$2,754,100 in stakes at Big M Saturday

This Saturday will be one of the richest nights of harness racing in North America with more than $2,754,100 in purses at the Meadowlands headline by the Governor’s Cup, Goldsmith Maid, Valley Victory and Three Diamond Finals for two-year-olds, then the best older horses compete in the TVG Series Final, plus two Fall Harvest Series Finals.

Some classic race match-ups will take place, some helping to determine who will win horse of the year honors in their respective categories. All in told, a superior night of harness racing action.

Perhaps the biggest test will come in the 7th race $175,000 TVG Final for older trotting mare. This is where Hambletonian Oakes and Breeders Crown winner, Bella Bellini, is the lone three-year-old filly taking on not only older mares, but the best in the country including world champion and Hambletonian winner Atlanta, Hambletonian winner Ramona Hill, and Hambletonian Oakes winner Sorella.

Bella Bellini drew post nine for her big challenge and will be driven by Dexter Dunn.

Then the top mare Rocknificent, who has beaten Lyons Sentinel the last two times they have met, face each other again Saturday in the 5th race $175,000 TVG Final for the older pacing mares.

Other standouts competing include Venerable in the $479,450 Goldsmith Maid Trot, Niki Hill in the $359,450 Three Diamonds Pace, Fast As The Wind in the $413,600 Valley Victory Trot and Hammering Hank in the $386,600 Governor’s Cup Pace.

The $350,000 TVG Series for the older trotters feature two Hambletonian winners in Forbidden Trade and Amigo Volo, while in the $350,000 TVG Final for the older pacers shows the spotlight on recent Potomac Pace winner, Enavant, taking on Allywag Hanover, This Is The Plan, Cattlewash and Ocean Rock.

First race post time Saturday is 6:20 pm. For full list of entries, click here. 

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink