Hambletonian edition

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► Breaking down the Hambletonian ► Hambletonian Analysis & PPs ► Takter on the art of winning the Hambo ► New Hambo stallions & royal pedigrees

© 2021 Daily Racing Form, LLC - 10 Grand Central, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017 WATCH THE HAMBLETONIAN Saturday, August 7 1. CBS Sports Network 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Live coverage of the Hambletonian and the 2. FS2 (FOX Sports 2) Cut-in from Live at Saratoga broadcast for live coverage of the Hambletonian 3. Racetrack Television Network (www.rtn.tv) Free streaming of Meadowlands In-house show from playmeadowlands.com; also available on Facebook & YouTube page. RTN is available on PCs, mobile devices, on DISH Network, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 4. ADW accounts Full card coverage of the Meadowlands

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Hambletonian Information and History Hambletonian Website - www.hambletonian.com EDITOR’S EYE

By Derick Giwner @harnesseyeguy

Breaking down the Hambletonian

Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands has everything a horse- player or fan of the sport could desire. There’s a full slate of 16 races (13 of which are stakes) with a number of wagering options, the best horses/drivers/trainers in , and of course the Hamble- tonian. Coming off consecutive Hambletonians where the favorite was 2-5 or less, 2021 provides us with a truly competitive field and many options depending on how YOU see the race playing out. Below we take a look at the field of 10 from a perspective of poten- tial value in relation to recent performance and potenial to improve. While the value odds-line will be opinion-based, there will be no prog- nostications in this column. The goal is simply to provide a baseline to use when heading to the windows. Use this information and all of the stories, opinions and selections in this special Hambletonian issue as a guide, or read it and toss it aside. As long as you open it and flip through the pages with some Inside this issue interest, I’m happy. Let’s dig in! ►Hambletonian Day could be “Miller” time 1-Delayed Hanover ML: 7-2 valUE Odds: 5-1 ►Four first-time stallions make Hambletonian cut Driver: ► discusses the road to the Hambo Trainer: Ake Svanstedt Owners: Mellby Gard Inc. & Ake ►Hambletonian Day Handicapping & PPs Svanstedt Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms ►Royal pedigrees on display in Haughton/Doherty Sire: Southwind Frank Dam: Don’t Wait Up ►Zoccali: Plenty to look forward to on Hambo card Those taking a positive view will see a horse that put together ►MGM Yonkers International Trot to return in 2022 back-to-back strong efforts and won going away in his elimina- ►On The Backstretch: Profile of Edison Hatter tion. A contrarian will say the trip worked out perfectly last ►Best Bets & Analysis ►Industry Headlines week, his driver booked off to Really Fast and post 1 could be Comments? Questions? difficult with plenty of speed to Email the Editor [email protected] his outside. As a proven 1:50 trot- ter he has a shot. CLICK HERE FOR HAMBLETONIAN DAY ENTRIES CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Congratulations to last weekend’’s Ohio Sires Stakes Winners!

OSDF Administrator Kim Rinker 614-779-0269

3 Year-Old Colt Pacer~ Leg 3 Winner www.racingohio.net 3-Year-Old Colt Pacer ~ Leg 3 Winner Heart Of Chewbacca Charlie May

DRF Harness Digest | 3 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONGRATULATIONS to the connections of Hambletonian starter TAKE ALL COMERS, winner of the Muscle Hill division of the Bluegrass Stakes at two in 1:52 3/5, just 2/5ths off the world record.

Owner/breeder: Runthetable Stables Trainer: Jim Campbell

Best of luck to this son of Creatine in the 2021 Hambletonian

CREATINE BY ANDOVER HALL OUT OF BERRY NICE MUSCLES

717-638-7100 | [email protected] CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 6-sONOFAMISTERY ML: 4-1 valUE ODDS: 7-2 Driver: 2-TAKE ALL COMERS ML: 12-1 valUE ODDS: 25-1 Trainer: Marcus Melander Owners: S R F Stable & Holly Driver: David Miller Lane Stud East LTD Trainer: Jim Campbell Breeder: Millstream Stable LLC Owners: Runthetable Stables & Aldebaran Park Inc. Breeder: Runthetable Stables & Sire: Muscle Hill Chelsea Batelli Dam: Mistery Woman Sire: Creatine He dealt with plenty of traffic Dam: Nantab in his elimination and finished The inside post is a huge plus under a hold due to lack of room late. Marcus Melander trainee is also and he finished well with a 26 4/5 the fastest horse in the field (1:50 2/5) by almost a full second. On the final quarter in his elimination from third-over. His best beaten time minus side three and four starts back he had a breaking issue. Brian of 1:51 comes up short here but that doesn’t mean he can’t improve and Sears has won this race three times. there is certainly enough early speed signed on for him to rally into with a clean trip. Trainer Jim Campbell already has a Hambletonian 7-really fasT ML: 5-1 valUE ODDS: 8-1 win on his record. Driver: Dexter Dunn 3-spy booTH ML: 15-1 valUE ODDS: 40-1 Trainer: Nancy Takter Owners: Brixton Medical Inc., Hatfield Stables, Marvin Katz & Driver: Al Libfeld Trainer: Nancy Takter Breeder: Al Libfeld Owners: John Fielding, David Sire: Muscle Hill Anderson, Robert Leblanc & Dam: Stubborn Belle Marvin Katz Muscle Hill colt had some Breeder: Order By Stable breaking issues earlier this year but seems to be on the right road Sire: Muscle Hill now. He has lacked early speed, which could be an issue with #9 and Dam: Amour Heiress #10 possibly leaving hard. From a time perspective he probably has to Driver Tim Tetrick has a win pick up a second to win. It’s possible, but he may need some pace help. and two seconds in this race, so that’s a plus, and this guy seems to be improving with a trio of 1:52 miles in a row. That said, he’s 0-for-9 8-venerate ML: 8-1 valUE ODDS: 15-1 in his career and this race seems to be coming up too soon for him to Driver: Andy Miller make an impact. Trainer: Julie Miller 4-captain corey ML: 3-1 valUE ODDS: 3-1 Owners: Pinske Stables & Andy Miller Stable Inc. Breeder: Steve Stewart & Kemppi Stable Driver: Ake Svanstedt Sire: Love You Trainer: Ake Svanstedt Dam: Peaceful Kemp Owners: S R F Stable, Knutsson Son of Love You can seemingly trot all day long but has lacked Trotting, Midnight Sun Partners handiness. Trainer Julie Miller confirmed she will be changing from & Ake Svanstedt an Open Bridle to Can’t See Back Cups. Will that help? He’s basically Breeder: Carter Duer been babied around the track in every start. The pure talent is there Sire: Googoo Gaagaa if he can put it together. Dam: Luv U All He’s the deserving favorite off 9-Ambassador Hanover ML: 15-1 valUE ODDS: 20-1 a very impressive wire-to-wire Driver: Scott Zeron victory. The positives are that Trainer: Ake Svanstedt he only has four starts and could Owners: Ake Svanstedt, Order By improve, he has a great post, and Stable, Howard & Judith Taylor & he’s already been in the 1:50 range in terms of time. On the negative Diamond Creek Racing side, Svanstedt is not a top catch-driver and when met with pressure Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms two starts back he lost. It’s worth checking out the changes to see if Sire: Chapter Seven he’ll race without shoes on Saturday. Svanstedt said it will depend on track and weather conditions. Dam: Angel Eyes His big early speed is an asset and getting two-time Hambletonian 5-locatelli ML: 15-1 valUE ODDS: 30-1 winner Scott Zeron in the bike has to be considered a plus. His elimi- nation effort was just ok but he did drop almost a second in time, so perhaps the arrow is pointing up. Driver: Andrew McCarthy Trainer: Nancy Takter 10-Cuatro De Julio ML: 10-1 valUE ODDS: 25-1 Owners: Black Horse Racing, John Fielding & Steve Heimbecker Driver: Lucas Wallin Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms Trainer: Marie Ortolan Bar Sire: Muscle Hill Owners: D Farm LLC Dam: Girlie Tough Breeder: Dream With Me Stable He starts from a great post but Sire: Trixton his pattern of races hardly looks Dam: Clarabelle like that of a horse who is ready Was stretched out a touch while making a strong move to the front to throw a new lifetime best, which is what it would take to compete. in his elimination but clearly got a bit steppy in the stretch, something He was just even in his elimination and broke in the previous start. we’ve seen from him before. The pure speed is there but mental obstacles and post 10 with speed to his inside remain the big issues to overcome.

DRF Harness Digest | 5 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HANOVER SHOE FARMS Wishes the best of luck to all of the Hambletonian & Hambletonian Oaks finalists

Congratulations to the Hanover-breds who advanced to the finals HAMBLETONIAN HAMBLETONIAN OAKS DELAYED HANOVER CONTESTED HANOVER AMBASSADOR HANOVER DARLENE HANOVER LOCATELLI *PIPER HANOVER

*bred by Brittany Farms and Melvin Hartman; sold by Hanover Shoe Farms as a yearling

ANDOVER HALL · BAR HOPPING · BETTING LINE · CANTAB HALL CAPTAINTREACHEROUS · GREENSHOE · INTERNATIONAL MONI · NUNCIO PAPI ROB HANOVER · STAY HUNGRY · TALL DARK STRANGER

717-637-8931 | hanoverpa.com | [email protected] With plenty of live drives, Hambo Day could be “Miller” time

By Jay Bergman

Hambletonian Day tends to bring out the best in the sport’s drivers and Hall of Famer David Miller is certainly hoping to get his share of winner’s circle appearances on the 16-race program at The Meadowlands this Saturday afternoon (August 7). For Miller, a first Hambletonian trophy would be a plus but isn’t necessary to call the day successful. Miler looks to capture the $276,150 for sophomores with last year’s champion Perfect Sting, who landed post 4 in a field of seven going as the fifth race of the day. “He raced well last week,” said Miller of the come-from-behind 1:49 score in the Geers at The Meadowlands. “In the I was sitting in a three-hole and had to make a quick (above) Lisa Photo - (below) Ken Weingartner move into hot fractions. Who knew that Perfect Sting (above) at 9-5 in the Cane Pace and Venerable (below) at 2-1 in the Jim Doherty One Eight Hundred would step out of a are driver David Miller’s morning-line favorites on Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands. hopple?” Translation, Perfect Sting could have just as easily had a pocket trip without the burst of energy. Miller was disappointed with the Meadowlands Pace defeat and hopes to right the ship in the Cane where he’ll meet One Eight Hundred (post 1), Adios runner-up Rockyroad Hanover (post 2) and Messenger Stakes winner Ameri- can Courage (post 7). Miller has always had a good hand with young trotters and that ability sets him up nicely in the $326,850 Jim Doherty Memorial (race 7) with Vener- able. A $210,000 yearling purchase, Venerable has gone undefeated in three starts with Miller in the bike behind the Walner-sired filly on all occasions. A winner in her first baby race on June 16 in 2:02, Venerable captured the July 16 Sire Stakes final nearly 10 seconds faster with a 1:52 2/5 career- best over the Meadowlands surface. “No, I had no idea she could go that fast when I drove her in the qualifier,” Miller said to no surprise. “She did qualify very well with something in reserve before racing.” The lone filly to take a bye and miss last week’s elimination, Venerable landed post 6 in against a solid group, many of which didn’t compete in the New Jersey Sire Stakes. Joviality Despite the luckless draws Beads has managed to win four of his S (post 4) was a solid 1:54 1/5 winner in her elimination and Jiggy Jog seven starts this year, already eclipsing his earnings for his entire S (post 7), another daughter of Walner, was a solid second in that mile. 3-year-old season in the process. While the talent is obviously there, Mon Cheval (post 9), a well-bred daughter of Father Patrick-Shake It Beads will be handicapped by drawing outside the 2019 Hambletonian Cerry, received a tough trip from post 10 and is also one to watch. champion Forbidden Trade (post 1) as well as the reigning queen of It seems the post position Gods have a problem with the 4-year-old the trotting game Manchego (post 3), who enters the contest off a bril- Beads, Miller’s mount in the $269,750 John Cashman Memorial (race liant 1:50 mile in the Spirit of Massachusetts at Plainridge on July 25. 11). The Per Engblom-trained stallion landed post 9 for the third time Cattlewash (post 1) gives Miller a serious chance in the $158,500 in his last four starts, with the lone exception a 10-hole in the Hamble- second Sam McKee division of the day carded as race 12. tonian Maturity (July 17). “He’s come back very well,” said Miller. “The fact that he was breed- “It’s been rough on him because he’s not the quickest horse out of ing three days a week between March and June and is able to race like the gate,” said Miller. “In the Maturity it was a mile and an eighth and this is something else.” it took him a long time to clear the lead. He can go plenty fast, you just have to be careful with him.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

