Each week, Meadowlands racing analyst Bob Heyden ranks the Top 10 contenders for the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on Saturday, July 18
.
1. Well Said, Ron Pierce, Steve Elliott, Jeff Snyder, Lothlorien.
Handed Keep It Real his first defeat by a quarter-length in 1:50 in North America Cup elim. Installed 2-1 morning line favourite from Post 5 in NA Cup Final June 27 at Mohawk.
2. Dial Or Nodial, Brian Sears, Jim Campbell, Arlene & Jules Siegel.
Comes off his best effort, winning his North America Cup elimination despite his cover stopping in his face in the last turn.
3. Art Colony, John Campbell, Casie Coleman, Tom Hill.
Second in his NA Cup elimination and heads to the final with Campbell looking for his record seventh win.
4. Mr Wiggles, Corey Callahan, George Teague Jr., Elmer Fannin.
Uncorked a 25.4 opening quarter in his NA Cup elim and held on for wire-to-wire victory in 1:51.3.
5. Vintage Master, Daniel Dube, Jimmy Takter, Brittany Farms.
Broke before the start in NA Cup elim but made a huge recovery to get a check. Won't get to the final but is a force to be reckoned with as Takter looks for first Pace score.
6. Annieswesterncard, Ron Pierce, Joe Seekman, Sawgrass Farms, T. L. Deters.
Came up big in his NA Cup elim with strong gate speed and held for second at 50-1. Draws Post 9 in the final.
7. Lisagain, Andy Miller, Erv Miller, John Carver, Mystical Marker Farms.
Bet down to 6-5 in his NA Cup elimination but never fired. Lis Mara's brother obviously needs to get it together if he's going to challenge this strong crop in the Pace.
8. Sheer Desire, Dave Palone, Ron Burke, Karr, Ringer, JJK Stb, Burke Racing.
Had a good trip in NA Cup elim but didn't have it when he needed it in the stretch. He's got four weeks to shape up for the Pace.
9. Passmaster Hanover, Tim Tetrick, Blair Burgess, Jeff Snyder, Brittany Farms.
Torched in NA Cup elim and didn't make the final. It was only his sixth time behind the starting gate, so his best days clearly await him. NJ Classic winner already has shown a liking to the Meadowlands oval.
10. If I Can Dream, George Brennan, Tracy Brainard, Bulletproof Enterprises.
Won the Rooney, then his NA Cup elim. One to fear in the NA Cup final.
(NJSEA)