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.

Hopefuls contest in late-season preps

With two weeks until the Hambletonian and one week until the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations, the “Trail” has entered crunch time. Hopefuls will compete on Saturday, July 19 in the Reynolds Memorial at the Meadowlands and the Canadian Breeders Championships at Mohawk.

Since the Reynolds for the fillies only attracted four, it will be run as an exhibition race. The male equivalent saw 22 drop into the box, dividing into two divisions on the pari-mutual card.

Nuncio, entering off a runner-up finish to Father Patrick in the Stanley Dancer last week, highlights the opening split. While he is the fiercest competitor in this split, Southwind Poseidon has been improving with every outing. Coming in off of back-to-back victories, he may not be able to defeat Nuncio, but he’ll certainly be in the mix. Uva Hanover, one of the nine hopefuls in this event, could also get involved.

The other episode is a Hambo-hopeful free for all, with all 11 staked to the trotting classic. Other than the match-up of Trixton and Truxton, don’t discount Datsyuk from the second-tier. Trailing Mister B’s Way, who frequently shows speed, Datsyuk should get an easy trip and provide value.

Both genders of sophomore trotters will compete in finals for the Canadian Breeders Championship. The colt final features eligibles Entranced and Harper Blue Chip, with Harper Blue Chip looking near unbeatable off of a victory in the elimination.

Margie is the lone hopeful in the filly final. While she barely made the final, Flexible Woman could be a live long shot. She was victorious on this track against Grassroots competition a few weeks back and came into the eliminations off of an impressive fourth-place closing effort at Grand River. Being locked at the pylons in the elim and caught behind a fading leader, watch out for this filly as she seeks redemption at a price.

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.

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.

 

‘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.

 

Miles aplenty for eligibles on tap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

State-and-province breds battle across the borders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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