Harness: Cullipher barn expected to be busy this weekend
Trainer Jeff Cullipher will have a strong presence on the harness racing landscape this weekend.
“We’ve got 23 in,” Cullipher said, speaking about his stable racing in Ohio, New Jersey and New York this Friday and Saturday. On Saturday night alone Cullipher has nine entered at The Meadowlands as his powerful stable flexes its muscles.
Opening up his Meadowlands ensemble for Saturday is the 4-year-old Dealer’s Table. Early in his sophomore campaign Dealer’s Table showed extreme speed if not great staying power. “He’s been a difficult horse to control,” said Cullipher. Nevertheless Dealer’s Table managed to earn over $100K in his first year of racing and took a 1:49 1/5 mark at Hoosier Park. Getting Dealer’s Table to relax has been a mission and thus far Cullipher isn’t sure it can or will be accomplished. “I’m hoping with experience he’ll be easier to handle,” Cullipher said.
On Saturday Dealer’s Table makes his second start of the season from post two in the first of 13 at The Meadowlands.
While Cullipher’s stable is deep, the same can’t be said for the class structure at The Meadowlands where he’ll have two of the seven entered in the fourth race on Saturday. “Stonedust (post 4) just gives it his all every time out,” said Cullipher of the 6-year-old. “Eddard Hanover (post 6) is probably the better of the two but he doesn’t always show up.”
New Talent, a winner of over $100K in 2019, looks for his second straight in the Leap Year Series, race five on Saturday. “He’s kind of worked himself down in class,” said Cullipher, questioning whether that was a good thing or not. New Talent landed post three in a field of 11.
Saying Grace N has yet to get untracked in his two starts of 2020 but Cullipher suggests he has high hopes for the imported son of American Ideal. “He got sick on us and we decided to give him extra time,” said Cullipher. Saying Grace N showed extreme speed last year and ended the season competitive at the top level at Yonkers. “We’re trying to mix it up a little,” said Cullipher, who will also race four at Yonkers on Saturday night. “We’ve got some high hopes for this one.” Among the list of hopes is likely a nomination to the newly christened Borgata (Levy) series at Yonkers with entries due this week.
Saying Grace N drew the rail in Saturday’s sixth race, a combination condition and claiming affair, and meets an interesting field that includes the speedy imports Alluneedisfaith N (post 5) and Effronte A (post 6).
The trainer has two horses in the ninth race Leap Year division in Nascar Seelster (post 3) and Passa Grille Beach (post 10). Cullipher admits that Nascar Seelster is not one of his favorites. “He makes enough money to stay in the barn,” said Cullipher. Passa Grille Beach returned from a layoff with a decent third in his 2020 debut but will be up against it with the outside draw.
All It Takes (post 8) has gone winless in six starts this year but has indicated at some improvement over his last two starts. The 6-year-old son of Mach Three faces a competitive group in race 10.
Incredible Shark drew the rail in the Saturday’s 12th race and Cullipher predictably likes his chances. “He’s one of my favorite all-time horses,” said Cullipher. “He gives it 100 percent every time he goes out there.” The 6-year-old has yet to win in 2020 but it hasn’t been for a lack of effort. He faces seven rivals and should be tighter after some speed work in his last outing.
Cullipher has four testing the waters at Yonkers on Saturday night and it appears one of those will most likely be heading into the Borgata. Bechers Brook A showed lines racing against Saving Grace A Down Under but the two did not arrive in North America at the same time. Bechers Brook A is a 6-year-old by Somebeachsomewhere eligible in the non-winners of $20,000 class at Yonkers on Saturday. He landed post two. “He may be my best one,” said Cullipher. After missing some time, Bechers Brook A put together solid back-to-back efforts at The Meadowlands including last week’s 1:50 1/5 career-best clocking.
Cullipher recently acquired Harambe Deo and sends him to Yonkers for Saturday’s tenth race. “I’m not sure what to expect out of him,” Cullipher said.