DRF Harness Digest | 7 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness SATURDAY, AUGUST 7    

Over $3 million in stakes!                    ­  

€  ‚  ‚  $75,000 G $125,000 G  ƒ„  ƒ ‡ 

 † ƒ‚†‡ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 “He’s really coming into the race Cattlewash, despite the double duty, enters the McKee in brilliant off a big mile,” said form having captured the Graduate final on July 10 in 1:47 1/5 and Miller of Take All then a William Haughton division a week later in 1:47 3/5. Cattlewash Comers’ elimina- faces a solid group that includes the division leader This Is The Plan tion effort. “I wasn’t (post 6) as well as Haughton winner Allywag Hanover (post 3). happy drawing “Last year we were chasing Tall Dark Stranger a lot,” said Miller, the eight-hole with who believes his horse has the versatility to race on the lead or close him but he followed up and still perform at a high level. Venerate and came Whether When Dovescry can capture the Dr. John Steele Memorial home strongly.” for the second year in a row remains to be seen. Miller will steer the Take All Comers Muscle Hill-sired 5-year-old from post 6 in the $187,400 contest carded is a homebred of as race 13. Runthetable Stables “I was very proud of her for beating Atlanta last time,” said Miller. and Miller hopes he “Atlanta and Manchego are in a world of their own.” can win this not just Miller is most aware that Atlanta (post 5) has a $2.7 million for himself. bankroll, much of it acquired from racing against and defeating “It would be male competition. The 6-year-old by Chapter Seven has only tested tremendous to win mares thus far in 2021 and seeks her third win of the year in the the Hambleton- Steele. ian,” Miller said. “It Lady Chaos captured one of two eliminations for the $500,000 would be tremen- Hambletonian Oaks last Saturday and that assured her a favorable dous for the horse, post position for the final. the owners and the Derick Giwner trainer too.” “I was very happy with her race last week,” said Miller of the Hall of Famer David Miller is hoping that head victory over Bella Bellini (post 5) in the $35,000 contest. “You Take All Comers Take All Comers will be his first know she raced Bella Bellini at Pocono and she just went right drew well but is the Hambletonian winner. around my filly that day (June 13). I just hope she’s as good this lone horse in the week.” field for trainer Jim The Oaks is by no means a two-filly race with talent spread through- Campbell while Nancy Takter will send out three horses (Spy Booth – out the 10-horse field, including last year’s Jim Doherty champion post 3, Locatelli – post 5, Really Fast – post 7) and Ake Svanstedt will Darlene Hanover (post 1), 24-1 surprise elimination winner Awesome also have three (Delayed Hanover – post 1, Captain Corey – post 4, Trix (post 3), as well as multiple stakes winners You Ato Dream (post Ambassador Hanover – post 9) in the final. 9) and Iteration (post 10). “It’s the Hambletonian,” said Miller. “Every driver wants to win While wins matter to most drivers, winning the Hambletonian this race.” would be extra sweet. In 2017 Miller guided What The Hill across the Clearly Miller expects every man for himself in the $1 million wire first but ultimately the horse was disqualified. On Saturday he Hambletonian that will be the final stake of the day and race 15 on the gets a major chance with Take All Comers (post 2). program with a 6:12 P.M. off time.

Hambletonian Day Schedule & Wagering Menu

OFF TIME RACE # PURSE CONDITIONS WAGERING MENU 12:03 1 $21,000 Winners 2-5 races or $85,000 life WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Double, Pick 6 12:25 2 $97,550 Shady Daisy - 3yo Filly Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 12:47 3 $50,000 Muscle Hill - 3YO C&G Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 5 1:10 4 $50,000 Preferred Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 1:34 5 $276,150 Cane Pace - 3yo Open Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Survivor 7 1:58 6 $191,050 Lady Liberty - FFA Mare Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 2:22 7 $326,850 Jim Doherty Mem. Final - 2yo Filly Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 2:50 8 $60,000 Vincennes Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, $75K GTD Pick 4 3:16 9 $293,450 Peter Haughton Mem. Final - 2yo Colt Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 3:41 10 $157,100 Sam McKee Mem. - FFA Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 6 4:09 11 $269,750 John Cashman Mem. - FFA Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 4:37 12 $158,500 Sam McKee Mem. - FFA Pace WPS, EX, TRI, Super, $125,000 GTD Pick 4 5:04 13 $187,400 Dr. John R. Steele Mem. - Mare Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Pick 3 5:42 14 $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks Final - 3yo Filly Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Double, Pick 3, Hi-5 6:12 15 $1,000,000 Hambletonian Final - 3yo Open Trot WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Double, Hi-5 6:46 16 $26,000 Non-winners $12,500 in last 4 WPS, EX, TRI, Super, Hi-5 *Mandatory payouts on Pick 5 (Race 3), Survivor 7 (Race 5), Pick 6 (Race 10), Pick 4 (Race 12) and Hi-5 (Race 16).

DRF Harness Digest | 9 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness The California Kid

WATCH RACE

Bred, raised and sold as a yearling by Brittany Farms The year’s fastest 2YO pacer, Brittany B/R/S Pebble Beach p,2,1:50.1 (above, by Downbytheseaside-Santa Rosa), is poised to take a swing at the big stakes after his scorching 1:50.1 win in the KYSS. This fall the farm will be selling his 3/4-brother by Captaintreacherous, Cabot Beach. See all of our Lexington yearlings here.

BRITTANY FARMS 2019 BREEDER OF THE YEAR 2020 Versailles, KY | (859) 873-3878 | britfarms.com PROUD SPONSOR OF THE HARNESS HORSE YOUTH FOUNDATION

GSI, LLC 2021 | Photo: Amanda Stephens Four first-time sires make the Hambletonian Final cut

By Greg Reinhart

A group of four stallions - Creatine, Googoo Gaagaa, Southwind Frank and Trixton - will start one of their sons in the Hambletonian final for the first time on Saturday, August 7 at The Meadowlands. Perhaps the most intriguingly-bred horse in the Hamble- tonian final is elimination winner Captain Corey, who is by the now-exported Googoo Gaagaa. By pacing stal- lion Cam’s Rocket and out of the Veeba Rova mare Kora’s Trotter, Googoo Gaagaa had a quite brilliant career in the United States, earning $665,339 and taking a mark of 1:50 4/5 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. He never caught on as a commercial stallion here, but in , he did, first through frozen semen and then actually going over there following his purchase by Robert Lindstrom. Lindstrom is also a co-owner of Captain Corey. “In Sweden/Europe, having a Hambletonian starter does not impact his popularity as a sire,” said Tristan Sjoberg of Knutsson Trotting, another one of Captain Corey’s Derick Giwner co-owners. “He is already the hottest stallion in Europe and Cuatro De Julio will try to get Trixton on the list of Hambletonian- his prodigy have already won The European Trotting Derby winning stallions. (2020), Swedish Kriteriet for 3-year-olds (2019), Swedish Trotting Derby (2020) and Breeders’ Crown (2020). In 2018, his offspring also won the most prestigious 2-year-old race in Sweden, Bowden also pointed to the diversity of the Hambletonian field as a the Swedish Uppfödningslöpning. He has had a full book for the last key indicator to the strength of the industry. two years and prices at auctions reflect this. “To see such a strong field represented by such a wide group of stal- “Googoo Gaagaa never really got a chance to prove his worth as lions tells us that it continues to be worth it to go after and invest in a stallion in the USA, for a variety of reasons, but no one in Europe these stallion prospects,” said Bowden. is surprised about his success [as a sire]. Many successful sires in Completing the group is Trixton, a longer-tenured stallion than the Europe have had pacer blood in them, such as Zoot Suit, so Googoo others, but one who has been in search of a top colt up to this point. Gaagaa fit our world view perfectly in Sweden. This year’s Elitloppet He may finally have it in Cuatro De Julio, who won in 1:51 3/5 at The winner, Don Fanucci Zet, also has pacer blood.” Red Mile as a rookie, showing the early speed breeders, owners, and The Swedish and European markets’ gain of Googoo Gaagaa is trainers covet, and coming back to race well both in the New Jersey certainly the American market’s loss, especially since he’s an out- Sire Stakes program and on the Grand Circuit this year. cross sire that has shown the ability to have horses compete and win “To me, Trixton’s a good stallion, both here and in Europe,” said at the top levels. bloodstock agent Perry Soderberg. “It’s been a little tricky to compete “For the American market, the train has left the station. Googoo with Muscle Hill in New Jersey, for sure, which I think most stallions Gaagaa is now in Sweden, and I cannot see him returning. Shame, would have found out if they were standing there. he would have provided an excellent alternative to the current blood- “I think (having a Hambletonian finalist) helps for sure, and that lines, which are getting progressively narrower,” remarked Sjoberg. horse has, of course, proven before that he’s a high-caliber horse. I “The average inbreeding coefficient of horses sold at auctions in the believe he won in 51 as a 2-year-old, which also is very important, States is around 17 percent; in Europe we have below 10 percent. This if they can show that kind of speed early on. There are a lot of very is one of the reasons why we are seeing falling fertility rates amongst nice fillies by Trixton and there are some colts, but I think this is one potential stallions in North America, yet nobody is talking about it.” with the most ability. He’s crossed with a Ready Cash mare and a good Creatine will be represented by Take All Comers, who finished European family behind it, which might have been something that fourth in the second elimination. Standing in Ohio at Sugar Valley helped Trixton in this case.” Farms through an arrangement with Diamond Creek Farm, Creatine That cross of Trixton with a Ready Cash mare named Clarabelle had 40 horses in his first crop in 2018, and Take All Comers, out of makes Cuatro De Julio very interesting, both currently and perhaps the Cantab Hall mare Nantab, is his richest offspring, having earned in the future if he hits the stallion market. He’s another potential out- $235,929. Take All Comers, trained by Jim Campbell, is a homebred cross sire, as you have to go back to his fifth generation to find a repeat for Runthetable Stables and is a half-brother to Next Level Stuff, their sire in his pedigree (Speedy Crown three times), and like Sjoberg 3-Year-Old Filly Trot champion of a year ago. mentioned, Soderberg also said that the trotting market should defi- Southwind Frank, like Creatine, is a Diamond Creek stallion, and nitely continue to look for new blood. Hambletonian elimination winner Delayed Hanover is from his first “I think there are different types (of sires) now. We have an influ- crop. Delayed Hanover, who is Southwind Frank’s richest colt, is out ence of out-cross blood, which I like because I think we produced a lot of Don’t Wait Up, an unraced Credit Winner mare. Delayed Hanover’s of early speed and talent and clean gait here in the U.S., but we got to third dam is 1994 Canadian Horse of the Year Emilie Cas El, who a point where, I think, we need to mix up the blood a little bit,” offered would go on to produce Breeders Crown champion Impressive Kemp Soderberg. “Googoo Gaagaa, Readly Express, Love You, in the case of (by Credit Winner) and then threw Trixton when bred to Muscle Hill Cuatro De Julio we have a Ready Cash dam, and those kinds of influ- for the first time in 2011. ences, I think, it’s showing that we’re going into a little different type Southwind Frank is also represented in the Hambletonian Oaks of area. for the first time by Flawless Country. She has the most money “Horses are so talented now, you can buy any different type of earned of any of his offspring ($462,579), and like Delayed Hanover, is breeds – especially in the trotting section – and still have a really campaigned by Ake Svanstedt. good horse, and I like that. You’re supposed to have that possibility. “To have both Southwind Frank and Creatine represented in the I’m excited about the trotting industry. We have more interesting stal- Hambletonian with their first crop of 3-year-olds is really exciting for lions coming up, for sure.” us,” said Diamond Creek Farm President Adam Bowden. “These are For now, though, the focus is on if any of these Hambletonian first- two stallions we are heavily invested in as a farm, especially Creatine time sires will see one of their sons come away with the trophy and a as a homebred.” place in history.

