Meadows Monday Memo

FRESHMEN HARNESS RACING STAKES HIGHLIGHT JULY 4 CARD

The Meadows will have a 13-race card to celebrate the July 4 holiday, with a 12:45 pm post.  Eight of the 13 races will be stake events for freshmen filly pacers.  Three $60,000 Sand Tart PA Sire Stake events will be supported by five $20,000 divisions of the PA Stallion Series.

 ADIOS DAY GUARANTEED POOLS

Hollywood Casino at The Meadows is working on a plan to increase its guaranteed pools for Adios Day, which is coming up on Saturday, July 27.  Last year, The Meadows offered a record $170,000 in guaranteed pools for the afternoon, and plans are being finalized to up the ante for 2024.  Details will be coming soon.

PRESTO, BURKES BATTLE

On Friday night, trainer Brandon Presto did something that few trainers have done in recent years as he overtook the Burke barn for the top spot in wins at The Meadows.  When Faithoverfear won the 4^th race, it gave Presto a 65-64 lead over Mickey Burke Jr., with Ron Burke in third at 62 wins.  However, Ron Burke then reeled off wins in four of the next five races to jump to the lead with 66, and currently has a 67-65 advantage.

THE NEXT GENERATION

21-year-old Elizabeth Snyder, who was recently featured in a story on the PA Horse Racing Association’s website, successfully completed her first career qualifying drive last week at The Meadows behind Ideal Storyteller, trained by her father, Doug.  Elizabeth Snyder is slated to drive two horses in qualifying races at The Meadows on Tuesday (July 2).  She is continuing a family tradition in the business, and is part of the fifth generation of Snyders involved in harness racing.

If you would like additional information, please reach out to track announcer Jeff Zidek (jeff.zidek@pennentertainment.com).

by Jeff Zidek, for The Meadows