‘Beale’ elims are colt-trot trials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Soph-trot contests ensue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Miles aplenty for eligibles on tap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Simpsons bring out the sophs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decisive battles for both sexes north and south

H = Hambletonian eligible.  

With the elims for the Hambo and Hambo Oaks nearing, some hopefuls are all out for big checks from Canada and U.S. action on July 21. 

The Canadian Breeders Championships (CBC) offer two divisions, one for each sex, with the fields best still looking to get in the classic action at the Meadowlands. 

Leading the colt mile, worth $159,058, is Prestidigitator (H-Kadabra), the star of the three hopeful sons by Kadabra in this field. Aiming directly at the Hambo elims, this colt has been primed to cash as many bucks as possible before going to New Jersey. There might not be much of a price but he may dominate this group with ease before departing the Great White North. 

The other two are Il Mago (H-Kadabra) and Knows Nothing (H-Kadabra).  

Three filly hopefuls go in the $1,66,373 CBC final, with our choice, Miss Paris (H-Kadabra) on her mission to get back to the Meadowlands. She will have to deal with Frisky Strike (H-Striking Sahbra) and I’m On Cloud Nine (H-Angus Hall) but that may not be enough to stop her.  

Two divisions for colts and two for fillies make up the Tompkins-Geers stakes that same day in New York as Tioga Downs hosts the soph events.  

The top colt in the first $33,497 mile is the only hopeful and the best in the field, Coraggioso (H-Conway Hall). He should be out for a jog.  

In split two, worth the same amount, four of six eligibles appear for battle. We like Duluth (H-Chocolatier) of the quartet. From the inside he appears to be in a spot that can overtake the big choice, Archangel (H-Credit Winner) at a price.  

Astarisborn Hanover (H-Donato Hanover) and No Frosting (H-Credit Winner) will also ride along.  

Both filly splits are worth $33,747. The first invites Cowgirl Hall (H-Cash Hall) to win another with an easy inside trip. The other two eligibles are not of her ilk: American Lassie (H-American Mike) and Latte Hall (Conway Hall) are probably not going to show up for the big dance, in our opinion.  

Split two for the femmes has a pair of eligibles. We once again support Fancy (H-Conway Hall), although she draws outside of Lady Andi (H-Andover Hall).  

Get to TwinSpires for wagering all of the great races leading to the Hambletonian and “Oaks” and read all the result stories at Hambletonian Society’s exclusive “trail” section.

New York controls hopefuls’ action

Vernon Downs and Monticello Raceway drew Hambo hopefuls from both divisions for the $132,236 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) on Wednesday, July 11 and the $164,840 NYSS on Thursday, July 12. The colts will race on Wednesday and the fillies on Thursday.

Two divisions drew six Hambletonian eligibles on Wednesday. In the first division, Delano (H-Credit Winner) is the likely favorite. Flyhawk Jester (H-RC Royalty) will be looking for redemption. He returns to the track where he did best and if he gets a good trip, he should get the best of Delano.

Also eligible are A Penny Earned (H-Conway Hall) and No Frosting (H-Credit Winner).

In the second division, Corraggioso (H-Conway Hall), seen winning in photo on left, is the likely favorite. Royal Shyster (H-RC Royalty) is still seeking a 2012 victory. He was parked in his return at Yonkers and faded to third. He’ll need, and could get, a better trip to win.  

On Thursday, nine “Oaks”-hopefuls drew into four divisions of NYSS at Monticello.  

In the first division, there may be no beating For A Dancer (H-Conway Hall). Last time against her, we gave a shot to Fancy (H-Conway Hall), who is a slim upset candidate. Also here is The Heart Lives On (H-RC Royalty).  

In the second division, Adriana Hanover (H-Credit Winner) is the only eligible. We’ll take our shot with Lady Crown. She never found the cones at Yonkers and should get a better trip this week. ‘

In the third division, Cowgirl Hall (H-Cash Hall) will likely take a lot of money. Bridge The Way (H-Conway Hall) has a great shot to beat her. She took the lead from post 7 at Yonkers but finished second. She gets a better post and may have a little energy left to pass them all in the stretch.  

In the final division, Lima Playmate (H-Credit Winner) and Anandamide (H-Credit Winner) are the only eligibles. Lima Playmate should come out victorious. She raced very well from post 8 at Yonkers and won by 39 lengths at Goshen before that. She should be sharp and ready to win this week.  

In a related story of eligibles, Prestidigitator (H-Kadabra) scored in an Ontario Sires Stake Gold Final at Georgian Downs last Saturday and the victory appears worth more than the prize money to trainer Dustin Jones, who spoke to The Harness Edge website.  

“It was the way he raced that matters. He is far more manageable and did it exactly the way [his driver] wanted him to do it,” said Jones., who is looking forward to a shot in the  Hambletonian.

“The game plan now is the Canadian Breeders Championship eliminations on [July 13] if they are needed and then the final before we head for the Meadowlands.” 

