tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61475338284336988242024-03-13T18:45:13.164-07:00The Hambletonian TrailFrank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-84882018268468414942014-08-03T17:16:00.006-07:002014-08-03T19:07:49.603-07:00The case of the missing colt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Hambletonian 2014</i></b><br />
<br />
On the left you see a photo of soph-colt trotter Father Patrick, driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Jimmy Takter. It is a photo of the 2014 Hambletonian favorite when he was a two-year-old, winning a race at Mohawk from post 10.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Aug. 2, the sophomore Father Patrick was assigned post 10 in the 2014 Hambletonian at the Meadowlands. The post meant nothing to bettors; they made him 2-5 and were poised to collect their money when the best of the three Jimmy Takter-trained colts in the $1-million-plus race lined up with his foes behind the starting gate before more than 20,000 fans and industry members and a television audience over CBS Sports Network.<br />
<br />
In the scant moments it took for the wings of the starting gate to open, Father Patrick resorted to galloping, surrendering his unique gait in a shocking display of movement that no one had ever seen him make. For Father Patrick and his many supporters, the race that was supposed to be his to make history, was history for him the moment he galloped.<br />
<br />
10x 11/57 3/4 11/63 1/2 11/63 1/2 11/65 11/70 Those are the past-performance lines for Father Patrick's Hambletonian effort.<br />
<br />
Trainer Jimmy Takter never saw exactly what the audience saw when the starting gate swung open because he was driving another colt he trained, Trixton. "I was waiting for 'Patrick' to come," Takter said about the stretch drive after the race. "I had no clue. I didn't see him so I knew something must have happened to him."<br />
<br />
John Campbell, no stranger to the race as a winning and losing driver over the years, took charge of the race early with the third Takter-trained colt in the field, Nuncio. Trixton and Takter chased Nuncio. Trixton and Takter won; Nuncio and Campbell were second. The Takter-trained exacta pair was so fast that the rest of the field was far behind them.<br />
<br />
Takter told press-box members later he was elated to come in first and second in the classic race and happy to be the winning driver but that he was convinced it would have been different if Father Patrick trotted in the race.<br />
<br />
"If Father Patrick stayed flat," Takter said, he would've wound up behind me [and Trixton] and come up in that position and he would've blown by both of us in the stretch."<br />
<br />
Trixton and Nuncio had a good deal of supporters in the win pool; both went off at variables of 4-1. The non-Father-Patrick-involved exacta paid only $39.60.<br />
<br />
For the best part of the season so far, Trixton was winning powerfully but could not beat his stable mate Father Patrick. Trixton was clearly the second-best in the division. And, as he trotted into history as the 89th Hambletonian winner, everyone knew the second-best trotter was the real horse that caught a break.<br />
<br />
Many of us longed for the emotional punch we felt when we saw other special horses come rolling down the stretch, grabbing the ground and gliding to victory, almost laughing at foes. It is a special feeling we are only exposed to when a special horse comes along. It allows us to witness a certain greatness which we long to adore. We were robbed of that rare moment at a crucial time in the sport's history.<br />
<br />
It was certainly not the first time and won't be the last time that a revered horse lost a big event. But to many of us following the impressive steps that Father Patrick has taken to victory at two and at three, this is the one to grieve over because he didn't win or lose--he just ran off. That left so many of us feeling the same as Takter: Father Patrick would have won the Hambletonian. He will win again, for sure, but the greatest moment of his career, no matter where he marks victories again, is lost because Father Patrick just ran off.Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-66074097828138243492014-07-30T22:25:00.000-07:002014-07-31T20:24:29.350-07:00Hambletonian and ‘Oaks’ single contests with heavy favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After returning to the elim-heat format,
where colts race more than once on the first Saturday in August to earn a berth
in the Hambletonian final, the main event is forced into a single heat with
only 11 colts dropping into the box. This is not much of a surprise,
considering the presence of Jimmy Takter’s dominating colt, Father Patrick. As
well, Takter’s Trixton and Nuncio are on board. That may be a triptych into
history for team Takter. It is certainly enough horse power to have made the
decisions of many colts’ connections to stay out of the race.<br />
<br />
Some of the colts that have decided to show up for the $1,006,125 race are
surprise entries considering their histories this season. This could make for
fascinating results in the exotics, even with the mighty Takter trio. <br />
<br />
The Hambletonian Oaks will go as a single mile as usual, though the soph-filly
division has also been dominated by a Tatker terror—Shake It Cerry. <br />
<br />
Below is a horse-by-horse analysis and suggested wagering elements for the
events.<br />
<br />
HAMBLETONIAN No. 89 FINAL<br />
(In post position order)<br />
<br />
Resolve<br />
One of the surprises, this son of Muscle Hill has done well in seven starts as
a soph and came close to Nuncio recently but has only a wild chance of finding
the circumstances to win.<br />
<br />
JJ Alex<br />
It must be a thrill for his connections to be a part of this field and that is
where the thrills will end, for he has only won his maiden at two and been
cashing a few place and show checks racing agains far less competition. He is
another of the surprise participants.<br />
<br />
Doncango<br />
Having the season of a lifetime, Ake Svanstedt found a way to be a part of the
main event by using this lightly raced son of Donato Hanover as his ticket. The
colt has only raced once as a sophomore and perhaps has no idea of the strength
outside of him, no less that he is a character in an historic event. He is the
third surprise entry.<br />
<br />
Datsyuk<br />
This guy has been competitive, cashed checks and shown a lot of spunk against
the division’s top tier but he has never truly threatened Takter’s best. He has
chased Nuncio and Father Patrick to the wire, picking up seconds but never
showing the ability to thwart their power.<br />
<br />
Nuncio<br />
When Father Patrick isn’t in the mix, Nuncio commands the field. We found this
guy before Takter had him, when he surprised everyone trotting second to Father
Patrick in the Breeders Crown elim (a great exacta) and final (an okay exacta).
He may only inherit a win, based on dire, unforeseen trouble besetting “Patrick.”<br />
<br />
Royal Ice<br />
Trond Smedshammer brings to the cast a colt hardly noticed along the
Hambletonian Trail, having broken his maiden this season and doing little else.
Hardly raced at two, he is the biggest surprise to show up.<br />
<br />
Trixton<br />
His only chance to beat his training partner Patrick was a third with trainer
Takter driving, as Jimmy is scheduled to do in this mile. Regardless of any
changes from that race to this, Jimmy needs to somehow out-gun his best, who we
are coming to shortly. Certainly he can upset Patrick but again, extreme duress
must fall upon his most dangerous foe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />Il Sogno Dream<br />He has come along nicely since we supported him at huge odds—we had him second
at 18-1 to Trixton four back and he has improved since. Though he is not a
terrific surprise to drop into the box, we thought he might pass to find an
easier spot to win some money against glamour-boy trotters. Too bad there
aren’t elim heats because he may do much better trying to get to the final than
racing in it.<br />
<br />
Harper Blue Chip<br />
He went back to Canada to swipe the division from his Ontario group and did so
easily because he was successfully active against the top tier here. We
expected him in this group but don’t ponder a major threat without you-know-who
getting into an unpredictable circumstance.<br />
<br />
Father Patrick<br />
Great horses overcome adversity. This is a great horse and he has already shown
he can make up for inner-mile mayhem. Last year he had a strange shakeup in the
stretch, losing enough ground to allow any horse to falter but he came back,
made up the surrendered ground and won. At three he is untouchable. So what
about the 10 hole is adverse? We don’t know and we cannot concoct a scenario
where it makes so much of a difference that this monstrous trotter that
continues to trounce his competition, loses this historic mile. Takter was
visibly disappointed about getting post 10 but he handled it like a pro when
interviewed. But in his heart of hearts he must know that what I and others are
writing about this super colt is true, meaning Father Patrick has many more
ways to win this regardless of where he leaves the gate. <br /><br />Don Dorado<br />From tier two, this colt will have a built-in cover spot but the rail horse is not likely to leave quickly enough to make it worthy of the trip. This guy has a lot of potential and we thought he would be much better by now but he has not shown the super stuff necessary to make Father Patrick break a sweat. He may develop as the season ensues and certainly may mature enough to be a strong older trotter but it is highly unlikely we will be seeing him parade back to the winner's circle in this dance.<br />
<br />
HAMBLETONIAN OAKS No 89 FINAL<br />
(In post position order)<br />
<br />
Designed To Be<br />
This the only filly to beat Shake It Cerry this season and she did it when
“Cerry” had a tough, outside push early, still finishing second. After that,
the public turned on Cerry, a bad move, and this daughter of Donato Hanover
disappointed supporters making her the favorite twice because has not been able
to shake Cerry down again. She will be bet hard, though, as one of the top
choices.<br />
<br />
Cee Bee Yes<br />
Since winning at Yonkers she has not gone well enough on the mile oval to be
taken seriously, going off at 40-1 in the Oaks prep, where we thought she could
show some toughness. In the “Miller” she was also a pawn for Cerry.<br />
<br />
Vanity Matters<br />
She will have to look at the rest of the season to improve because she is out
of her league here. Here trainer is great and always sends his stock out to
compete but she will be lucky to get a check among the best in the division.<br />
<br />
Harley Momma<br />
She has had her problems and may be coming around to racing as well as she did
before her injury but the Oaks is a long reach for a filly that has only won a
single race after her maiden and did so against far less than these.<br />
<br />
Take The Money<br />
A promising contender that would have three-straight wins in top company coming
into this race were it not for a bad break on the lead at Pocono two back.
Trainer Julie Miller has every right to aim at Cerry here and with husband Andy
on the mend and off the bike, using Dave Palone makes plenty of sense with this
prospect.<br />
<br />
Tweet Me<br />
No wins against any in the division leave this gal out in the cold. She picks
up some checks but is in no way a threat here.<br />
<br />
Lifetime Pursuit<br />
Stuck in the shadow of Cerry in the Takter barn, this filly has been somewhat
disappointing and has not been able to keep up with the better in the crop.<br />
<br />
Heaven’s Door<br />
Another Ake student, this one shows talent but is unable to make a mark large
enough to take her as seriously as others. In exotics she makes sense but under
any other circumstances she must look to be an upset.<br />
<br />
Cooler Schooner<br />
Scratched sick last week, this filly was waiting for a good spot to really show
her stuff but is she well enough to make noise in the big feature? As an exotic
partner she may have merit but she isn’t looking like she can beat the best.<br />
<br />
Nitro Nittany<br />
She has a very good record but she has not shown the kind of talent that makes
her any kind of contender here. As well, she has the far outside to contend
with while handling the kind of class she doesn’t seem able to join. <br />
<br />
Shake It Cerry<br />
From the second tier, the best of the bunch may once again be the second choice
and that could mean we get still another great price on her. She towers over
all of these and whether she controls the fractions or slams on the accelerator
she takes them all for loops every time. This may be a good spot for her to
stalk Designed To Be when that one leaves until her marauder move or she may
take over early on and ask them to catch her. Either way, she shines and should
add this classic to her classy resume.<br />
</span><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One more edition of the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog will be published
for 2014. <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> and the Hambletonian Society
will then start the Breeders Crown Countdown, featuring coverage of races with
BC-eligible division members that warrant wagering consideration.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-26564926498278570182014-07-23T20:20:00.000-07:002014-07-23T20:20:04.178-07:00Hambletonian Oaks sans elims, prep mile to final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Hambletonian Oaks field is set and on
July 26 at the Meadowlands a special prep event will be the last we will see of
the field until Aug. 2 when the final is part of the stake-filled day’s
program. As well, two colt divisions of the Arden Downs at the Meadows on July
26 have to be the deciding events for six eligibles’ connections whether or not
to drop into the box for the main event.<br />
<br />
The fillies go to the gate in the $35,000 prep and their prowess will be
measured against the division’s best, Shake It Cerry. The grand filly is the
Jimmy Takter heroine that may earn him both Hambo crowns. Though he also sends
Lifetime Pursuit off in this affair, “Cerry” is the focus.<br />
<br />
After her remarkable win at 7-2 last week when most bettors (not on our
suggestion) let her go for the sake of Designed To Be (leaving from post 1 just
in front of Cerry in this prep), it appears most people are convinced—as we
continually remarked through the season thus far—that Cerry is the best. <br />
<br />
We may be reiterating much of this prep analysis next week when it is time for
the final but there is no way to wager against Cerry, who becomes a magnificent
key for exotics only if we look deep into second-and-third candidates that will
boost the price (hopefully a ton of bettors are not wheeling her).<br />
<br />
Last week we liked Cooler Schooner to play the co-starring role but she broke
early in the “Miller” and was eliminated. However, she went off at 13-1 and may
go off longer in the prep. The other candidate is Cee Bee Yes. She has been
highly under-rated while being competitive with the top tier of the division,
so she should offer odds strong enough to help the exacta cause (she was 17-1
in the Miller, where she made two moves.<br />
<br />
At the Meadows that afternoon, the first Arden Downs for the soph colts, worth
$32,455, the eligible Sarcastic Man (one of three eligibles) leaves from the
inside and is bound to offer a generous win price, much more than he should
offer. On the outside, local hero Dave Palone will drive Stakes N Plates
(eligible) and the crowd will swarm to support him. Sarcastic Man can be
forgiven for his Reynolds loss (no colt was going to out-trot Nuncio) and his
break in the PA All Stars, as well as his sires stakes loss in June at Pocono.
He is a contender and the odds predicted make him the bet.<br />
<br />
In round two, worth $32,855, Il Sogno Dream heads a trio of hopefuls, including
Mister Bs Way and Amped Up Hanover. We were all over “Sogno” from his early
soph campaign, capturing much of his six wins and four places for profit,
including his second (19-1) to Trixton in the Goodtimes Final. He won’t offer
much as a winner but as a key we still like him and we still think it possible
he will go on Aug. 2. With him, take both of the other hopefuls, even though
Mister Bs Way’s odds may suffer for having Palone along for the ride (still, he
is 12-1 on the morning line). Amped Up Hanover has not logged into the win
column much but is a tad better than the rest.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-76984453708737571952014-07-16T21:07:00.000-07:002014-07-16T21:07:45.456-07:00Hopefuls contest in late-season preps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With two weeks until the Hambletonian and
one week until the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations, the “Trail” has entered
crunch time. Hopefuls will compete on Saturday, July 19 in the Reynolds
Memorial at the Meadowlands and the Canadian Breeders Championships at Mohawk. <br />
<br />
Since the Reynolds for the fillies only attracted four, it will be run as an
exhibition race. The male equivalent saw 22 drop into the box, dividing into
two divisions on the pari-mutual card. <br />
<br />
Nuncio, entering off a runner-up finish to Father Patrick in the Stanley Dancer
last week, highlights the opening split. While he is the fiercest competitor in
this split, Southwind Poseidon has been improving with every outing. Coming in
off of back-to-back victories, he may not be able to defeat Nuncio, but he’ll
certainly be in the mix. Uva Hanover, one of the nine hopefuls in this event,
could also get involved. <br />
<br />
The other episode is a Hambo-hopeful free for all, with all 11 staked to the
trotting classic. Other than the match-up of Trixton and Truxton, don’t
discount Datsyuk from the second-tier. Trailing Mister B’s Way, who frequently
shows speed, Datsyuk should get an easy trip and provide value. <br />
<br />
Both genders of sophomore trotters will compete in finals for the Canadian
Breeders Championship. The colt final features eligibles Entranced and Harper
Blue Chip, with Harper Blue Chip looking near unbeatable off of a victory in
the elimination. <br />
<br />
Margie is the lone hopeful in the filly final. While she barely made the final,
Flexible Woman could be a live long shot. She was victorious on this track
against Grassroots competition a few weeks back and came into the eliminations
off of an impressive fourth-place closing effort at Grand River. Being locked
at the pylons in the elim and caught behind a fading leader, watch out for this
filly as she seeks redemption at a price.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-62283766893506047032014-07-14T09:56:00.002-07:002014-07-14T09:56:46.845-07:00Fillies still dreaming with sires stakes at YonkersMonday, July 14, at Yonkers Raceway, soph-filly trotters engage in more New York Sires Stakes divisions, which are lucrative affairs featuring some Hambo hopefuls.<br /><br />It is still well before the time for connections to make a decision about their fillies in the Hambletonian Oaks (we are assuming no filly will enter the main event, though qualified to drop into the box) and the presence of such top performers as Shake It Cerry and Designed to Be may have scared away some probable entrees, but until time runs out, all things are possible.<br /><br />The two NYSS divisions are worth six digits and the first ($111,500) offers five eligible gals. Market Rally will be a strongly wagered entry, with Glowngold the second choice but two other eligibles deserve attention. Lindys Crazy Doll is one for three, lightly raced and in a good launching spot with post 5. "Lindy"-breds are strong in these parts and trainer Tom Haughton will send this one out looking for the biggest part of the purse. Improvement topples the favorites and at a good price. Gammys Girl is the other hopeful.<br /><br />The second NYSS split has only one eligible and that should be the only choice if you get a price you like. Beauty Of Gray has almost done it for us before, is competitive among her state-bred foes and with $113,500 on the line and still chances to dream of the "Oaks," this is the time for her to shine.Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-72050108822027449132014-07-09T20:23:00.001-07:002014-07-09T20:23:53.227-07:00Top colt, filly contenders in major preps<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The August-aimed colts and fillies are on
board at the Meadowlands for the Stanley Dancer and Del Miller memorials, which
