Hambletonian handed ‘Royal’ flush

After the smoke cleared, the best horse, Royalty For Life, ruled the 2013 Hambletonian Trail’s destination. The son of RC Royalty, a contemporary producer of some note, produced two sterling miles on Aug. 3 to win his elimination heat and the final with ease. In doing so, certain retribution was performed for his bloodline. His sire was nowhere near a Hambletonian field; his sire’s sire, Credit Winner (sire of RC Royalty) made history elsewhere; and his dam sire, Donerail, was a major contender that eventually wore badly from illness the same year that Credit Winner finished second in the August classic. 

 

Royalty For Life won the major prep the Stanley Dancer Memorial, and came into the Hambletonian as a fast and fit entry, which attracted the support of bettors in his heat and the final. If there was any doubt before the elim heat that day, where the colt won from post 8 no less without a glitch, the final portrayed his dominance. 

 

We should not forget, though, that there was plenty of doubt leading to the heats, even though there were warning signs everywhere that prove hindsight is 20-20. The headlining cast of 23 dropped in the box, creating a trio of elims, had fraught sophomore histories. 

 

Smilin Eli was a fan favorite before he tanked from post 9 at Pocono and found himself in an imbroglio over his connections. He was scratched from the Stanley Dancer and placed under investigation by the racing commission. 

 

Aperfectyankee was the early choice to peak at three when he championed the Peter Haughton at two. His return to the races at three was sublime and he carried the bad record of “Haughton” winners drinking from the famed Hambletonian bowl.

 

Dontyouforgetit began the soph season with high hopes but his coordination was poor and he jumped too often to prove he was in the top tier. As well, trainer Jimmy Takter told reporters that he was concerned that the colt was so small compared to others in the crop and when Jimmy began to drive, even as the colt managed to stay flat, bettors believed it was due to lack of confidence. When he broke twice in the Yonkers Trot, even his remarkable comeback to finish fourth and his earnings that made him the “other” candidate for the final, were enough to feature him prominently in the event.

 

Certainly not last nor least is Wheeling N Dealin, who brought a pluperfect record at two into his sophomore season, only to quail expectations with a few losses that made him appear a mere shadow of his 2012 self. No one could have predicted, even as he wandered into contention with a second in the elim, he would go off in the final at 43-1 (higher than even Dontyouforgetit). It was far more than post 10 in the final that generated those odds. 

 

Royalty For Life experienced no drama at three; he approached the first Saturday in August with a reputation as spotless as a healthy lung. Everyone knew he was good, mind you, but no one in my ear range certified him the clear-and-present strongman of the group. It was not like the drones of past classics, where press and public duly annotated Muscle Hill, Donato Hanover and even Scarlet Knight. Though Royalty For Life did not win under the radar (he was 4-5), the forecasts were not nearly as inviolable as many that have gone on to dominate final fields.  

 

Much like the cardsharp who surreptitiously studies the expressions and gestures of opponents around the big-stakes table, meeting the wagering requirements until he can call the hand no one thought he had which beats them all, Royalty For Life came on the Hambletonian scene with a halcyon record and gracefully showed his winning hand.

 

Read race archives from the Hambletonian Trail at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Stay tuned for the Breeders Crown Countdown blog for updates and races involving eligibles leading to the series elims and finals at Pocono Downs, including live coverage from TwinSpires on both racing days.

Twenty-three colts in the thunderous trotting heats for the 2013 Hambletonian championship

The true strength and stamina of the standardbred is on trial at the Meadowlands for the first time in years as the Hambletonian returns to its original format—elimination heats and a final on the same race program.

Enough horses (23) have dropped into the box to support a trio of elim heats, with the first three finishers in each returning for the final. This is not odd for harness racing; it is an intrinsic and unique aspect of the sport. For bettors, it means three great opportunities to play and win in the Hambo events before the triptych of trotters from each heat returns for a fourth wagering field.

As well, the entire racing program features an exclusive Players’ Pool at TwinSpires, so you can buy into wagering throughout the day of high stakes trotting and pacing action. Click here for information on how to get into the action now.

The fillies Hambletonian Oaks has only a final on Aug. 3, which we are covering below as well as the elim heats. All other races for Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 are covered in the TwinSpires harness blog.

Make note that the opinions of obvious contenders and outsiders in these heats make no reference to the Hambletonian Final winner. An elim heat can provide a huge upset while the eventual Hambo champ makes the final being second or third and the longshot finishes up the track. Again, this is the beauty of elim heats.

Hambletonian elim-heat one

The strange case of Smilin Eli, who changed barns after a drama to do with the state of his connections, took him off track when the judges scratched him from the Stanley Dancer. He was clearly at the top of his game, even though he had lost at Pocono the week before. Of course, that loss, too, is questionable, since he was best in the division up until then. His return last week found him parked in a race he should have dominated if he were in his former “skin.” He can make the final but other dynamics in this field may get in his way of winning.

Royalty For Life is the buzz horse and he will be all out from post 8, tackling the likes of High Bridge, who has turned out to be peaking just in time for Jimmy Takter and must be greatly respected. The speed brigade is joined by Dewycolorintheline, whose improvement relied on the faults of some others in the Yonkers Trot. E L Rocket also likes racing up front.

Aside from High Bridge being able to take advantage of dueling, we are left with two late-moving trotters that could benefit from burnout up front, though they are clearly outsiders guaranteeing only high prices should the speed scenario develop. They are Super Class and Dreams Of Thunder.

The former has not won at three yet and only once in 18 times but if he is handed the chance you can bet he will be the last trotter standing. Dreams Of Thunder may need less help from speed duels than from his own gait; he has broken twice at huge odds and will be dismissed by bettors. What happens if he is smooth in this race while the top dogs are set aflame? There will be bombs away on the toteboard.

Hambletonian elim-heat two

Over the past two months, Dontyouforgetit became a different colt than when he galloped into his sophomore season. Once he got to trottin’ he won as an outsider, paying well and continuing to race well. He lost the Yonkers Trot but raced the best of the entire field while breaking early, recovering, and then being knocked off stride again but by a foe, and still making up 19 lengths in the stretch. Doing all this on the four turns at Yonkers is much more impressive than the winner, Deweycolorintheline.

Along with Aperfectyankee, who we endorsed before he won last year’s “Haughton” and has been a profit-maker for us recently, Dontyouforgetit should prove again that he can put in a giant mile (without breaking) and if he wins, do so at a decent price. Wheeling N Dealin should get a lot of support, leaving the aforementioned duo with good win mutuel offerings. Wheeling N Dealin, in our judgment, still has much to prove as a sophomore and it would not be a total surprise to us if he didn’t even make the final.

Hambletonian elim-heat three

Only seven colts adorn the ultimate elim heat, with veteran Hambo-winning trainer Chuck Sylvester’s Spider Blue Chip taking the buzz-horse badge. This colt really likes the Meadowlands and has commanded some miles here recently. However, Corky is in a prime spot to make another Jimmy Takter colt get to the final with a win check.

The possible upsets are so obvious they seem moot and it is a hazardous guess to predict which other two may make the grade after Corky because cases for all of them would be valid.

The Hambletonian Oaks will have to be somehow disturbed by breakers or an alien landing at the half to picture a loss for Bee A Magician. Has the brilliant Kadabra filly come all this way to lose the spotlight and a place in history? The answer is no, historically and realistically. Make no mistake about the fact that there are some very talented trotting gals in this field but they are just more testimony to how great Bee A Magician races, since she has dominated this division with firm steps and mighty speed and most of all, with ease.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates during live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

‘Oaks’ elims, Yonkers Trot and colts’ prep mark big soph weekend

On the Meadowlands big July 27 program, there are two Hambletonian Oaks elims, since the event is not to be presented in heats. These miles will decide the field for the August classic for soph-trot fillies.

Elim one finds Bee A Magician, the undisputed champ of the division, coming from post 1 and looking for her eighth-straight win at three. What else can be said about the dominating daughter of Kadabra? Her Meadowlands debut this year against her major foes was an easy stroll home in record time. Barring any missteps—which have never been a problem with her in 17 starts at two and three—she will show the best she has to offer, which has been unequaled by any in the soph crop she has faced.

The second “Oaks” elim is a true wagering affair. You can make a decent case for most of these, so your judgment of value deserves our respect. But if we have to argue for any filly in this seven-girl gala, it’s Southwind Cocoa. She finally came through after we supported her up to the Tompkins win at 14-1 last week. She is peaking now, rounding into shape after some mishaps and trip problems. Her Hudson Filly Trot effort was very good and she took no prisoners, so to speak, commanding her Tioga victory. She may not offer 14-1 here but on the two-turn mile, where trainer Linda Toscano’s stock excels, the daughter of Chocolatier should float.

Elimination winners Dontyouforgetit and Creampuff Macdaddy drew post positions 4 and 6, respectively, for Yonkers Raceway’s 59th Yonkers Trot on July 27. Eight soph- colts earned berths after last week’s two elims. 

 

Dontyouforgetit (pictured) beat longshot Fico by nose (1:57.2) in the second elim to complete the exacta we supported in last week’s preview. The Jimmy Takter colt has been on fire since a disappointing start and truly holds some cards for Hambletonian victory. Takter, who drove his homebred last week, puts Brian Sears up for the final. 

 

Creampuff Macdaddy can’t go to the Hambo and ultimately is not as tough as Takter’s colt, even though he won the first elim in 1:56.3. Indeed, Fico, wanting a shot in the Hambo heats, has improved and looms a tougher foe. Dewycolorintheline could complete the trifecta, though an upset seems far fetched. 

Back to the Meadowlands, where a few Hambo-eligible colts get a preview race with a $25,000 purse—an Open for the division.

The return of Smilin Eli could decide whether or not the early season division leader is ready for next week’s heats. He needs this race but he does not need to win this race; a good showing will get him into the big event.

All eyes are on Wheeling N Dealin, who drew post 9 and must prove that he is better than his opening two soph efforts, which were extremely disappointing conditioned events. He may be all out and put on a good enough show to stop his connections from concern or he may not be up to the great expectations he presented after never losing a race at two.

Once again, Team Takter may have the edge here for a price with Bluto. His sires-stakes loss at Philadelphia was not an embarrassment after a resounding PA All Stars win as our choice the week before. He will like the two turns far better than the three he has been negotiating and is one of the best Donato Hanovers available at three.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Yonkers Trot elims, Grand Circuit events ensue

There were enough horses this year to provoke two elims in The Yonkers Trot. Each elim is worth $40,000. All but three of the colts in the duo of miles are eligible for the big race, though the top dogs have steered clear of the four-turned event. 

 

In the first of the two elims, Deweycolorintheline will get attention off of his Stanley Dancer Memorial finish, third to the favorite Royalty For Free who took that status in the confusion of Smilin Eli’s scratch. This “Dewey” could be coming around now and is in a good spot here, with two non-eligibles leaving to his left and three others with questionable soph histories thus far. 

 

The second elim features eligibles from post 1 to post 6 of eight, the most available for heavy betting being Dontyouforgetit. After disappointing missteps, Dontyouforgetit came back and surprised the public with double-digit-paying wins. Jimmy Takter’s colt had only the breaking problem to solve but there was no mercy at the betting windows early in the season. Now he is back and shows up here, where Takter has said the colt thrives—on the half-mile. There is doubt he will be overlooked in this field, where the other eligibles are not first-tier candidates for the Hambo.  

 

But in the mix should come Explosive Action and Fico. If the tides of popular opinion turn against Dontyouforgetit, these two will have the best chances to upset. 

 

At Tioga, the Grand Circuit (GC) Tompkins-Geers events present two editions for soph fillies and one large field for the colts on July 20.  

 

Only four eligibles go in the $62,766 division of colts in a field of 10. The quartet presents three intriguing possibilities. First, Caveat Emptor, who could be a monster if his gait problems are solved, may not be peaking for the Hambo but is showing signs of improvement. A surprise win at a big price could be looming boldly. As well, Banco Solo’s disappointments over the past few weeks may still represent a tune-up he needs to get on the right earning path. He may do better with this bunch. Finally6, Modest Prince has been competitive since his 50-1 win in May. This is a softer field than he has taken on recently and he could have some fire for the finish. 

 

The fillies’ splits go for $35,383 each and in the first we are treated to a daughter of champion Varenne, Richesse Oblige S. She is among four eligibles in the eight-horse field and could be worth a shot for her class and breeding edge among this group. In round two, another quartet of eligibles are favored among the eight involved. Southwind Cocoa has not been as sharp as we thought and it is getting late in the game. We want to take a shot on Alston Hall, a Deweycheatumnhowe gal that could make a bunch on the GC though she will probably not be around to test Bee A Magician in the “Oaks.” If we are right about her, she should pay the most for backers over the next few weeks.

 

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

On the brink of Hambletonian casts, colts and fillies battle in the east

At the Meadowlands on July 13, 23 colts and the fillies making their way to the starting gates on the first weekend in August are poised to make everyone take notice. 

 

The $294,000 Stanley Dancer Memorial gathers the boys, many that we have seen on the “Trail” already and a few relative unknowns. 

 

Foremost is the return of Smilin Eli to familiar territory, where all Hambo hopefuls love to do well, the Meadowlands. He is not the top earner here, as Corky’s form has improved greatly since early season and looms a threat here even from post 10. “Eli” lost the “Beal” final due to a poor post and a wide start, though he handled the elim from post 8 with no problem. Here, he may have the edge over Corky. Eli has yet to prove he is not the horse to beat and this test will verify his immediate strengths.

 

Banco Solo has not improved as much as we thought he would over the past two races. Even with trouble, he should have shown better in his last three. But a turn-around is possible in his early campaign. Spider Blue Chip does not seem to be first-tier division material, though he won a Reynolds easily here last week (one horse he beat badly in that was “Banco.” 

 

Then there’s Celebrity Maserati, a colt still dangling possibilities over handicappers’ heads. The post here is awkward but he is a fine trotter and should not be dismissed from the exotic mix, if nothing else.  

 

Still in the shadows are Six Gun Hall, Dewycolorintheline, Fico, Dreams Of Thunder, Your So Vain, Royalty For Life and Raven Victory. 

 

The fillies go in the $265,000 Del Miller stakes. This year, both of these events feature one big field instead of divisions, leaving one big purse for each. But the filly stakes is far more competitive on the surface than is the colt stakes.   

 

Frau Blucher has been on fire in the division and this event should show if she is still aflame. Coming up against Bee A Magician, who has arrived stateside with no losses yet at three, is essential in her bid for the “Oaks” (unless “Magician” opts to go in the main event with the boys. For sure, she will be a good price against Magician here. 

 

Another question looms boldly: Just how good is Ma Chere Hall? Some clean-as-a-whistle wins adorn her sophomore campaign thus far and why would that not be a sign she is full of herself at the right time? These are the three most likely prospects here and how the betting goes should determine your wager, though exotics may lean toward Magician as the key over the other two mentioned (if you box, that’s the trio).

Also on Saturday, Vernon Downs will host three divisions of the $130,575 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for colt trotters.

Division one is the trickiest of the three, seeing as a majority of the field has questionable gaits. There seems to be two main contenders, Crazy About Pat and Theraputic, as well as two eligibles, Bizarro Lindy and Pine Credit. Since Crazy About Pat is the likely favorite, Theraputic will be the value of the duo. His last start at Vernon was in the Empire Breeders’ Classic (EBC), where he appeared to be outclassed. Off of his two losses in the EBC, he came back to win divisions of NYSS at Buffalo and Yonkers. He appears to be improving with every mile and should be sharp this week.

E L Rocket will be the one to beat in the second division. He highlights the five hopefuls in this field, the others being Modest Prince, Order By Keeper, Explosive Action and Crazed N Lindy. E L Rocket will likely be the public’s pick in this event, with his rivals being on a lower level than him. After moving to the Ron Burke barn, E L Rocket has been sharp and continues to improve with every start. Though not likely, if he goes off around the 2-1 region, then our mission for value will have succeeded.

The final division attracts three eligibles, Sixteen Mikes, Twisted Pretzel and Jacks To Open. Tirade Hanover will receive all of the praise in this race and the tote board will show it. To his outside is Blackwolf Run, a horse with a humongous shot. Coming from the Sam Schillaci barn, the fact that it’s a not-so-well-known horseman behind him could hike his price, as well as his post. He is one of the four colts in this field that have speed off the gate and from his spot, he’ll likely be able to map out a pocket trip, saving enough energy for the stretch, where he will blow by rivals and expose the question marks that will hang over the public’s head when Tirade Hanover does not claim victory.  
 

At Hazel Park, two colt eligibles will appear in the $100,000 William Connors Memorial on Friday, July 12. Look for good performances (if now a cold box exacta) with Longwell and Theatrical Session.

 

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

 

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Fillies firing at Yonkers

A septet of “Oaks” eligibles are set to go to gate Monday night, July 8, at Yonkers Raceway, where three divisions of the $358,857 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) headlining the 13-race card. 

 

Lady Riviera is the lone Oaks-hopeful in the first division. With the morning-line favorite drawing the outside in this division, it opens the race up for value. From the rail comes Canadian invader Alphadoodle from the Rick Zeron barn. She made two starts against this group in previous NYSS events, one being an impressive closing effort on “sloppy” going at Buffalo and the other a disappointing sixth at Tioga. She trotted a little too fast in her last start and from what her lines show, should handle the half-mile well. The draw was friendly to her as well, giving her a better shot to get the trip she needs. 

 

Empire Breeders’ Classic champion Lola De Vie headlines the second division and will start from the pylons. With her come eligibles Hall La La, Bouncing Bax, Palm Beach Chic and four others. One of the other four is a major contender in the value market and, as a matter of fact, will start from post 4. 