Prestidigitator earned a 1:54 lifetime mark but Jones was happier about the way he got around the five-eighths mile track.  

With $88,000 earned this year and $320,000 last season, Prestidigitator has banked over $400,000 for owner Ecurie Synergie of Montreal. 

Get to TwinSpires for wagering all of the great races leading to the Hambletonian and “Oaks” and read all the result stories at Hambletonian Society’s exclusive “trail” section.

Yonkers Trot headlines hopefuls’ stakes agenda

H = Hambletonian eligible

Saturday, July 7’s Yonkers Trot and Hudson Filly Trot find the aiming-for-August groups squaring off in big stakes. But on Friday, July 6, and Saturday, fillies fight and colts grapple at the Meadowlands, Pocono and Hazel Park. (Note that the Hudson Filly Trot is a non-wagering stakes event.) 

World champion Googoo Gaagaa drew post 1 for the Yonkers Trot, worth $445,594. The ruling glamour-boy trotter who is not eligible to the coveted classic is the son of a pacing sire (Cam’s Rocket) and has won 11 of his 12 starts and $345,945. Googoo Gaagaa comes to the half-mile track off a 1:50.4 win—the fastest ever over a five-eighths mile oval—in the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Final at Pocono. 

The potential giant killers include Stormin Normand (H-Broadway Hall), Market Share (H-Revenue S), Muscolo (H-Muscles Yankee) and Archangel (H-Credit Winner).  

The best anyone playing against “Googoo” can hope for is a shuffling speed duel between Googoo, Market Share and Archangel. The latter has been a speedball in New York-bred events and Market Share loves the top. So, as fast as Googoo can fly, those two could burn him enough to make room for Stormin Normand to close, either in the inner lane or wide late.  

The companion event, the Hudson Filly Trot, has only three soph fillies but is worth $185,194 and goes as a non-wagering event. Still considering a challenge for the boys, millionairess Check Me Out (H-Donato Hanover), last season's divisional champ, scared away all but Real Babe (H-Donato Hanover) and Aunt Mel (H-Yankee Glide).  

At Hazel Park a sweet trio, so to speak, of Chocolatier progeny vie for spots in next week’s William Connors Final. Looking to add some money to their accounts while they eye a spot at the classic, the first $10,000 elim features Ghirardelli Lindy (H-Chocolatier) and Duluth (H-Chocolatier). We liked Duluth earlier in the season, going against better in a New Jersey Sires Stakes, and although an appearance in the Hambo is, at best, a longshot, he could have it all over this soft group.  

In the second split you only have to look at Mr. Candyman (H-Chocolatier) and decide if he is worth the wager, being the classiest here, which is going to be obvious.

Saturday at the Meadowlands, five colts take to the track in a $46,452 W.N. Reynolds stake. This mile features the soph debut of last year’s frosh-colt trot champ, Possess The Will (H-Donato Hanover).

If he is ready, he is primed to go a big mile and then race conservatively over the next month to be fresh for his big target, the Hambo. His biggest foe, should he care to be challenged, will be Lightning Storm (H-Donato Hanover), who has been far better than expected in four starts, winning half of them quite quickly.

Also here are Power Play (H-Donato Hanover), Money On My Mind (H-Cantab Hall) and Modern Family (H-Cantab Hall).

Friday’s Reynolds is for the fillies with two divisions worth $28,426 each. Win Missy B (Conway Hall) is coming from a decent win but may not deserve favorite status. Certainly Temple Blue Chip (H-Cantab Hall) is rounding into winning form and will be an overlay.

Also here are Quarentine S (Varenne), D’Orsay (H-Yankee Glide), Riverfest and Chocoholic (Chocolatier).

The second split hands a 3-5 morning line to Maven (H-Glidemaster), which sets us off on Chocolatta De Vie (H-Chocolatier). She will be greatly overlooked and could surprise at a mighty price.

Three $50,000 Pennsylvania All Stars splits go on July 7 at Pocono, featuring fields larger that the Yonkers Trot with many Hambo hopefuls.

Fashion Astral (H-Broadway Hall) has not been too sharp but from the rail in division one may be able to control the fractions and finally get that first soph win. Also here are Fogelberg (SJ’s Caviar) and Another Amaretto (H-Andover Hall), with Bullvillcomeonjohn, Boytown, Redder Than Red and Upfront Billy.

In division two we once again like Frost Bites K (H-Broadway Hall). Even the races he has lost, six of 10, have been good races and here he is not up against anywhere near as much as he has taken on this season.

Also here are Astarisborn Hanover (H-Donato Hanover), Nothing But Class (H-Andover Hall).Can Do, Celebrity Hall, Hawaiian Caviar, The Big Thea Thea and Beluga Ridge.