may decide for each if they are going to the Hambletonian events. The two giant
stakes are on the Meadowlands Pace program, July 12. <br />
<br />
On July 11 at Mohawk, some filly and colt eligibles embark in Canadian Breeders
Championships (CBC) elims. There is reason to look at these for betting
purposes, with little hope that any of the nine hopefuls will return to America
for the first weekend in August.<br />
<br />
The $317,000 Stanley Dancer’s headline matter is the meeting of Father Patrick
and Trixton, the two Jimmy Takter trotters that have been scourging the
division this season. As well, Nuncio, on Takter’s watch this season, takes
them both on in this mile.<br />
<br />
Trixton rewarded those making him the highest priced yearling of 2012, coming
from the Hambo-winner Muscle Hill, with a sophomore debut that stretched
successfully into five-stright wins in six starts. Unlike Father Patrick,
Trixton was lightly raced at two and is in full gear to join his sire in
history.<br />
<br />
Father Patrick’s sire, Cantab Hall, is a great sire but not a Hambo winner, and
on paper, Father Patrick is immensely greater than Trixton. This is why he will
be the top choice here (as well as because the crowd will not like the 12 post
for Trixton) and Nuncio seems comfortable being the co-star of Takter’s giant
trio. <br />
<br />
There is no way for us to propose an upset but we can take Father Patrick as a
key and eliminate the other two for a price. After all, we cannot dismiss the
talents of the non-Taktarian [sic] foes included in the mix.<br />
<br />
We suggest two other Muscle Hill products, Muscle Network and
Martiniwithmuscle, to pump up an exacta and trifecta. The former is another Ake
Svanstedt product. The crowd may not bet it solely on Ake’s involvement and
allow for a price. The colt is improving and if he does so at a Svanstedtian
[sic] rate, he will be trouble for the obvious Father Patrick foes. When “Martini”
doesn’t skip gait he is a whirl of trot. Don Dorado’s price would dictate if he
is added to the duo mentioned. With a key as strong as “Pat,” it may be worthy
a few combos with the longer shots.<br />
<br />
In the $213,500 Del Miller Memorial, the Takter topper is Shake It Cerry. She
is a daughter of Hambo-winner Donato Hanover and aside from one defeat from
Designed To Be this season due to a tough first half outside, she is one of the
best soph-filly trotters to come along in a while. Another Svanstedt student, Heaven’s
Door, has done well for him and us betting him and should be included in
exotics if “Cerry” be your key. Cooler Schooler is a fine exotic companion,
too, as trainer Jim Campbell always sends his stock out fit and fighting
(bother John is scheduled to help by driving). <br />
<br />
The night before those big miles, Mohawk has three splits for fillies and two
for colts in CBC elims. Bettors best go with those still eligible for August
antics (but likely not to drop in the box).<br />
<br />
For the fillies that means Miss Aultsville, Muscle Babe and Belgravia in the
first elim; Wings Of Ballykeel in the second; and Miss Luv, Margie and I
Jasmine in the third. Chances are the betting crowd may let any of these go off
as bargains, so check the prices, making these your prime contenders.<br />
<br />
For the colts, take Entranced in the first CBC split and Harper Blue Chip in
the second. Harper Blue Chip could be the only hopeful to drop in the Hambo
box, as he is an improving colt that has raced with far better and produced
more than any of the colts he faces in this eveny. <br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-58670394711938765532014-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:002014-07-02T21:04:33.421-07:00All Stars highlight prep week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6yzQ225n3DbOS1h_HSPGSYUHqCTSJfzxnWQbRAPabHNeiXPuQEgRpN0isAVRMANzY6PtStY9TFMS5k5RnOKqwXf1LIormLcghqeobUDIbpok7MVrb4xhkawmDGeK4yataObjR_9FkioU/s1600/1373645221505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6yzQ225n3DbOS1h_HSPGSYUHqCTSJfzxnWQbRAPabHNeiXPuQEgRpN0isAVRMANzY6PtStY9TFMS5k5RnOKqwXf1LIormLcghqeobUDIbpok7MVrb4xhkawmDGeK4yataObjR_9FkioU/s1600/1373645221505.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While many hopefuls are sidelined for the Stanley Dancer
Memorial next week, others will contest in three splits of the $90,000
Pennsylvania All-Stars (PAAS) at Pocono Downs on Saturday, July 5. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opening split has a trio of eligibles in Paparazzi,
Outburst and Jj Alex. While Outburst will take money due to competing against
Father Patrick in the Earl Beal last week, Jett Star will likely be ignored. He
too competed against Father Patrick but it was in splits of the Pennsylvania
Sires Stakes (PASS). When competing against easier company, for example:
non-winners of three, he raced competitively and won easily. With the right
trip, he could out-trot this field at a price. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The middle division has a sextet of hopefuls with Sarcastic
Man, Kapow Hanover, Amped Up Hanover, Stretch Cunningham, Truxton and Another
Transcript. The first of the six, Sarcastic Man, was an early standout based on
his performance in the Dexter Cup elimination, winning at 12-1 in 1:59.2. Since
then, he’s had difficulty competing in the big leagues. He drew into a weaker
division, which makes this week his best chance to rebound. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The closing episode features hopefuls Journey, Il Sogno
Dream and Uva Hanover. The median of the trio enters off of back-to-back
runner-up efforts in the Goodtimes; back class that will make him among the
public’s top choices. To his flank is another dangerous rival, Dony Andreas.
He’s an opportunist colt; he races his best from the pocket. He has the speed
to get his perfect trip and is in against a company where he can surpass rivals
through the passing lane. </div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-33961932520614310922014-06-25T20:29:00.001-07:002014-06-28T16:57:02.198-07:00PA and NY events on Sunday; Colts make their bids in the ‘Beal’ deal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLZ3JsoIZ_bTWt-6IFl9lVvFekP7qidkRZXTJv0hVeb6ySiNiCKPBELSTS4Trj73g1iY63wP9cT_lex8_HyheZg1NlAz5X0BtP0ZHaTZ6w4e4l7IPlM6uNB-bCJFxi8I8tjw4B7cjrBEP/s1600/4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLZ3JsoIZ_bTWt-6IFl9lVvFekP7qidkRZXTJv0hVeb6ySiNiCKPBELSTS4Trj73g1iY63wP9cT_lex8_HyheZg1NlAz5X0BtP0ZHaTZ6w4e4l7IPlM6uNB-bCJFxi8I8tjw4B7cjrBEP/s1600/4355.jpg" height="158" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buffalo Raceway will contest two divisions of the $122,600
New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for colt trotters on the afternoon of Sunday, June
29. A quintet of Hambo hopefuls will continue their journey towards the first
Saturday in August on the half-mile oval in Hamburg. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mister Anson and Expressive Action are the lone eligibles in
the premier episode, contesting against six other Empire-bred trotters. While
Expressive Action will be one of the favorites, be on the lookout for Daley
Lovin. He was aggressive in the last splits of NYSS at Saratoga, taking command
on lap two and dueling towards three-quarters. He might be fitting for the
half-mile game to be played this afternoon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The other split features three hopefuls with Karets, Rocky
De Vie and Flyhawk El Durado. Flyhawk El Durado, drawing post eight, has the
speed to get into contention, even though his speed could not withstand the
pressure of Gural Hanover, who starts from post six. With a tactical steer,
Flyhawk El Durado could put up a fight with the likely favorite, even though he
is the logical second choice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PA All-Stars events adorn the June 29 program at Pocono. Shake It Cerry comes back in the third of three episodes for filly trotters and we like her again. She is just too good to ignore at any time, though her price offerings are minuscule, at best.<br /><br />The event's first split seems to belong to Broadway Socks. She is sharp right now and has it over this field. Again, price will be an issue if you make it one.<br /><br />Finally Lifetime Pursuit dominates the second split, so key her and land an exotic or two, as upsets in this trio appear slim to none. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The
Earl Beal, Jr. Final has turned into a very big deal for soph-colt trotters,
especially those en route to the August classic. The “Beal” is worth a
half-million dollars and that has earned it a major spot on the Hambletonian
Trail. Since its inception, however, for various reasons none of its winners
have gone on to victory in the Hambo. <br />
<br />
Dejarmbo won the first; he was not eligible for the Hambo. Googoo Gaagaa won
the second; he had a pacing sire so he was not eligible for the Hambo; and
Corky got into the Hambo final but finished third to Royalty For Life. <br />
<br />
This year’s Beal presents nine giants of the division to date, including the
season’s first meeting between the Jimmy Takter duo Father Patrick and Nuncio
(his other colt giant, Trixton, is not here). At two, Nuncio was trained by Jim
Oscarsson and was second best to “Patrick” in the Breeders Crown elim (which we
supported on these blogs) and final. <br />
<br />
Also present in the Beal due to strong elim action are a few colts that may
become challenges to Takter’s duo, though the domination of Patrick seems
