Three Divisions Preps Move Yonder To Yonkers

Saturday, Aug. 27 at Yonkers Raceway presents the finals of the $118,574 Hudson Filly Trot (soph-filly trotters) and $109,050 Lady Maud (sofp-filly pacers) as well as the $40,000 elimination for the Yonkers Trot (soph-colt trotters).

The Hudson Filly Trot draws Celebrity Eventsy, who’s a stand out for her third-place finish in the Hambletonian Oaks and her win in the Moni Maker at the Meadows. Ake Svanstedt has two entrants who also raced in the “Oaks” but the one, Wildflower, will start from the rail and the other, Windowshopper, has demonstrated troubles managing her gait, so both may not offer the value we seek.

Last racing in the Duenna, Southwind Hope could be the value. Competing in the lower-tier Oaks preps, she was put on layoff instead of going to the Oaks. The Hudson Trot being her second start off that layoff, she has the potential to improve.

Newborn Sassy should be a heavy favorite in the Lady Maud. Only Skinny Dipper, starting from post 1, has a resume of a similar class but she hasn’t shown the form needed to race at that level. Apple Bottom Jeans, neighboring Newborn Sassy from post 2, is the obvious counter contender to the favorite.

If any value will come from this race, it will come from Hug A Dragoness. Though she lost to Newborn Sassy in the Adioo Volo, she has the ability to race from a stalking position where she could pounce to victory late.

The Yonkers Trot elimination surrounds Marion Marauder, Hambletonian champion and runner-up in the Colonial going first over. His Hambletonian victory alone headlines this field and will cause the public to throw their money his way. Trying to beat him will be difficult.

Starting from the rail, Iron Mine Bucky could receive a lucky-enough trip to beat Marion Marauder or will probably provide some value in the exotics. He should inherit a spot towards the front and could at least keep trot with the pacesetter through the stretch.  

Follow major Breeders Crown hopefuls on their road to the championship series at the Meadowlands at the Breeders Crown Countdown blog and the TwinSpires harness blog weekly, with archived reports on the results at the Hambletonian Society web site.