DRF Harness Digest | 11 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONGRATULATIONS to the connections of DELAYED HANOVER, Hambletonian elim. winner in a lifetime best of 1:51.1!

Owner: Mellby Gard Inc., Ake Svanstedt Inc Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms Trainer: Ake Svanstedt

Best of luck to this son of

in the 2021 Hambletonian

BY MUSCLE HILL OUT OF FLAWLESS LINDY

717-638-7100 | [email protected] Jimmy Takter discusses the long road to the Hambletonian

By Derick Giwner

Some 1,900 yearling trotters each year are paid into the Hambletonian for a reason. Perhaps the most prestigious race in the sport, winning the Hambletonian brings a $500,000 payday, instant notoriety and a likely stallion deal for any successful colt. While the difficulty level of winning the Hambletonian doesn’t quite match the Lottery or Powerball, unlike those games of chance where luck is the predominant factor, skill is very much at play in finding and developing a champion. It should come as no surprise that 46 percent of the 95 Hambletonians have been won by the same 12 trainers. The late Bill Haughton, Stan- ley Dancer and Ben White all share the top spot with five wins. They are followed by the still-active Chuck Sylvester and semi-retired Jimmy Takter, both with four victories. For Takter, who won with Malabar Man (1997), Muscle Massive (2010), Trixton (2014) and Pinkman (2015), the journey from year- ling to the first Saturday in August when the Hambletonian is contested is a bit of a guessing game at times. “You don’t know who is going to be a Hamble- tonian horse, but when you start feeling it, you have to aim for the race. Timing is every- thing,” said Takter, who no longer trains but Derick Giwner While Jimmy Takter is no longer a listed trainer he can still be seen on the track CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 warming up horses for his daughter Nancy Takter.

DRF Harness Digest | 13 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Many building blocks have to fall in place for a horse to peak in the Hambletonian. In addition to possessing the natural attributes of still assists his daughter Nancy Takter and with the Antonacci family speed and heart, a trainer must balance the amount of conditioning horses trained by Domenico Cecere. the horse gets approaching the big race. A Hall of Famer and the second leading money-winning trainer in “You don’t want to have too many starts in them and not too few history behind Ron Burke, Jimmy Takter freely admits that he never either. But today it is much different because they come to speed much started on the road to the Hambletonian in any year with a set plan. faster,” said Takter. “I think you have to be very cautious. You see Of course each horse has different needs and it was his job to decipher how these 2-year-olds go today. It is a long way to the Breeders Crown. the correct path. I won 34 of them and it is tough to keep them happy and fresh until late “It was always by feeling. A gifted trainer feels when they are October. This year it seems crazier than ever.” supposed to push or not push,” said Takter. Fortunately for Takter, Takter could be seen on the track warming up some of Nancy’s he no longer has to deal horses on Saturday (July 31), including Hambletonian contenders with the daily stress Really Fast and Spy Booth. While Really Fast is considered one of involved with being the the favorites and Spy Booth a big longshot, ironically Takter felt that listed trainer. He still the latter’s path was much more desirable in terms of reaching the dons his colors to warm- Hambletonian. up or drive the occasional “Really Fast has had a bumpy road,” said Takter. “He raced well in his young horse, but while last start, qualified good before that but had a couple of bad starts. That’s the daily grind is mostly not the way I want the Hambletonian to come to me. I want things to line behind him, that doesn’t up coming into the race and not have to chase it, if you know what I’m mean he is getting much saying. If you are chasing it, most of the time it doesn’t work. rest. “Spy Booth made the final. He’s never been in this kind of speed. I’m “I’ve been quite busy,” not going to say he will win the Hambletonian, but he’s coming into said Takter. “I do volun- this right and he might peak and get a check in the final because the teer work with the Thor- race came to him.” oughbreds. I have 17 of That’s not to say Really Fast can’t win the Hambletonian because them and that excites me everything didn’t go smoothly. It is the mark of a great trainer to over- a lot. We are starting to get ready to race some 2-year-olds and they come the adversity and keep their horse on the path to success. are looking great. Then I help with [Frank] Antonacci’s trotters and Case in point is 2010 Hambletonian winner Muscle Massive. The Nancy’s horses. I take a day here and there for myself with my wife. highest-priced yearling of 2008 at $425,000, he didn’t exactly light the Actually, it’s been a little bit busier than I like it this summer. They world on fire as a 2-year-old, winning just $25,527 in six starts. Things had a tough winter up here and things weren’t in the right order.” went much better as a 3-year-old under the care of Takter, but Muscle If a Takter is to win the Hambletonian in 2021 it will be Nancy, who Massive always seemed to take a step backwards every time he took has three in the race as she seeks her first victory. She is joined by one forward. He won the New Jersey Sire Stakes final ahead of losing Julie Miller, Marie Ortolan Bar and Marcus Melander as trainers the Dickerson to Holiday Road. He then won the Dancer Memorial two seeking their first-ever win in the $1,000,000 event. Jim Campbell weeks before losing his Hambletonian elimination to Pilgrims Taj as and Ake Svanstedt are both looking to become two-time winners, the 2-5 favorite. Perhaps stung from the losses, bettors let the son of and the 95-year history is on their side in terms of experience, but Muscles Yankee go off at 6-1 and watched him win. the last five Hambletonians have been won by a trainer with no “It was working with Ronnie Pierce, he did a fantastic job,” said previous wins. Takter, placing much of the credit with the driver for nurturing him Which horse will peak on Hambletonian Day this year will remain along. “He knew what it took to win the race and get the horse to peak unknown until just past 6:12 PM on Saturday (August 7) at The Mead- at the right time. Really Muscle Massive was just an average horse owlands. The 96th champion will then be crowned and hopefully the that won the Hambletonian.” memories of a great race will remain in our minds for a lifetime.

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DRF Harness Digest | 14 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN Charity Night