undaunted. Here are some comments on the rest of the field:<br />
<br />
Amped Up Hanover<br />
The Ron Burke trainee is the least of Takter’s worries. Even with the inside
post and the passing lane this guy needs the front to collapse for a path to
the finish line, much like Domethatagain received last week at Pocono to beat
Captaintreacherous. <br />
<br />
Harper Blue Chip<br />
This guy is improving and seems fearless, two elements that may mean he has not
peaked. Those are dangerous qualities to have this time of the season as the
dominant duo is at a peak (have we really seen the best of Patrick?).<br />
<br />
Don Dorado<br />
We have felt from the beginning of the season that if any colt was to build up
enough steam to beat Patrick it would be this guy. He is getting better by the
mile and when we see the best he has to offer at three it may be a major threat
to Patrick (we already feel he will be better than Nuncio). <br />
<br />
Outburst<br />
Along with “Armed,” this guy has a lot to prove but trainer Noel Daley may be
moving him along more slowly than what has shown in only four races that make
him the member of the field with the least earnings at three.<br />
<br />
Well Built<br />
Some of his gait issues clouded the start of his season and now we are edgy
about how well built his stride may be, so to speak. On a good day he is fast
and strong but by comparison to Patrick and some others here Well Built
presents second thoughts.<br />
<br />
Datsyuk<br />
Charlie Norris has never had a colt of this caliber and in another blend of
crop this trotter may have been the top dog. But he has not shown the guts to
topple the Takter team and he may have gotten as good as he will get.<br />
<br />
Sumatra<br />
Tom Fanning’s colt is getting some tough trips and bad posts, hampering most of
his attempts to be a giant killer. He may have it in him because his Dexter Cup
wins were impressive but he won’t get a chance to prove it nose to nose with
bad posts and top-rated traffic.<br />
<br />
On paper, Father Patrick is still the best but the Pocono oval can whip up a
storm with a large hot field that presents adversity beyond repair in a single
mile. A case in point is how Royalty For Life swept the Hambletonian heats but
was humbled using his heat on the outside at Pocono in the Colonial. <br />
<br />
The few scenarios that beat Father Patrick place any focus of upset upon Harper
Blue Chip, Don Dorado and Sumatra, and that three will offer some hefty
payoffs, probably in that order. <br />
</span><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-2010876769176394162014-06-22T19:17:00.001-07:002014-06-22T19:17:58.129-07:00NY, Ontario, kick off stakes week<div class="MsoNormal">
Preparation for the August classic is now beginning to reach
full swing, with two divisions of the $124,800 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for fillies at
Tioga Downs on Monday, June 23, and two divisions for colts of the Ontario Sires Stakes
(ONSS) at Mohawk Racetrack on Tuesday, June 24. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opening division of the NYSS features three hopefuls,
Lindys Crazy Dolly, Slice Slice Baby and Glowngold. Yet, the interesting gal in
this field is Maud Blue Chip. She makes her second start off of a month layoff,
as well as her second start with Lasix. Since her debut was at Buffalo, it can be tossed out, since a half-mile oval may not be ideal for a return.
She’ll start from post 5 and hopefully travel a better mile. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Market Rally highlights the second division, coming off an
easy win against NYSS competition, the "Oaks" hopeful will likely take a majority
of the wagering. The other eligible, Beauty Of Gray, appears to be her main
threat, traveling first over to finish second in her NYSS division last week.
She draws the rail, allowing her to go an easy mile to try and defeat the NYSS
freshman champion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only one division of the ONSS features eligible colts. The duo in
that division is comprised of Entranced and O Narutac Perfetto, who might be
the best of the bunch in the second split. </div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-41234717563166607222014-06-18T20:00:00.001-07:002014-06-20T09:10:30.245-07:00Takter colts split divisions in Earl Beal, Jr. elims; more colts in New York<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Among the eliminations in a stakes-filled
program at Pocono on Saturday, June 21, two elims for the Earl Beal, Jr.
Memorial feature some of the top glamour-boy colt trotters thus far this
season. Who’s missing? Arguably the best of them, Trixton, is resting after his
big win last week at Mohawk. This means he will not be able to face Father
Patrick, who is in division two and handles the first event of the season that
goes beyond Pennsylvania-breds. <br />
<br />
Nuncio is in division one, so he doesn’t have to face his stable mate (when
Nuncio began to make noise at two he was not with the Jimmy Takter team, as he
is this season). Nuncio and Father Patrick are the only Takter colts in these
blends; the rest are those that want to be giant killers.<br />
<br />
In round one, the first of the $25,000 elims, we could be motivated to try to
beat Nuncio, if only because he will be bet so heavily that he could wind up an
underlay. We have had a fancy for Don Dorado and though we like him to make the
final, winning this elim may be too much from the outside considering what is
going on in two of the posts inside of him.<br />
<br />
In post 3 we find the ever-improving and poorly named (a personal opinion, of
course) Datsyuk. The Charlie Norris trained and driven colt has a real shot at
a trip to New Jersey in August if he keeps up the aggressive work (three for
four wins, one place). <br />
<br />
Chris Ryder’s Well Built may have gait issues but when he is smooth he rocks
well and easily. Along with Datsyuk, these two could deliver Nuncio his first
loss, though he is bound to make the final. Datsyuk would be our first choice,
assuming he will offer a decent price. Well Built is the other to use in league
with Nuncio in exotics. <br />
<br />
In the second division we won’t give any of the six challengers of Father
Patrick any shot to be second or worse because Father Patrick appears as
seamless as he was at two and he has made more money than all of his foes in
this elim division without breaking a sweat and he has zoomed on this oval in
one of his three wins (from three starts) this season.<br />
<br />
Harper Blue Chip is getting better and he was real strong against Trixton in
Canada last week, so he could be best of the rest of the “also-trotted” group.
Sumatra is also one that may be overlooked by bettors and who deserves
attention. Tom Fanning’s colt may not have shown us all he has yet and along
with the aforementioned he could participate in the exotics and most assuredly
will make it to the final.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
S<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">aratoga Raceway will contest three divisions, two
containing Hambo hopefuls, of the $177,300 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) on
Friday, June 20. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The initial division features two eligibles, Expressive
Action and Flyhawk El Durado. While Expressive Action is the sharpest of the
field of six, Gural Hanover has the speed to get involved in the mile. With
this being his second start back, he seems like the logical choice on the value
spectrum. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since the second division lacks hopefuls, the spotlight
shifts to the final division, where Lukas Hall is the lone hopeful racing
against five other foes. He returns off of a layoff onset by his break in the
Empire Breeders Classic elimination, as well as adds lasix. His inside draw
also makes him the one to beat. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
<br />
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a>
blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live
coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race
results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-48723668298253807322014-06-17T09:25:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:25:04.572-07:00Pocono presents filly stakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCbud2__tQ70B9WUdyhEG4pHHJHmA4oJipSApDEl7OzZcJ-QuxPgowRY4eNH28p6NWQslUP4R2iKneXCjiMN2pM1pCEXp3i0MLo-nrOolBGJZ1P2UoMfIrHPT378n_hU7bqB6yegQ9fa2/s1600/Tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCbud2__tQ70B9WUdyhEG4pHHJHmA4oJipSApDEl7OzZcJ-QuxPgowRY4eNH28p6NWQslUP4R2iKneXCjiMN2pM1pCEXp3i0MLo-nrOolBGJZ1P2UoMfIrHPT378n_hU7bqB6yegQ9fa2/s1600/Tornado.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday, June 18 “Oaks” eligibles battle
in two Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) at Pocono Downs.<br />
<br />
Nine gals take to the gate for the first division, worth $98,100. Only three in
the field are not aimed for August.<br />
<br />
Donatella Hanover is a Jimmy Takter student that has taken a back seat to the
herd of successful hopefuls coming from his barn. She has been a fan choice and
failed three times this season and won only once. Still, she cannot be
dismissed here. As well as coming to Pocono for the first time this season, she
is well placed here and may revert to showing early foot against this bunch, as
she has been out-paced at the Meadowlands, Meadows and Philadelphia recently.
As well, even with the Takter brand, she will offer a good price.<br />
<br />
Another $98,100 is on the line in the second PASS for femmes. The only way to
describe this mile is to compare five eligibles and two non-eligibles to one
filly. That reads: a field of eight verses Shake It Cerry.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons Donatella Hanover is not a talked-about Takter homey is
Shake It Cerry. She is three for three so far and on a path to make Bee A
Magician’s champion 2013 season look less than spectacular. “Shake” is seamless
in her gait and when she at last lets out the speed, she will prove to be
faster than “Bee.” <br />
<br />
So, what does this field have to offer her in the way of competition? If you
find out, email us at TwinSpires and we will take your opinion into
consideration. In the meantime, Team Takter’s accountant should take out his
black-ink pen for another positive entry because this purse money is a wad he
or she can take to the back, literally. <br />
<br />
Don’t be surprised, by the way, if Lifetime Dream wakes up enough to make this
a Takter exacta. <br />
<br />
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a>
blog for updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live
coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race
results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-5627823884446426352014-06-11T20:29:00.001-07:002014-06-14T10:26:52.344-07:00Goodtimes, PA sires stakes test colts, Buffalo fillies come out <div class="MsoNormal">
Among the $2.4-million in stakes action on Mohawk’s premier
stakes night, June 14, the Goodtimes Final features a few prominent sophomores
who are striding well into the first Saturday in August. Half of the 10 for the
$272,100 mile are eligible for the classic, including Flyhawk El Durado,
Trixton, Il Sogno Dream, Speak The Truth and Harper Blue Chip. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trixton heads into the final with a four-win streak, with
the combined margin of victories 26 ½ lengths. The dominant performer from the
Jimmy Takter barn deserves to be an odds-on favorite but that doesn’t
necessarily mean he cannot lose. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of his few challengers is Harper Blue Chip, who was the
runner-up to Trixton in the second elimination. Making his soph debut, he
coasted around the oval, residing 4 lengths off of Trixton at the finish. Since
he has a start under his belt, the Ontario Sires Stakes champion should give a
better effort, especially since the big money is on the line. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trixton’s other rival is Il Sogno Dream, who was the
runner-up to Flyhawk El Durado, the winner of the first elimination. Adding
hopples last start, he sat an easy trip and gave pursuit to Flyhawk El Durado
once given room in the stretch, coming only ¾ lengths short of victory. While Trixton
will be a tougher challenger, an easy trip and second start over the track
should equal an improving horse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Pocono the same night, more colts battle in three
divisions of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes, with purses of $73,000-plus each.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three hopefuls go in round one, with our support for DD’s
Hitman intact. He is ready to cash a win after two starts and one third and in
a good spot from post 3 to beat the obvious choice, Amped Up Hanover. The other
eligible is JJ Alex.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the second of the trio, we will seek Nuncio’s defeat for
the value probably offered Don Dorado. He is improving every race and seems
ready to make it known he is around to stay on the journey to August. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is nothing to say about division three but Father
Patrick.<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
New York-bred gals are set to contest in the $118,200 New
York Sires Stakes (NYSS) on Sunday, June 15 at Buffalo Raceway. Four "Oaks"-hopeful fillies will square off against eight others in two $59,100
divisions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Division one features two eligibles, Glowngold and Beauty Of
Gray. The latter of the two could be value in this field of six, having
experience over a half-mile oval. She also raced well in the Empire Breeders
Classic. Looking back to the end of her frosh campaign, she traveled
first over against the best in the NYSS final, faltering slightly. She has two
starts under her belt, which could be a sign that she’s ready to strike. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other division consists of two hopefuls, Market Rally,
who is the NYSS frosh champion, and Gammy’s Girl. While Market Rally is among
the top contenders in this race, don’t overlook Keep The Cash. She heads into
this race winning her last three races, one being at Western Fair (a 20-length
recovery from a break). She is making her way up the class ladder and could be
up to the challenge these gals will present. </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for updates and races involving
eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-29751282794026826162014-06-07T10:11:00.000-07:002014-06-07T10:11:53.027-07:00‘Empire’ championships highlight hopefuls at Vernon <div class="MsoNormal">
The Empire State is once again in a spotlight, with its top colts and fillies competing in the Empire Breeders Classics (EBC) this
Sunday, June 8, at Vernon Downs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The filly EBC carries a purse of $217,725, with three August-classic hopefuls competing for a piece (Glowngold, Beauty Of Gray and Slice Slice
Baby). The nine gals lining behind the gate for this event make it a wide-open
affair with value in many of our options. Of the two elimination
winners, Crediama appears to have the most value. She won her elim
impressively, sweeping by horses to take the lead and draw clear to a 3-length
victory. That effort shows she has awakened and could be even stronger heading
into the final. Slice Slice Baby might offer a good price in the exotics, with
her closing ability compensating for her draw of post 9. Keying her with the
favorite, likely to be Avalicious, might provide for a nice trifecta. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trio of eligible colts comprise the nine-horse field in the
$215,125 colt EBC final for the boys--Karets, Explosive Action and Rocky De Vie. Karets and
Explosive Action won their eliminations last week, assuring them as
probable favorites in this race. <br />
<br />
Yet, the Trond
Smedshammer-trainee Hallanet has shown promise in his two starts of 2014.
Finishing third in a sires stake at Tioga, he followed it with a third-place
effort to Karets in his elimination. Hallanet had made a move to the lead
around the half, which could be the culprit for his faltering, although he was
only a neck from victory. He draws well to get a stalking trip, something he
needs to have any chance to win.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for updates and races involving
eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. </div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-42412394500529386622014-06-04T20:28:00.000-07:002014-06-04T20:28:17.490-07:00Goodtimes will be had by colts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdfAmwhnPmuJIcE4oKpABKxw4gjuBOOT0aMPowY4QHURswc7p3POK6q1WB0rD0FxZHWfwWW8Lr9zh-SS7uzAyTlG7KsGkBKuEV6QOUOiOuquqTT4IJGEo-gV6RIXPb8qjxf5XYveJn2nb/s1600/Karets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdfAmwhnPmuJIcE4oKpABKxw4gjuBOOT0aMPowY4QHURswc7p3POK6q1WB0rD0FxZHWfwWW8Lr9zh-SS7uzAyTlG7KsGkBKuEV6QOUOiOuquqTT4IJGEo-gV6RIXPb8qjxf5XYveJn2nb/s1600/Karets.JPG" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s time to head north, colts, because the Hambletonian
Trail takes us to Mohawk for two weeks. First, the boys will battle in the
Goodtimes elims on June 6. There are two divisions, each worth $30,000, and the
best of these miles return next week for the final.<br />
<br />
Four Hambletonian eligibles are included in the first field, with six just
looking for some decent paydays. Certainly, Il Sogno Dream is yet to make the
noise he is capable of making and there could be some problems getting loud
enough to do so from post 9 but don’t count him out. His sires stakes effort
two races back was an 8-hole journey at the Meadows and he was showing some
muscle before breaking, which put him out of the contest. He qualified
brilliantly afterwards. It’s always great to catch a winner before he or she
reveals true talent to the majority of bettors. This could be one of them.<br />
<br />
Of course Flyhawk El Dorado, who we liked from the start of the season, will
have a lot to say about this affair, though his recent record will attract
chalk players. The rest of the field looks like they will have to struggle, as
Skates N Plates and Entranced, the other two hopefuls, look like they may get
small shares on class alone.<br />
<br />
In the second round for the Goodtimes boys, five eligible colts meet five
others for berths in the final. And look who is here to guide them: Trixton.
