow Play’s season's earnings to $723,446 for owners Serge Savard, R G Group LTD and trainer Ian Moore.


Full article on Shadow Play's victory in the Windy City pace at USTrotting.com


It looks like great horses such as Somebeachsomewhere, Art Official, Shadow Play, Santanna Blue Chip, Badlands Nitro, Mucho Sleazy and Dali (maybe even Bullvile Powerful and Keystone Horatio too!) should all hook up in the Messnger (eliminations 18oct, final 25oct) and again in the Breeders Crown, so the 3 year old colts division of North American pacing has lots of exciting races in store.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Top Trotting Sires of 2008, Emerging Star Stallions

The following list of eight standardbred trotting sires represents la creme de la creme, the most poweerful of the most powerful trotting sire lines.



HARNESS HORSE SIRE STATISTICS 2008

Leading Money Winning Trotting Sires in 2008

All Age Trotters - 05OCT08


Top Eight Sires baseed on total winnings and per starter winnings:

Sire Name Foals Starters Earnings


MUSCLES YANKEE 823 259 $ 8,011,180

CONWAY HALL 709 240 $ 6,478,274

ANGUS HALL 739 345 $ 6,459,958

CREDIT WINNER 449 204 $ 6,087,250

ANDOVER HALL 318 151 $ 4,059,229

LIKE A PRAYER 265 126 $ 3,434,864

BROADWAY HALL 199 117 $ 2,508,025

KADABRA 191 115 $ 2,362,026

Emerging Pacing Sires - 2008

Though Camluck appears ready to take over the top of the all-ages sire charts from the late great Western Hanover, and The Panderosa appears positioned to be a challenger for years to come, which of the younger sires are showing the brilliance that could make them a legend of our times, a stallion for the ages? Here are sires that are moving up the charts in the world of harness horsee breeding, standardbred pacers:


HARNESS HORSE SIRE STATISTICS 2008

Leading Money Winning Pacing Sires in 2008

All Age Pacers - Maximum 650 Foals - 05OCT08


Bold = < 230 starters or < 550 foals

BETTOR'S DELIGHT
404 - 271 - $ 9,309,300


WESTERN IDEAL
443 - 228 - $ 8,611,406


DRAGON AGAIN
550 - 310 - $ 8,537,938


ART MAJOR
249 - 179 - $ 7,059,906


REAL ARTIST
614 - 322 - $ 6,791,403


BLISSFULL HALL
618 - 352 - $ 6,573,965


BADLANDS HANOVER
511 - 274 - $ 5,889,702


GRINFROMEARTOEAR
632 - 268 $ 5,356,255


REAL DESIRE
344 - 203 $ 5,113,731


MACH THREE
257 - 170 - $ 4,882,755

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Deweycheatumnhowe wins thrilling 3rd heat Final of Kentucky Futurity

After Dewey and Celebrity Secret split the first two heats 1-1, Celeb drew the rail for the final with Dewycheatumnhowe leaving from post two. Celebrity Secret with John Campbell up led the entire mile, only to be eclipsed at the wire by a late charging Schnittker with a surging Dewey!!!

Full story of Kentucky Futurity final at UStrotting.com

Watch online video of Deweycheatumnhowe winning Kentucky Futurity over Celebrity Secret

Beach wins Tattersalls Pace in 147.4; Dewycheatumnhowe vs Celebrity Secret in Futurity

With many in Canada and around the world hoping for a new record today, Somebeachsomewhere didn't match last week's pace but was his usual spectacular self in winning yet again. Leaving fourth, Beach took over the lead from Lonestar Legend at the top of the backstretch, and it was clear sailing from there, 53.4, 121.2 and a healthy 26.2 sprint to the wire to defeat Lonestar Legend and Dali (3rd), tripping the wire in a crisp 1.47.4.

Here's hoping is a time trial is in the cards, if that's what is best for the colt's career and legacy ...

Art Official won his division of the Tattersalls Pace in 148.3, with Lisfinny 2nd and Mystery Chase showing.

