The 2023 George Morton Levy (aka Borgata) Open FFA Pacing Series

[GlenMidby]

I thought Lochinvar Art looked terrible tonight.  No burst from the gate and Lauren didn't do him any favors.  Should have tucked into the 3-hole.  Just didn't look the same tonight.  Is this series now wide open or just an off night?

I agree.  Should have took the tuck in the 3 hole, and then sat as long as possible for that one brush.  But even with her bad decision to head to the front, if the horse doesn't drift out, he wins despite the drive.  I'm not sure what "burst from the gate" you are talking about, in the two times the horse left and made the lead at YR, it was following 28.4 and 28.3 opening panels; that's nothing special.  Quite ordinary, actually.   

Now that Tattoo Artist has returned to his beaten over-bet favorite ways, "Tattoo Artist has dropped anchor" was the call, I do think it's a wide open series.  Leonidas was the other disappointment, and Funatthebeach N continues to get no respect on the tote board.

The Stratton boys' Idealsomemagic A has won on the front, and off the pace, against the bias both times.  Could the one time not to long ago NW5000 overnight horse be the series sensation?

[rock old school]

When you drive only one way on the frontend it's not going to set up the way you want all the time. Kakaley stretched her out pretty good and the inexperience showed. That hole was big enough to dive into but that horse was wasn't going in there. Yes, if she doesn't drift she win but the other divisions where better tonight.

[Mailbox Money]

Prior to the beginning of the series ,it was stated that they knew a catch driver from Yonkers would drive the horse due to different racing style there. Deviation from the plan cost them another win tonight!

[Lance]

Matt Kakaley (Hemsworth N) schooled Lauren Tritton (Lochinvar Art A) in American 1/2 Mile Racing 101.  Never let a pocket sitter beat you in the lane coming up the rail.  If Lochinvar Art A doesn't drift out (providing Hemsworth N room) he wins.

 

 She put the horse in a position to win off a very soft middle half. The horse wasn't good enough....that simple.

[comeonman]

did zero wrong  ZERO  just got beat fair n square .. horse is not some SUPER STAR  ..  A VERY VERY VERY GOOD HORSE.. WHO WILL WIN LOTS OF TIMES BUT ... will also lose..3 WORDS.. LET IT RIDE

[LUCPARK]

did zero wrong  ZERO  just got beat fair n square .. horse is not some SUPER STAR  ..  A VERY VERY VERY GOOD HORSE.. WHO WILL WIN LOTS OF TIMES BUT ... will also lose..3 WORDS.. LET IT RIDE

[shotgunner]

Word on FB was that Lochinvar Art had scoped sick, being treated and skipping the next leg and racing in the last leg.

[wizardofoz]

There are too many legs for this series. Three plus a final would be enough. It is down to 20 horses for the 4th leg.

[wizardofoz]

Word on FB was that Lochinvar Art had scoped sick, being treated and skipping the next leg and racing in the last leg.

Sick horses rarely close in 28:0 flat and go in 1:52:1 on a half mile. These trainers always need a reason why a 1/5 shot gets beat. Horse tired and needed a rest like most NZ horses that come here and try to race weekly.

[GlenMidby]

Lochinvar Art is not in this week.  The horse may ultimately win the series, but to win the final (no matter where he draws) he will have to race every step of the mile.  Is he the kind of horse that can endure sustained pressure by other good ones?  We'll see.  I also believe that Shane Tritton would be wise to list Jason Bartlett (who already drives much of his stock) for the final.  While Lauren may be capable on paper, Bartlett is a proven commodity (and respected by the others) on the Yonkers oval. 

[whiteplains]

Don't forget the hot pretzels that were sold after the races outside the exit gate!
AND, the guy selling balloons and yelling “Don’t forget the kids at home”

His Phrase was "Blow your brains out" !!!!

[augustaandy]

AND, the guy selling balloons and yelling “Don’t forget the kids at home”

His Phrase was "Blow your brains out" !!!!

"one for a quarter, 5 for a dollar!!!"

[GlenMidby]

If betting on the Borgata tonight is in your plans, I suggest that you print out a copy of the point standings through leg 3, and update accordingly (after race 3, 6 and eight) as each 4th leg division goes final.  That information may help when making decisions about betting each division.

[Harness racer]

How good was BACKSTREET SHADOW tonight?  Went by JIMMY FREIGHT easy and made that mile look easy.  Very impressive.

[GlenMidby]

How good was BACKSTREET SHADOW tonight?  Went by JIMMY FREIGHT easy and made that mile look easy.  Very impressive.

  1:49.3 on the half?  Yep, VERY impressive.  54.1 back half on the board.  Big mile.