The nightcap features another shot for Uncle Peter (H-Cantab Hall), who has been uneven while facing the likes of Googoo Gaagaa. He needs to win this for a few reasons and may be able to with a smooth gait as he is up against four second-tier hopefuls: Solvato (H-Donato Hanover), Lindys Jersey Boy (H-Cantab Hall), Pekoe Fashion (H-Broadway Hall), as well as Mr Ridgetaker, Mikesbrotherfrank, Pilgrims Power and On The Podium.

Get to TwinSpires for wagering all of the great races leading to the Hambletonian and “Oaks” and read all the result stories at Hambletonian Society’s exclusive “trail” section.

Battles over each borders for soph trotters

H = Hambletonian eligible.

As June dawns, a few major events host glamour boy and girl trotters, many pumping for the August classics. At Mohawk on June 1, two divisions of the Casual Breeze host fillies.

Back in America that same day, a pair of elims for each sex will set the fields for the lucrative Empire Breeders Classics (EBC) next week at Vernon Downs.

New Jersey Sires Stakes finals at the Meadowlands are the features Saturday, June 2.

In the first Casual Breeze division, worth $79,519, Win Missy B (H-Conway Hall) looks to bowl over this group in her debut at three. However, more interesting to us is the return of Miss Paris (H-Kadabra), who we successfully tabbed at two.

Miss Paris looks ready to show her age, so to speak, and her maturity after a strong qualifier at the Meadowlands. She is blue-blooded material and should be a major player this season. Why she is 7-1 on the morning line is a mystery but a joy if it comes true.

The second split, worth $81,020, suggests a three-way favorite pool featuring Idonette (H-Donato Hanover), Lovely Vacation and Frisky Strike (H-Striking Sahbra). However, if Idonette is offered as the third choice of this trio, value is blossoming.

We gave you her when she won at the Meadows and there is no reason she will let up from that kind of performance here. She is quite a classy character and her Meadows win was quite impressive, no less compared to the efforts of this group thus far.

At Vernon, the EBC elims are only worth $12,500 each but they are worth the effort to get into the lucrative finals the following week.

In the first colt division, No Frosting (H-Credit Winner) will settle for second or third choice to Flyhawk Jester (H-RC Royalty) and that would make him the bet. Don’t worry about his speed offerings, they are moot at this point; he deserves the respect to improve and we would like to cash in on that before the public joins the club. (Getting George Brennan in the bike is a strong plus, though it may affect the odds.)

The second split is one tough affair. Delano (H-Credit Winner) is the default favorite but by no means a trot-away winner here. Coraggioso (H-Conway Hall) may not get the respect he deserves and topple the field. He has to contend with more than Delano, however, with Southwind Austin (H-Conway Hall), Archangel (H-Credit Winner) and Royal Shyster (H-RC Royalty) impossible to dismiss. 

In the filly elims, Anandamile (H-Credit Winner) scored with power in her state-bred outing at Saratoga and needs a lot of attention here, certainly at her morning-line offering.

The second elim for the gals may also produce a bargain bet in Cowgirl Hall (H-Cash Hall). She is on a specific roll and can make this a romp.

Saturday’s NJSS finals at the Meadowlands are each worth $150,000. The colt’s division is an early test of much talent, with a field of 10 strong cases.

Barring any breaks, this mile could require a bit of shuffling, as a premium may be placed on the speed factor. Which of these guys does not want the lead as a tool to win? Value-wise, it seems obvious that Gym Tan Laundry (H-Yankee Glide) strikes a betting position, which is good (10-1 morning line), especially since he could be the one to take advantage of shuffling and speed duels, should they ensue. That is the best scenario for taking on this group in a mile that could spark some jumping and traffic. 

The fillies don’t look as competitive as the colts and a score of miscues make it difficult to trust many of them. Still, all things being equal, Vanity Treasure (H-Muscles Yankee) and Sassy Syrinx (H-Yankee Glide) stand out for us.  

The former won last week by only a neck but that doesn’t mean she got lucky. When flat, Vanity Treasure has more talent than luck and is a contender under most circumstances. As for the latter, the lightly raced Sassy Syrinx has proven that she is serious about this season and can put on the gas with square-legged swiftness.  

Get to TwinSpires for wagering all of the great races leading to the Hambletonian and “Oaks” and read all the result stories at Hambletonian Society’s exclusive “trail” section.

More sires stakes colts and fillies rumble in early campaigns

(H= Hambletonian eligible)  

At the Meadowlands this Friday, May 18, soph-colt-and-filly trotters bred in New Jersey start down the Hambletonian Trail at the very place they hope it will end. The ever-changing Meadowlands holds New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) miles that feature a slew of trotters with August intentions.  

The first NJSS of the evening features seven colts. One of them is the highly regarded Gym Tan Laundry, coming sharp off of his season’s debut in a John Simpson Memorial Stake. He took third and looks to be the top dog in this field with a morning line of 3-2.

Vic Smith is the other recognizable name. At two he piled up the cash until he slowed as the season ended.