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Proceeds benefit the Retirement Foundation & the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame Interested in becoming a sponsor? Call Tammy Cailliau at (609) 738-3255 M1 PAGE 15 Saturday, August 07, 2021 DRF HARNESS EYE M1 PAGE 15 15 MEADOWLANDS SAT 1 Mile Trot. HAMBLETONIAN NO. 96 - FINAL 3 YEAR OLD OPEN Purse $1,000,000 EXACTA AND TRIFECTA | 10 CENT SUPERFECTA | 2nd HALF DAILY DOUBLE | 1st HALF DAILY DOUBLE (15-16) | 10 CENT HI-5 21 M1 3 1 1 0 $61,028 21 5 3 1 0 $122,900 1 DELAYED HANOVER b c 3, by Southwind Frank, Don't Wait Up by Credit Winner Last 5 Sts-$123,240 1:51.1 M1 ] Mellby Gard Inc,Delray Beach,FL;Ake Svanstedt Inc,Wrightstown,NJ 1:53.4 Lx1 20 M1 3 0 2 1 $55,588 20 Tot 7 1 3 2 $136,418 3 1:51.1 (1) $24,580 SHS-HBG $230,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 12 4 4 2 $259,318 7-2 Y. Gingras 620-82-90-84 (.132) A. Svanstedt 110-11-10-14(.100) Br.- Hanover Shoe Farms Inc,PA 31 July21 6MF fstLH{ 2721 :55 1:2241 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 3 2FX 3GX 3HX 3H 1G DeDunn AkSvnstdt 273 28 27 44 27 1:511 94 +12 5w 6.40 DelaydHnvCtrDJlAmbsdrHnv Pkt,3hole,clear win-7 17 July21 2MF gdMF{ 2724 :54 1:2311 1:50 S Dancer M 135500 3 1FU 1FX 1F 1FU 2FZ AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 272222 27 28 27 1:50 3 100 +12 4w 18.10 DncgndrkMDlydHnv*TngldLv Led,fast pace,caught-6 10 July21 7MF slyLJ{ 28 :57 1:2521 1:52 REYNOLDS 43050 4 4GX 6HZ 7J 5JZ 5FE AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 282234 29 28 27 1:54 1 83 +11 3w 7.40 VenerateSonfmstryLocatelli Sat,shufld,no rally-10 23 Jun21 4Phl fstLI{ 2724 :57 1:271 1:55 PaSS 3yrCG 74254 1 1F 1FX 1X 1U 1X AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 272224 30 29 27 1:55 83 +4 5w e1.40 DelaydHnvJujubeeTypeA Prtct ld,prs trn,hld 2-7 31 May21 10PcD fstLF{ 274 :56 1:244 1:53 PaSS 3yrCG 50170 4 1FU 2FU 3FU 2FU 1D AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 27424 28 28 28 1:53 89 +3 7w 17.30 DelaydHnv JohanPlma TypeA Yld,pkt,tip,game-7 14 May21 4MF fstKK{ 2912 :57 1:252 1:53 Qua 3 3I 3IU 3MZ 3FG 2FF AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 30 2811 29 28 1:55 nb LoveMufin DelaydHnv Maverick 3hole,closd well-4 21 M1 3 0 1 0 $14,638 21 Tot 7 2 1 1 $67,747 2 TAKE ALL COMERS br g 3, by Creatine, Nantab by Cantab Hall Last 5 Sts-$54,074 1:53.2 Phl 5/8 Runthetable Stables,Montvale,NJ 1:52.3 Lx1 20 M1 0 0 0 0 - 20 Tot 9 1 3 2 $168,182 2 1:52.3 (1) Q $9,678 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 16 3 4 3 $235,929 12-1 Dv. Miller 346-50-47-45 (.145) Ji. Campbell 32-4-4-5(.125) Br.- Runthetable Stables & Chelsea A Batelli,NJ 31 July21 10MF fstLH{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 8 8LZ 8{K 7{KZ 5KZ 4H DaMiller JiCampbll 29132 27 28 264 1:52 92 +12 5w 32.20 CaptnCoryRealyFastVenerate 3rd ovr,finishd well-8 17 July21 2MF gdMF{ 2724 :54 1:2311 1:50 S Dancer M 135500 5 3{FX 2FX 3G 3HU 3dqp6HZ DaMiller JiCampbll 273232 27 28 27 1:51 98 +12 4w 3.30 DncgndrkMDlydHnv*TngldLv 2wide,bothrd foe,3p6-6 10 July21 4MF slyLJ{ 27 :552 1:2424 1:51 REYNOLDS 42550 1 1B 3GZ 3HX 2G 2FU DaMiller JiCampbll 27 29 29 27 1:52 94 +11 3w 4.60 DncgndrkMTkeAlCmrsZnthStrde Led,3hole,gaind-10 23 Jun21 8Phl fstLI{ 2724 :56 1:2512 1:53 PaSS 3yrCG 73854 5 2G 2FX 2FZ 2F 1H U DaMiller JiCampbll 274134 29 28 27 1:53 2 89 +4 5w 18.10 TkAlCmrsGdshmFlyLght Pkt,2w 1/8,opn at will-7 31 May21 10PcD fstLF{ 274 :56 1:244 1:53 PaSS 3yrCG 50170 7 6KU 6KU 4{GU 5IU 5H DaMiller JiCampbll 29 281 28 28 23 1:53 87 +3 7w 26.60 DelaydHnv JohanPlma TypeA Poor cvr,little-7 15 May21 11Mw fstKK{ 2742 :56 1:2522 1:53 PASS-3YOCG 50169 1x 3H 1FX 1FX 2F 3KZ DaMiller JiCampbll 282 28 29 29 24 1:54 84 ]1.60 JohanPlma ArnoldNDc TkeAlCmrs -7 21 M1 4 0 1 1 $16,812 21 Tot 4 0 1 1 $18,192 3 ‡SPY BOOTH b g 3, by Muscle Hill, Amour Heiress by Cantab Hall Last 5 Sts-$16,812 John D Fielding,ON;David H Anderson,ON;Robert J Leblanc,Austin,TX;Marvin Katz,ON 1:59.3 M1Q 20 M1 4 0 1 1 $26,700 20 Tot 5 0 1 1 $29,890 2 1:59.3 (1) Q $4,548 SHS-HBG $460,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 9 0 2 2 $48,082 15-1 Ti. Tetrick 371-69-47-43 (.186) N. Takter 144-26-22-16(.181) Br.- Order By Stable,SD 31 July21 6MF‡ fstLH{ 2721 :55 1:2241 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 7 7{KX 7{JX 5{JZ 5JX 5IU YaGingras NaTakter 28334 27 27 28 1:52 93 +12 5w 39.50 DelaydHnvCtrDJlAmbsdrHnv 2wide,cvrd,no threat-7 24 July21 10MF‡ fstLK{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 Geers 48250 6 6KZ 6N 5KZ 3L 2JU JiTakter NaTakter 29 28241 27 27 1:52 2 88 +9 4w 18.10 RealyFastSpyBoothCalePalma Off pace,closd well-7 17 July21 11MF‡ slyMF{ 2733 :55 1:2312 1:50 S Dancer M 138000 6 6NZ 6KX 6JZ 6N 6FG JiTakter NaTakter 293132 27 27 28 1:52 4 90 +12 4w 72.90 Sonfmstry CaptnCory CtroDeJlo Off pace,no factr-7 2 July21 10MF‡ slyLE{ 28 :564 1:253 1:54 3yrC nw2J 18750 1 6KU 6KZ 6{KZ 4LZ 4p3IZ JoFonseca NaTakter 2914 29 28 28 1:55 80 +3 5w 17.20 TngldLoveRobrtsHnv*SpyBth 3rd ovr,gaind spots-9 26 Jun21 12MF‡ fstLJ{ 2821 :58 1:2731 1:54 Qua x4 6FE 6L 6LU 6M 5FG JiTakter NaTakter 302123 29 29 27 1:56 3 nb SayYouDoLindysmscSthTyrion Broke,traild,no gain-6 19 Jun21 17MF‡ fstME{ 282 :57 1:2531 1:54 Qua 5 3HU 3IU 3GZ 2GU 3GZ JiTakter NaTakter 29 28423 28 28 1:54 4 nb IznogodAm=BostrCstrSpyBooth 3hole,even finish-8 21 M1 2 1 1 0 $59,500 21 4 2 1 0 $83,695 4 CAPTAIN COREY br c 3, by Googoo Gaagaa, Luv U All by Angus Hall Last 5 Sts-$114,385 1:51.2 M1 S R F Stb & Knutsson Trotting & Midnight Sun Prtns,FL;Ake Svanstedt,NJ 1:53.3 PcD 5/8 20 M1 1 1 0 0 $30,750 20 ] 7 5 1 0 $331,638 3 1:51.2 (1) Q $20,924 LEX-SEL $150,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 11 7 2 0 $415,333 3-1 A. Svanstedt 69-6-4-9 (.087) A. Svanstedt 110-11-10-14(.100) Br.- Carter H Duer,KY 31 July21 10MF fstLH{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 7 1{D 1FU 1FX 1GX 1F X AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 273 28 28 13 27 1:51 2 95 +12 5w 6.70 CaptnCoryRealyFastVenerate Made top,clear win-8 17 July21 11MF slyMF{ 2733 :55 1:2312 1:50 S Dancer M 138000 2 2FU 1FU 1B 1F 2FU YaGingras AkSvnstdt 274432 27 27 27 1:50 3 101 +12 4w 2.10 SonfmstryCptnCryCtrDJl Made top,batld,2nd bst-7 10 July21 13MF fstLJ{ 292 :58 1:261 1:53 Qua 5 1FX 1FX 1FX 1IX 1M X AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 292314 28 28 26 1:53 nb CaptnCory CrcktFshn KldreKing Led,kicked away-5 23 Jun21 8Phl fstLI{ 2724 :56 1:2512 1:53 PaSS 3yrCG 73854 4x 7dis 7GG 7FK 7FI 7FN AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 2714 28 1:57 1 70 +4 5w e].05 TkeAlCmrsGdshmFlyLght Brk st,chase in earnst-7 31 May21 8PcD fstKK{ 2844 :57 1:26 1:534 PaSS 3yrCG 49770 6 1FU 1H 1M 1FE 1F E AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 284 29 28 14 27 1:53 4 87 +3 7w ].20 CaptnCory Lepanto FiftyWays Drew off easily-6 14 May21 3MF fstKK{ 284 :58 1:2631 1:54 Qua 1 3GX 3GZ 3GX 3F 1X AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 291221 29 28 27 1:54 1 nb CaptnCory TypeA Ahundrdlr 3hole,covrd,got up-5 21 M1 8 2 0 2 $46,026 21 Tot 8 2 0 2 $46,026 5 LOCATELLI b g 3, by Muscle Hill, Girlie Tough by Conway Hall Last 5 Sts-$20,526 1:51.1 M1 Black Horse Racing,Lebanon,NJ;John D Fielding,ON;Steve L Heimbecker,ON 1:54.4 M1 20 M1 4 1 1 0 $68,450 20 Tot 9 1 1 1 $89,837 3 1:51.1 (1) $5,753 SHS-HBG $170,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 17 3 1 3 $135,863 15-1 A. McCarthy 594-83-91-66 (.140) N. Takter 144-26-22-16(.181) Br.- Hanover Shoe Farms Inc,PA 31 July21 10MF fstLH{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 1 5HZ 5IZ 6JZ 6LU 5IX ScZeron NaTakter 282121 28 28 27 1:52 1 89 +12 5w 26.80 CaptnCoryRealyFastVenerate Off pace,no threat-8 24 July21 6MF fstLK{ 2643 :56 1:2533 1:52 Geers 48250 4 3GX x6{JU 5{{GX 4JX 4KZ DaMiller NaTakter 27122 30 28 28 1:54 83 +9 4w 4.60 AmbsdrHnvOnAStreakVenerate Broke,3wide,faded-7 10 July21 7MF slyLJ{ 28 :57 1:2521 1:52 REYNOLDS 43050 5 1{FU 2FU 3FU 3FZ 3HZ DaMiller NaTakter 28 29122 28 27 1:53 91 +11 3w 5.80 Venerate Sonfmstry Locatelli Led,pkt,no gain-10 25 Jun21 1MF fstLH{ 2623 :54 1:23 1:511 5u w2-nw5 18000 6 4J 4I 4{HZ 3GU 2p1B DaMiller NaTakter 272 28 28 22 27 1:51 1 95 +5 6w 12.40 Locatelli+Sonfmstry-MoonBrdge Sat,rallied,2p1-7 11 Jun21 9MF fstKM{ 2743 :55 1:2342 1:51 3YOC Open 50000 3 5IZ 5J x9x{FF x9GI 9dis DaMiller NaTakter 28442 27 29 31 1:57 66 +7 5w 16.90 Sonfmstry *CalePalma+InRange Covrd,broke-9 28 May21 9MF slyJH{ 2744 :55 1:2422 1:52 NJSS 3YOCG 200000 4 5JU 5{J 4IX 4I 5I DaMiller NaTakter 2842 28 28 28 1:53 1 89 -5 4w 30.90 RealyFastCtroDeJloSonfmstry Out&in,even finish-10 21 M1 8 2 3 1 $143,512 21 Tot 8 2 3 1 $142,132 6 SONOFAMISTERY b c 3, by Muscle Hill, Mistery Woman by Donato Hanover Last 5 Sts-$113,262 ]1:50.2 M1 S R F Stable,Lighthouse Point,FL;Holly Lane Stud East LTD,Vero Beach,FL 1:55.1 M1 20 M1 6 3 0 0 $27,500 20 Tot 8 3 0 0 $27,500 3 1:50.2 (1) Q $17,767 SHS-HBG $170,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 16 5 3 1 $169,632 4-1 B. Sears 153-10-27-23 (.065) M. Melander 79-15-16-10(.190) Br.- Millstream Stable LLC,NJ;Aldebaran Park Inc 31 July21 6MF fstLH{ 2721 :55 1:2241 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 5 4I 4HZ 4JX 4IX 4I BrSears MarMelndr 281441 27 27 28 1:52 90 +12 5w 2.30 DlydHnvCtrDJlAmbsdrHnv Trapped str,undr hold-7 17 July21 11MF slyMF{ 2733 :55 1:2312 1:50 S Dancer M 138000 7 1FU 2FU 3FX 3GX 1F U BrSears MarMelndr 27313 28 27 27 1:50 2 102 +12 4w 4.50 SonfmstryCptnCryCtrDJl Led,pkt,chargd by foes-7 10 July21 7MF slyLJ{ 28 :57 1:2521 1:52 REYNOLDS 43050 6 2{FU 1FU 1FU 1FX x2xX BrSears MarMelndr 281424 28 28 26 1:52 1 95 +11 3w ]1.10 VenerateSonfmstryLocatelli Made top,late break-10 25 Jun21 1MF fstLH{ 2623 :54 1:23 1:511 5u w2-nw5 18000 3 1FX 1FU 1FU 1F x1dqp2B BrSears MarMelndr 26212 28 28 +5 6w ].30 Lctll+Snfmstry-MnBrdg Led,broke late,1p2-7 11 Jun21 9MF fstKM{ 2743 :55 1:2342 1:51 3YOC Open 50000 4 1Z 1FU 1FX 1F 1Z BrSears MarMelndr 274413 27 28 27 1:51 2 95 +7 5w 6.80 Sonfmstry *ClPlm+InRng Led,dug in,held on-9 28 May21 9MF slyJH{ 2744 :55 1:2422 1:52 NJSS 3YOCG 200000 3 6KX 6{KU 6JX 5J 3HX BrSears MarMelndr 29 28 2823 27 1:53 90 -5 4w 21.60 RealyFastCtrDJlSnfmstry Took back,closd well-10 21 M1 8 4 2 0 $158,375 21 8 4 2 0 $158,375 7 ‡REALLY FAST b c 3, by Muscle Hill, Stubborn Belle by Taurus Dream Last 5 Sts-$136,625 1:51.2 M1 Brixton Medical Inc,Matawan,NJ;Hatfield Stables,Columbus,OH;Marvin Katz,ON;Al J Libfeld,ON 20 M1 0 0 0 0 - 20 Tot 0 0 0 0 - 3 1:51.2 (1) Q $19,797 LEX-SEL $700,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 8 4 2 0 $158,375 5-1 D. Dunn 654-120-85-80 (.183) N. Takter 144-26-22-16(.181) Br.- Al J Libfeld,ON, CA 31 July21 10MF‡ fstLH{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 5 4GX 4{HZ 3{G 2GX 2FX DeDunn NaTakter 28 28242 27 27 1:51 3 95 +12 5w ]1.40 CaptnCoryRealyFastVnrt 1st up,stalld,2nd best-8 24 July21 10MF‡ fstLK{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 Geers 48250 2 3GX 1{F 1GZ 1IX 1J U DeDunn NaTakter 28 27313 28 27 1:51 2 96 +9 4w ].50 RealyFastSpyBoothCalePalma Brushd,led,dominatd-7 17 July21 10MF‡ fstMF{ 284 :56 1:2342 1:51 Qua 3 2FX 1G 1GU 1G 1D YaGingras NaTakter 29 27 2743 27 1:51 2 nb RealyFast KldreKing Myreanna Pkt,led,held on-6 10 July21 4MF slyLJ{ 27 :552 1:2424 1:51 REYNOLDS 42550 9 x9FN 9GF 9dis 9dis 9dis YaGingras NaTakter 3044 28 30 29 3 1:59 1 58 +11 3w 3.10 DncgndrkMTkeAlCmrsZnthStrde 1st turn break-10 11 Jun21 9MF‡ fstKM{ 2743 :55 1:2342 1:51 3YOC Open 50000 8 x9FH 9NZ 8M 8MZ 8MZ YaGingras NaTakter 302144 27 27 27 1:53 1 84 +7 5w ]1.20 Sonfmstry *CalePalma+InRange 1st turn break-9 28 May21 9MF‡ slyJH{ 2744 :55 1:2422 1:52 NJSS 3YOCG 200000 5 1FU 2FU 2FU 2FX 1C YaGingras NaTakter 274134 28 28 27 1:52 2 92 -5 4w 6.60 RealyFastCtroDeJloSnfmstry Led,pkt,up in time-10 21 M1 5 1 0 2 $33,315 21 Tot 5 1 0 2 $34,695 8 ‡VENERATE br c 3, by Love You, Peaceful Kemp by Muscle Hill Last 5 Sts-$33,315 1:52.1 M1 Pinske Stables,Plato,MN;Andy Miller Stable Inc,Millstone Township,NJ 1:51.4 Lx1 20 M1 3 1 0 2 $45,680 20 Tot 10 5 0 3 ]$772,914 2 1:51.4 (1) $6,939 LEX-SEL $90,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 15 6 0 5 $807,609 8-1 A. Miller 243-20-21-32 (.082) Ju. Miller 57-13-3-9(.228) Br.- Steve H Stewart & Kemppi Stable,KY ] 31 July21 10MF‡ fstLH{ 2733 :55 1:2342 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 6 7KX 6{J 5{IZ 4JZ 3GZ AnMiller JuMiller 284411 27 28 27 1:52 92 +12 5w 4.90 CaptnCory RealyFast Venerate Off cover,mildly-8 24 July21 6MF‡ fstLK{ 2643 :56 1:2533 1:52 Geers 48250 7 4IZ 3GZ 2{F 3GX 3FU AnMiller JuMiller 27423 29 28 27 1:52 4 89 +9 4w ].70 AmbsdrHnvOnAStreakVnrt 1st up,rebufd,outkckd-7 17 July21 11MF‡ slyMF{ 2733 :55 1:2312 1:50 S Dancer M 138000 3x x7xFH 7FK 7FI 7FJ 7GE AnMiller JuMiller 301312 28 27 28 1:54 2 82 +12 4w ].80 Sonfmstry CaptnCory CtroDeJlo 1st turn break-7 10 July21 7MF‡ slyLJ{ 28 :57 1:2521 1:52 REYNOLDS 43050 9 6{IZ 3{FZ 2{FU 2FX 1X AnMiller JuMiller 29 28213 28 26 1:52 1 99 +11 3w 3.40 VenerateSnfmstryLctll 2wide,1st up,game win-10 26 Jun21 11MF‡ fstLL{ 2714 :56 1:2444 1:51 NW9000L5CD 15000 6 5JX 5{J x7x{LZ x9GG 9GI AnMiller JuMiller 281331 29 28 30 1:56 3 69 +11 5w ]1.00 KnzskyHnvThnkflNByndOrdn 2wide,covrd,broke-10 12 Jun21 13MF‡ fstKL{ 29 :57 1:2543 1:52 Qua 2 3GZ 3H 3{F 2FX 1I AnMiller JuMiller 293 28 28 23 26 1:52 3 nb VenerateTheVeternSthTyrion 2nd ovr,led,drew off-5 21 M1 2 1 0 1 $30,125 21 Tot 8 3 3 1 $290,469 9 AMBASSADOR HANOVER b c 3, by Chapter Seven, Angel Eyes Hanover by Cantab Hall Last 5 Sts-$202,375 1:52.3 M1 ] Ake Svanstedt,NJ;Order By Stb,SD;Howard&Judith Taylor & Diamond Creek Rcg,PA 1:56 VD 7/8 20 M1 0 0 0 0 - 20 6 4 0 0 $123,425 3 1:52.3 (1) Q ] $36,309 SHS-HBG $100,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 14 7 3 1 $413,894 15-1 S. Zeron 504-45-57-56 (.089) A. Svanstedt 110-11-10-14(.100) Br.- Hanover Shoe Farms Inc,PA 31 July21 6MF fstLH{ 2721 :55 1:2241 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 4 1FX 2FU 2FX 2G 3HX AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 272 28 273 2844 1:51 91 +12 5w 7.70 DelaydHnvCtroDeJloAmbsdrHnv Led,pkt,outfinishd-7 24 July21 6MF fstLK{ 2643 :56 1:2533 1:52 Geers 48250 6 1FU 1FU 1F 1FX 1X AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 2644 29 29 27 1:52 3 89 +9 4w 2.70 AmbsdrHnvOnAStrkVnrt Led,well-rtd,held sway-7 13 July21 2YR fstLG{ 2833 :58 1:2743 1:55 NYSS 74500 4 1GU 1GX 1GZ 1GZ 1IZ AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 283 30 29 14 27 1:55 3 86 +6 8w ].05 AmbsdrHnv CreditCon Steel Jogburger-5 2 July21 8YR slyLE{ 282 :58 1:252 1:55 YR TROT 500000 1 2G 2I 2H 2G 2FZ AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 284 30 27 12 29 1:55 2 89 +4 7w 5.60 JohanPlmaAmbsdrHnvInRange Yld,pkt,2nd best-8 25 Jun21 7YR fstLJ{ 2813 :57 1:2631 1:54 YR TROT 40000 2 1FX 1FX 1FX 1F 2B AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 2812 29 29 27 3 1:54 1 93 +9 6w e].85 JohanPlma AmbsdrHnv InRange Own clip,nailed-7 18 Jun21 9VD slyLJ{ 27 :564 1:26 1:532 EBC 205500 7 2U 2FX 3FX 2FX 2GZ AkSvnstdt AkSvnstdt 27 30 2914 27 1:54 90 14.80 Ahundrdlr AmbsdrHnv Incomncdo -7 21 M1 5 1 3 1 $97,810 21 Tot 5 1 3 1 $97,478 10 CUATRO DE JULIO b c 3, by Trixton, Clarabelle by Ready Cash Last 5 Sts-$97,810 1:53.1 M1 D Farm LLC,Hustonville,KY ]1:51.3 Lx1 20 M1 0 0 0 0 - 20 Tot 14 9 1 0 $129,275 2 1:51.3 (1) $19,496 LEX-SEL $60,000 19 M1 0 0 0 0 - Life 19 10 4 1 $226,753 10-1 L. Wallin 13-2-4-2 (.154) M. Ortolan 5-1-3-1(.200) Br.- Dream With Me Stable,ON, CA 31 July21 6MF fstLH{ 2721 :55 1:2241 1:51 D-HAMBO E 50000 1 3GZ 1FU 1FX 1G 2G LuWallin MOrtolnBr 28 271 273 2843 1:51 92 +12 5w 9.80 DlydHnvCtrDJlAmbsdrHnv Brushd,steppy,held 2nd-7 17 July21 11MF slyMF{ 2733 :55 1:2312 1:50 S Dancer M 138000 5 3GX 3{GU 2{B 2F 3GZ LuWallin MOrtolnBr 28 28 2714 27 1:51 104 +12 4w 9.00 SonfmstryCaptnCoryCtrDJl 1st up,dueled,faded-7 30 Jun21 2Lx1 fstME{ 2911 :58 1:2812 1:56 Qua 5 1H 1J 1NZ 1N 1L X AlEferstn MOrtolnBr 291 29 30 28 12 1:56 nb CtroDeJlo WordsAsWe BLisa -5 28 May21 9MF slyJH{ 2744 :55 1:2422 1:52 NJSS 3YOCG 200000 7 3GX 1FU 1FU 1FX 2C LuWallin MOrtolnBr 28133 27 28 28 1:52 2 92 -5 4w 3.70 RealyFastCtrDJlSnfmstry Brushd,led,2nd best-10 21 May21 6MF fstLG{ 28 :562 1:243 1:52 NJSS 3YOCG 25000 7 5JU 4{HU 2{F 3GZ 2GZ LuWallin MOrtolnBr 29 28 2744 27 1:52 3 91 +8 2w ].70 MonAmourCtrDJlKldrKng 1st up,rough,2nd best-8 14 May21 1MF fstKJ{ 273 :58 1:2621 1:53 NJSS 3YOCG 25000 4 2{F 1FU 1U 1FX 1F LuWallin MOrtolnBr 274124 30 28 26 1:53 1 86 +6 2w ].40 CtroDeJloMonAmourLocatelli Made top,held sway-8 All horses have participated in a pre-race stakes barn since 7:00 PM Friday Elimination winners drew 1-5 NO LASIX PERMITTED 6-last receive 1% of purse after winner`s 50% M1 PAGE 16 Saturday, August 07, 2021 DRF HARNESS EYE M1 PAGE 16

DRF Harness Digest | 16 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN DAY HANDICAPPING Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Race 6 $21,000 $97,550 $50,000 $50,000 $276,150 $191,050 Winners 2-5 races Shady Daisy Muscle Hill Preferred Pace Cane Pace Lady Liberty

(7) PIRATE HANOVER (4) FIRE START (5) DANCINGINTHE- (6) TATTOO ARTIST (4) PERFECT STING (4) LYONS SENTINEL was a strong winner HANOVER paced a DARK M is clearly finds a good spot got back on track with is in peak form now in this class last big mile to knock off the fastest in here here which likely isn’t an easy-looking 1:49 and she will be week. an unbeaten filly last and if he stays flat as tough as the 4YO score here last week. tough to beat week; clearly best. it’s over. Open he raced in last starting from a (10) SOUTH BEACH (2) ROCKYROAD week. good post. STAR (7) THEBEACHIS- (4) JUJUBEE HANOVER CALLING (2) NANDOLO N (1) J K FIRST LADY GARNET (4) EMBLAZE (2) ETHAN T (3) ONE EIGHT (1) OFF THE RECORD (9) ON THE CARDS N BARNSDALE HANOVER HANOVER HUNDRED (5) PEAKY SNEAKY

(10) SOUTH BEACH (4) FIRE START (5) DANCINGINTHE- (7) BRASSY (5) BILLY CLYDE can (4) LYONS SENTINEL STAR should put HANOVER is too DARK M takes a HANOVER’s last can pull off the upset continues to shine his speed game to fast and too tough major drop in class. be thrown out; prior following some big at this level and good use. for this group. (7) BALENCIAGA was huge closing speed tries. should dominate. (7) PIRATE effort. (3) GRACE HILL (4) JUJUBEE (4) PERFECT STING (2) ROCKNIFICENT HANOVER (3) POSEIDON (7) THEBEACHIS- (7) AMERICAN (6) KEEP ROCKIN A SEELSTER JAY (3) STRAIGHT TALK CALLING COURAGE BERGMAN (6) TATTOO ARTIST

(6) HIGHLAND- (4) FIRE START (5) DANCINGINTHE- (6) TATTOO ARTIST (7) AMERICAN (2) ROCKNIFICENT BEACHSBEST could HANOVER lays over DARK M is not the faces a slightly COURAGE has has been staying be aggressive here; this field in terms of most handy but softer field and excuses for his last on well despite fast 2nd time Lasix class and speed. it doesn’t matter should show big two. It’s time to get fractions; smaller versus these. (10) SOUTH BEACH (3) GRACE HILL speed. aggressive. field helps here. STAR (7) BALENCIAGA (1) OFF THE (3) POSEIDON (5) BILLY CLYDE (1) JK FIRST LADY SEELSTER DERICK (7) PIRATE RECORD (4) JUJUBEE (2) ROCKYROAD (4) LYONS SENTINEL GIWNER HANOVER (2) NANDOLO N HANOVER

(6) HIGHLAND- (4) FIRE START (4) JUJUBEE has (3) POSEIDON (7) AMERICAN (1) JK FIRST LADY BEACHSBEST had HANOVER raced looked the part all SEELSTER exits COURAGE had got overdriven in the late pace in the absolutely vicious year in Pennsylvania stakes company & excuses in the Mead- Barton; hopefully Tompkins-Geers; in her last pair & and gets a big-track will probably go on owlands Pace elim & sits and stalks like in drops in company. meets a softer try today. a speed mission final; strong qualifier. the Haughton here. group today. (10) SOUTH BEACH (5) DANCINGINTHE- (7) BRASSY (4) PERFECT STING (4) LYONS SENTINEL STAR (3) GRACE HILL DARK M HANOVER GREG (2) ROCKYROAD (2) ROCKNIFICENT REINHART (7) PIRATE HANOVER (1) OFF THE RECORD (7) BALENCIAGA (6) TATTOO ARTIST HANOVER

(6) HIGHLAND- (4) FIRE START (5) DANCINGINTHE- (7) BRASSY (4) PERFECT STING (2) ROCKNIFICENT BEACHSBEST raced HANOVER was DARK M broke in HANOVER wasn’t isn’t invincible any- deserves more well last week with a multiple-move the Hambo elim; involved in blowout more but still best credit than she gets. Lasix added. winner in the Geers; small consolation speed mile last week; here as the chalk. Win today would sharp as can be. winning here. closed sharply prior. (2) ALWAYS B (2) ROCKYROAD help. SWEET (1) OFF THE (3) WHISKEY BLU (9) ON THE CARDS N HANOVER (4) LYONS SENTINEL RECORD MATT (1) LITERL LAD (8) TYPE A (1) BEAUMOND (7) AMERICAN (1) JK FIRST LADY ROSE HANOVER (3) GRACE HILL HANOVER COURAGE

(2) ALWAYS B SWEET (4) FIRE START (5) DANCINGINTHE- (3) POSEIDON (4) PERFECT STING (4) LYONS SENTINEL gets a post advan- HANOVER is simply DARK M wasn’t SEELSTER almost posted a solid try in is the best of this tage over his biggest the best horse in himself last week, upset the Graduate the Pace Final and group until proven rivals and I expect the race. but he’s simply and gets away from faces a softer field. otherwise. more early speed. faster than this divisional leaders. (3) GRACE HILL (7) AMERICAN (2) ROCKNIFICENT group if he trots. (7) PIRATE HANOVER (6) TATOO ARTIST COURAGE (1) OFF THE RECORD (1) JK FIRST LADY (3) WHISKEY BLU DARIN (10) SOUTH BEACH (7) BRASSY (2) ROCKYROAD ZOCCALI STAR (4) JUJUBEE HANOVER HANOVER

DRF Harness Weekend | 17 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness Race 7 Race 8 Race 9 Race 10 Race 11 $326,850 $60,000 $293,450 $157,100 $269,750 Jim Doherty Mem. Vincennes Trot Peter Haughton Mem. Sam McKee Mem. John Cashman Mem.

(6) VENERABLE has (5) HEY LIVVY is capable (5) KING OF THE NORTH (2) ANGERS BAYAMA (3) MANCHEGO is the looked too good for of uncorking a huge only went as fast as might be sitting just best trotter in North me to go against here. mile on a big track and needed in the elim for behind a big duel here America, period, and Her potent late kick will I’ll give her the call to this. A mile in the 1:52 and he is worth taking a she rarely has an off likely be too much for upset here. range could be coming poke on at a big price. day. She is the one to these. beat, as always. (7) IT’S ACADEMIC from him today. (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (4) JOVIALITY S (9) BEADS GARNET (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL (9) TEMPORAL HANOVER (8) NICHOLAS BEACH BARNSDALE (7) JIGGY JOG S AS (6) GLOBAL PANDEMIC (11) LINDY THE GREAT

(4) JOVIALITY S has (5) HEY LIVVY is a rock- (5) KING OF THE NORTH (5) CATCH THE FIRE has (3) MANCHEGO has all the tools to be a solid mare that may like has handled most of been primed for this regained championship champion. the return to the mile these; versatile and and can do it either way. form and draws oval. perfectly here. (6) VENERABLE talented. (1) AMERICAN HISTORY (4) WESLYNN QUEST (7) MAJESTIC PLAYER A (7) JIGGY JOG S (1) ROBERTSIN (8) NICHOLAS BEACH (7) IT’S ACADEMIC (4) FAST AS THE WIND (1) FORBIDDEN TRADE JAY BERGMAN

(6) VENERABLE is (4) WESLYNN QUEST (4) FAST AS THE WIND (8) NICHOLAS BEACH (3) MANCHEGO is undefeated and has has turned the corner had all kinds of stretch has impressed in virtu- almost impossible to go looked every bit the part for new trainer Per issues in his elim. Re- ally every start and gets against right now. of a star. Engblom. member 2YOs improve the chance to shine (5) GANGSTER HANOVER (4) JOVIALITY S (7) IT’S ACADEMIC quickly. here. (9) BEADS (9) MON CHEVAL (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL (5) KING OF THE NORTH (4) RUTHLESS HANOVER DERICK AS (2) LETSDOIT S (6) BACKSTREET GIWNER SHADOW

(6) VENERABLE looks (1) ANGEL NATION (1) ROBERTSIN got a (5) CATCH THE FIRE (6) READY FOR MONI like the most talented steps up out of guaranteed inside draw prepped great for this put in a great effort from one of this group so far. Pennsylvania but his by winning his elim and race & rallied strongly a trailing post last time; last mile at Harrah’s (9) MON CHEVAL bad post blues have been in the Haughton last gets back on the gate Philadelphia was his only issue so far. month. today. (4) JOVIALITY S outstanding. (9) TEMPORAL HANOVER (6) BACKSTREET (3) MANCHEGO (7) IT’S ACADEMIC SHADOW GREG (5) KING OF THE NORTH (1) FORBIDDEN TRADE REINHART (3) THANKFUL NO (8) NICHOLAS BEACH

(6) VENERABLE has (7) IT’S ACADEMIC can (2) LETSDOIT S held firm (2) ANGERS BAYAMA (11) LINDY THE GREAT rolled in three straight take these the distance after an uncovered grind ran out of steam late is trip-dependent from to begin her career and if he’s not roughed up in his elimination and he in the Haughton but he the second tier but he is deserving favorite. too much early. lands a cozy post. can stalk and pounce always shows up to here. race and will offer value. (7) JIGGY JOG S (4) WESLYNN QUEST (5) KING OF THE NORTH (8) NICHOLAS BEACH (3) MANCHEGO (9) MON CHEVAL (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL AS (4) FAST AS THE WIND MATT (6) BACKSTREET (1) FORBIDDEN TRADE ROSE SHADOW

(9) MON CHEVAL had (7) IT’S ACADEMIC has (1) ROBERTSIN had (5) CATCH THE FIRE (6) READY FOR MONI one of the worst trips been tackling some no chance in the NJSS was excellent in the impressed me with his a 2YO trotter can have tough rivals this season Final, but finished with Haughton and scored a Hambletonian Maturity in the elimination. Dex and had no chance in good late trot and I nice win over Allywag effort. He’s just been took care of her and got the Hambo Maturity. thought he looked really Hanover last week. solid as a rock this sea- her into the final. (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL AS good winning last week. (1) AMERICAN HISTORY son and offers value. DARIN (6) VENERABLE (4) WESLYNN QUEST (5) KING OF THE NORTH (6) BACKSTREET (3) MANCHEGO ZOCCALI (4) JOVIALITY S (9) TEMPORAL HANOVER SHADOW (11) LINDY THE GREAT BET THE HAMBLETONIAN DAY CARD WITH DRF BETS

DRF Harness Weekend | 18 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN DAY HANDICAPPING Race 12 Race 13 Race 14 Race 15 Race 16 $158,500 $187,400 $500,000 $1,000,000 $26,000 Sam McKee Mem. Dr. John Steele Mem. Hambletonian Oaks Hambletonian NW $12,500 L4

(4) SHAKE THAT HOUSE (2) NEXT LEVEL STUFF (5) BELLA BELLINI paced (7) REALLY FAST was (9) COVERED BRIDGE shows improving form was brave in defeat last a 27-flat third 1/4 last driver Dunn’s choice shakes the streaking and he should be a week but the trip was week just to get on even over one of the elimina- American History today big price here in a race just too tough. Maybe terms with the leader. tion winners. I think this and he has a big shot in where he has a reason- this week she gets the Expect a more rapidly improving colt this field. best trip and upsets. able chance to upset. aggressive drive today. turns the tables today. (6) SERIOUSLY HANOVER (5) ATLANTA GARNET (1) CATTLEWASH (3) AWESOME TRIX (4) CAPTAIN COREY (2) SOMBODYITREASURE BARNSDALE (3) ALLYWAG HANOVER (6) WHEN DOVES CRY (4) LADY CHAOS (6) SONOFAMISTERY

(1) CATTLEWASH has (5) ATLANTA won’t let (6) PIPER HANOVER (2) TAKE ALL COMERS (10) BLANK STARE gets controlling speed the speed get away should be firing from should take advantage the drop in class he against a solid group. from her today. this spot. of a hot pace. needs. (6) THIS IS THE PLAN (6) WHEN DOVESCRY (5) BELLA BELLINI (7) REALLY FAST (6) SERIOUSLY HANOVER (3) ALLYWAG HANOVER (4) HYPNOTIC AM (4) LADY CHAOS (4) CAPTAIN COREY (2) SOMBODYITREASURE

JAY BERGMAN

(5) CAPTAIN BARBOSSA (5) ATLANTA just (5) BELLA BELLINI (6) SONOFAMISTERY (5) HEZA REAL DIAMOND had pace and stretch missed to a horse with should be on the move was locked and loaded is as fast as any in here. traffic last time and bad a better trip last week; much earlier this week last time. Sears won’t (8) HICKFROMFRENCH- trips prior to that. rebounds. and I still think she’s the let that happen today. LICK (6) THIS IS THE PLAN (6) WHEN DOVESCRY best right now. (9) AMBASSADOR (2) SOMBODYITREASURE (1) CATTLEWASH (7) SORELLA (3) AWESOME TRIX HANOVER DERICK (4) LADY CHAOS (4) CAPTAIN COREY GIWNER

(3) ALLYWAG HANOVER (7) SORELLA showed (1) DARLENE HANOVER (2) TAKE ALL COMERS (8) HICKFROMFRENCH- was strong again last sneaky-good form in closed like a train to rallied nicely from an LICK paced home in 25 week versus Catch The her last pair. Hoping she make the final. Drew a outside post in his elim. 4/5 against Allywag Fire & has developed races with no shoes perfect post to stalk and Race is wide-open and I Hanover when last seen strong early speed. again. get a trip. want a price. here & should show speed. (1) CATTLEWASH (5) ATLANTA (6) PIPER HANOVER (4) CAPTAIN COREY (2) SOMBODYITREASURE GREG (6) THIS IS THE PLAN (6) WHEN DOVESCRY (4) LADY CHAOS (6) SONOFAMISTERY REINHART (7) SAVE ME A DANCE

(6) THIS IS THE PLAN is (6) WHEN DOVESCRY (6) PIPER HANOVER (2) TAKE ALL COMERS (2) SOMBODYITREASURE the King of the FFA pac- collared Atlanta last was in a poor spot in seems as fast as hails from the sharp ers and owns that 1:47 week and is sharp the elim but closed will- anyone and I trust Dave Jenn Bongiorno barn and 3/5 mark on the half. enough to repeat. ingly and made the final. Miller to have him in the is reunited with brother Could get lucky with Down the road here (5) ATLANTA right spot. Joe; facing softer. back at The Big M. forward placement. (4) HYPNOTIC AM (8) VENERATE (5) HEZA REAL DIAMOND (5) BELLA BELLINI MATT (3) ALLYWAG HANOVER (1) DELAYED HANOVER (8) HICKFROMFRENCH- ROSE (1) CATTLEWASH (4) LADY CHAOS LICK

(4) SHAKE THAT HOUSE (4) HYPNOTIC AM is (1) DARLENE HANOVER (6) SONOFAMISTERY (8) HICKFROMFRENCH- had no shot with the better now than when made the Final from a had a no-chance trip in LICK gets some much pace and race flow from she faced Atlanta one no-chance spot in her the elimination while needed class relief and last week. If they mix it month ago. I would love elimination. She was loaded with trot and should be firing off the up early, he could be the to see Sears try to get trotting a ton late. had nowhere to go late. gate from this outside. one to benefit at a price. the jump on that rival. (5) BELLA BELLINI (9) AMBASSADOR (2) SOMBODYITREASURE (6) THIS IS THE PLAN (5) ATLANTA HANOVER DARIN (6) PIPER HANOVER (7) SAVE ME A DANCE ZOCCALI (1) CATTLEWASH (6) WHEN DOVESCRY (4) CAPTAIN COREY

DRF Harness Weekend | 19 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness HAMBLETONIAN DAY! Saturday, August 7 Post time: 12:00 P.M. EDT Free Harness Eye PPs 5% Rebate with DRF Bets Video Analysis

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LEARN MORE Royal pedigrees on display in Haughton/Doherty Memorials

jaywalking

By Jay Bergman BergmanJay

The Peter Haughton and Jim Doherty Memorials for 2-year-old trotters on Saturday are the first major tests for a new crop of colts and fillies. These premier Meadowlands stakes races have a long history and it is specifically from that past that we may get to divine the future. In the Haughton, King Of The North, an undefeated colt from the first crop of Walner, is the likely favorite following an impressive score in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final. King Of The North then went on to capture one of two preliminaries for the Haughton last week, digging in late for driver Mark MacDonald. “I was very happy with the race,” said MacDonald on Saturday. “He was battling a bit of sickness that he’s gotten over.” MacDonald has been the driving force behind King Of The North, who was bred and is trained by Ray Schnittker. Of course, it was Schnittker doing both jobs back in 2011 when Check Me Out, the dam of King Of The North, captured the then-titled Merrie Lisa Photo King Of The North is a son of Walner from the great trotting Annabelle before the name was rechristened to honor the late Jim mare Check Me Out. Doherty. While King Of The North’s winning time of 1:56 1/5 didn’t quite measure up to his best performance of the season, MacDonald was undeterred in his praise. for driver Brian Sears and trainer Marcus Melander, was in the “The track was very deep last night (Friday),” MacDonald said. winner’s circle after the Final. “When I called on him he responded.” Joviality S is Pasithea Face’s first foal and given what we’ve seen In fact, not only was the Meadowlands surface not up to par, but of her so far, she has all the makings of a classy stakes performer. wind in the faces of the young horses proved a factor as well. While Pasithea Face was a 5-year-old when she came to the United For King Of The North, it’s one thing having royalty on both States to race for Jimmy Takter, the daughter of Muscle Hill was sides of your pedigree, it’s another having those genes translate already an international star at the time. Pasithea Face captured to greatness. While breeders abound look for the answer to what the 2017 Steele Memorial for trotting mares at The Meadowlands is necessary to produce a champion, quite often expectations are on Hambletonian Day. rarely matched on the racetrack with production. Check Me Out For trainer Melander, Joviality S has taken a similar path to the had three foals (all fillies) prior to King Of The North’s arrival and Doherty as the 2019 winner Hypnotic AM did just a few years ago. they collectively earned less during their racing careers than King A winner in a New York Sire Stakes event at Saratoga Harness Of The North has already made ($135k) in just his first four starts. (July 6) in 1:56 4/5, Joviality S captured her Doherty elimination Check Me Out, a daughter of Donato Hanover, went on to earn in 1:54 1/5, going two seconds faster than King Of The North in $1.9 million during her racing career and appears to have finally the process. Her 27 2/5 final quarter was also nearly two seconds broken the ice in the broodmare ranks. faster than King Of The North traveled his final two furlongs, but The offspring of another Merrie Annabelle champion – Shake It wind conditions may have eased by that time in the night at The Cerry – did not live up to expectations in the lone Doherty trial Meadowlands. last Friday, but that is unlikely to make her connections waver on “It was definitely a big mile,” said Melander of Joviality S’ perfor- her overall talent. Another daughter of Donato Hanover, Shake It mance. “Her race before was very good, too. She came a long way Cerry was the 2013 2-year-old champion filly for trainer Jimmy on the outside and that was a very fast mile,” continued Melander Takter and her second foal, Mon Cheval, has the appearance of a as he needlessly defended her second-place finish in a 1:53 1/5 mile freshman with a world of talent. on July 16 at The Meadowlands where his filly made up six lengths Gamblers who watched Mon Cheval in her elimination may ques- in a 56 final half while racing without cover. tion some of that early high praise, but it would be wise to look past While the maternal side of the breeding equation appears to have the off-the-board performance. the upper hand in this year’s two Hambletonian Day freshman “I just had to stop and start her and then there was no outer flow,” trotting stakes, it would be unwise to look away from an unsung said Dexter Dunn, who drove the Father Patrick-sired lass in just superstar that may be flying under the radar on the trotting side her second career start in the Doherty elimination. “I thought she in 2021 with Walner’s early emergence dominating the headlines. raced as well as you could have expected given the trip.” Nuncio was able to revive an aging pedigree when he raced and his Mon Cheval was pushed wide in the early stages and then drafted limited first crop in North America appears to have the manners behind cover during a very slow opening half. She had to come and speed of their sire. wide on the final turn and had little chance into a headwind as well “I think Letsdoit S is my best one,” said Melander, not referring as a 27 4/5 final quarter. to the sire but the expanse of his juvenile colts in training. “He put Mon Cheval was a 1:54 2/5 qualifying winner in June at The in a big mile in the elimination and showed heart.” Meadowlands, so it stands to reason should she not have to race Indeed, Letsdoit S came first over for Brian Sears and was a solid wide around the track in the final, she’s likely ready for a much second to Robertsin in a Haughton elimination. He’s already a 1:54 better mile. 4/5 winner from a division of the Kindergarten at The Meadow- This year’s Doherty could have another potential champion from lands. a classy trotting mare that didn’t capture the Merrie Annabelle. Who knows what the future will bring for these 2-year-olds? It would hardly be a surprise if Joviality S, a daughter of Chap- Saturday is likely to be the first step in proving the power that ter Seven who was a runaway winner in last week’s elimination comes from an elite pedigree.

DRF Harness Digest | 21 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness

Plenty to look forward to on Hambletonian Day 2021

Mckee Memorial on Hambletonian Day. How about Manchego? Does she put on a show on Hambletonian Day? at the track What other surprises does the day have in store for us? By Darin Zoccali In addition, there is the added element of the newly enforced driving AtTheTrack7 rules at The Meadowlands. We have seen it really play out on the race- track the past few weeks and this new dynamic will make for some interesting racing on Hambletonian Day. Post position certainly will Hambletonian week is upon us and it is always one of the most antici- be more important than years past and if possible, the action will be pated times of the year for not just myself, but all of harness racing. hotter and heavier. In years past we have come into the Hambletonian with many eyes Going into 2021 Hambletonian Day I anticipate the beneficiaries of this focused on one or two horses. Looking back, there have been many perfect storm could be the bettors. Larger tote dividends and exciting dominant trotters who entered the Hambletonian as potential super- racing seem to be on tap for the first Saturday in August and I for one stars over the last 15 years. There have been years where a trainer couldn’t be more excited for the greatest day of harness racing in 2021. seemed to have a lock on the Hambletonian, like 2014 when Jimmy Takter sent out the three-headed monster of Father Patrick, Trixton and Nuncio. But in 2021, the second leg of the Trotting Triple Crown and many of the supporting races on Saturday’s card make for an inter- International Trot to return in 2022 esting Hambletonian Day puzzle. The Hambletonian itself appears up for grabs following the elimina- By Derick Giwner tions. In neither elimination did the favorite win. In fact, the winners were both 6-1. The first elimination went to Delayed Hanover, who Buried away in a joint release about a contract extension between worked out a perfect inside-out trip to storm past Cuatro De Julio in MGM Yonkers and the Standardbred Owners Association of New the stretch. Interestingly, Cuatro De Julio, who appeared to be finished York was a mention that the track would supply financial support at the 1/8th pole, managed to hold onto the runner-up spot. In watching for the MGM Yonkers International Trot. The $1,000,000 event, the replay, it appeared the Trixton colt threw in some steps and Lucas which fell victim to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, will return to Wallin had to be very careful with him to keep him trotting. The horse Yonkers next year according to SOA President Joe Faraldo. subsequently slowed dramatically as a result for 50 yards. “The International Trot is in the contract now. They have to So, you have a winner that looked pretty good and a runner-up that have the race,” said Faraldo. “It is an extremely important race. has a lot of risk, but huge potential upside as well. After all, I don’t To the Europeans and everyone else in the world, they call it the believe Cuatro De Julio will be moving aggressively to the lead in the world championship, because they don’t have a race like that. Final as he does his best work when following cover. In addition, Sono- The closest you can get maybe is the Elitloppet, but there you get famistery had a terrible trip. The son of Muscle Hill was never shown a lot of European horses with maybe one from the U.S. Here we racetrack by Brian Sears and appeared to be loaded with trot with get a number of European countries represented” nowhere to go in the final 1/16th of a mile. I anticipate a much different The financial support in the new contract, which lasts through journey for him with $1 million on the line in the Final. May 31, 2025, will help cover some of the social portions for the The second elimination showed the world how good Captain Corey event so that foreign invitees enjoy a first-rate experience while is, when he is at his best. But, will that version show up two weeks in the New York area. The purse will remain at $1,000,000. in a row? Can Really Fast move forward with a covered-up trip? First contested in 1959, the International Trot returned from Will Venerate trot if handled more aggressively? There are many a 19-year hiatus in 2015 when Papagayo E won the mile-and-a- questions in the Hambletonian that need to be answered and on the quarter race. In 2019, Zacon Gio won the 41st edition of the race. surface, I would say there are five or six horses who wouldn’t shock The return of the International is just one of many nuggets me if they were to win the Hambletonian. That makes for a compel- of information to come from the new contract between Yonkers ling edition of America’s Trotting Classic. Raceway and its horseperson population. Saturday racing will The Hambletonian Oaks eliminations were no different. While Lady return in 2022 from May to September according to Faraldo, who Chaos wasn’t a shocking upset, she did defeat an odds-on favorite while pointed to the opportunity of drawing people to the track as the taking advantage of being allowed to coast through a 57-second middle reason for insisting on the weekend date. half, leaving plenty in the tank for a stretch battle with the first-over “Handle on Saturday and Wednesday nights has been virtu- Bella Bellini. Perhaps that victory for Lady Chaos was a foreshadow- ally the same, give or take $30,000, but people can’t come out to ing of what was to come, because the second elimination was certainly the track as much on a Wednesday during the work week,” said chaotic. Favored Donna Soprano had a rough trip and never got involved. Faraldo. “Racing on Saturday provides people with greater Awesome Trix, who was last at the opening quarter, stuck to the pylons opportunity to watch the races live and increases the chances of every step of the way and that proved to be the winning move at 24-1. drawing in new fans.” Iteration cut the mile at 18-1 and almost lasted. Piper Hanover caught my Other contract highlights include an increase in yearly racing eye as she turned for home next to last and managed to get within two dates from 234 to 240 and a guarantee that purses will not fall lengths of the winner to qualify. In other words, the Oaks is wide open. below 2019 levels if MGM gets a full casino at Yonkers Raceway. The Jim Doherty Memorial elimination was a tale of two trips Currently horsemen get a fixed percentage of the net win from between the two favorites. Joviality S had a measured trip stalking VLT’s and the purse account guarantee is based off 2013 levels. the early speed, pulling out on the far turn and trotting clear through When it comes to the physical plant, Faraldo mentioned that the stretch. But Mon Cheval had one of the toughest trips I have seen Yonkers would either have a new tote board or the current one a 2-year-old trotter have to contend with from post 10. She never found would be repaired by the end of 2022 and that he was still unsatis- the pylons and seemed to just trot home safely knowing only one horse fied with the condition of the track. would be eliminated from the Final. I don’t blame Dexter Dunn at all “I’m happy with what they tried to do but they haven’t considering how the first five-eighths of a mile of that race went for his succeeded,” said Faraldo on the recent refurbishment of the track filly. He could be sitting on a loaded gun in the Doherty final. surface. “I’m not happy with the daily maintenance schedule or The other races on the card are very interesting as well. If the Doro- the maintenance personnel. The racetrack hasn’t knitted well at thy Haughton Memorial was any indication then the Lady Liberty all because of the material that was used. It required limestone should be an ultra-competitive race as five mares in that event paced to try to help it knit. They did a soil sampling and analysis. When in under 1:49. The William Haughton Memorial had a field of 20 entered the report comes out and we know what needs to be done to make which split into two divisions on Meadowlands Pace night, and both the track knit, I’m sure [management] will do it.” races were highly competitive, which should correlate to the Sam