 

Isabella Gal seems to be rounding into form as shown in her previous starts. Off of an eighth-place effort in the Empire Breeders’ Classic, she took about three weeks off and went to Tioga to race in the NYSS. From post 7 she took the front and set moderate fractions on the lead, only to come up short into the stretch. She will likely get away in a pocket spot and stalk Lola De Vie on the lead. With a pocket ride, she will have plenty left into the stretch. 

 

The final division features eligible Proclaiming April, listed as the morning line favorite. Two eligibles, Crazy Grigio and Demented are also entered. Although they have high sights for the first weekend in August, their chances in this event are “iffy.” On the other hand, Long Island Tea has been showing nothing but talent recently. 

 

She broke in the slop at Buffalo in a NYSS event as a favorite off a pocket ride but it evidently proved to be a problem, as she galloped again from post 9 when she competed in NYSS at Tioga. The early miscue didn’t stop her, she regained 10 lengths passing three-quarters when she came to the outside and was interfered. She came into the stretch blasting after the leader, to come a 1 ½ lengths from the victory getting fourth. Due to two breaks, she had to qualify. Trainer Paul Kelley added trotting hopples and qualified her at Plainridge, where she trotted the course with ease in 1:57.3. She is sharp and peeking so we are going to catch her while she’s hot. 

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.
Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

Soph contenders abound

The Hudson Filly Trot, Grand Circuit Reynolds stakes and a slew of Pennsylvania All Stars (PAAS) events adorn the first weekend in July at three tracks with different sizes hosting hopefuls for August classics.

Yonkers hosts the $155,624 Hudson Filly Trot for the soph gals on July 6, with eight behind the gate, half of them eligibles.

Lady Broadway has been going great guns but is ineligible to the big dance and will have do deal with the freshness of one eligible as her main threat. The Kadabra soph, Cha Cha Magic, makes only her fourth start and has one second and a sharp aim at August. Trainer Staffan Lind’s ticket to the “Oaks” gets the best post and should offer a big price. She is one of the progeny of Kadabra, who has sent out female champs like this year’s Bee A Magician.

PAAS colt trotters start off another big Saturday program at Pocono Downs, July 6. The purses for these events are $30,000 each. Race one looks like a battle between Brew Master and Maxamillus, with only the former an eligible. Brew Master is in top form now and is at the level of this group, though his recent win was among cheaper types.

Round two of five for the colts has seven eligibles in eight, with another shot for Aperfectyankee. Staying flat is all he needs, as he seems to tower over the others and with morning-line choice Tigress’s Legacy on the outside, Aperfectyankee could put in his best soph performance yet.

In the third PAAS split we have two possibilities, the obvious and the wild card. The former is Bluto, who has raced with better and should be a dead-on favorite. But the non-eligible Classicality could fool some folks, having won at a fair in slow time on a good track last out. We find it a positive that driver Dave Palone becomes the guide for Walter Dunn’s local trotter who Brian Zendt has been handling well among state-breds. If he upset this group it would be no surprise to us but may be a surprise to bettors.

The penultimate colt PAAS presents only one eligible, our choice, High Bridge. Coming from a second in the “Beal” he should be ready to take on this field, a group that has not seen the likes of the first tier in the division.

Finally, All Laid Out is here after winning the Beal consolation. With Palone up the odds will dip but we will go with Boffin, also an eligible, who will offer odds higher than his chances. He was third to All Laid Out last week and has put in some good races with excuses.

On July 5 the Grand Circuit’s W.R. Reynolds stakes for filly and colt trotters are part of the weekend Meadowlands stakes menu.

In the first filly contest, we like Ma Cherie Hall, who returned as a soph in top form. This classy lass may not be overlooked but she is too hot to dismiss. In round two for the gals, we like the outsider Raring To Go S, an eligible with two wins in three starts that can make trouble for the two big favorites, Mistery Woman and To Dream On.

More than $50,000 is on the line in the only Reynolds colt split, featuring five eligibles. We like Banco Solo again. His Pocono races were good with larger fields. This small and lightweight group may be easier to command, especially with two turns.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

Yonkers presents colts on the half

July opens with colt trotters The July 1 $356,456 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for soph colts and geldings offers a quartet of contests at the New York half-mile track. 

 

The opening ($89,914) division includes Tirade Hanover, a winner earlier this season in his Empire Breeders Classic elim at Vernon. He is one of six non-eligibles going for the big purse. The two in play for Hambo action are Order By Keeper and our choice, Pine Credit. 

 

The second ($88,314) NYSS field finds one eligible, our choice, Explosive Action, in the mix with top-rated West Side Story. That one comes from off a big win at Georgian Downs. 

 

Monday's third ($88,314) state-bred event is led by Modest Prince , the Linda Toscano-trained colt who has hit the board in four of his five soph starts, winning for the first time this season at 50-1 in a Simpson at the Meadowlands. Against the locals here, Modest Prince is a no-brainer choice.

 

The final ($89,914) NYSS mile July 1 features red-hot eligible Jurgen Hanover, who started the season with seven wins in a row before failing in his elim for the Earl J. Beal Memorial at Pocono. Three other eligibles take to the cause: Prove Up, Twisted Pretzel and Jacks To Open. We will stick with Jurgen Hanover (perhaps a small trifecta with the three eligibles behind him?).

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Earl Beal, Jr. Final and features for fillies headline weekend action

The $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Final is one of the top stakes on Pocono’s June 29 program. One of these colts could be the Hambletonian champ and certainly Smilin Eli is shaping into a major favorite for the August classic.

The tote board is a mystery in the Earl Beal final; it’s hard to tell who will go off the favorite but Smilin Eli appears to be the one to beat, even with his 9-hole draw. He won over his elim field with ease from post 8 so perhaps one more length outside won’t be a problem for the division’s undisputed leader at this point. “Eli” loves to go to the lead, as does the horse next to him, in post 8, Celebrity Maserati. Since that one drew to the inside of Eli, he’ll likely get a pocket ride and explode into the stretch. In the event that he doesn’t leave, he can close well too, even with slow fractions. These two are certainly the main duo, though neither will offer large odds.  

