Meadowlands: Andy Miller guides pair of unbeatens on Saturday

It is rare to see a horse with a perfect record in 18 career starts. That is exactly what Chucaro Acero BC accomplished through the first two years of his career while competing in Argentina. On Saturday in the first race at the Meadowlands he’ll make his U.S. debut in a non-winners of 2 races event.

“He's a horse that Blue Chip bred and sold the broodmare to some guys in Argentina and they raced him as a 2- and 3-year-old there,” said driver Andy Miller, who will steer the 4-year-old from post one for trainer/wife Julie Miller. “He kind of went through the classes there and seemed like a pretty nice horse so they decided to ship him back and give him a try here.”

His first qualifier stateside didn’t go quite as planned as he could barely keep pace while timed in 1:55. He appeared to race much better in his second morning qualifier, making a strong bid on the final turn before getting out-finished in the late stages, but he still went an identical 1:55 clocking.

[DRF HARNESS: LIKE us on Facebook and get timely updates on the latest harness news]

“In his first qualifier his blood was messed up pretty good but he was much better in his second qualifier,” said Miller. “He's a nice horse but it's taken him awhile to get acclimated and he's not at the top of his game yet. Hopefully he's getting better.”

Of course the question on everyone’s mind is whether the son of Shadow Play-Animals Can Sing will still be perfect after the first race on Saturday. “He could be but I don't know if it is going to happen.”

Miller predicted that Chucaro Acero BC will ultimately become a “nice race horse” but not a free-for-all type. He did forecast a higher ceiling for another undefeated horse on Saturday.

National Seelster will try for the hat trick to begin his career in the opening round of the William “Buddy” Gilmour for 3-year-old colts and gelding pacers. The Chris Ryder-trained colt pounced off cover to win his career debut in 1:52 4/5 and roared out of the pocket for a 1:53 1/5 victory last Saturday.

“I think he has a chance to be a top horse all year,” said Miller. “He's a very nice horse, very smart and he has done everything I've asked so far.”

National Seelster starts from post one in race five as the 6-5 morning line favorite.

The Saturday card also features finals of the $49,000 Charles Singer Memorial, $59,000 Sonsam and $50,600 Burning Point.