Meadowlands: Bettor's Wish looks to secure a spot in Pace final

The battle lines were drawn on June 15 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in the North America Cup. Some of those 3-year-old warriors went on to compete in the Max Hempt Memorial at The Downs at Pocono last weekend. Now round three in the sophomore colt pacing ranks is upon us in the form of Saturday’s Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace.

The signature event at The Meadowlands each year, this year’s Pace attracted 15 hopefuls that have been separated into fields of eight and seven. The top five in each elimination will return for the $782,650 final on July 13.

The Meadowlands Pace is part of a monster 11-race program with an early 6:35 PM post time which is highlighted by a pair of $250,000 Graduate finals for 4-year-olds, one each on the pace and trot. Last year’s Hambletonian winner Atlanta highlights the trot division while the pace split shapes up as a real scrum.

While few will argue that North America Cup winner Captain Crunch is the top dog heading into the Pace, the runner-up from that C$1 million marquee event, finishing less than a length behind ‘Crunch’ at the wire, is out for revenge.

“You look at him and think, how the hell is he going to compete with these horses? But when he races them he either beats them or he’s second,” said trainer Chris Ryder about Bettor’s Wish, who has posted a 5-4-1-0 record in 2019 and has only finished worse than third once in 17 career starts.

Bettor’s Wish made an early move to the front in the North America Cup before meeting immediate pressure from race-favorite and fellow Pace participant Workin Ona Mystery. The pair paced past the half in a sizzling 52 4/5. While the chart shows a loss at the wire by three-quarters-of-a-length in a 1:47 2/5 clocking, it is missing the fact that Bettor’s Wish was shut-off in mid-stretch and driver Dexter Dunn had to grab a hold of his colt to seek room to the outside. Once clear, the pair gained ground gradually but it was too late.

After a week off, Bettor’s Wish, along with Pace elimination contestants Mac’s Power, Captain Ahab, U S Captain and Mangogh, qualified at The Meadowlands on June 29. Mac’s Power set fractions of 28 4/5, 57 and 1:25 before Bettor’s Wish edged out of the pocket in the stretch to win handily in 1:51 3/5 with a 26 2/5 final quarter. Mac’s Power was second, Captain Ahab third, and U S Captain and Mangogh fifth and sixth.

“The time off to me is a plus,” said Ryder. “I didn’t want to have to train him too much. He had a good qualifier. As a trainer I’m happy with the program.”

Bettor’s Wish was installed as the clear 9/5 morning line favorite in the second of two eliminations, race 8 on the card. He will start from post 4 with Dunn once again in the bike. The main competition could come from Captain Trevor, a Max Hemp consolation victor at Pocono last Saturday and a 1:49 1/5 winner at The Meadowlands three starts back.

The marquee showdown in the eliminations comes in race 7 when Captain Crunch hooks up with Workin Ona Mystery once again. Both colts by Captaintreacherous will be seeking to win and secure a post on the inside six slots behind the gate.

In addition to winning the North America Cup, Captain Crunch also comes into the Meadowlands Pace eliminations with an impressive résumé that also includes a Breeders Crown and Dan Patch award as a 2-year-old. The Nancy Johansson charge will start from post 1 with driver Scott Zeron again in the bike.

Despite a tough trip which saw Workin Ona Mystery post that fast half and a 1:20 2/5 three-quarter time in the NA Cup, he only lost by 1-1/2 lengths to Captain Crunch. The Brian Brown trainee will attempt to atone for his loss from post 4 with Tim Tetrick at the controls.

Those looking for an upset in the first elimination may turn to U S Captain, one of four entered by trainer Tony Alagna. While U S Captain finished just fifth in his recent qualifier timed in 1:52 3/5, the son of Captaintreacherous has won everything else in 2019. Perfect in four starts versus overnight and lower stakes foes, U S Captain will see if he has what it takes to step up in the spotlight.