In an effort to showcase talented horses at multiple racetracks in the coming weeks, the Meadowlands introduced the brand new Hudson River Pacing Series for four and five-year-old pacers Saturday night.
The first leg was contested at the Meadowlands featuring two $18,000 divisions. The first division went to Domethatagain, who won the prep for this series last week. Corey Callahan worked out a perfect second over trip with Domethatagain, who rallied into strong fractions set by Ideal Champ. Turning for home Callahan rolled his horse off cover and powered away impressively to score in 1:50.2 with Take It Back Terry rallying up the pylons to grab the place money and Ideal Champ saving the show. Domethatagain is trained by Erv Miller for owners Mystical Marker Farms, Peggy Hood and Paymaq Racing.
The second division saw a win streak extended by Visible Gold, who is undefeated since joining the Ron Burke stable. In fact he has won seven in a row. Dave Miller guided the gelding to the lead through strong fractions and held off a very gritty Yo Cheyenne Rocky, who endured a tough first over trip. Visible Gold completed the mile in 1:50.1. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Rtc Stables.
The second round of the Hudson River will be Sunday, April 21 at Pocono. Round three is slated for Saturday, May 4 at Tioga with the final back at the Meadowlands on Saturday, May 11.
The $25,000 A-1/Preferred Pace feature went to Abelard Hanover in wire-to-wire fashion. Reeling off fractions of :26.3, :55.4 and 1:24, Abelard Hanover rebuffed the challenge from Rockin The House in the stretch to score his third victory of the season in 1:50.3. Abelard Hanover is owned by his trainer Alvin Callahan along with Suzanne Waskey and Pamela Price.
Corey Callahan had the hot hands early on the card, winning the first three races of the night. Dave Miller would join him with a driving triple as well as the night moved on.
With just two nights remaining in the Winter Meet, the Meadowlands has still shown an increase in each of the 41 race nights thus far. Tonight's handle showed an increase of 16 per cent, which included a 15 per cent increase in live handle as well.
The World Harness Handicapping Championship final was won by Jeff Klahr of Erie, Pennsylvania. He took home the grand prize of $40,000 along with top harness handicapper bragging rights.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Meadowlands Racetrack.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)