Meadows Monday Memo

NO SATURDAY HARNESS RACING CARD THIS WEEK

Due to the annual Corks & Kegs Festival at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, there will be no live racing this Saturday, August 24.  The Meadows will race Wednesday and Thursday at 12:45pm, and Friday at 5:10pm.  Saturday racing will resume as usual on August 31.

STRONG CAREER START

Overthinking, a 3-year-old gelding by Downbytheseaside, is off to a strong start for his racing career.  After qualifying in late June at Hoosier Park, Overthinking was sold to Meadows-based owner/trainer Dave Zito.  Despite nearly a month off, he was a winner in his first start on June 18 by 11 lengths, in 1:53.3. The following week, he moved up to NW2 company and won again, by more than 2 lengths in 1:53.1.  He then lowered his lifetime mark to 1:52 win a head victory on August 1.  After a week off, he returned this past Thursday to win in 1:52.2, giving him a perfect 4-for-4 record in his career.  He has only been the betting favorite in one of those four starts.  In two of his wins, he was driven by Dave Palone, while Jeremy Indof drove the other two victories.

RACING & A MOVIE

Friday, August 30 will be the final “Under The Lights” racing card of the summer, and The Meadows racing team is putting together a special night for racing fans.  Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy the races, then stick around for a showing of the Hollywood classic Top Gun on the infield big screen.  Food and beverage specials will be offered that night as well.  In September, Friday racing will move to a 12:45pm post.

TROTTER’S WIN STREAK EXTENDS TO EIGHT

Distant Drums, the trotter mentioned in last week’s Memo, is now 8-for-8 after a convincing three-length win in 1:53.4 on Saturday.  It was his first start in a higher level, which carries a non-winners of $75,000 lifetime tag.  The son of Trixton, trained by Sarah Andrews and driven by Mike Wilder, will likely be in the same class in his next start.

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

by Jeff Zidek, for The Meadows