Da'Tara will break from post one with Alan Garcia aboard in the track's signature thoroughbred stakes. In the upset heard 'round the world, Da'Tara romped gate-to-wire in the 2008 Belmont, as Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown pulled up in the stretch. In his next start, Da'Tara succumbed to an early speed duel and finished last in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga. The 3-year-old son of Tiznow was a game fifth in the Travers on Aug. 23 after being pressured on the lead.
Four Roses Thoroughbreds' Anak Nakal got up in the final strides to win the Pennsylvania Derby, his second Grade II victory, on Sept. 1. He capped his two-year-old campaign with a victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last November at Churchill. Lifetime, the Victory Gallop colt has won three of 10 starts. Anak Nakal will break from post four with Joe Bravo in the irons on Friday night.
As part of the Meadowlands Cup Night festivities, the three jockeys who dueled in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Classic - Pat Day, Angel Cordero, Jr. and Laffit Pincay, Jr. - will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs on the Paddock Level. The night also marks the first week of the Meadowlands' Gas Card Giveaway. Every Friday through Nov. 14, 20 winners will receive a $100 gas gift card. The 140 weekly winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing on Nov. 14 for $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 gas cards. Drawing entry blanks are available in the racing program, regional newspapers and Guest Service locations.
The field for the 2008 Meadowlands Cup:
8th RACE
Post 10:22PM
$350,000 THE MEADOWLANDS CUP (Grade II)
3 & UP, 1 1/8 MILES
1 Da' Tara, Nick Zito, Alan Garcia, 123
2 Timber Reserve, John Kimmel, Kent Desormeaux, 119
3 P V Lightening, Gary Capuano, Travis Dunkelberger, 119
4 Anak Nakal, Nick Zito, Joe Bravo, 123
5 Past The Point, Eoin Harty, John Velazquez, 119
6 Actin Good, Bobby Dibona, Cornelio Velasquez, 123
7 True Resurgence, John Terranova II, Jeffrey Sanchez, 119
8 Arson Squad, Richard Dutrow, Jr., Edgar Prado, 119
