Each week, Meadowlands racing analyst Bob Heyden ranks the top 10 contenders for the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 18, 2009
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1. Well Said, Ron Pierce, Steve Elliott, Jeff Snyder, Lothlorien
Finished 4th in a tight pocket in the Burlington June 13 at Mohawk. He's not handy or patient enough to sit in holes at this early stage of his career. Look for much better performance in NA Cup elims June 20.
2. Art Colony, Tim Tetrick, Casie Coleman, Tom Hill
Second to Carnivore in his Burlington division after easy win in his seasonal debut. NA Cup elims next.
3. Passmaster Hanover, Tim Tetrick, Blair Burgess, Jeff Snyder, Brittany Farms
Shook loose late to win $500,000 NJ Classic on June 13 and is now 2/2 over the Meadowlands oval. Burgess has twice captured the Meadowlands Pace - in 1987 with Frugal Gourmet and in 2001 with Real Desire.
4. Dial Of Nodial, Brian Sears, Jim Campbell, Arlene & Jules Siegel
Third as 3-5 choice in NJ Classic after being used hard to make the lead in :53.4 half. Sears: "It's not his best game coming first over. I used him too much."
5. Lisagain, Andy Miller, Erv Miller, John Carver, Mystical Marker Farms
Brother to Lis Mara was second by a diminishing neck in the Burlington in a strong mile, timed in 1:50.2.
6. Sheer Desire, Dave Palone, Ron Burke, Karr, Ringer, JJK Stb, Burke Racing
Won for fun in $20,000 test at the Meadows on June 9 by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:51.2. The World Record-setting freshman is looking to get totally healthy and primed for Pace. "He's got the talent-we know that. Now it's a matter of getting him 100%," explained Ron Burke.
7. Schoolkids, Jody Jamieson, Tracy Brainard, Bulletproof Stables
Exhibited quick speed to command the lead in the Burlington at the half. He was eventually third, beaten a length, timed in 1:50.3. The barn was HOT last weekend with victories in the Miss New Jersey, the Lismore and the Rooney all within the same HOUR!
8. Vintage Master, Daniel Dube, Jimmy Takter, Brittany Farms
Just missed by a head to surging Passmaster Hanover in game try in $500,000 NJ Classic.
9. Johnny Z, Jack Moiseyev, George Teague Jr., Elmer Fannin
Sixth as the pacesetter in the Burlington coming off a recent bout with minor sickness. Teague: "When he's right, he can go with the best in the division."
10. Mr Wiggles, Corey Callahan, George Teague Jr., Elmer Fannin
The Hoosier Cup winner didn't get into the race from Post 10 in his Burlington division but rallied home strongly just beaten five lengths with a :26.1 final panel.
(The Meadowlands)