Hambletonian Oaks sans elims, prep mile to final

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Keep watching the Hambletonian Trail 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.

PA and NY events on Sunday; Colts make their bids in the ‘Beal’ deal

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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:

Amped Up Hanover
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.

Harper Blue Chip
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?).

Don Dorado
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).

Outburst
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.

Well Built
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.

Datsyuk
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.

Sumatra
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.

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.

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.

Keep watching the Hambletonian Trail 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.

NY, Ontario, kick off stakes week

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Pocono presents filly stakes

Wednesday, June 18 “Oaks” eligibles battle in two Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) at Pocono Downs.

Nine gals take to the gate for the first division, worth $98,100. Only three in the field are not aimed for August.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Don’t be surprised, by the way, if Lifetime Dream wakes up enough to make this a Takter exacta.

Keep watching the Hambletonian Trail 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.

Goodtimes will be had by colts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep watching the Hambletonian Trail 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.

Philly for fillies and Jersey for boys

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep watching the Hambletonian Trail 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.

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Fillies firing at Yonkers

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Soph contenders abound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yonkers presents colts on the half

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

‘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.

 

Mohawk, Meadows present eligibles’ showcases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currier & Ives hosts fillies in lucrative trio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Soph-trot contests ensue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

State-and-province breds battle across the borders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simpsons bring out the sophs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glamour boys and girls go head to head in trot classic

After months of prepping, the world’s 10 finest glamour-boy trotters will line up behind the Meadowlands starting gate for the 87^th running of the Hambletonian on Aug. 4. Here’s the field:

PP-Name-Driver-Trainer-Odds

1-Uncle Peter-Ron Pierce-Jimmy Takter-5/2

2-Market Share-Tim Tetrick-Linda Toscano- 4-1

3-Knows Nothing-Jody Jamieson-Jeffrey Gillis-7/2

4-Archangel-Jim Morrill Jr.-Peter Arrigenna-9/2

5-My Mvp-Mike Lachance-Tony Alagna-15-1

6-Prestidigitator-Sylvain Filion-R. Dustin Jones-12-1

7-Guccio-Jimmy Takter-Jimmy Takter-8-1

8-Stormin Normand-Dave Palone-Jim Campbell-15-1

9-Money On My Mind-Andy Miller-Julie Miller-15-1

10-Gym Tan Laundry-George Brennan-Noel Daley-30-1

It will be fairly tough, but possible, to beat morning-line favorite Uncle Peter (Cantab Hall). He will likely either take the lead or sit in the pocket and do the same move that Muscle Massive made with Ron Pierce to win in 2010.

Archangel (Credit Winner) will also look to take the lead and Market Share should get a pocket spot.

But a horse that could be the best value is Prestidigitator (Kadabra). Although people will recall or be reminded of the horrible trip he received in the elim, they probably still won’t bet heavily on him—they’ll go for the three elimination winners.

Trainer Dustin Jones has stakes experience with longshots, as Martiniontherocks gunned out of the gate from post 8 in the Breeders Crown two years back and recorded a stunning upset. So chances are that Prestidigitator will get away fourth or fifth and get a second over trip to win. Might he surprise his foes and leave to take command and keep it? Either way, he is a major player in this event.

Another horse to watch that will be afforded some great odds  is Stormin Normand (Broadway Hall). Although he barely qualified for the final, he trotted a brutal first-over journey against the speedy Archangel. Stormin Normand will likely get off the gate and settle mid-pack and close to get a minor placing; else he will be as powerful as he was against likely choice Uncle Peter during the pair’s last few contests together.

What you should know about the others:

My Mvp has trotted hot and cold these few months and though he has been competitive with the main group he has only had mild success among Pennsylvania state breds. He got into the final on the heels of the fading Riccolo and Stormin Normand’s tough trip so circumstances would have to set up for him to get the opportunity to win.

Guccio was unable to topple Little Brown Fox when that one fooled most bettors and went off over 20-1 and win in the “Dancer.” He was second to Little Brown Fox when that one won at 4-1 and even with “Fox” not in this hunt, Guccio does not appear as good as the few best mentioned; he would need a few other colts to misstep literally or figuratively to win.

Money On My Mind also gets into the final through the courtesy of some others’ faults. In the Uncle Peter win he was assisted by Banker Volo’s burnout session and Possess The Will’s inability to rebound from a terrific frosh season (though many still had faith enough to make him 5-1).

Gym Tan Laundry got into the final when once again he was our choice to win and could not satisfy our support. We have liked him from the start of the season and he collects his share of checks, racing like a professional should, he just doesn’t win. It is tough to imagine any reasonable scenario that would allow him to win this event, especially coming from the 10 hole, where a Chocolatier, a terrific horse compared to “Gym,” could not succeed a few years back.

The absence of copy relating to the filly “Oaks” should be obvious to all followers of this blog and bettors of TwinSpires. Check Me Out is easily a strong candidate for Horse of the Year, topping all editorial polls for trotters and pacers and a loss in the Oaks might not even suspend belief she would win the coveted award. However, no one feels that she will lose the Oaks, no matter the weather and no matter the improvements of any of her foes. Yes, she has been beaten before, but on this day, when she may have beaten the colts, you will have to go a long way to make a case for any of the others in the Oaks field.

Live reports from the Meadowlands on all of the stakes, in cooperation with the Hambletonian Society, will be added to this blog on Saturday, Aug. 4. Check in often for updates, insider information and late changes that affect wagering from your TwinSpires account.

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.

Trotters to tango in ‘Dancer’ and ‘Miller’

H = Hambletonian eligible.

To complement the Meadowlands Pace program, the $303,500 Stanley Dancer Memorial and the $245,500 Del Miller Memorial attract the country’s top trotters to the Meadowlands on July 14.

In the first “Dancer,” Uncle Peter (H-Cantab Hall) comes off an easy winning effort in the PA All-Stars. Making his return off a layoff is Vic Smith (H-Yankee Glide). He comes off a good qualifier, finishing second to free-for-all trotter Hot Shot Blue Chip in 1:54.3. He was a little green at the beginning of the year and looks to come back sharp.  

Also with a shot is Appomattox (H-Yankee Glide). He finished fourth against older horses in a conditioned event at the Meadowlands and before that finished second to Corraggioso (H-Conway Hall) in the Dickerson Cup. This field is fairly weak and the Antonacci trainee may get his time to shine tonight.  

Also eligible are From Above (H-Donato Hanover), Dandover (H-Donato Hanover), Big Chocolate (H-Chocolatier) and Banker Volo (H-Yankee Glide).  

Possess The Will (H-Donato Hanover) and Googoo Gaagaa are stamped as likely favorites in division two. Gym Tan Laundry (H-Yankee Glide) comes off a surprising effort in the Goodtimes. He took the lead and was able to hold on to third at 161-1. As long as he gets the top or sits second, we could likely see a upset.  

Also in with a shot is Guccio (H-Yankee Glide). Although he broke against conditioned trotters last week, he has a resume of talent before that. As long as he stays flat, he will likely get a good trip and close hard.  

Also eligible are Money On My Mind (H-Cantab Hall), Epic Tale (H-Donato Hanover), Little Brown Fox (H-Muscles Yankee) and One In A Million (H-Donato Hanover).  

Check Me Out (H-Donato Hanover) headlines the Del Miller after strolling around the half-mile oval at Yonkers to smoothly win the $185,194 Hudson Filly Trot. She is listed as the one to beat and in our books (and in all books); she is the one that can’t be beat.  

But if you want to go against her or find a good horse for second, look at On The Bright Side (H-Cantab Hall). She jogged in the Pennsylvania All-Stars, winning in 1:54.3. On The Bright Side has hit her peak and should continue to provide success.  

Also watch Lady Andi (H-Andover Hall). Although she was disappointing in the Casual Breeze, she has gotten her act together. She won her Pennsylvania All-Stars for fun in 1:55.1 as the 6-5 favorite. She should be sharp and ready to trot this week.  

Also eligible are Personal Style (H-Yankee Glide), Sterling Volo (H-Donato Hanover), Win Missy B (H-Conway Hall), Superstar Hanover (H-Cantab Hall) and Quarentine S (H-Varenne).   

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.