In the Kentucky Futurity today, Deweycheatemnhowe won the first heat but the second went to Celebrity Secret, forcing a raceoff. Here are videos:

Online video of Deweycheatumnhowe winning heat of Kentucky Futurity

Video of Celebrity Secret winning Kentucky Futuriy heat


Video of the final of the Kentucky Futurity, Deweycheatumnhowe versus Celebrity Secret, will be posted online as soon as available. Thanks kindly.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere draws 3 in Tattersalls Pace; Art Official gets rail in other division

Somebeachsomewhere gets post 3 on Saturday October 4th in the first division of the Tattersalls Pace at The Red Mle in Lexington, Kentucky, as "The Beach" and pilot Paul Macdonnell attempt to break their own all-time race record of 1.46.4, a world-record set last Saturday in the Bluegrass Stakes. If weather conditions permit, they'll also be taking a run at the fastest mile ever paced, the 1.46.1 time trial of Cambest in 1993. Good luck to Somebeachsomewhere, his connections and all his fans in Maritime Canada and around the world of harness horse racing.

Inside horses Dali (1) and Lonester Legend (2) will likely try for a trip behind Beach, as will Upfront Hannahsboy driven by the superstar Tim Tetrick, but if Somebeachsomewhere paces like last weekend, it will be difficult for them to stay close, as last Saturday he was on his own and just flying through the fractions.

The hoped-for rematch between Beach and Art Official will have to wait a bit longer, as Art Official drew the rail in the second division. Driven by Ron Pierce, Art Official will be challenged by Share The Delight (2) with John Campbell driving, and Mystery Chase (7) with Brian Sears up.

Happy Pacing!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere may face Shadow Play in $700,000 Tattersalls Pace; Maritime Showdown!

28SEP08 - After posting a world record for 3 year old pacers with his 146.4 victory in the Bluegrass Stakes in Kentucky yesterday, Somebeachsomewhere looks set to face off against Maritime rival (Beach has Nova Scotia ownership, Shadow Play has PEI owners) Shadow Play in next Saturday's $700,000 Tattersalls Pace at The Red Mile in Lexington Kentucky. Beach's connections likely welcome the enrtry, as any horse that can push Somebeachsomewhere to his best effort will aid in this attempt to break Cambest's 15 year old tme trial record of 146.1 in an actual race.

Bookmark this blog in your Add to Favorites section and check back here regularly as we'll be posting entries and post positions as soon as they are announced.

Watch video of Somebeachsomewhere posting world record of 146.4 at The Red Mile

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere wins Bluegrass, ties all-age world-record with 1:46.4!




September 27, 2008 - Somebeachsomewhere lowered his personal mark, set a world record for 3 year old pacers and tied the all ages record with a blistering time of 146.4 at The Red Mile in Lexington Kentucky this afternoon. "Beach" led from wire to wire, sporting fractions of :26.4, :52.4, and 1:19.2 before Paul Macdonnell drove him home masterfully for a 7-length victory in 27.2, tying Holborn Hanover’s all-time 146.4 race record set at The Meadowlands in 2006.

Those who follow Somebeachsomewhere know that he was a little bit sick in his last start a few weeks back at Mohawk, where he struggled in the homestretch, so everyone was anxious to see how he would do today, facing a 10mph headwind in the backstretch plus 70 degree temperatures. Beach's connections are hoping for perfect conditions next Saturday when they take another crack at the world record in the Tattersalls Pace.

Brent McGrath, trainer of Somebeachsomewhere, had this to say after the race:

“He had three weeks off and he was a little sick in his last start,” he said. “I think we’ve got him close to 100 percent now. I think he’s got another half-second in him.”


In the other two big races today, Art Official won his division of the bluegrass stakes in 1.48.3, while Deweycheatumnhowe trotted to a 152.2, six-length victory over Broadway Marquis, while Celebrity Secret won his division in 153 flat.


Good luck to Beach next week, keep it rolling baby!

