Somewhere in L A and Let's Drink On it, who along with McWicked won Adios eliminations last Saturday, drew post positions 5 and 7, respectively.
The draw was a mixed bag for horses with local connections. The Meadows-based trainer Ron Burke drew 3 and 9 for his Adios pair, At Press Time and Carracci Hanover, while Cammikey, campaigned by Cam Land Inc. of Washington County, will leave from the rail. No. 1 is the fifth-winningest post position this year at The Meadows.
McWicked has won four of his last five starts--including the $500,000 final of the Hempt at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs--faltering only in the final of the North America Cup. The son of McArdle-Western Sahara is owned by SSG Stables and conditioned by Casie Coleman, who is bidding to become the first female trainer to win an Adios final.
Several others have a chance to write their way into Meadows history. A win by Somewhere in L A would give trainer Jimmy Takter his third blanket of orchids in the last six years--he won with Vintage Master in 2009 and Sunfire Blue Chip last year--while a victory by Let's Drink On It would make 21-year-old Tyler Smith the youngest final heat winning driver in the 48-year history of the race.
The Pace for the Orchids will go as race 12 with an approximate post time of 4 PM. It anchors a powerhouse 16-race card that features a total of six Grand Circuit stakes.
The Adios field from the rail out, with drivers and trainers:
1. Cammikey Brian Zendt Bill Zendt 8-1
2. McWicked David Miller Casie Coleman 7-5
3. At Press Time Matt Kakaley Ron Burke 6-1
4. Beat The Drum Tim Tetrick Staffan Lind 20-1
5. Somewhere In L A Brett Miller Jimmy Takter 5-1
6. Stevensville Mark MacDonald Ray Schnittker 20-1
7. Let's Drink On It Tyler Smith Joe Seekman 7-2
8. Bushwacker Dave Palone Chris Ryder 10-1
9. Carracci Hanover Yannick Gingras Ron Burke 15-1
by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows
