Broad Bahn engines to huge win in Hambletonian

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J./Cotolo – Broad Bahn with George Brennan in the bike took control of the field from the beginning of the mile and survived a late-stretch challenge from the favorite, Manofmanymissions, to win the 86^th Hambletonian at the Meadowlands on Aug. 6.

The son of Broadway Hall, who suffered injury at two and came back at three to be a major contender in his division of soph-colt trotters, commanded the fractions on an overcast day in New Jersey where the Meadowlands hosted a jam-packed stakes schedule featuring the Hambo and Hambletonian Oaks. 

“I was able to rate him into the turn,” said Brennan. “I asked him for a little trot in the stretch and when he was challenged I asked him for more and he gave it to me.”

The favorite, Manofmanymissions, was chasing “Bahn” down the stretch, having come to the outside, where he made a misstep trying to keep up with the leader.

A 39-1 shot, Whiskey Tax, took second and Opening Night, the brothers Campbell combo, trainer Jim and driver John, took third.

Trainer Noel Daley said winning the Hambletonian was a "dream come true. This is the one event you want to win." Daley was second in the final a few years ago with Explosive Matter.

But the veteran conditioner had concerns about the day of racing and his speedball Broad Bahn up until the ninth-race feature.

"I was a little worried," Daley said, "because the early races did not favor speed."

His concern was serious. Just before the main event, driver George Brennan drove Bold And Safe, at more than 20-1, to a victory over the race's giant choice, Crys Dream, in the "Oaks," trotting on the far outside from behind to win.

Other stakes featured longshots came from behind.

"At the half, when George got away with soft fractions," he said, "I knew he had licked them all."

The colt is staked to everything and will go on as long as he is healthy to all the top races left in the season.

"I'm not delusional," Daley said, "I know he is not a standout but he puts himself in the picture all the time. I would love to race him for the next two years with older trotters."

Broad Bahn is owned by Fam Alber Horse Racing LLC of New Jersey. He was bred by Fair Winds Farms in New Jersey.

The public’s second choice, Chapter Seven, finished fourth, having to close from far behind.

For more on the races, click here.