Watch Online Video of Somebeachsomewhere's 146.4 world record in Bluegrass Stakes at Red Mile in Kentucky

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Somebeachsomewhere, Art Official draw separate divisions in Bluegrass Stakes; Dewey aims for world-record

The hoped-for showdown between "Beach" and the only colt to ever beat him, Art Official, will not materialize in the Saturday's Kentucky Bluegrass Stakes, as each pacer has drawn a separate division.

Art Official has drawn the 8 hole in Race 12, and faces a challenge from inside horses such as Atochia, Share The Delight, and Moonbeam. Somebeachsomewhere drew the 3 in the 14th race, and will have to beat Blue Claw, Mystery Chase, and Dali.

In the world of trotting, Deweycheatumnhowe looks ready to take straight aim at Donato Hanover's world-record for 3 year old trotters (1.50.1) and maybe trip the light fantastic by being the first trotting racehorse ever to post a sub-1.50 mile. It's a matter of time before one of these trotting talents comes home in 1.49.3 or thereabouts, and it will be incredibly exciting if Dewey can do it at The Red Mile this Saturday, September 27th.

Good luck to Beach, Dewey, Art Official and everyone else racing this weekend!

Joe T

Full Entries for 27SEP08 Bluegrass Stakes at The Red Mile, Kentucky

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Balanced Image son Arch Madness wins 2008 Maple Leaf Trot in 1.52 at Mohawk

Mohawk Raceway, September 20, 2008 - Arch Madness, diven by Brian Sears, outlasted Enough Talk and Armro Chronicle to win the $728,000 2008 Maple Leaf Trotting Classic. It was a double pleasure for fans of Balanced Image, as he not only sired the winner, but the dam of the 3rd place finisher.


In the Milton Stakes eliminations, both My Little Dragon and Darlins Delight won their divisions.

In the Open Pace, winner Hyperion Hanover and 2nd place Silent Swing were each timed in 1.49.2, with the show horse Secret Swing tripping the wire in 1.49.3.

Full results from Mohawk Raceway 2008 Maple Leaf Trot, Milton Stakes, OSS




2008 TOP PERFORMERS BY EARNINGS

20SEP08 from UStrotting.com

HORSES Name ASG Record Earnings

DEWEYCHEATUMNHOWE 3HT 1:50.4M $1,788,955

SOMEBEACHSOMEWHERE 3HP 1:48.3M $1,536,503

ART OFFICIAL 3HP 1:47.0M $1,288,895

BADLANDS NITRO 3HP 1:50.0F $1,287,184

MISTER BIG 5HP 1:48.1F $1,276,932

ARTISTIC FELLA 5HP 1:48.0F $937,580

CRAZED 3HT 1:52.2M $813,150

LANTERN KRONOS 3MT 1:53.0M $807,869

ARCH MADNESS 4GT 1:52.0S $770,846

MY LITTLE DRAGON 5MP 1:49.4S $770,425

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Standardbred Horse Books; Gifts for Harness Racing Fans

Books on standardbred racehorses, pacers and trotters, harness racing books, guide to standardbreds, harness race betting, books on harness horses.




Modern Pacing Sire Lines



Modern Trotting Sire Lines



Harness The Winning



Harness Overlays






Nature and Ecology Books

Farewell My Subaru; An Epic Adventure In Local Living by Doug Fine



Green Investing A Guide To Making Money Through Environment-Friendly Stocks by Jack Uldrich



Green Living For Dummies by Yvonne Jeffery, Liz Barclay, Michael Grosvenor



Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage by Daniel C. Esty,, Andrew S. Winston



Living Like Ed; A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life - Ed Begley, Jr.



