Elims For Colts In Earl Beale, Jr. At Pocono; Fillies In Sires Stakes Battle For Bucks At Tioga

 

Focus on the Hambletonian Trail shifts to Pocono Downs on Saturday, June 23, with hopefuls competing in three eliminations for the $500,000 Earl Beal Jr. Memorial (EBM). Then, on Sunday, June 24, Tioga hosts three filly-trotter New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) splits.

At Pocono, a trio of hopefuls goes in the first EBM elimination: Patent Leather, Tito and Lawmaker. While Patent Leather raced strongly to win his division of PA All-Stars last week, Lawmaker offers value in this elimination as he ships stateside off a fifth-place finish in the Goodtimes to a track where he has had success in the past. He’s making a considerable drop in class and draws well enough to be in contention.

Elimination two gathers six Hambo eligibles in the seven-horse field, leaving Scirocco Rob as the lone ineligible. Six Pack, undefeated in three starts this season, enters as the likely favorite while Evaluate, off two-straight wins at Pocono, appears as the most likely threat to the public choice. Though not likely too grand a price on the tote, Rich And Miserable also possesses the ability to spice the exotic payouts.

Frosh-filly champ Manchego fronts the third elimination, also gathering hopefuls Alarm Detector, Gemologist, Crystal Fashion, Fashion Forever and Fourth Dimension. Making his second start of the season, Fourth Dimension, if dismissed from his outside post, provides tremendous value given he finished second on debut. He has the speed necessary to place him in the competition.

Tioga’s NYSS for the glamour-girl trotters offers $40,000-plus in each of three splits on June 24.

In the first split, three hopefuls in eight starters take the edge, having the most to gain for racing their best. While the crowd will go for outsider Lucky Ava, a good price will be promised for Tribute To Seven, an eligible.

In the second NYSS event, five of the six eligible fillies will have to work hard to beat the big choice, Atlanta. She has won three of three and broken a few speed rates along the way. Should her trip go awry, Ciao Dolce may be the one to pay the best win price against her.

The last trial has a pair of eligible fillies, Repentance and Fury Road. Since the latter gets post 8 there could be some hesitance from supporters, and that may be the reason we can expect a better-than-fair price from her. Meanwhile, on the inside the other hopeful, Repentance, has done well in three starts and can only improve. It’s your call as you read the toteboard.


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