Meadowlands: Callahan a busy man on Saturday card

For many catch drivers this season is about spending time with family, going on vacation or relaxing in warmer climates. For Corey Callahan, who commands some quality stock on Saturday night at The Meadowlands, it's a chance to shine and earn a living.

"I'm going to race weekends at The Meadowlands. The money is very good right now," said Callahan, before taking time to reflect on his key Saturday mounts as The Meadowlands hosts a card of 15 in its first Saturday of the year.

Callahan looks to be in prime position in Saturday's fifth race -- a $16,000 conditioned event for winners of two races but not more than four -- with Twin B Fighter, a recent acquisition by trainer Eric Ell.

"I think Eric bought him off the Burkes at the Harrisburg Sale," Callahan said. "The first week I drove him [12/10] at The Meadowlands he got on the right line really badly on the turn. By the time I got him straightened out he paced home strongly in 27."

Callahan suggested that Ell made some alterations in Twin B Fighter's equipment and the driver himself changed up a few things in the next race on December 17.

"I thought with the trouble getting on a line it would be better if I got him on the front end," said Callahan, who sent Twin B Fighter to the front and never looked back on his way to a convincing 1:51 2/5 career-best victory. A son of Bettor's Delight, Twin B Fighter, now a 4-year-old, drew the pole position in a similar class on Saturday.

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Saturday's sixth race finds Walknafter Midnite, a 21-1 winner on December 18 at The Meadowlands, returning to action with Callahan in the bike from post two.

"Bruce [trainer Saunders] told me before his last start that he was good finishing," said Callahan. "I got lost in the back of the field, but he came on late and they came back to him late in the mile."

A win is a win and Callahan is hopeful the luck will continue. "There's a lot of speed in the race and you know with the rules that Jeff [Gural] put in it could help create a fierce pace. Sometimes that works out and sometimes horses just get parked and clog the outer tier."

For Walknafter Midnite, a 4-year-old by Racing Hill, he'll be searching for a second straight following a 1:49 4/5 career-best mile.

While Marion Gondolier, Callahan's mount in the seventh race -- a $16,500 conditioned trot --drew well (post three), his pilot is a bit concerned with the quality of the new company he'll meet.

"I was a bit concerned the last time I raced him [12/18] that he was up in class, but he finished the mile well. I'll try to trip him out again," said Callahan.

The seventh race finds some talented veteran trotters including Darlene Hanover (post one) and Ab'sattitudexpress, making her first start for trainer Noel Daley with post eight.

Callahan had every reason to be confident when he sat behind My Pal Joe in the Meadowlands' $42,000 Preferred event on December 18.

"Alek [trainer Chartrand] told me he was ready," said Callahan, who sent the son of Roll With Joe down the pike with solid fractions. "He just gave it up in the late stages," added Callahan with an idea that for some reason the horse wasn't at the top of his game. The driver is hopeful with a couple of weeks off that My Pal Joe (post seven) will regain winning form in Saturday's $31,500 Preferred event carded as race 10. It's a solid group of seven that includes the $1 million winner Backstreet Shadow (post four) along with a solid pair from the Jenn Bongiorno stable in Vettel N (post one) and J M Mandamin (post six).

"He's just a pure champion," said Callahan describing his 12th race mount, the incomparable warhorse JL Cruze. Now an 11-year-old, JL Cruze (post four) is still racing at a high level, with Saturday night's Preferred event going for $31,500.

"It's amazing to me that you could be driving him and think there is nothing left and then pull on the right line and see him take off again," said Callahan, describing the $1.6 million career earner. As for Saturday night's field of nine, Callahan felt the draw gives him options. "Ideally I think the best thing you can do for him is to try and trip him out," said Callahan.

Bet Ninteen, a winner for Callahan on December 11 at The Meadowlands, has been on quite a form spree. The pair reunite in Saturday's 13th race.

"He's got speed but he's not the quickest," said Callahan of his likely plight having landed outside in post eight in the $75,000-$100,000 claiming handicap. "When I raced him in the final [12/18] of the claiming series everyone left. He's a small horse and was just spinning his wheels to keep up. He never had a chance, but it was his fastest mile," said Callahan.

Brigitte Bi (race 14) could offer some value moving up in class on Saturday but the 5-year-old Yankee Glide mare may be ready to step up.

"She raced well for me and Juan's [trainer Cano] done a great job with her. She won her last two at Harrah's," said Callahan. "She's up in class here but I think she can handle it."

In addition to The Meadowlands, Callahan is a regular at Dover Downs, racing Monday through Thursday at the five-eighths oval.