Jimmy Takter’s versatile son of Muscle Hill has been on fire, winning his
recent three stakes with a total of 21-some-odd lengths. He has speed and he is
not afraid to be a one-dimensional colt using it for all it is worth. If he
were to be challenged here, two colts would take positions.<br />
<br />
Harper Blue Chip has qualified twice and debuts his soph campaign from post 9
in this field. He should be a contender but we don’t know if he can open his
soph season beating Trixton. On the other hand, Mister Bs Way may have what it
takes to meet the first tier of talent en route to August. He is here and not
at Vernon for the “Empire” finals because he broke in that elim and finished
fourth as the even-money choice against tough stuff . He should wind up the
best wager if you go against Trixton.<br />
<br />
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for
updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. </div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-30733926651030192052014-06-02T18:24:00.002-07:002014-06-02T18:25:11.194-07:00Currier & Ives paint filly pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtW3aflP_i4HxHYGlWpH5jZSEel7Jq-XiqCPzYEtDVMvNQ8TkTqTYAHeQCrI2oLQLtB4tAqq-MdQqtOLoLca_TAucR5QjMtAjteksKmabHMMYxV6UpOGQDjlwznYgxLkEqbqAciQSigbq/s1600/Hambletonian.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtW3aflP_i4HxHYGlWpH5jZSEel7Jq-XiqCPzYEtDVMvNQ8TkTqTYAHeQCrI2oLQLtB4tAqq-MdQqtOLoLca_TAucR5QjMtAjteksKmabHMMYxV6UpOGQDjlwznYgxLkEqbqAciQSigbq/s1600/Hambletonian.gif" /></a></div>
On Wednesday, June 4, the Meadows presents a trio of Currier & Ives events for soph-filly trotters.<br />
<br />
For $31,120, six "Oaks" hopefuls compete in division one, the first five at the gate versus Shake It Cerry.<br />
<br />
The dynamic Donato Hanover progeny from the Jimmy Takter barn has only finished in second place twice at two and has opened her soph career with a pair of stunningly easy victories. So far at three, she is simply faster and more splendidly gaited than any division member. Our forecast is that she may be better than Bee A Magician, last year's arguable Horse of the Year that so dominated her division--the only foes she faced--that she won all of her efforts. Team Takter looks to be locked and loaded in both glamour divisions and it is going to take divine intervening to stop him.<br />
<br />
Shake It Cerry will win division one and with only five others in the contest, all wagering appears moot.<br />
<br />
Division two is worth $31,620 and presents seven soph females. The two hopefuls hold all the cards. Morning-line choice Broadway Socks hasn't gotten into her best gear yet as she looks for her third-straight win. The other hopeful, Martini Master, could get to "Socks" given the right trip and may be worth the win bet with the exacta boxed. She gets a pass on her loss last out and should race back to her sharp second the race before.<br />
<br />
A sextet lines the starting gate in the third Currier & Ives, worth $31,120. Takter's Lifetime Pursuit should be the choice since she is one more in his powder-keg battalion of trotters this season. The pair of hopefuls in the rest of the field include Passing Jetta and Westfiftyfirst. <br />
<br />
Passing Jetta is the lone Oaks hopeful by sire Lear Jetta. Jonas Czernyson trains her. She has won her first start at three and has not proven to be on the same level she was at two when Lifetime Pursuit beat her. We'll take a shot with her this time around since we expect some value versus the Takter terror in post 1/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-18930604069858921492014-05-28T20:46:00.000-07:002014-05-28T20:46:00.141-07:00August-aimed colts and fillies line up in state-bred battles <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0-xncslDezZVZCoAn_dHExfJS9aKYuEUG-BGxwLR9swtAGc-x657HYBaAcDzkMpgOc_TgsK9jYM0Utr-vWG3irX3xoaAJTAKOAdT2Vr0UDHnlDh0CqwmTYqBx7jKupCopxNL5CLfuVpc/s1600/harnessphoto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0-xncslDezZVZCoAn_dHExfJS9aKYuEUG-BGxwLR9swtAGc-x657HYBaAcDzkMpgOc_TgsK9jYM0Utr-vWG3irX3xoaAJTAKOAdT2Vr0UDHnlDh0CqwmTYqBx7jKupCopxNL5CLfuVpc/s1600/harnessphoto1.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The miles extend this weekend for Hambo and “Oaks” hopefuls,
as lucrative state-bred action continues in the East, with plenty of betting
opportunities going along for the rides.<br />
<br />
On Friday, May 30, Vernon Downs hosts elims for next week’s Empire Breeders
Classic (EBC) events. The elims are only $12,500 each but the rewards for being
in the finals’ fields offers far more. Here are comments, featuring our
suggested contenders, for both sexes’ divisions.<br />
<br />
EBC colts, div. 1<br />
Three of the six in the field are hopefuls. Lukas Hall, from the rail, should
be the favorite and the winner. Rockie De Vie debuts at three and may need this
race, while the third hopeful, Karets, needs to show more to be competitive. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
EBC colts, div. 2 <br />
Mister B’s Way and Expressive Action lead the hopeful parade of six but Wild
And Crazy Guy may be as good as them right now, though he has not a prayer for
the classic.<br />
<br />
EBC fillies, div. 1<br />
Slice Slice Baby is the only eligible and yet we support Annies List, who sits
on a win.<br />
<br />
EBC fillies, div. 2<br />
Beauty Of Gray, an eligible, debuts but the other eligible, Glowngold, comes
off a fine win and should kick another one into gear.<br />
<br />
That Friday at the Meadows, Pennsylvania Sires Stakes splits offer their usual
wad of dough ($70,000-plus per event) and the first appears to be another walk
in the park—this time the park near Pittsburgh—for Father Patrick. It has
already become impossible to bet against him. He is the perfect key for exotics
if you can hitch him up with an inflated projection on the toteboard. Last
season we were successful doing this with Nuncio, who is now Father Patrick’s
roommate. With four other eligibles available for second, third and fourth
place in the wagering, you may want to use Jett Star, who has nothing to gain
but a great payday for being second and who has a ton of experience already in
this theater.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Nuncio, he is bound to be the favorite in the second round, as
three other hopefuls go after him in a field of eight. One of our big winners
from last week, Auspicious Hanover, will go after him and perhaps show the kind
of challenge that proves Nuncio may be a second-tier competitor. Also dangerous
at the probable price is Il Sogno Dream, who has won one of only two soph races
and is dangerous even from the 8 hole. <br />
<br />
The trio’s conclusion comes in a field of eight with a quintet of August
wishers. The strangely named Datsyuk may be the choice here, though Sarcastic
Man, a Dexter Cup elim winner, is the top earner (he has raced 15 times
already). For a price, you may put stock in the rail horse, Uva Hanover, raring
to debut off of a sharp qualifier that was near as fast as the marks of any in
this field. Trainer Linda Toscano sends this boy out to win.<br />
<br />
May 31 at the Meadowlands finds the colt and filly state-breds going for their
throats in respective New Jersey Sires Stakes finals, worth $100,000 each.<br />
<br />
The unmitigated force of the glamour-boy trotter battalion in the Jimmy Takter
barn this season so far is frightening. In the colt final here we find Trixton,
who has dominated the Jersey boys so easily he seems to whistle past their
graveyard attempts. This is a powerful field and handicappers will still have a
hard time finding reason for Trixton to fail, which only makes his strength
appear greater. Team Takter may find its worse enemies this season come from
the brotherhood of trotters aiming at August.<br />
<br />
So, here is a field of 10 with many cases for defeating Trixton but all we can
see is this guy soaring down the stretch ahead of nine other fine trotters. If
that is the scenario, then he is a true key for exotics and not a win bet. Look
for strong offerings in the win pool for exotic companions, like Lightning
Force, from post 10 and Resolve.<br />
<br />
Eight fillies line up for their final. We may hope that the crowd is impressed
with My Inspiration and Cee Bee Yes, even though the latter leaves from post
10, but we like coming right back to Heaven’s Door. It will be the third time
we support her and it could be the charm considering we were correct about her
prowess last time, though she was disqualified after finishing second as the
favorite. She should not hold the top spot with bettors in this field where
Moonlight In Miami will also pick up some money to balance the others mentioned
on the toteboard. <br />
<br />
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for
updates and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. </div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-74269216482591785912014-05-21T20:59:00.004-07:002014-05-24T08:39:50.151-07:00Holiday filled with contests for hopefuls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWunuJSuyy-AXGuT91Vn5kGjvGFzLn-IxisRUFhCDoZd8oHOvl8Qd4CdzJiPPcGEzjYTuV0N8gn4PKjgfl_qJ1jG4_BOhOPJSf22v5FQPCCk2TevXh5tXHTOJKw2FMjxg6xuTchGHNkVE/s1600/NIGHT391x242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWunuJSuyy-AXGuT91Vn5kGjvGFzLn-IxisRUFhCDoZd8oHOvl8Qd4CdzJiPPcGEzjYTuV0N8gn4PKjgfl_qJ1jG4_BOhOPJSf22v5FQPCCk2TevXh5tXHTOJKw2FMjxg6xuTchGHNkVE/s1600/NIGHT391x242.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Jersey, New York, Ontario and Pennsylvania tracks host the girls
and boys of August this Memorial Day weekend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday, May 23, colts and fillies are battling again at the
Meadowlands in New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A single, $27,500 NJSS for the colts looks to be a value
pack with three strong contenders, all hopefuls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sumatra broke on the charges last time but the Dexter Cup
winner has a serious stride that may not wander in this effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lightning Force, our choice last out who was second to
Trixton, is showing strong fettle in chase to the best of the moment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As well, beaten choice Martiniwithmuscle is stepping well
and raring to battle for a berth in the August classic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This triptych may result in a healthy trifecta and certainly
Sumatra could be an overlay key if the wagering goes as it did last time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two $40,000 NJSS filly divisions take their spots in the
Saturday program at the Meadowlands as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cee Bee Yes, the Lady Suffolk winner, takes to the mile and
will most likely be the public choice. Look out, however, for Ake Svanstedt’s
Heaven’s Door because Ake has strong stable content with definite intent to
make big impressions other than his speedy older trotter, Sebastian K. From the
outside, Mistresswithmuscle meets Cee Bee Yes again, after finishing a distant
third to her mostly due to a gate break from which she recovered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Extreme value may be waiting for bettors in round two with
Resolve. She came into her soph campaign a winner after finishing her frosh
season in good stride at Vernon, doing well in a Simpson against tough ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also on Friday, a pair of New York Sires Stakes for colts at
Tioga includes only four eligibles, a pair in each of the $62,400 splits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the first split, Flyhawk El Dorado returns after a fine
effort in a “Simpson” at the Meadowlands, finishing third to Trixton. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In split two, the two Hambo possibilities, Expressing Action
and Karets, should be the exacta stronghold elements. Either way in a wager
will suffice, especially if the crowd is more supportive of entries with no
path to August. <br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday night at Mohawk, twenty-seven sophomore fillies
will contest in three eliminations for the S.B.O.A Stakes. Of the twenty-seven,
seven have their sights on the Oaks on the first Saturday in August. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elimination one highlights hopefuls Wings Of Ballykeel,
Muscle Babe and Sweetie Hearts. In this wide-open betting affair, we’ll take a
shot with Tosca from the center of the gate. She raced incredibly well in the
Celias Counsel at Mohawk in early May, finishing third with a first-over trip
in the final. She’ll be a threat to the trio of Oaks hopefuls if she minds her
gait. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Famed sire Kadabra, producing the 2013 Hambletonian Oaks
champion Bee A Magician, sired one hopeful in the second elimination, Miss Liv.
