Each week, Meadowlands Racetrack statistician Bob Heyden ranks the top contenders for the $1 million Meadowlands Pace on July 19, 2008.
Rank, Horse
Driver, Trainer
Owner
Heyden's Comments
1, Somebeachsomewhere
Paul MacDonell, Brent MacGrath
Schooner Stables
• Undefeated Canadian colt will make US debut in July 12 Pace eliminations. Most intimidating horse to enter Pace since Nihilator, or maybe Niatross.
2, Badlands Nitro
Brian Sears, George Teague Jr.
John Celii, Teague Inc.
• Jogged in short-field Rooney elimination at Yonkers last out with upstart Jason Bartlett at the controls. Looms as one to beat in Rooney final on July 5. His 1:51.4 win was close to track record.
3, Up Fronts Hannahsboy
Aaron Merriman, Jim Arledge Jr.
Ed Mullinax
• Freshened up after romps in Cleveland Classic and NA Cup consolation. If anyone is peaking at the right time, it's this colt.
4, Santanna Blue Chip
Jody Jamieson, Carl Jamieson
C. Jamieson, 1140545 Ontario Ltd, J. Gillis, George Arthur Stb
• Won his Rooney elimination on June 28. Jody Jamieson said, "He's sound and healthy. Originally we weren't going to go to the Rooney, but the difference was no Somebeachsomewhere."
5, Sand Shooter
David Miller, Jim Arledge Jr.
Bill Sanders, Jerry Silva
• Was slated to race in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes division at Mohegan Sun at Pocono on July 1.
6, Scape Ghost
Mark MacDonald, Mark Silva
Rodney Mitchell
• Second in four-horse Jersey Cup on June 28. Still, his final quarter was big and he will have to race that way in the Pace final.
7, Art Official
Tyler Buter, Joe Seekman
Sawgrass Farms LLC
• Won the $500,000 Hoosier Cup in 1:51, unleashing his customary stretch rally to get the lion's share. Will have to step up real fast if he plans on spoiling any victory celebrations for SBSW on July 19.
8, Dali
Luc Ouellette, Duane Marfisi
Uncirculated Stable
• Second in the Hoosier Cup. Improved effort, but he's had the odd physical issue or two and this is not the year to bring any extra baggage on board the Somebeachsomewhere Express.
9, Blueridge Western
Dave Palone, Mickey Burke
George Leon
• 'Second tier' type will have to rely on good draws and one or two of them stubbing their toes. Already has Berry's Creek/Cleveland Classic in his hip pocket.
10, Deuce Seelster
John Campbell, Darren McCall
Katherine Bardis
• Has to show that he can leave his home turf and regain that nine-for- 12-form he flashed as a freshman.