Final Borgata Series prelims held

Linedrive Hanover (Betting Line) posted his third win in the prelims, while harness racing driver Jason Bartlett had a double with a pair of first-time victors in the three $50,000 divisions of the final round of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series on Monday night (April 15) at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

After taking last week off, Linedrive Hanover was back in action tonight and won the final split handily in 1:51.2.

Driver Scott Zeron moved Linedrive Hanover out of the third spot late on the first turn and brushed him to the point around defending series champion Hellabalou (Yannick Gingras) at the 27.1 quarter-mile mark. It was all Linedrive Hanover after that as he coasted to the half in 56.2 and the three-quarters in 1:24.2, then sprinted home in 27 seconds flat to down Hellabalou by a wrapped-up length and a quarter. Strengthfromabove (Bartlett) was the third-place finisher.

Linda Toscano sent out Linedrive Hanover, a 6-year-old gelding, for owners West Wins Stable, McKinlay & Fielding and Mac Nichol. Linedrive Hanover, bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, is now a 17-time winner from 39 lifetime starts and has now stashed away $584,777. The 1-5 favorite, Linedrive Hanover returned $2.40 to win and was atop a $3.00 exacta and a $9.70 trifecta.

LINEDRIVE HANOVER REPLAY

Venturesome Arden N (Captaintreacherous), driven by Bartlett, picked up his first series win in the opening flight, scoring in 1:51.1.

Whats Stanley Got A (George Brennan) pulled the pocket early and took the lead away from This Is The Plan (Yannick Gingras) prior to the 27 second opening quarter and would go on to the half in 56.3 and the three-quarters in 1:24.1. Meanwhile, Venturesome Arden N was advancing first-over at the latter marker after tipping first-up from third, and he sustained his bid to take the top spot on the rim on the final bend. Once they straightened out in the lane, Venturesome Arden N poured it on and opened up en route to a two-length triumph over Whats Stanley Got A. Pleaseletmeknow (Matt Kakaley) checked in third.

A 5-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding Venturesome Arden N is owned by trainer Ricky Bucci. He has seven victories from 30 career starts, has banked $84,915 and paid $7.10 to win as the 5-2 second choice. The exacta kicked back $21.20, and the trifecta was worth $55.00.

VENTURESOME ARDEN N REPLAY

Coaches Corner (Always A Virgin) and Bartlett used some late heroics to capture the second section in 1:51.2.

Dunkin’ (Tim Tetrick) put up fractions of 27.4, 56.1 and 1:23.3, but he was attacked by Backstreet Shadow (Matt Kakaley) out of the pocket on the final turn, while Coaches Corner gapped Backstreet Shadow’s cover. In the stretch Backstreet Shadow forged his way by Dunkin’ and looked like he was on his way to victory, but Coaches Corner had other ideas, as he hit top gear late and chased down Backstreet Shadow to score by half a length. Dunkin’ had to settle for third.

Per Engblom trains Coaches Corner, a 4-year-old gelding bred by Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables, for owners Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey. Coaches Corner, who had finished second in all four legs of the series coming into tonight, made his 22nd appearance in the winner’s circle, has now pocketed $247,759 and returned $9.00 to win as the 7-2 third choice. He keyed a $17.40 exacta and a $68.50 trifecta.

COACHES CORNER REPLAY

Unofficially, the eight finalists that have qualified for the $457,000 MGM Borgata Pacing Series final are:

Desperate Man (300 points) (Shadow Play)

Linedrive Hanover (275 points) (Betting Line)

Coaches Corner (268.5 points) (Always A Virgin)

Dunkin’ (254 points) (Pet Rock)

Rocknroll Runa A (247 points) (Rock N Roll Heaven)

Whats Stanley Got A (225 points) (Heston Blue Chip)

Covered Bridge (225 points) (American Ideal)

Hellabalou (203 points) (Sweet Lou)

With all the prelims now complete, the stage is set for next Monday’s (April 22) program at Yonkers that will include the MGM Borgata Pacing Series final and $276,200 Blue Chip Matchmaker Series final, plus their consolation events. The post position draw for all those races will take place on Tuesday (April 16). As a reminder, the finalists for the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series final are: Lit De Rose (312 points), Dougs Babe A (249 points), Coachellabound N (238 points), Delitfulcatherin N (230 points), Incaseyoudidntknow (220 points), Mikala (212 points), Karma Seelster (204 points) and Tony’s Mom (175 points).

Those competing are advised that all horses in the MGM Borgata final and its consolation and the Blue Chip Matchmaker final have to report for retention by 12:00 P.M. (EDT) on Monday, April 22, 2024. There will be no exceptions. Any horse which shows up late will be scratched. All horses that make the final of either race must race in that race.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is also pleased to announce the Empire Terrace Dining Room will be open for ala carte dining on April 22. Dining service is available from 6:30 to 10:30 P.M. (EDT), and the bar is open from 6:30 to 11:30 P.M. (EDT). Call 914-457-2627 for reservations or details.

Stakes action at Yonkers resumes on Wednesday night (April 17) with five $25,000 divisions of the second leg of the John Brennan Trotting Series.

Live racing is held at MGM Yonkers Raceway on a Monday-Friday basis with post time each night at 7 P.M. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Yonkers Raceway