The first stake on the stellar card that night is the $50,000 Earl Beal Jr. Consolation. The seven trotters will have to deal with the talents of High Bridge. He sat a pocket trip in his elimination until three-quarters, when he made his move after pace-setter Smilin Eli; he quit from there. Expect him to be sent for the front this week, since he drew the rail. In a race with not a ton of speed, he should be in the clear.   

At Yonkers on June 29, a single Hudson Filly Trot elim is presented on the program. The event is worth $20,000 each. There are four eligible gals and the Ray Schnittker-coupled Caneel Hall and Royal Assets may have the edge in form and price. Only the latter is an eligible and, too, the most interesting of the duo. We went with him at Pocono last week and will do so again here.  

At Balmoral on June 29, two eligible colts go in the $37,100 stakes on the card. Both loom dangerous over the locals and we endorse either and both: Longwell and Deweykidumnhowe.

Tioga Downs hosts soph-filly trotters on June 28 in New York Sires Stakes (NYSS, $44,000 plus for each split) and Excelsior Series action. The first of the three NYSS should be an easy walk for Proclaiming April. She just lost as the choice last out for Trond Smedshammer and is one of only two eligibles in the field. This filly is Smedshammer’s hope for a shot at the “Oaks,” and one of his only this season.

The second NYSS has two eligibles. We like Lady Riviera, making her soph debut for trainer Linda Toscano. The filly will be a good price here and we assume she is ready against non-eligibles, where Toscano has aptly placed her for a big season’s start.

The third split for state-breds has two eligibles, both by the sire Crazed. One of them, Crazy Grigio, returns to pick up the pieces of a slow sophomore start due to gait problems. A qualifier with a strong win and a win at Vernon with a powerful brush and commanding stride make the filly look very good for another trot down the “Trail.”

The Excelsior Series offer only three eligibles in four miles that go for $12,500 each. These are the plays, since these are the gals with the papers that can still get them to the August classic. In the first split, it’s Sleep Tight My Luv; in the second split there are no eligibles; in the third one it’s Royalty Free; and the last for the program in the series goes to Playful Credit.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

‘Beale’ elims are colt-trot trials

Pocono Downs hosts three elims for the Earl Beale, Jr. Memorial on June 22 and the soph-colt trotters are set to sail on the speedy five-eighths oval for $25,000 per split.

In the first round, only one non-eligible takes flight. Sharp off two wins, eligible Dontyouforgetit won’t be lighting up the tote board after a pair of double-digit wins. But the favor of Aperfectyankee seems to be fading and that is good for his odds as he goes from post 5 in this octet of all eligibles.

Public opinion will be strong for Dontyouforgetit and Celebrity Maserati, giving Aperfectyankee far less respect than we would care to acknowledge. So he will be our choice.

The second elim gives us a chance to once again support Banco Solo. Last out he was only 9-2 and made that first soph outing into a check-cashing mile, finishing third. George Brennan is in town for the ride and that is nothing but a plus, along with odds that will be generous.

Corky will get support again but he has only been able to win a Historic event and should burn some money again, along with Royalty For Life, who comes into his second soph affair after a bad break in his first and a decent qualifier. Still, the crowd may pour some bucks on his behalf.

The third split is a great betting race. Top-rated Smilin Eli gets post 8 and win-streaking Jurgen Hanover is in the 6 hole, while a few guys inside of them are getting better and should be some value.

My Man Can had a horrendous trip last out from post 8 and when you toss that one he should be worth less than his morning line, so we can hope for 6-1 or up. Also, High Bridge has a very good soph record right now and has won on this track before with trainer Jimmy Takter up. Yannick Gingras rides for Takter in this and there would be no reason to be surprised if he gets all the luck in the three turns and wins.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Pennsylvania Sires Stakes attract top filly trotters

Wednesday, June 19, Pocono Downs will feature three divisions, 24 filly trotters in all, of the $233,370 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS). Of the two dozen competing, 13 are contenders for the big dance for filly trotters in August.   

A trio of “Oaks”-hopeful fillies will compete in the first of three eight-horse fields for the PASS, consisting of True Valentine (H-Cantab Hall), Drink The Wine (H-Andover Hall) and Upfrontluckycarol (H-Andover Hall).   

True Valentine will likely provide value for us in the first division. Attracting the patron’s dollars more should be Lady Broadway, Ruffleshaveridges and Drink The Wine. True Valentine made two starts this year, one where she broke and the other was a disappointing fourth-place finish. Because of her resume, she should offer good odds, around 8- or 9-1.   

With those two starts under her belt, someone going to the windows to bet this horse would look like a lunatic but then you look at her qualifier at the Meadowlands. It was the first time she wore hopples and on the slop during the morning at the Big M, she qualified in 1:55.2. Over the fast track at Pocono and from the rail, this filly poses a threat and will be a major contender into the final turn.  

The second division contains five horses eligible for the Oaks, Frau Blucher (H-Broadway Hall), Sheena’s Shadow (H-Yankee Glide), Defiant Donato (H-Donato Hanover), Coffeecake Hanover (H-Cantab Hall) and Thistle Dhu (H-Donato Hanover).  

Frau Blucher is the hottest of the octet, going to gate in Pocono’s 10th event. She won every start this year, defeating a majority of this field in previous PASS races. She is coming off of a 1:55.4 qualifier over sloppy going at Pocono. A filly capable of major improvement in this race comes from the Ron Burke barn, Coffeecake Hanover.  

With four starts under her belt, three of them resulting in second-place finishes, Coffeecake Hanover has been a major player in exotics. It appeared, though, that she needed some issue fixed and this week she adds Lasix. It’s a positive sign and likely that we’ll see a big difference in this filly tonight.  

The final division has five hopefuls, Sina (H-Cantab Hall), Good Intentions (H-Cantab Hall), Royal Assets (H-Donato Hanover), Classic Martine (H-Classic Photo) and Fashion Athena (H-Broadway Hall).  

Royal Assets entered her sophomore season not as sharp as she was at two, being a rival to To Dream On (H-Credit Winner). She may get some money in this field but in the end Fashion Athena should be the post time favorite. It’s good to see that Royal Assets has begun to show improvement since making her three-year-old debut. She’s reverted to racing from behind instead of on the lead and is likely to get a good trip tonight.  