But promise appears evident in Trond Smedshammer’s Trojan Horse (H-Muscles Yankee). This gelding took an easy 1:57.3 tour of the Meadowlands two weeks back and may have matured considerably since breaking his maiden (his only win) at two. Certainly the public will be backing the previously mentioned pair with clenched fists, so a price should be guaranteed for this upset.

In the second NJSS, eight more sophs battle, with only three aiming at August. One of them, Ghiradelli Lindy (H-Chocolatier) is our choice over the obvious favorite, Guccio (H-Yankee Glide), one of the Jimmy Takter brigade.

Ghiradelli Lindy was all out to leave in his last race but the 4-length brush just after the first panel found him on the outside, second. He gained some ground but tired by the stretch, finishing sixth. The race before that he broke, so we excuse him. Before that he debuted at three on these grounds and stayed alive from post 8 with a three-wide brush, holding second. Here, aside from racing exclusively with his division, he could show the kind of speed that will take the field wire to wire.

Race 3 on the card is one of the two NJSS division for fillies. Hambo-winning-trainer Ron Gurfein campaigns Blue Muscles (H-Muscles Yankee) with his long-time regular driver Mike Lachance. This gal debuted this year with a win at Pompano and came to Pocono with a strong brush that almost won it for her. She looks great at three and looks much the best in this uneven bunch.

All of the colts in the third NJSS division hope to be Hambo bound. Among the eight is another Takter returnee, Little Brown Fox (H-Muscles Yankee). As well, Market Share (H-Revenue S), who ran to lose the Dexter Cup Final, is here to try a fast-leaving speed shot from post 8. And Big Chocolate (H-Chocolatier) comes in from Illinois to challenge all of the speed with his experience winning on the two-turn mile.

Mr Candyman (H-Chocolatier) will be ignored and that could mean a great wager for us. D.R. Ackerman’s gelding has only three starts, never having raced at two, and he busted early last time after a terrific mile on May 4. If he is going to improve off of that he may be very much like his sire, showing a versatile style that the 7 post won’t hamper.

The NJSS nightcap is the other split for the fillies. It is a very contentious field, with eight of nine shooting for the big dance. Again, we are going to take a good look at a Smedshammer entry, Chilitodayhotamale (H-Muscles Yankee). This will be her first 2012 affair. She was lightly raced at two and only finished off the board thrice. She gets a big edge on the inside and for sure she will be a good price there, too. She has classy numbers and is the second highest earner in this group.

At Philadelphia (formerly Chester), a trio of $98,000-plus Pennsylvania Sires Stakes for the trotting colts is presented on May 18.  

In the first division we have to look beyond Not Afraid (H-SJ’s Caviar), who we had for the Dexter Cup, since he will be hammered at the windows, so to speak. Our prospect for improvement here is Mr Chicago (H-Cantab Hall). His Meadowlands win was impressive and only his second at three.  

Split two, again with only six entries, presents only one possibility for a price in Hoorayforvacation and split three (another sextet) should belong to Frost Bites K (Broadway Hall), probably as the second choice to On The Podium.

At Tioga Downs on May 18, three New York Sires Stakes splits feature colt trotters looking for some respect on the “Trail.” The splits are worth $44,266 each.

In the first, Delano (H-Credit Winner) returns for the Ray Schnittker group with Ray at the reins. The top money earner in this field by miles will get plenty of action and may try to take it all the way on top. Only A Penny Earned (H-Conway Hall) could be better if he is well prepared for the new season.

In split two we find Southwind Austin (Conway Hall) back from a qualifier after breaking badly in the Dexter Cup Final. A smooth ride puts him far above these and we may get a decent price considering Archangel (H-Credit Winner) will be sucking in some bucks.

Finally, Royal Shyster (H-Rc Royalty) looks to make his second race of 2012 his first win at three. He needed the last race and comes to Tioga raring to go.

Get to TwinSpires for wagering all of the great races leading to the Hambletonian and “Oaks” and read all the result stories at Hambletonian Society’s exclusive “trail” section.

Quick picks in the classics

It has come down to the following colts, based on the comments and how we feel the odds will set, for the Hambletonian Final:

1 BROAD BAHN- Will go for the lead with the rail. Bet at 8-5 and up.

3 FAWKES- Will not have to work as hard as in the elim. Bet at 12-1 and up.

7 OPENING NIGHT- Interfered in his elim and still closed. He may be the surprise for the brothers Campbell. Bet at 6-1 and up.

The Hambletonian Oaks choices:

4 LADY RAINBOW- Great in her elimination. A very underrated filly. Needs a trip but she may upset. Bet at 6-1 and up.

8 WINNCINNATTI- Closed hard in her elimination but not early enough. If she moves at right time,  she may be involved late. Bet at 20-1 and up.

10 JEZZY- Made a huge recovery in her elimination. If she can trot from the 7 at Yonkers and win, then the 10 is no prob. Bet at 1-1 and up.

Fields of dreams

Hambo and Oaks fields drawn

Hambletonian

PP-Horse-Driver-Trainer-ML

1-Broad Bahn-George Brennan-Noel Daley-4-1
2-Manofmanymissions-Andy Miller-Erv Miller-9-5
3-Fawkes-Yannick Gingras-Jonas Czernyson-15-1
4-Chapter Seven-Mike Lachance-Linda Toscano-7-2
5-Whit-Tim Tetrick-Homer Hochstetler-8-1
6-Whiskey Tax-Randy Waples-Thomas Durand-15-1
7-Opening Night-John Campbell-Jim Campbell-10-1
8-Magnum Kosmos-Brian Sears-Tony Dinges-15-1
9-Luckycharm Hanover-David Miller-T. Haughton-15-1
10-Pastor Stephen-Ron Pierce-Jimmy Takter-10-1

Oaks

PP-Driver-Trainer-ML

1-Iron Lady-Michel Lachance-Fredrik Persson-5-1
2-Crys Dream-Luc Ouellette-Henrik Hollsten-7-5
3-Seducedbychocolate-David Miller-J. Czernyson-20-1
4-Lady Rainbow-Rick Zeron-Rick Zeron-10-1
5-Bold And Fresh-Ron Pierce-Doug Miller-12-1
6-Sashay-Ron Pierce-Bob Stewart-15-1
7-Hey Mister-Brian Sears-Ross Croghan-4-1
8-Wincinnatti-Yannick Gingras-Brett Bittle-15-1
9-Martiniontherocks-Trevor Ritchie-Dustin Jones-15-1
10-Jezzy-Tim Tetrick-Ray Schnittker-6-1

Last time around for some eligibles

Three-year-old trotters, some making their final starts for the July 30 Hambletonian and “Oaks” eliminations battle in New Jersey Sires Stakes and a three-year-old open on July 22 at the Meadowlands.  

Orlando (Andover Hall), trained by Don Swick, is one of seven Hambo-eligible colts entered in a $25,000 Open. Swick feels it is a wide-open year, as many felt was 2010, and the Hambletonian is chock full of contenders.  

"I thought we had written off the Hambletonian for Orlando,” he told Amy Silver of the Meadowlands PR department, “but he shows that he's getting his legs back under him. If he can knock off a strong 1:53 mile on Friday night, whether he wins or not, then we'll go ahead and spend the money. If he's consistent and stays at it, it might be enough to get big money."  

Though still a maiden, Orlando was a colt we followed with loyalty through the season. He had narrow losses in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes and in his only attempt at the Meadowlands this year, he broke stride while on the lead.  

Ice Machine (Muscles Yankee) returns in the colt NJSS division, facing Leader Of The Gang (Muscles Yankee), winner of the Yonkers Trot. Celebrity Bombay (Yankee Glide) and Whit (Classic Photo) complete the field’s eligibles.  

The other colt split offers eligibles Consus Blue Chip (Muscles Yankee), Whiskey Tax (Revenue S), VC Chocolate (Chocolatier), Winuendo (Windsong’s Legacy) and Big Sky Storm (Classic Photo). Though “Whiskey” will probably be the choice, “VC” can beat him when he doesn’t beat himself with a bad gait.  

Firstclassprincess (Classic Photo) gets the rail in the initial NJSS split for gals. She battles, in post position order, the following eligibles: Seducedbychocolate (Chocolatier), Crème De Cocoa (Chocolatier), Wincinnati (Windsong’s Legacy) and Caberet Princess (Yankee Glide).  

“Crème” was 99-1 finishing second to Hey Mister (Muscles Yankee) last week in a giant race from post 10. She looks best here as long as she stays as flat as she did in that big trip.  

The second femme mile presents Sheer Glide (Yankee Glide), Southwind Amega (Chocolatier), Thatsnotmyname (Windsong’s Legacy), Sashay (Yankee Glide), Tawesome More (Muscles Yankee), Angelette Hanover (Yankee Glide), Redwhitebluestone (Yankee Glide), Sizzling Volo (Yankee Glide) and Don’t Cry Lindy (Chocolatier).  

Sashay has gathered a trio of wins in only four starts and “Tawesome” and “Amega” are the only other two fillies with wins in this bunch this season. “Angelette” is the class of this bunch, having raced with the best fields, coming in second and third only one time each in five starts to bank over $63,000. She could be a big winner here. 

Trotters at twilight time

Friday and Saturday night, July 15 and 16, the Meadowlands hosts the most intense of the Hambletonian and "Oaks" preps.

The colts, only two of them non-eligibles, take flight in a pair of $166,000 divisions of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on July 16, while 11 fillies go the night before in the $237,000 Del Miller Memorial.

In the first "Dancer," Broad Bahn (Broadway Hall), the recent defeater of early season Hambo choice Pastor Stephen (Cantab Hall) meet again, and the latter gets stuck with the 8 hole, while "Bahn" comes from post 2. Oddly enough, the one non-eligible, Dejarmbro, which has beaten all of his division's foes at one time or another this season, is here out of post 5 to try to steal the glory from any of the others who can be in the August classic.

Charlie De Vie (Yankee Glide), who has shown his prowess on the New Jersey oval, comes from post 4. The favorite he beat, Manofmanymissions (Yankee Glide), comes from post 6. Filling out the field are (1) Live Jazz (Andover Hall), (3) Whit (Classic Photo) and (7) Luckycharm Hanover (Andover Hall). 

There are multi-scenarios considering which horse with a history of breaking could wind up running but all things being equal, it could be "Charlie" that has the upper hand at this late date. And that scenario includes beating Dejarmbro, as the colt is now meeting more of the sharper foes in his division at once. Trainer Trond Smedshammer is listed as the driver of Dejarmbro as we go to press and that is a plus in our opinion. However, this test may be too much for him and Charlie is in top shape when staying flat.

The second Dancer split features only seven eligibles, with Mr Web Page, not much a threat, from post 6. This is a great chance for (4) Big Rigs (Andover Hall) to shine, all things being equal (he has had his share of jumping problems). This softer of the two divisions should be easy for him if he is in shape, regardless of the surprising sharpness of (2) Evil Urges (Cash Hall). Beyond those two, the remaining purse checks are up for grabs. The field includes (1) Mythical Hall (Andover Hall), (3) Chapter Seven (Windsong's Legacy), (5) Big Sky Storm (Classic Photo) and Pegasus Blue Chip (Glidemaster).

Missing in action is Blue Porsche (Glidemaster), the colt who put in the most remarkable mile of the division when he won in Canada almost a month ago.

The Miller sends out 11, with (7) Action On George the only non-eligible. Poor Creme De Cocoa (Chocolatier) suffers from the post disadvantage that cost her sire the Hambletonian as she has to leave from post 10. Just in front of her is the probable best of the lot, (9) Lost Symbol (Yankee Glide). Perhaps "Symbol" can overcome the adversity of post 9, while "Cocoa" could have her issues weaving her way to the top with all this traffic.

The others are (1) Sizzling Volo (Yankee Glide), (2) Hey Mister (Muscles Yankee), (3) Tawsome More (Muscles Yankee), (4) Iron Lady (Daguet Rapide), Angelette Hanover (Yankee Glide), Wincinnati (Windsong's Legacy), (8) Lady Andover (Andover Hall) and (11) Thatsnotmyname (Windsong's Legacy).

For results, reviews and archives, check the Hambletonian Society website.

Eligibles spread out for holiday weekend

The July 4^th holiday weekend has a bunch of mild affairs in store for Hambo or “Oaks” eligibles.  

As Canada finishes celebrating its 144^th birthday, July 2 presents Ontario Sires Stakes (ONSS) at Georgian Downs that include some Oaks eligibles.  

In one of the three $40,000 eliminations for the ONSS Final, Attorney Hanover (Angus Hall) comes from the second tier, post 11. She is the only Oaks hopeful in the field.  

The second elim is free of eligibles but the third one has a trio. Oh Sweet Baby (Angus Hall), Mary’s Out Cruisin (Here Comes Herbie) and LA Freeway (Kadabra) are all province-breds competing on the circuit’s highest prized events. Keep and eye on “Freeway,” as Kadabra fillies have proven to be quite competitive on their own turf.  

That same evening at the Meadowlands, a field of colt eligibles battle in a $25,000 Open Trot. Here, Manofmanymissions (Yankee Glide), pictured on left, returns to battle with his own division after taking on older guys in New Jersey.  

Winuendo (Windsong’s Legacy) looks to earn more to get into the final month’s group of prospects, as does Rarely Ordinary (Conway Hall).  

Fawkes (SJ’s Caviar) was the recipient of a win in a chaotic race, giving him a clear-sailing trip to win at high odds at the Meadows. He will need to perform with less luck to stay in the best company of this division. Not Nice (Glidemaster) is also struggling and up against deep competition here.  

Charlie De Vie (Yankee Glide), however, has lost on his own cognition, breaking stride being his biggest enemy. On his best behavior he has a very good shot to beat “Man,” who will no doubt be a huge favorite.  

On July 4^th at Chester Downs, filly trotters with eyes on August compete in three Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS), each worth more than $66,000.  

Pantholops (Andover Hall) is yet to win in four starts, placing in three. Broadway Starlet (Broadway Hall) joins the trio of eligibles in the first split. She has two wins in seven starts and is the best chance for an upset here. Cedar Dove (Andover Hall) could be a second choice in the field.  

The second PASS split features Pacific Splash (American Winner), who has trailed off since her early season success. Lady Andover (Andover Hall) has some work to do, as the other two hopefuls bring in a bundle of bankroll earnings.  

Hot Off The Press (Cantab Hall) and Celebrity Katie (SJ’s Caviar) have shown some life that has earned them some clear paths to August. More earnings in theirs accounts is the goal in this event.  

Upsetting recently in state-bred action, Bold And Fresh (SJ’s Caviar) is the only eligible in the last of the three splits. She should be the favorite here and may tower over this group.

