The 2023 yearling auction in Harrisburg proved to be a fortuitous event for trainer Roland Mallar, who was eager to expand his stable. Among the many potential stars on offer, one colt caught his eye: Wedlock Blue Chip, a compact yet strong son of Bettors Wish out of Heavenly Bride. Despite the competitive nature of the auction, Mallar inadvertently missed the bidding, and the colt was sold for a remarkably low price of $10,000.
However, fate intervened when an associate of the successful bidder Don Hawk approached Mallar about training the colt. Mallar, recognising the potential within Wedlock Blue Chip, readily accepted the opportunity. Since then, he has been guiding the young horse, who has already secured a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (PASS) victory with an impressive time of 1:51.3, accumulating over $64,000 in earnings.
This Friday, Wedlock Blue Chip will seek to enhance his growing bankroll during a $197,709 PASS leg known as the Tyler B, competing against other two-year-old colt and gelding pacers. The event will also feature a $100,000 PA Stallion Series leg on the same card.
Mallar has witnessed significant growth in Wedlock Blue Chip's performance. “Some days he wants to do things too quickly," he noted. "I made a couple of adjustments and skipped the first PASS leg to ensure the changes directed him positively.” His subsequent victory confirmed that the adjustments were indeed beneficial.
Remarkably, the 1:51.3 mile that Wedlock Blue Chip achieved early in the season showcases a speed often seen later in the racing calendar, particularly at renowned tracks like The Red Mile. While Mallar is contemplating future races at The Red Mile, he plans to primarily focus on Pennsylvania events for this season.
To clinch another win in the PASS, Wedlock Blue Chip will have to outpace Prince Hal Hanover, a rival who brings his own impressive pedigree to the track. Purchased for $130,000, Prince Hal Hanover, a son of Captaintreacherous out of Percy Bluechip, has a solid early season record with one win and a second in PASS races, along with a victory in a Tompkins-Geers split at Woodbine Mohawk Park, bringing his total earnings to $74,902.
Trainer Dr. Ian Moore, who has previously trained Prince Hal Hanover's mother—an accomplished million-dollar earner—holds his colt in high regard. Moore described the young horse as having a similar desire to lead while maintaining a manageable demeanour.
Prince Hal Hanover will make his Pennsylvania debut alongside Wedlock Blue Chip, drawing posts four and five respectively in race eight. With the first post time set for 5:10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, anticipation builds as both colts prepare to showcase their talents on the racetrack. Moore remains open to future late-season stakes, stating, “With two-year-olds, you take it week to week. They dictate to you where they race.”
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the promising young pacers as they aim to establish themselves among the best in their category.