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.
Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

‘Cup’ undercard highlights signature trots

Mohawk Racetrack’s feature night, the night of the $1-million North America Cup, is set for this Saturday, June 15. On the undercard of the North America Cup are the Elegant Image for sophomore filly trotters and the Goodtimes for open three-year-old trotters.  

Bee A Magician (H-Kadabra) headlines the field in the $364,266 Elegant Image. Also appearing for the dance are eligibles Mistery Woman (H-Donato Hanover), To Dream On (H-Credit Winner), Handover Belle (H-Andover Hall) and Shared Past (H-Chocolatier).  

Princess Lilly showed to be the most impressive of all the elimination participants, being parked through a :26.4 first quarter and sat a pocket trip. She came out into the stretch in pursuit of the new leader, Bee A Magician, and finished second by a ½ length in 1:53.3. She drew the outside and has a good late kick, so if she sits off the pace, she should be positioned well and come late in the mile with a good chance to beat the heavy favorite.  

The Goodtimes final looks to be an evenly matched field. Rossini (H-Classic Photo), Denver (H-Andover Hall), Bwt Taj (H-Broadway Hall), Rolls Blue Chip (H-Credit Winner) and Caveat Emptor (H-Deweycheatumnhowe) are the Hambo hopefuls going to post Saturday.  

Gotta Secret could be the value in the race. He’ll likely try to sit off the pace and with little speed in this race, he could close well on whoever is leading the mile. Do not take him to win if he is under 6-1.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Mohawk, Meadows present eligibles’ showcases

On June 7 and June 8, Mohawk presents soph trotting herds aiming for August. As well, on June 7 colts battle at the Meadows.

Friday, June 7 offers a trio of soph-colt stakes in the Currier & Ives (C&I) series. These are events each worth $44,000 plus.

The first C&I will find the public focusing on Bluto, one of only three eligibles in the field, especially since Dave Palone take the reins. However, we like the soph debut chances of Banco Solo, also an eligible. His qualifier at the Meadowlands was impressive and he has a ton of two-year-old class. Getting a price near his 8-1 morning line may turn out to be quite the bargain if he fires in his debut.

The next C&I features six eligibles in a field of eight. Major Athens deserves a close look in his third outing as a sophomore. The only thing that stopped him from a sires-stakes victory last week was a break. He shouldn’t be penalized for that race. Still, he will come back at odds much higher than his favorite status in that affair. With the probable choices of the public in the 7 and 8 holes, staying flat is all Major Athens has to do if he is feeling anything like he did two back.

A quartet of eligibles show up for the last C&I split. Again, the Palone-driven trotter should get the best of the win pool, leaving It’s Complicated to go off at odds far higher than his chances. He was third at 20-1 last time, in the race where Major Athens broke. This is his third shot as a soph and with a sharp steer he could get a good spot and take advantage of a possible shuffle-duel between Tigress’s Legacy and High Bridge.

Two elims for the Elegant Image event next week are worth $35,000 each at Mohawk on June 7. There is more competition in this for Bee A Magician than presented itself over the last few weeks in province-bred stakes. To Dream On tries again after a disappointing debut in New York. She should not be dismissed due to that misstep. Mistery Woman is also talented and should be in the mix. We think it is time to try to beat “Magician” by backing one of those two, based on the closing odds. Probably, Mistery Woman will wind up the overlay contender but watch for odds you would never have expected for To Dream On.

The second “Image” mile should continue the winning streak for Shared Past. She seems tons better than this field and has no trouble beating any in her division so far by leaving from outside posts.

This year’s Goodtimes elims at Mohawk are not laden with eligibles. There are only six colts in the two divisions that have eyes on August and that is uncommon over the past few years for this stake.

In split one we like Per Henriksen’s BWT Taj. Per trains one of his only shots at the Hambo this year and this field is a good place to start a successful road to the elims. Per is driving and that is a good sign because no one knows a Henriksen horse like Per. If he has his “s^^^ together,” as Per is apt to express it, this could be a good night for “Taj.”

In the second Goodtimes elim, another trained-and-driven eligible colt looks to improve on a two-year-old season. Ray Schnittker would hope that Caveat Emptor could be near as good as his Hambo winner and the sire of this colt, Deweycheatumnhowe. He had some jumping problems at two but “Emptor” still showed fight and the turnaround of a season may have given him what he needs to be a contender. We know the price will be right.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

Currier & Ives hosts fillies in lucrative trio

On June 5, the Meadows presents soph-filly trotters going in three classic Currier & Ives splits worth $36,000 each.

In round one there is a quartet of eligibles among the eight going to post. Coffeecake Hanover has been an eligible we supported during his three soph efforts and each has had its excuse for not winning, with two of those miles taking second. But here, with Dave Palone getting the drive again at the Meadows, the colt will be barraged with bets. That being the case, we move to our second choice, another eligble, Feather Your Nest.

A price is almost guaranteed, even though local Richard Stillings gets the drive. The second public choice should be Cupcake, who we also supported before but who is having gait issues, none of which is helped by post 7 here.

Another four eligibles (fillies are eligible, remember, for both the Hambletonian and the “Oaks”) go in round two of the Currier & Ives and they appear the race’s biggest threats. Bargain-wise we could be getting some good odds on Classic Martine due to his leaving from post 8, especially since Royal Assets on the rail will be the public’s choice.

Along with that is a probable bargain from Ma Chere Hall, who debuts her soph season here after qualifiers at the Meadowlands that are both strong. This is a top-class, well-bred gal who may make a big noise in the division. As well, trainer Jonas Czernyson has been sending out fit and ready properties this season. At first crack, Ma Chere Hall could leave this field wondering in the stretch. The class may not be so obvious to the betting crowd, though hot driver Corey Callahan will attract some bets. The point is that if Ma Chere Hall is as good at three as expected, this may be the best price to get on her all season. Along with “Martine” you may have quite an exacta.

