Nominations spike for Borgata, Blue Chip Matchmaker series

Changes made to the scheduling and conditions of the MGM Borgata and Blue Chip Matchmaker pacing series have resulted in sharp nomination gains for the 2025 editions which get underway in late March at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

The MGM Borgata series for older male pacers saw nominations jump from 30 in 2024 to 42 this year, the highest number of horses to pay the $5,000 eligibility fee since 2021 when 46 signed on. The Blue Chip Matchmaker had a similar increase, going from 21 mares last year to 33 for the 2025 edition. The last time more than 33 nominated for the Blue Chip Matchmaker was back in 2019 when 43 paid into the event.

Both series are set to get underway two weeks later than in 2024, with the first of five preliminary legs of the Blue Chip Matchmaker set for March 28 and the opening round of the MGM Borgata commencing a few nights after on March 31. Another major change in 2025 revolves around the added money for the final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker, which gets a boost from $125,000 to $200,000, equaling the MGM Borgata total. With that increase the Blue Chip Matchmaker final will certainly offer the richest purse in recent history and far eclipse the $276,200 purse from 2024.

Following five consecutive weeks of $50,000 preliminary legs, in another scheduling adjustment for 2025, the finals will occur after a week off to provide horses some much needed rest before racing in the rich events. Both finals are slated for Friday, May 9 and will be accompanied by a pair of $100,000 consolation events.

In terms of equine power, Hellabalou has paid his nomination fee and will look for his third consecutive victory in the final of the MGM Borgata. The 7-year-old won the $457,000 finale in 1:50 2/5 last year defeating Coaches Corner and Desperate Man, who are both among the list of eligibles for 2025. Others looking to take home the title include double millionaire Charlie May and last December’s MGM Grand Prix winner Typhoon Banner N.

The lucky winner of the Borgata will receive an invite to the June 7th Battle of Lake Erie at sister track MGM Northfield Park and be grandfathered into the MGM Grand Prix series which kicks off on November 24 at Yonkers Raceway.

Headlining the mares lined up for the Blue Chip Matchmaker is 2024 champion Lit De Rose. The now 10-year-old has made nearly $1.3 million in her long career and recently prepped for the series with a qualifying effort at Yonkers Raceway. Joining her in the field are last year’s second-place finisher Coachellabound N, $1.9 million earner Grace Hill, and some talented 4-year-olds like multiple stakes winner Rocket Deo and Ohio champion Seaside Diva.

In addition to the purse money, the winner of the Blue Chip Matchmaker final also gets a free breeding to either American Courage, Cannibal, Shadow Play or Sunshine Beach.

Yonkers Raceway is currently racing on a Monday to Friday schedule with first race post time set at 6:45 p.m. (EDT) nightly.

From Yonkers Raceway