Harness racing: Top horses qualify at Gaitway Farms

Despite strong crosswinds blowing from the finish line to the half, some top horses took to the track Friday morning for qualifying action at Gaitway Farms in New Jersey in preparation for their 2012 seasons and stakes events.

The track was rated good and a one second time allowance was permitted by the judges.

Potential 3-year-old stars Major Bombay and Machapelo did battle in the second qualifier on the card, with the former edging out a neck victory in 1:55 2/5. Major Bombay earned $209,916 as a freshman under the care of trainer Tony Alagna. The Linda Toscano-conditioned Machapelo earned over $500k on the Ontario circuit in Canada.

The well-bred D’orsay posted a wire to wire score in 1:58 3/5. The second-year filly by Yankee Glide is out of Hambletonian Oaks winning mare Danae.

Breeders Crown runner-up Handsoffmycookie made her first trip to the track since last November. The now 3-year-old finished third with a final clocking of 1:56.

The headliner on the 11-race card was the 7-year-old Golden Receiver. Fresh off a sweep of the Spring Pacing Championship series at Woodbine Racetrack, the Mark Harder student cruised to a 16-plus length win in a days-best 1:53. The final time was two seconds faster than any other winner on the card.

“With that wind, I don’t know what the heck they were supposed to go,” Harder said. “But he got some work in him today. Hopefully, we’re good next week.”

Golden Receiver, who leads the harness world in 2012 earnings at $246,975, will likely be seen next Saturday (May 5) in the eliminations for the Graduate Series at the Meadowlands.

“He hasn’t faced those real big boys yet; that’s a whole different kettle of fish. But he’ll get a call; he’ll be involved. They’re different horses, but he won’t disgrace himself, that’s for sure.”

(quotes courtesy Ken Weingartner)