Finally, only one eligible shows up for the third event. Upfrontluckycarol may be in the best spot yet early this season to pick up some dough and she will probably not be the favorite. Though she was third in her recent race, it was a better mile than the one before, where she finished second, because she was chasing Fra Blucher, who has ravaged the early division stakes.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Soph-trot contests ensue

The Hambletonian Trail continues at the end of May and June jousts await in month two of the journey to August.

On Friday, May 31, two $75,000 Casual Breeze affairs present only four eligibles. One of them continues to be the focus of the sport—Bee A Magician. Winner of her first two this season, the Kadabra girl is looking to so dominate her division that perhaps she will take on the boys if all goes well up until August. She gets post 8 in this field but we see no reason for her to lose, as well as we expect the other eligible, Drink The Wine, to be involved.

In the second Casual Breeze split, Quiet Snow and Samartina are the only eligibles in the seven-filly mile. Quiet Snow doesn’t have to deal with Bee A Magician this time around so she could very well take center stage. She was 34-1 last time and trotted a game outside trip only to quit from the stress. Her misfortune gave Charmed Life, tonight in the 6 hole, an easy path to be second. The tide could turn at a good price here.

In New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) finals action at the Meadowlands on June 1, the seven colts entered are by no means unable to take control over the hot Smilin Eli. The six sons of Muscles Yankee are eligible and the seventh, King Muscles, is not.

Corky will again try not to burn money as he will get much support along with Smilin Eli, who has won both the NJSS division’s legs. If Corky is overlooked, this may be the time to back him. Barring any miscues, Smilin Eli is still not overmatched here. We have supported Amalfi Coast twice and that one has not had a chance to stay flat enough to prove he belongs with this bunch. So Corky could offer a good price and Amalfi Coast will offer one and if flat may surprise everyone.

The NJSS fillies have only one of nine ineligible, with two daughters of Chocolatier and the rest by Muscles Yankee. The outside Chocolatier gal, Shared Past, won for us on May 17, when she was a favorite. She won’t be one here and will offer a decent price, especially from post 9.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

Miles aplenty for eligibles on tap

Sires stakes once again present Hambo-eligibles of both sexes, with divisional scenarios in New Jersey (Meadowlands) and Pennsylvania (Meadows and Harrah’s Philadelphia), along with a focused SBOA final in Ontario (Mohawk). The Hambletonian Trail herds go trotting on Friday, May 24.

A field of New Jersey Sires Stakes for colts ($33,000) and one for fillies ($34,000) are the focus at the Meadowlands. Five of six are Hambo-eligible, King Of Muscles being the odd one out.

We liked Amalfi Coast last week and stick with him for the sake of price, since Corky will be a huge choice and may have an easy go of the mile.

The fillies also have one ineligible and again we will go with the one that is not a daughter of Muscles Yankee. Southwind Cocoa has been sitting on a win and will not be the choice here. The Chocolatier femme has a good stride and some soph experience behind her now, maybe enough to take this at a decent price.

The Meadows hosts a quartet of Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) with purses of $48,000 and change for colts.

Four of eight are eligibles in the first round. A lot of attention will be given to Major Athens in his second race at three but we like Brew Master. He had a tough time in his recent race from post 9 at Woodbine but should have a race more like the one before that where he won as a 48-1 shot. He won’t be that high here but he will still be worth a price.

In the next PASS we witness the return of Aperfectyankee as he debuts at three. Up against Dontyouforgetit, the Dexter Cup failed favorite, he may need a race to handle his foe and other, budding performers here. We will go with Valley Of Sin, an ineligible that has faltered from miscues but when under control seems to be under rated.

Round three is entirely Hambo-eligibles, with a lot of chances for each of the eight to improve. Dexter Cup-winning Celebrity Maserati has to deal with post 8 aside from the new competition involved. We like the chances of San Donato and hope he will be close to his morning-line odds, 8-1. Beaten as the choice in his soph debut he had excuses beyond returning to a new division. He fought from post 8 after a slow start. He should be much better here.

Only a pair of eligibles take on six state-breds in the penultimate PASS mile. Jimmy Takter’s Bluto may get a shot at racing like his April qualifier, going wire to wire after handling a lot tougher competition in the John Simpson for a piece of the purse.

Then, in the finale for the program, Arctic Tale is one of six eligibles and the one we feel may be the bargain of the day. His recent effort at the Meadows was marred by a break after a wide, early duel that failed to get the top. Ron Burke’s gelding has a lot of speed and may be best equipped to use it in this group and win at a price.

PASSes also adorn the Harrah’s Philadelphia program on May 24, these four splits going for $61,000 plus each.

In the first split we get another chance at Cupcake, the daughter of Trotting Triple Crown-winner Glidemaster. Last week she jumped at the gate and was eliminated and must be given another shot in what appears to be an easier group to handle if she stays trotting.

In round two we will take a shot with Aspidistra Hanover. Another of many Donato Hanover daughters, she was bold at 11-1 in her debut, a PASS mile where she made a huge brush and got hanged to the half. She may be raring to show more with a good trip and we would like to have her at this price.

The third split should find Frau Blucher a favorite after her first-time Lasix win last week. But we will let the fans have her and support Coffeecake Hanover, who fired quickly to duel for the lead at the Meadows’ PASS fest last week and was in a lot of trouble late in the game. That line should send her off a great price.

Defiant Donato could be one of the best fillies in this crop, certainly one of the Hambo-winner’s top sophs this season and she almost got the whole pie at the Meadows were it not for a few steps she had to race wide, surrendering to the better journey taken by non-eligible Curtsy Hanover. She will be backed heavily but here can still be an overlay.

Bee A Magician won her SBOA filly-trot elim and will be the huge favorite in the final at Mohawk this week. She is the key and we don’t expect any of her foes to upset her speed, smooth gait and obvious confidence.

The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

 

State-and-province breds battle across the borders

Sires stakes in New Jersey (Meadowlands) and Pennsylvania (Meadows), along with SBOA eliminations in Ontario (Woodbine) are the next stops along the Hambletonian Trail. The score of miles takes place in the three different locations on Friday, May 17.

