Somebeachsomewhere, Shadow Play ready for Messenger

The Maritime Militia has descended upon Middletown, N. Y. World champions Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play, the primary players in Yonkers Raceway's Saturday night production of the $650,000 Messenger Stakes, have hit town.

The Beach and Shadow Play, along with Santanna Blue Chip, have made their way to Mark Ford's brand-spanking new training facility in preparation for the final jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown.

"He's ready for Yonkers," co-owner/trainer Brent MacGrath said as he took the son of Mach Three out to stretch his legs. "He shipped good and his mind's on his business...but then it always is."

Somebeachsomewhere, the fastest 3-year-old pacer in harness history (1:46.4) and richest pacer of 2008 ($1,750,003), starts outside his five rivals as the 1-2 early favorite. He aims for an eighth consecutive victory.

Shadow Play, like SBSW a Maritime-based colt, looks to add the Messenger to his stakes wins at the Adios, Little Brown Jug and Windy City. For the season, the son of  The Panderosa has won a dozen of his 21 starts and $723,446. He drew post position five as the 5-2 second choice.

"(Shadow Play) is just gerting better every day," co-owner/trainer Dr. Ian Moore said. "We like our chances. We wouldn't have put up the ($60,000) supplement if we didn't."

MacGrath and Moore, who have been friends "for longer than I can remember," according to the latter, escorted their charges in tandem early Thursday morning.

Santanna Blue Chip, a millionaire in his own right, is back for his first local visit since finishning second in the $538,270 final of this summer's Art Rooney Pace.

Somebeachsomwhere, Shadow Play and Santanna Blue Chip, along with Legacy N Diamonds ("Santanna's" stalbemate), Brother Ray and  Dali are set to contest the 53rd edition of the Messenger, carded as the 10th race on the 13-race program. First post is 6:50 PM, with approximate post for the Messenger at 10 PM ET.

The complete field for the Messenger Stakes, wirh drivers and morning-line odds: 1-Legacy N Diamonds (George Brennan, 12-1);  2-Brother Ray (Jason Bartlett, 15-1); 3-Dali (Pat Lachance, 20-1); 4-Santanna Blue Chip (Tony Morgan, 12-1, coupled with Legacy N Diamonds);  5-Shadow Play (Dave Miller, 5-2); 6-Somebeachsomewhere (Paul MacDonell, 1-2). 

Saturday night's undercard is led by the $381,030 final of the Lady Maud, for 3-year-old pacing fillies (9th race): 1-Artimittateslife (Stephane Bouchard, 7-5); 2-Cheyenne Trish (Jim Meittinis, 5-1), 3-Happy Dreamer (Andy Miller, 6-1); 4-See and Be  Seen (George Brennan, 10-1); 5-Sand Pleasure (Bartlett, 12-1); 6-Stylish Artist (Dave Miller, 4-1); 7-Thong (Morgan, 10-1, coupled with See and Be  Seen); 8-Hannah Isabel (Yannick Gingras, 8-1). 

A pair of $100,000 invitationals--the Oleg Cassini Trot (8th race) and Hudson Valley Pace (11th race)--are also on the program. (Yonkers Raceway)

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