Natural Capitalism; Creating The Next Industrial Revolution by Amory Lovins and Paul Hawken



The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Field Guide to Birds of North America - Re-issued with new, bigger illustrations, by Roger Tory Peterson



A Safe and Sustainable World, The Promise of Ecological Design by Nancy Todd and John Todd



Silent Spring - Best-selling environmental book by Rachel Carson



The World Without Us - Top selling new book by Alan Weisman

Western Hanover Line 1st and 2nd in Jug; PEI's Shadow Play wins on leather shoe in final

Little Brown Jug 2008: 6 length victory for Shadow Play, by The Panderosa

The 2008 harness racing stakes calendar just gets better for standardbred horse fans from the Canadian Maritimes. Firstly, Somebeachsomewhere, known as "The Beach" Down East, may have Nova Scotia ownership and connections, but Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick also claim the indefatigable and ultra-fluid Beach as loved kin. Beach has been other-worldly in his sophomore campaign, his only 2nd place finish coming with a race-timed 3 year-old world-record 1.47 mile.

So none of us expected Shadow Play to come along and make things so interesting. Not only does this brilliant colt have PEI owners, but legendary hockey player and executive Serge Savard is also among the ownership group, making Shadow a natural bet for Habs fans. In the first heat of the Little Brown Jug 2008, Shadow Play used Badlands Nitro as a windbreaker for over 3/4 of a mile, then edged past him in the stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths in a sizzling stakes record of 1.50.

Badlands was scratched sick from the final, and each of Art Official (3rd, by Art Major) and Lonestar Legend (2nd, by Western Hanover) came up to challenge Shadow Play, but he turned them away like a champion, pacing home in 26.2 to win by an impressive 6 1/4 lengths in 1.50.1.


Canadian-owned pacing Shadow Play wins 2008 Little Brown Jug

Shadow Play wins 63rd Jug in straight heats; LittleBrownJug.com


Somebeachsomewhere, Shadow Play and Art Official are all scheduled to meet up for the Bluegrass Stakes in Kentucky on September 27, though they may not draw the same division.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Dewey wins Canadan Trotting Classic; Beach to race at Woodbine!!!

Saturday, September 13, 2008 - Deweycheatumnhowe redeemed his only loss and started a new winning streak by capturing the final of the Canadian Trotting Classic, edging out Clerk Magistrate and Crazed. His time of 153.2 at Mohawk Raceway was achieved from the 10 post on a muddy track in the rain; sloppy indeed

According to Dave Perkins of the Toronto Star, Somebeachsomewhere has New York and Toronto on his autumn schedule. After Dewey finished 2nd in his elimination a week ago, Somebeachsomewhere trainer Brent MacGrath, had this to say, check it out:

"I know exactly how he feels,'' Brent MacGrath said. "You just can't win them all.''

MacGrath trains Somebeachsomewhere, the pacing equivalent to Dewey's trotting supremacy, winner now of 15 of 16 lifetime, the only blot a shocking neck defeat to Art Official in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace in July, which MacGrath calls "the bump in the road.''

Beach prevailed, also at 1-9, later on the Mohawk card in the Simcoe Stakes, but surely wasn't at his best; a post-race scope revealed some ordinary sickness.

MacGrath treated him with antibiotics and said yesterday if he is recovered sufficiently for a training session Monday, plans remain in place to make Beach the fastest horse in harness history in Lexington, Ky.

This has long been the plan, to bypass pacing's crown jewel, next Thursday's Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio, in favour of achieving a mile in 1:46 at the Red Mile.

"No second thoughts. We're taking an awful pile of heat about it, but we're sticking to our plans, because we think it's working'' MacGrath said.

Managing another man's horse is a parlour game at the racetrack; everybody always knows better. But MacGrath, also an owner as member of the Schooner Stable of Bible Hill, N.S., figures they'll be close to $3 million in earnings, with that speed record, by the time Beach is done and he likes the sound of all that. Who wouldn't?

It means potentially two cracks at the race record, in the Bluegrass Stakes Sept. 27 and/or the Tattersalls Oct. 4. If weather doesn't co-operate, a time trial might be considered. After that it's the Messenger in New York, an Ontario Sires Stakes at Woodbine, then the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands. Still a full plate, even without the Jug.

One of these two (Somebeachsomewhere or Deweycheatumnhowe) will be standardbred of the year and it remains a horse race.


Full Toronto Star article on Deweycheatumnhowe and Somebeachsomewhere





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