In the first $151,670 division, the entry of Cruisealong, Citation Lindy and Even Better Odds have been given the nod as the morning line favorite. Citation Lindy, who is trained and driven by Ray Schnittker, finished second in the Dickerson Cup at the Meadowlands last week behind trotting sensation Explosive Matter. The 3-year old Cantab Hall-Benedicta colt will leave from post position number two, and is three for seven on the season with a mark of 1:54.4 at Harrah's Chester, with earnings of more than $84,000.
Entrymate Even Better Odds, who is trained by Chuck Sylvester, will be driven by Tim Tetrick, who is North America’s leading driver, and the duo will leave from post position five in race number eight. The 3-year-old Cantab Hall-Better Odds colt has been lightly raced thus far in 2009, sporting a record of one win in three starts on the season.
The entry will have to take on the top two trotters from the Empire State in Judge Joe (D.R. Ackerman) and Russell Hill (John Campbell). These two New York-bred trotters were scheduled to duel it out on June 26 at Yonkers Raceway in a Sire Stakes event, but Judge Joe was scratched "sick" that night and this will be his first start back. The 3-year old Credit Winner-Judge Judy colt is a perfect four for four in 2009 with a mark of 1:57.2 at Hazel Park and earnings of more than $69,000.
Russell Hill has posted five wins in eight starts in 2009 including the $206,275 Empire Breeder’s Classic Final at Vernon Downs. The 3-year old Conway Hall-Southwind Maywood colt is trained by Jimmy Takter, while Hall of Famer John Campbell will be at the controls.
The $151,670 second division is led by Goodtimes runner up Truth In Action for trainer Blair Burgess, and driver Tetrick. The 3-year old Cantab Hall-Cressida Hanover colt missed by a half a length to Federal Flex in the final at Mohawk on June 27. Truth In Action has yet to miss the board in six starts in 2009 and has posted three wins with a mark of 1:56.1, and earnings of more than $105,000.
Also in the second division looking to get back on track is 2008 New York Sire Stakes champion Donttelllmywife. The 3-year old Malabar Man-Nowerland Sweet T gelding was a perfect seven for seven in 2008, and currently holds a record of one win and two seconds in four starts in 2009. Usual pilot Jeff Gregory has been listed to drive Donttellmywife for trainer George Ducharme.