Eligibles haunt weekend events

Saturday, June 25 at Pocono Downs, the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Final goes for $500,000, featuring Hambo hopefuls aplenty.

Pastor Stephen (Cantab Hall) will face non-eligible Dejarmbro in a strong field. The latter is not intimidated by colts aiming at the August classic, he is willing to mow down any field available. 

Broad Bahn (Broadway Hall) is also here, along with Big Rigs (Andover Hall), Opening Night (Broadway Hall), Leader Of The Gang (Muscles Yankee), Bambino Hall (Tom Ridge) and Buffalino Hanover (Cantab Hall). Magnum Kosmos (SJ’s Caviar) is an AE if there is a scratch. 

Dejarmbro has been made the favorite at a soft 5-2. “Stephen” is 3-1 and may be a bargain if anywhere near those odds.  

As well, Big Rigs on a smooth gait is a hell of a trotter and if he wakes up and takes advantage of his speed and the over-ambitious journeys of others in the field, he could ignite a great win price.  

The Grand Circuit Historic-week events for eligibles are at Tioga Downs this year and on Saturday, June 25, the spectacular Jezzy looks to enjoy another clear path heading to the Hambletonian Oaks Final.  

Jezzy (Credit Winner) is five for five and doesn’t appear to be threatened by this crew, going for $75,500 (photo left). She is beginning to look like the trotters’ version of See You At Peelers.

Don’t Cry Lindy (Chocolatier) could be her only threat, though a mild one. Also on board are eligibles Angelette Hanover (Yankee Glide), Firstclassprincess (Classic Photo), and Massive Drama (Credit Winner).

On the colt side, the $78,200 Historic features Tiger’s Too Good (Conway Hall), hot lately. Trainer Joe Holloway’s ticket to the Hambo is in better shape than the high earner Ice Machine (Muscles Yankee). That one has been off his game since a streak that included the Dexter Cup early at the beginning of the Hambo Trail season.

Also here are Winuendo (Windsong’s Legacy), Whit (Classic Photo), Live Jazz (Andover Hall), VC Chocolate (Chocolatier), Johnny B Kemp (Credit Winner) and Glidenfordollars (Glidemaster).

 
“VC” is the obvious co-contender for Trond Smedshammer’s barn. He is yet to put in a giant mile but at this point in the Trail that is not a negative factor. VC has been cashing major checks.

Ray Schnittker’s Glidenfordollars is two wins for four starts and also on the cusp of a big mile. It may not, however, be this one.

Reviews, results and archives appear at Hambletonian Society.

Weekend trots on fire at Mohawk

Friday, June 17, Mohawk’s overture for the big “Cup” program the following night features soph-colt trotters in the $50,000 Goodtimes Consolation. In the race, the likely favorite will be Daylon Magician, a non-eligible, since he was 1-9 last time out.

But the horse that may not get the play he deserves will be Just In (Andover Hall). He left from the 8 hole in his Goodtimes elim and got a spot mid pack. He came moving just too late to catch a fading Whiskey Tax (Revenue S) and didn’t make the final. Other eligibles in this mile include Pegasus Blue Chip (Glidemaster) and EL Rock (Yankee Glide)

Saturday, June 18 starts with the $519,000 Elegant Image Final for some “Oaks”-eligibles. It looks as if Crys Dream (Taurus Dream) will be the obvious fan favorite and is certainly the one to beat. If you want to key her, use watch Lady Rainbow (Muscles Yankee). She is still an improving horse and may have a shot here, so consider a win bet, too. This teeters on a pass. 

Also aiming at the Oaks in this field are Oh Sweet Baby (Angus Hall), Iron Lady (Daguet Rapide), Seducedbychocolate (Chocolatier), Cedar Dove (Andover Hall) and on the also-eligible list is eligible Crème De Cocoa (Chocolatier).

In the $347,000 Goodtimes Final, Blue Porsche (Glidemaster) and VC Chocoholic (Chocolatier) will get all the money.

But one that will be ignored is not a Hambo hopeful. We like the chances of a non-hopefull, Mr Joe Sixpack to upset. He dueled for the front at the quarter and then went first over at three-quarters to finish third.

Also in the mix with Hambo dreams is Ice Machine (Muscles Yankee).

Reviews, results and archives at the home page of Hambletonian Society.

Fillies vie in ‘Elegant’ elims; Magician splits make colts appear

On Friday, June 10, 11 Hambletonian Oaks eligibles go to the gate at Mohawk in the two Eligantimage elims, while the Meadowlands hosts three splits of the Magician series for the colts, with eligibles included.  

In the first “Elegant” elim, it is tough to predict the public choice. But it could be Lady Rainbow (Muscles Yankee). Also in it are Iron Lady (Daguet Rapide), Fitness Girl (Muscles Yankee) and Cleopatre Duharas (Cantab Hall). “Lady” did not show her potential in the Casual Breeze at Mohawk. She should be able to do better here.  

In the second elim, the likely favorite and one to beat is Crys Dream (Taurus Dream). Also in it are Andover The Top (Andover Hall), Crème De Cocoa (Chocolatier), Seducedbychocolate (Chocolatier), Cedar Dove (Andover Hall), Oh Sweet Baby (Angus Hall) and As Ya’ll Like It (Yankee Glide). Crys Dream is tough but Andover The Top may be able to do it. She draws the rail after a poor performance in the Casual Breeze. Also watch Crème De Cocoa.  

In $15,000 splits at the Meadowlands, three fields of the Magician host 11 Hambo hopefuls them.  

Man O’War (Chocolatier), Aequitas (Glidemaster) and Consus Blue Chip are in the first mile and “Man” holds the edge, having been racing with better than the non-eligibles here and racing more consistently than the hopefuls.  

The second chapter has five hopefuls: Orlando (Andover Hall), Celebrity Bombay (Yankee Glide), The Evictor (Valley Victor), Mr Web Page (Muscles Yankee) and Wicked Schooner (Broadway Hall). Orlando, despite his gait problems, has been productive and is the top money-earner among the Hambo-aimed colts here. He is a formidable favorite.  

In the closing division, Unabating (Broadway Hall), Matrix (Yankee Glide) and Muscles Malone (Muscles Yankee) take on seven others and don’t stack up very well against the best of the others so far this season. We may be seeing improvement from Unabating, who could be a longshot to win this, though he has the most money in the bank.

Check all reviews, results and archives at the Hambletonian Society page.

Dexter Cup, Lady Suffolk Present New Divisions

The Grand Circuit for 2011 launches with the Lady Suffolk (May 6) and The Dexter Cup (May 7) at Freehold Raceway.

This is the first edition of our look at eligibles for the August classics for three-year-old trotters: the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks. For all of the week's racing, see our harness blog at TwinSpires.

The $160,850 Dexter Cup, this year without elims, previews six possible Hambletonian stars in a field of eight fresh soph-colt trotters. 

The six Hambo-eligibles in the “Dexter” include colts that made some noise at two, as well as four of them are sired by Hambletonian champions.

Whitewater Rapids is one of a trio in the field trained by Ray Schnittker, no stranger to the “Trail” over the past few years. “Rapids” placed in the New York Sires Stakes Championship for two-year-old trotters to Dejarmbro, a powerhouse frosh trotter of 2010 who is not on the Trail. Rapids is a son of Credit Winner, a mighty Empire State sire that does not have a Hambo victory on his pedigree page.

Schnittker also brings in Winuendo to the Dexter. This colt is one of the final products of the ill-fated sire Windsong’s Legacy, the trotter that won the trotting triple crown. Schnittker’s other son-of-a-Hambo-winner is Musclelaneous, sired by the productive Muscles Yankee.

Other eligibles include Buzz Bomb (Windsong’s Legacy), trained by Jim Meittinis, and Jimmy Takter’s Gordo Hall, by Tom Ridge (a failed Hambo favorite), as well as Ice Machine (Muscles Yankee) from the Charlie Norris team.

Hopeless for the Hambo are two ineligibles, Justa Jersey Boy and Marcus Bi.

This is a difficult race to handicap, since the outsiders tend to be the colts that have already raced this year but have not faced the likes of the freshmen returning as sophomores to the stakes scene. Neither can you rely upon the strength of trainers to hoist a colt to sudden stardom in this event. Rarely has the Dexter been a showcase for a colt that went on to win the Hambo.

Also, this is the Freehold half-mile hosting the race and these colts can easily stammer along the four-turn trip, especially those leaving from the outside. This is why we are particularly high on Whitewater Rapids, who leaves from post 5 with Tim Tetrick, not trainer Schnittker.

The Credit Winners have produced a lot of half-mile trotters, having raced on the New York circuit more than the progeny of other sires mentioned above. The colt that defeated Rapids at the end of 2010, Dejarmbro, could destroy this field on paper, so it is no stretch to imagine Rapids conquering this event.

If he is coming back with the use of all “cylinders,” Rapid could be the early hero of this division. All the horses that could possibly be better are behind him in post position, so that edge also belongs to him.

The Lady Suffolk will be contested in two divisions, each worth $39,825. In the mix there is only a trio of “Oaks”-eligible fillies. They are: Pacific Splash (post 4 in division one) and Don’t Cry Lindy (post 3) and Sheer Glide (post 6) in division two.

Pacific Splash’s sire is American Winner, who oddly enough was one of the last colts to win the Dexter and go on to win the Hambo. She comes from the Norris barn and is the focus of this field for us.

Don’t Cry Lindy, from post 3, is a young filly by Chocolatier, a sire we touted last season successfully as a strong producer of sharp fillies. This is the choice here, no doubt, since Sheer Glide (by Yankee Glide) gets the outside post 6. These two offer low-priced payouts but must be respected as they make their start on the Hambletonian Trail in a crowded division.