Harnesslink handicaps Borgata & Matchmaker Finals

With two of the richest stakes race finals so far in the 2023 harness racing season in North America to be held on Monday (April 24) at Yonkers Raceway, the Harnesslink Team in North America has handicapped the two rich finals.

The $328,200 Blue Chip Matchmaker Final is the 8^th race on Monday and features many of the best pacing mares in racing.

Here is what Team Harnesslink members have to say about their top choice in the final.

Ace Barnsdale – Dougs Babe A is coming off a career best performance, she gets a favourable draw and North America’s best driver again.

John Berry – Racine Bell drew well and loved her rally after losing a bit of ground on final bend. I feel she has the winning edge in here.

Trey Colbeck – Amazing Dream N won the first three legs of the series convincingly and she just got beat in her last start. She’s rested and should be ready for a big mile.

Thomas H Hicks – Amazing Dream N has Gingras/Toscano, last raced Apr 7 when second beaten a head in 1:53.2; three wins in four outings this year. Should be fresh and draws the rail.

Kim Rinker – Amazing Dream N checks all the boxes.  She has one of the leading trainers in the business-Linda Toscano—and coupled with Yannick Gingras and the rail, picking this mare seems to be a no-brainer.

Steve Wolf – Amazing Dream N just gotted nipped at the wire last out after cutting the mile. Top mare has dominated the series, draws well again and should get all the marbles in the final.

The $511,000 MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final featuring many of the best older pacers in the sport is the 9^th race on Monday and here is what the Harnesslink handicappers had to say.

Ace Barnsdale – Lochinvar Art A is the Aussie champion that has proven he is tough. He’ll likely take back and come on late as we saw in leg two. A contested pace is likely, and he can exploit that from off the pace.

John Berry – Covered Bridge can turn on the afterburners when asked. Must be put in the hunt when the wings fold on the starting gate.

Trey Colbeck – Covered Bridge has been one of the hottest contenders in the series. Both his wins have been in sub 1:51 miles. His inside post will be the key to him winning.

Thomas H Hicks – This Is The Plan has Gingras/Burke and is rounding into form and won from post six winner last week in 1:50.4. Post two will help in him in the final.

Kim Rinker – Hellabalou began the year in fine fashion but has tailed off in his last two starts. That being said, I don’t think Burke would put the horse in this race if he didn’t feel he had a solid chance. Will pay a big price.

Steve Wolf – Covered Bridge has won last two starts in the series coming from off the pace and now draws the rail for the final. Shows in the past he can leave well to get winning trip.

So, who will win either of the finals? We will see Monday night at Yonkers Raceway. In addition to the two finals, there are also consolations races on the excellent program.

The winner of the contest gets bragging rights until the next contest.

For a free Monday race program, click here.

From Harnesslink Media