National Seelster to step up in adios elimination

WASHINGTON, PA, July 24, 2015 — Is National Seelster, a star of New York Sires Stakes, a single-circuit specialist, or is he ready to step up to bigger harness racing tracks and bigger game? The son of Bettor's Delight-No Strikes Against may answer that question in Saturday's eliminations for the $525,000 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids Presented by Coors Light at The Meadows.

The three eliminations go as races 4-6, with first post at 6:55 PM.

National Seelster has dominated NYSS action, with four wins in as many legs. But two of those victories came on half-mile ovals at Monticello and Yonkers. Chris Ryder, who trains National Seelster for Robert Mondillo and Oompa's Farm, thinks his star will have little trouble handling The Meadows' five-eighths-mile track since he's already won at several bigger tracks.

"It's turning out he does excel on a half, but it remains to be seen how he'll do on bigger tracks," Ryder said. "I don't think a bigger track will be a problem, but he certainly does like the half."

National Seelster finished second to division leader Wiggle It JiggleIt in a Hempt elimination at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs — also a five-eights-mile track — but drew post 9 in the final and couldn't get involved. Unraced at 2, he has won seven of 13 starts and $137,402 this year, with a mark of 1:50.2 — on the seven-eighths-mile track at Vernon Downs

The colt's performance has caught the attention of horsemen in an acquisition mode. In fact, Ryder indicated that following his most recent victory, the owners received an overture from a "serious" potential buyer.

"My owners aren't looking to sell, so they weren't major talks," Ryder said.

Ryder said he's used his customary training regimen to prepare National Seelster for the Adios, and that the colt has responded well.

"I tried backing off with him in the spring, but he didn't like it," Ryder says. "I've gone back to the usual methods."

National Seelster leaves him post 3 in race 4 as the 5-2 second choice and will have the services of Tim Tetrick. Ryder, who has been known to drive some of his own stakes horses at The Meadows, said he never entertained the notion of putting down his own name.

"I like driving my own horses once in a while when we get stuck for a driver, but I wouldn't want to embarrass myself," he said. "I like the big boys with broad shoulders to take the responsibility. I need someone to blame."

Below are the Adios eliminations fields, in post order with the sire, drivers, trainers and morning line. Post positions for the final will be determined by an open draw.

Race 4

1. Chaching Hanover by Yankee Cruiser, Dick Stillings, Jan Fread, 5-1

2. Angelo J Fra by The Panderosa, Tony Hall, Norm Parker, 12-1

3. National Seelster by Bettor's Delight, Tim Tetrick, Chris Ryder, 5-2

4. Dreams Beachboy by Somebeachsomewhere, Dave Palone, Tony Alagna, 3-1

5. Rufo by Dragon Again, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, 10-1

6. Dragon Eddy by Dragon Again, Corey Callahan, John Butenschoen, 8-5

Race 5

1. Lost For Words by Well Said, David Miller, Brian Brown, 5-1

2. Badiou Hanover by Well Said, Andy Miller, Julie Miller, 8-1

3. Tomy Terror by Western Terror, Mike Wilder, John Butenschoen, 4-1

4. Rock N' Roll World by Rocknroll Hanover, Tim Tetrick, Kelly Stackowicz, 7-2

5. Cooperstown by Four Starzzz Shark, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, 10-1

6. Dude's The Man by American Ideal, Corey Callahan, Jessica Okusko, 2-1

Race 6

1. Berkley by Art Major, David Miller, Randy Bendis, 4-1

2. Yankee Bounty by Dragon Again, Corey Callahan, Ron Burke, 6-1

3. Utah Beach by Somebeachsomewhere, Andy Miller, Tim Twaddle, 8-1

4. Trading Up by Somebeachsomewhere, Dave Palone, Tony Alagna, 7-2

5. Jo Pa's Well Said by Well Said, Marcus Miller, Jim Campbell, 8-1

6. My Hero Ron by Well Said, Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, 5-2

7. Rise Up Now by Somebeachsomewhere, Tim Tetrick, Brian Brown, 5-1

THE MEADOWS OFFERS $7,500 GUARANTEE ON SATURDAY'S 'ADIOS ELIMINATIONS PICK 4'

WASHINGTON, PA, July 24, 2015 — On Saturday, July 25, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will offer a $7,500 total-pool guarantee for its Pick 4, which will include the eliminations for the $525,000 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids Presented by Coors Light. The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Initiative.

Minimum wager for the Pick 4 (races 4-7) is 50 cents. Since Pennsylvania law requires a minimum per-race wager of $2, a player wagering at the 50-cent level must bet at least four tickets.

Saturday's card, which kicks off at 6:55 PM, features three stakes in addition to Adios elims: $200,000 (est) Pennsylvania Sires Stake for 3-year-old pacing fillies; $60,000 (est) Pennsylvania Stallion Series for 3-year-old pacing fillies; $200,000 (est) Pennsylvania Sires Stake for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

Evan Pattak

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino