Adios changes & notes

There are several driver changes for Saturday’s Adios, with three eliminations going as races 10, 11 and 12. The top three finishers from each elim return for one dash in race 15.

In the first elimination, Ron Pierce – winner of the last two editions of the Adios with Timesareachanging and Village Jolt – picks up the drive on Eckstrom, who has the rail for trainer Ross Croghan.

The all-time leading Adios driver, John Campbell, will drive the two horse Manhardt in the second elimination for trainer Larry Rathbone. Meadows-based Mike Wilder picks up the drive on the Jim Arledge Jr.-trained Dave Panlone, who will leave from post three. Driver Dave Palone chose to go with Sandro Hanover in that elim, one of five horses Mickey Burke entered. Brian Sears picks up Burke’s other horses in race 11, J K Cu Later, leaving from the outside post seven.

In the third elim, Mike Wilder will drive the Rod Bolon-trained Tyrant Hanover from the rail, while John Campbell will be aboard Cactus Creek in post position two. Brian Sears drives Keystone Eli [post five] and Ron Pierce adds Ivegotwhatuneed in post seven.

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Announcer Roger Huston points out that of 10 drivers competing in this year’s Adios, six of them are past winners of this stakes race. They are John Campbell, Mike Lachance, Ron Pierce, Dave Palone, Richard Stillings and Brian Sears. Tony Hall, Mike Wilder, David Miller and Rodney Bolon are all looking for their first Adios victory.

John Campbell is the all-time Adios king, with eight victories to his credit. Among them are four straight – Direct Flight [1992], Miles McCool [1993], Cam’s Card Shark [1994] and David’s Pass [1995].

Four drivers in history have posted back-to-back Adios wins: Stanley Dancer [1970 & 71 with Most Happy Fella and Albatross]; Joe O’Brien [1975 & 76 with Nero and Armbro Ranger]; Campbell [2002 & 03 with Million Dollar Cam & Armbro Animate – in addition to his four straight run] & Ron Pierce [2004 & 05 with Timesareachanging & Village Jolt]. (The Meadows)

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