A field of New Jersey Sires Stakes for colts ($34,000) and one for fillies ($36,000) are the evening’s features. The same sire, Muscles Yankee, represents all eight colts and all but one entry is Hambletonian-eligible (King Of Muscles).

The Jimmy Takter entry of Corky and Muscle Mountain will be hammered, no doubt, since Corky just missed last week and had an excuse while being beaten by the shocker, Modest Prince, paying $103.40. Still, we are looking at some value for Amalfi Coast, a Chuck Sylvester-trained gelding with two sharp qualifiers and a ton of freshman class. Improvement is on the agenda and the crowd due to will overlook that for reasons of form and speed (two reasons that could easily change without history making them obvious).

In the second NJSS, fillies offer all but three eligibles and again sire Muscles Yankee has the most progeny, eight to Chocolatier’s two in a 12-gal field (three horses are coupled). The 8-post horse, Shared Past, is the one which may present the best value for the shot she has at taking this. Her two qualifiers point to fitness but her check-cashing record at two in the top stakes that ended her freshman campaign are far more impressive than a lot of the foes she faces here. Trainer Jonas Czernyson surely has the Chocolatier filly, bred well by a Donerail mare, to come back at three with fire.

The Meadows hosts a quarter of frosh-filly trots in PASS divisions, each worth $59,080 on May 17.

In round one we meet Defiant Donato, bred to powerhouse parents Donato Hanover and Beat The Wheel, one-time fastest trotting mare in history. She is yet to meet defeat and hard to bet against. The only possible upset may come from Cupcake, with a giant winning effort at Philadelphia last week and a lot of promise this season. Cupcake is a Glidemaster product and an eligible.

PASS episode two gives us one more shot with MC’s Diamond after two disappointing missteps in her soph-debut stakes. If she is able to stay flat she has a ton of potential and she will, again, be overlooked. Though there is no telling if she will jump or joust, we like her price and give her the nod.

In the third split we like Mistery Woman’s return appearance. She may have just the style to close sharply on this speedy bunch and she will be the price we want in such an upset. She is one of six eligibles adorning this event, she by Donato Hanover.

The nightcap has only four of eight eligibles and we like one of them, a real outsider, Bethel Hanover. Her trainer, Staffan Lind, has obviously put some stamina into her speed and the two qualifiers she went at the Meadowlands show the kind of spunk we like. She may be much better at three than she was at two and the lightly raced filly may turn out to be not so bold a choice if she wins.

Two eligibles go in the SBOA filly-ttot elims at Woodbine, also on May 17, and we endorse them both. Not that Bee A Magician (pictured left) needs our backing. We loved her early on at two, when the crowd disregarded her a spare few times. The daughter of Kadabra is getting a lot of attention at three in the early book for both classics, since she is extremely fast, especially compared to the colts. She will go in the second of the pair.

The first should belong to Quiet Snow, the Angus Hall filly looking to race her way south and get into the mix on the first Saturday in August. She may be a price here, also, considering some of the locals have drawn attention in early speculations.

One more thing: A non-winners of 1 three-year-old colt event worth $10,000 at the Meadowlands on May 17 presents five colt eligibles. We suggest you take a good look at Cajole Hanover, an ineligible that will offer a good price and has a grand shot. Breaking in the “Simpson” is a toss-out race; look at the debut on May 3—it’s a smooth win and this lightly raced gelding deserves respect here.

 The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.

Simpsons bring out the sophs

The Hambletonian Trail continues on Friday, May 10 at the Meadowlands with four divisions of John Simpson Stakes, two for the fillies and two for the colts.

All but three of the boys in either of their splits are Hambo-eligibles, while the fillies have but six in both of their contests.

Jimmy Takter has an entry (both eligibles) in the first, $27,265, split. Of course the top colt Fashion Blizzard begins his march down the “Trail” for trainer Jim Campbell.

Sitting in a fine spot to come back after his first 2013 effort is Show Ticket. The eligible, trained by Rich Gillock, was just a bit short in his debut, finishing fifth but only a length behind My Man Can in his Simpson prep. Considering the high-profile Takter team, we could be assured a great price on Show Ticket.

In the colt’s $26,765 episode, we will go again with Cocotier. The eligible son of Chocolatier was our choice last week when we mentioned that breaking could be his only enemy. Sure enough he jumped at the start. What is great about the prodigy of Chocolatier is that when they are smooth-gaited they are strong and fast. So far there is no evidence that missteps are anything but an inherited annoyance with this gelding, who is driven and owned by the same connections as was the sire, we will go with the bloodline and the price it offers.

Takter’s Corky—another from his barn on the Trail—will get a lot of bettor attention and that is always good for the other contenders, like Explosive Action and Six Gun Hall, whose odds will balloon in the balance.

The $24,258 event for femmes has four eligibles and they are the true dangers here. The morning-line choice, however, is True Day Dream, whose day dreams must include winning the “Oaks,” since she is ineligible. Outside of her, in the six-filly field is Southwind Cocoa, debuting at three for last year’s champion trainer Linda Toscano. Another product of Chocolatier, this gal could be ready to win first at first crack.

Seven go to post in the $24,758 mile for fillies, with only a pair of eligibles, MC’s Diamond and Miss Steele. We loved “Diamond” last week in the non-betting Lady Suffolk but she broke and gave us no chance to see how she truly can trot at three. She will like the two turns and if she is flat she should be fast. Her Philly race was short but she had an immediate challenger. She broke her maiden at Dover in fine fettle the race before that. If she gets much better her prices will get much worse so let’s stay on her now when she can upset and bring us double digits.

 The Hambletonian Society has owned and serviced the Hambletonian since its inception in 1926 and presents the 88th edition at the Meadowlands, where it has been staged since 1981, There are no supplemental entries permitted in the Hambletonian and Oaks, nor are participants allowed to race on Lasix or Butazolidin. Along with the four juvenile Breeders Cup races for thoroughbreds, they are the only events in North American horse racing that prohibit the use of any race-day medication.

Keep watching this blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from TwinSpires on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.