She has shown breaks in her last two pari-mutual starts, with her last
including an addition of hopples. Two major threats stand in her journey to the
winners’ circle: Danica and the likely favorite Magic Feeling. Magic Feeling
comes into this elimination off of a series sweep in the Celias Counsel.
Danica, starting from the rail, has been performing against low-leveled
non-winners of two at Woodbine. She could improve tremendously to get a victory
tonight, and perhaps at a price. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last of the eliminations attracts three Oak eligibles:
Herecomesthebride, I Jasmin and Margie. Margie is the most interesting of the
three, shipping to the Great White North off of a romp against maidens at
Vernon Downs. Her trainer is George Ducharme, of Royalty For Life fame. It
appears he also dreams of possessing the filly-rendition of the classic his
colt obtained effortlessly last season. Her main threat is Riveting Rosie, a
hometown favorite at the Campbellville oval. The Peaceful Way and Ontario Sires
Stakes champion makes her second sophomore start, after breaking in her debut.
Margie, if not the favorite, might be worth $2 come post time. </div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday at Pocono, two divisions of the $66,424 Coaching Club
Oaks highlight their card. In the first division, Lifetime Pursuit highlights
the three eligibles in the quintet (the other two being Broadway Socks and
Cannonball). Her debut wasn’t sublime due to her lack of stamina turning into
the stretch, losing the lead and finishing fifth. She could certainly rebound
off that dismal performance. However, Highest Peak is another filly improving
into this event. She competed against Shake It Cerry in the Pennsylvania Sires
Stakes (PASS) last week, challenging her in a first-over move by
three-quarters. She couldn’t sustain her challenge and finished 7 lengths off
the Dan Patch winning filly. With the right trip, this filly could be a nice
price to open up the two divisions. </div>
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The second division features four eligibles, highlighted by
Shake It Cerry. Contesting her will be Tweet Me, Cooler Schooner and Struck By
Lindy. In this quintet, Shake It Cerry once again reigns supreme. The other
fillies in this event should examine her talent, so that they can adjust to the
action of giving chase to this improving filly. Shake It Cerry is quite a gal
to watch, (more so than she is for a wager since she is always heavily bet to
win) and if one wishes to be bold, one may predict she doesn’t lose a race at
three. She seems tons better than Bee A Magician and may prove it by actually
always beating strong contenders at three. </div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for updates and races involving
eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. </span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-18857709572719143572014-05-20T11:32:00.003-07:002014-05-20T11:32:25.881-07:00Father Patrick returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1hehDScZEfXD5oltDwHWAenN2EOcHYXDNpHvrXUPk9MMTOpxAFDXcnotvjNi9C_gvKb7_Ct13PZxV-59QVBK3fN5eKZ1Mbc7G91iseMJCIYI5YOMCGMj1siYi7LXzvK3T0LwrMGvTWaZ/s1600/Currier%2526Ives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1hehDScZEfXD5oltDwHWAenN2EOcHYXDNpHvrXUPk9MMTOpxAFDXcnotvjNi9C_gvKb7_Ct13PZxV-59QVBK3fN5eKZ1Mbc7G91iseMJCIYI5YOMCGMj1siYi7LXzvK3T0LwrMGvTWaZ/s1600/Currier%2526Ives.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a></div>
On Wednesday, May 21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, two Historic Dickerson divisions are on the card. The traditional Grand Circuit stake this year is highlighted by the return of last year's super frosh colt trotter, Father Patrick.<br /><br />He is the only eligible in the second "Dickerson" split, worth $37,262 and it seems the perfect vehicle for a payday while prepping for what is predicted as a huge season. Father Patrick is the obvious early choice to win the Hambletonian, which would be another Jimmy Takter trot success in a line of U.S. victories.<br />
<br />
Father Patrick rules over the Dickerson field in more ways than President Putin can cover Ukraine borders with soldiers. Coming back at three with 50-percent of his talent makes the Dickerson a qualifier that will pay in dollars, so to speak, as he swallows a small field of sophs that we may never hear about again in the context of a contest including Father Patrick.<br /><br />In round one of the Dickerson, worth $36,512, Auspicious Hanover is the sole eligible in the small field and should take over as he aims for dollars and momentum to get to the August classic.<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. </i><o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-5478878678230390252014-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:002014-05-14T13:11:03.191-07:00Colt events top bill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhh_Xod-nMuAIKsX71iUzH19RbOgSbTuJ-Ze26WA_VV_ZU5R1A31GO8dJCqM-ODt_yFb5oL1lE35iTZW6Sl2D3jdSZwPCLT8HwVWVzwdz92zjVFjmkiN1ZzgGzd49arCVK0cRS1c5om4O/s1600/hambo_logo_transp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhh_Xod-nMuAIKsX71iUzH19RbOgSbTuJ-Ze26WA_VV_ZU5R1A31GO8dJCqM-ODt_yFb5oL1lE35iTZW6Sl2D3jdSZwPCLT8HwVWVzwdz92zjVFjmkiN1ZzgGzd49arCVK0cRS1c5om4O/s1600/hambo_logo_transp.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16 finds
fields of colt eligibles in splits of the the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS)
at Harrah’s Philadelphia and the season’s start of New Jersey Sires Stakes
(NJSS) at the Meadowlands. At the Meadows on May 17, top-rated filly Shake It Cerry returns.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On May 15, in the first of three PASS
splits, a trio of eligible colts gets in line against three with no “Trail”
hopes. Returning for the fourth start of his soph campaign is Journey, the colt
we feel may offer an edge in price with an improved performance. Journey has
already won two of three, a better showing than his frosh season, and he enters
the stakes ring with much potential. A good showing is expected as trainer Don
Montagne aims this Donato Hanover product at glory in August. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The other two eligible colts, Outbust and
Exodus Hanover, make their sophomore debuts, the latter a PASS winner on this
surface at two as a huge choice.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Split two, worth $75,300, presents a
quintet of colts with August dreams. One of our early successful discoveries from
last season, Nuncio, is now in the Jimmy Takter barn at three and gets the
buzz. He appears to be up against a very soft group but that doesn’t take into
account possible improvements that one can only read between the lines. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We make Raise The Curtain, an eligible, a
contender that may go under the radar. He raced well against Father Patrick, if
we are to measure colts against Father Patrick at three, and he won his ’14
debut and was second next, both times at Woodbine. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As well, eligible Fashion Tagman has
suffered some tough trips at Woodbine and will be overlooked here, possibly
mores than “Curtain.” These two loom dangerous to Nuncio in this mile, if not
through the season.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The third PASS division, also worth
$75,300, presents one of our choices for a top earner this season, Don Dorado.
He appears to have matured and to be ready to continue his late-season frosh
rise to stardom. Something about his gait and general presence is strongly the
same as his Hambo-winning sire and if that is an omen then Father Patrick may
be in for some stiff competition heading for August. As for price, he may be
worth a short price, especially if he blows the field away and a chance at the
price he offers in this race begins to look humongous in the weeks to come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Meadowlands brings colts together in
two NJSS events. The fillies have a pair but only one is a betting race. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The first colt split is worth $21,500.
It’s a contest that includes the earliest rivalry in the division with Dexter
Cup-winner Sumata facing Trixton, who won over this surface impressively last
week and is another in the Takter team on the Hambletonian Trail.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add to the duo the seeming ascension of
Odds On Amethyst (one of six colts by Muscle Hill, so any “sire factor” for
handicapping purposes is moot), a threatening King City (though still a maiden)
and a contentious Lightning Force and you have a perplexed evaluation chore.
Where you would receive the best value wager is near impossible to predict but
we will take the chance with Lightning Force, based on the gelding’s
late-season form at two which could continue to improve.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The second $21,500 NJSS for colts offers
Well Built a chance to stay on gait and begin a profitable soph season. Two of
his four soph efforts found him in a gallop. His trainer, Chris Ryder, says
that is a setback, having full confidence in the colt’s prowess. Well Built is
coupled with another Ryder student, Southwind Poseidon, who did not race at two
and is very green; both are eligible to the classic.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Muscle Network will get play as he debuts
at three but he is not eligible and is coming off a qualifier where he won but
broke badly. Looking to be in fine fettle and strong of gait is
Martiniwithmuscle, who becomes our choice. He was lightly raced at two but
graduated with his first win and has taken two straight at three.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The betting NJSS for fillies is a
seven-horse field with only one non-eligible, the Chocolatier gal, Coin
Collector. That one is one for two so far in a field of first-time sophs and
gets our call. We have supported fillies by this terrific sire before due to a
great percentage for winners and expect a great price for what should be a
strong contender in the bunch. <br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Meadows hosts a pair of $99,000 PASS miles on May 17. Division two will probably belong to champion filly Shake It Cerry. Post 7 in a field of seven should be no problem if she is raring to start her soph season anywhere near as sharp as she performed at two. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the first split we once again support Raging Sea, who failed at 3-1 last week, finishing sixth. She should improve here enough to win, perhaps at a better price?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hambletonian Trail</span></a> blog for updates and
races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race results
at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site. <o:p></o:p></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-69563220034968094062014-05-05T22:43:00.000-07:002014-05-05T22:43:56.612-07:00Philly for fillies and Jersey for boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91OHHsHocmuXTKODiI_nUGy1LI1ljqAmxVk-jPp3hKCJpCPpFadTRrwMD5ms2_RVRKBVsr700BbRgez685ANUQ6DqExYbreVPPgsTG23CM7tBYPU8rPSzF8EFjTLvt08sbfYoTczoliYS/s1600/hambo10-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91OHHsHocmuXTKODiI_nUGy1LI1ljqAmxVk-jPp3hKCJpCPpFadTRrwMD5ms2_RVRKBVsr700BbRgez685ANUQ6DqExYbreVPPgsTG23CM7tBYPU8rPSzF8EFjTLvt08sbfYoTczoliYS/s1600/hambo10-2a.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday, May 8, “Oaks”-eligibles take a shot at big purses
in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) for sophomore filly trotters at
Harrah’s Philadelphia. Then, on Friday, May 9, the John Simpson Memorial for
soph-colt trotters is a betting affair at the Meadowlands (a “Simpson” filly
mile with a field of three is a non-betting feature. </div>
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The first of three splits ($74,132) presents only three
eligible fillies, Silent Opera K, Designed To Be and Vanity Matters from a
field of seven. “Silent” is coming off of two good late-closers at the Meadows,
while the other two have not raced since the 2013 Breeders Crown, in which they
both broke in eliminations. Those two are the probable favorites and we like
“Vanity” best, hoping for a second-choice price. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next PASS split ($73,732) has only two eligibles,
Donatella Hanover (the probable favorite) and Raging Sea, in a field of six.
Raging Sea is lightly raced and deserves support. She may not get a lot of
action, making her more appetizing. If she is much better an shows it, you will
be getting a price on her that will be difficult to come by again soon.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, another $74,132 division has only one ineligible in
seven on the gate. Expect Take The Money to take the bulk of the bets, as she
is on a winning skein at three. But Noon Tea Party and Bikini So Teeny should
have a say in this, with “Noon” the fresh face as a soph and a record that puts
her second a few times to top-rated Shake It Cerry. The three mentioned could,
in fact, be the stars of the trifecta in any particular order.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May 9 at The Meadowlands brings out the colts in a $51,543
Simpson stake. Eleven battle on the two-turn mile with seven eligibles for the
Hambletonian. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We like the chances for Deweykeepumnwhy to win and hope that
Well Built, who broke in the Dexter Cup prep as the big favorite, once again
woos the crowd. “Dewey” debuts at three in this event. He appears to have the
speed of his Hambo-winning sire and a tactical ability as well, having come
from behind strongly at two from outside posts. He has qualified well and is in
the perfect spot to command this group. Flyhawk El Durado, also an eligible,
will negotiate the distance from post 9 but has the class to make noise late.
And Trixton, another from the soph crop of Muscle Hill, has every right to
improve and may be around for a piece of the trifecta late.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Keep watching the <a href="http://hambletoniantrail.blogspot.com/">Hambletonian Trail</a> blog for updates
and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-11937780576986285802014-05-02T21:10:00.001-07:002014-05-02T21:11:55.716-07:00Dexter Cup starts the sulkies rolling for August<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Hambletonian Trail is now opened for business and it is filled with road bumps and rabbit holes and a herd of horses, colts and fillies, hungering for crowns in the August classic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As we have for some years now, in cooperation with <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/">TwinSpires</a> and the <a href="http://www.hambletonian.org/">Hambletonian Society</a>, we bring you top betting analysis for the eligible colts and fillies of the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks. Each race along the "Trail" involving the possible contenders will be handicapped and offer contenders from our wagering experiences over the past few decades.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
May is here and thus, we begin with the colts.<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saturday, May 3 brings on the boys and a single mile
into the $115,370 Dexter Cup. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The event this year presents eight soph colts, with five raring to start on the Trail. Certainly there will be
a strong focus on the first soph product of Hambo-champ Muscle Hill—King City
(also-eligible Well Built did not make the final). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">King City has only been out twice, with one second, but the Jonas Czernyson
trainee is obviously aimed at making a lot of noise down the Trail. Well
Built may be out of this one but the Chris Ryder barn looks to build a
strong contender in him for the classic in future events.<br />
<br />
Tom Fanning’s Sumatra is one of two Muscles Yankee kids—Dave Briggs the
other—that is just getting started at three. “Briggs” has already won two and
hails from the productive Jimmy Takter barn. Sarcastic Man, by Tom Ridge, has
to deal with post 8 at Freehold for trainer Gail Wrubel. He won the prep elim
last week at 12-1 from post 7 with 13-1 King City on his tail, getting second.
Well Built was the favorite but he broke at the gate and was eliminated.
Sumatra, the crowd’s second choice, was third. Well Built’s bust knocked out
“Briggs,” “Wish” and non-eligible“Derby.” <br />
<br />
Schnittker’s Sheer Action, from post 5 in the final and a non-eligible, had the
toughest trip of the prep, being forced outside while avoiding runners and
reaching the top by a nose at three-quarters. He travels uncoupled from a 9-1
three-prong entry last week and will be much higher than that in what could be
a terrific upset. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have to go with Sheer Action, though he won't be a participant in the August classic. He may have the goods on this group on this day and will be a price worth backing.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-22757453864173132812013-08-07T10:39:00.001-07:002013-08-07T10:39:12.697-07:00Hambletonian handed ‘Royal’ flush
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>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. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Read race archives from the
Hambletonian Trail at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society
web site.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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 <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: blue;">TwinSpires</span></a> on both racing days.</span></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-48365529604131998712013-07-31T20:57:00.000-07:002013-07-31T20:58:58.294-07:00Twenty-three colts in the thunderous trotting heats for the 2013 Hambletonian championship<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <a href="https://www.twinspires.com/playerspool"><span style="color: blue;">Click here for information on how
to get into the action now</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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 <a href="http://blog.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: blue;">TwinSpires harness blog</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><em>Hambletonian elim-heat one<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><em>Hambletonian elim-heat two<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><em>Hambletonian elim-heat three<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The <a href="http://www.hambletonian.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Hambletonian Society</span></a> 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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Keep watching this blog for updates
during live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: blue;">TwinSpires</span></a>
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site.</span><br />
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Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-3849143115223639042013-07-24T21:50:00.001-07:002013-07-24T21:51:55.166-07:00‘Oaks’ elims, Yonkers Trot and colts’ prep mark big soph weekend<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Back to the Meadowlands, where a few
Hambo-eligible colts get a preview race with a $25,000 purse—an Open for the
division.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The <a href="http://www.hambletonian.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Hambletonian Society</span></a> 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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Keep watching this blog for updates
and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from <a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: blue;">TwinSpires</span></a> on Hambletonian day. Read race
results at the special section archived at the Hambletonian Society web site.</span><br />
<br />
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Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147533828433698824.post-18208780330247964742013-07-18T01:05:00.003-07:002013-07-18T01:05:42.353-07:00Yonkers Trot elims, Grand Circuit events ensue
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Keep watching this blog for updates
and races involving eligibles through July and for live coverage from </span><a href="http://www.twinspires.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">TwinSpires</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
on Hambletonian day. Read race results at the special section archived at the
Hambletonian Society web site.</span></span></div>
Frank Cotolohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553088072331342917noreply@blogger.com0