DRF Harness Digest | 23 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness WE’RE BACK! NORTHSTANDARDBRED AMERICA’S #1 RACING 5 NIGHTS A WEEK Post Time: 7pm (ET)

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Know When To Take The Reins. ResponsibleGambling.org TM Trademark of Woodbine Entertainment Group Did you ever want to know more about the people involved in the harness industry? Editor Derick Giwner combs the harness land- scape each week to profile a new personality from the sport.

Track Announcer/on-air Derick Giwner Edison Hatter is currently working as an engineer, track analyst edison hatter announcer and on-air analyst at just 21 years old. What kind of car do you drive? You have the full-time announcer gig at Freehold Raceway Mercedes Benz C-300- a really comfortable ride for all the long trips and have been working on-air at The Meadowlands. That’s a that I take. pretty good start for a 21-year-old, no? Favorite dinner meal? Snack? It definitely is a pretty good start I believe. Sometimes I still find it hard to believe how quickly it has all happened. In December 2020, I Sushi, specifically Salmon; Soft pretzels was backup announcing at Rosecroft and doing some other miscella- neous jobs at the track and now, just half a year later, I’m at Freehold What is your favorite big event in racing? Why? and the Meadowlands. The Preakness. The 2017 Preakness was actually the first horse race I ever attended in-person. Since then, I’ve attended the 2018, 2019 and How do you fit your New Jersey Harness Racing activities in 2021 Preakness Week festivities. while working for Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland? What is your favorite sport to watch? Team? Given current circumstances, it actually isn’t too hard. Pre-COVID, going into an office every day would have been difficult, but now It is tough to choose a single favorite. I have to give two: Baseball - everyone is working from home, which makes it easier to get my engi- Baltimore Orioles; Women’s Volleyball - Stanford University. neering work done for the day. In the near future, it sounds like I could be returning to the office one day a week for my weekly status meet- What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know? ing, but likely I will still be working from home the rest of the week. I was a freshman in college and a junior in high school at the Speaking of time, it seems you pop up on social media at same time. I attended Mount St. Mary’s University for two years concurrently while I was in high school. After I graduated high tracks all over the place. Is it just youthful exuberance that school in May 2018, I finished out my junior and senior years of has you taking in everything racing has to offer? college at the University of Maryland and graduated college in May 2020. I definitely try to enjoy travel while I have the time and energy to do a lot of it. I enjoy going to different tracks, talking to fans about What is one word that describes harness racing for you? racing and seeing different places. I may be slowed down a little bit for the near future though as I now have a new 10-week old puppy to Fun! take care of. How did harness racing enter your life? Do you see Harness Racing as your future or a side job you hope to keep to satisfy the itch of being part of the sport? The first harness race I attended was at Ocean Downs during my “Senior Week” in June 2018 right after I graduated high school. After Good question! At this point, I’m just glad I’m able to balance all of dinner one night, my friends went back to our rented apartment and my work life and I intend to continue to do both for as long as I can. I decided to take my car and check out the racing. I really just in- Eventually I may have to make a decision one way or another, but I tended to bet some thoroughbred races, but saw the live racing going definitely hope to be a part of the sport in at least some way for the on as well and came to really enjoy it that night. foreseeable future. At just 21 you’ve already been involved in the sport as a You seem to be a natural on the air. Did announcing and charter, photo finish timer, on-air analyst and announcer. on-air work come easily for you? Was that just you finding any way to be involved? It really did honestly. I came into Rosecroft on my first night with no Absolutely, to some extent. While I do enjoy my on-air work the most, experience and was able to pick it all up pretty quickly, but I still like to I certainly enjoy charting and working photo finish as well and hope think that I’m learning and improving all the time. I really must give a to continue to work in several different roles in the future. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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hambletonian.com AUGUST 7 Must be 21+. Please enjoy responsibly. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 know when the clock says “0 MTP”, it really does mean 0 minutes to post. shout-out to our General Manager Lisa Watts and our Racing Secretary Pete Hanley at Rosecroft for giving a college senior with absolutely no How do you view the future of harness racing? experience whatsoever the opportunity they did a few years ago. I think and hope harness racing has a pretty good future. I’ve got pretty good optimism for the future after seeing our crowds and Will Saturday be your first Hambletonian Day in person? If handle at the Meadowlands in the first half of 2021 and we’ve been so, how excited are you for the experience? able to put together some good, full cards at Rosecroft and Freehold recently with lots of horses entered. At Rosecroft in particular, Saturday will be my first Hambletonian Day in person. My family’s there’s a lot of new, young drivers and lots of claims going through as annual reunion usually falls on the first Saturday in August, so I well – both pretty good signs for the future. haven’t yet been able to make it as a fan to a Hambletonian, but I was given an excused absence from the reunion this year since I will be As a young person involved in the sport, how do we get working at the Hambletonian! I am super-excited for the experience. In the past, I’ve felt like I could really feel the energy of the crowd others of your generation to embrace Harness Racing? even through the TV when watching Hambletonians and I can’t wait Well, I think two things need to be focused on to get young people to experience that in person. interested in the sport: fixed-odds gambling and free past perfor- mances. So many people in my generation love sports betting, but What was your favorite moment so far in harness racing? don’t exactly get the whole pari-mutuel wagering concept. Fixed- I’ve made many great memories so far in harness racing, but calling odds betting coming to New Jersey and the Meadowlands in the near the Dexter Cup for the first time this past year was a really cool future could be a big game changer in that sense. Continuing on the experience. It was the biggest race I’ve called so far in my career and horse racing vs. sports betting idea, you can get any information and it was amazing to see and hear the fans during the races, and also stats for free as a sports bettor, but still have to pay for past perfor- to see and call some of the biggest human and equine athletes in our mances at many racetracks. Hopefully someday soon all tracks will sport on our track at Freehold. have free PPs, but in the meantime, it is promising to see how many tracks have recently started giving free PPs to horseplayers. Which is your favorite horse from your time in the sport? Teaching people to handicap is seen as a big hurdle to MACHO MCGRAW, a little-known 13- or 14-year-old horse on the creating new racing bettors. How did you develop your Maryland racing circuit. He picked up some checks in his career, but only won 6 or so races from over 250 starts. However, one of handicapping skills so quickly? Did someone teach you? those wins was at Ocean Downs during one of my first couple trips No one really taught me, I just kind of learned on my own. During to the track and closed out a nice Pick 3 score for me. Since then, I’ve my first couple visits to the track, I really just looked at speed figures always liked rooting for the guy! and finishing positions to pick horses, but during my Junior year at Maryland, I went to Laurel Park nearly every Saturday and always What is the best advice you’ve gotten about harness racing? bought a copy of the DRF and really worked on learning how to properly handicap races. Betting On Horse Racing for Dummies by Network, network, network because you never know when an oppor- Richard Eng and the TV show Horseplayers both taught me a lot in tunity may come up. My job at Freehold, some fill-in jobs, fair race my early days of handicapping. calling gigs, and more have all come to be because of my networking and being in the right place at the right time. What do you think of your given nickname of “The Mad Hatter”? If you could meet anyone from harness racing history, who Growing up I’ve been called Edison, Eddie, Ed, plus a whole lot of would it be with and why? other (weirder) nicknames by friends as well. I’ll answer to anything! Sam McKee. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of racing yet during Time for the stretch drive: McKee’s career, but I have heard so many great things about him and have listened to and watched so many of his legendary calls. Best Horse You Ever Saw?: Manchego. If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what Best Driver Ever?: Dexter Dunn. would it be? Best Trainer Ever?: Ron Burke.

Eliminate post drag! I know post drag is a controversial topic and I Favorite TV Show?: The Bachelor/Bachelorette. see both sides of the argument, but personally as an employee, fan and horseplayer, I wish all tracks would eliminate post drag so fans Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters.

DRF Harness Digest | 27 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness FREE Weekly Newsletter

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Sign Up Now Industry News Opinions Interviews Best bets Oaks contender Awesome Trix coming into her own for Beaver By Ken Weingartner

It was not always the smoothest trip, but that has made trainer Chris Beaver’s journey to the Hambletonian Oaks final with Awesome Trix At DRF Harness we strive to provide the best handicapping all the more rewarding. Purchased as a yearling for $13,000 at the 2019 information in the sport. Each week we’ll use this space to bring Lexington Selected Sale, the filly was winless at 2 but is finding her you some of our handicappers’ best bets, value plays and horses to best stride as her 3-year-old season rolls through the summer. watch. Use this information as one of your tools when wagering or Awesome Trix has won three of 20 races lifetime, with two of the simply click on the link above and head to DRF Bets to wager now. victories coming in her most recent three starts. She has hit the board a total of 13 times, earning $106,611. Thursday, August 5 “It’s been a progression with her,” Beaver said. “She’s always inter- fered behind, been a little bumpy. The drivers get a little scared of her RACE 12 the first time they sit behind her, they’re a little hesitant. But she’s better now than ever. I think she’s maturing and getting sounder and (6) TURNTHEFROWN- getting stronger, strong enough to carry her speed even though she AROUND performed very bumps a little bit. well at Yonkers earlier this “To me, she looks better than she ever has. She’s in her best shape year and has been sharp over physically and she’s trotting as well as she has. I’m pretty happy.” in Pennsylvania in recent Beaver, who owns Awesome Trix with Robert McNerney and Aaron weeks. Merriman, admitted he was uncertain whether his filly would reach -Greg Reinhart this level. She advanced to the Oaks final with a win in her elimina- tion last week at odds of 24-1. friday, August 6 “I probably thought it was a bit of a longshot, although we did stake her to it,” Beaver said. “I staked her to a few other nice races, not over RACE 10 the top. She showed plenty of speed last year. We just kind of had to hold her together, though. I was hoping that she would come this (5) IN RANGE was never direction. She has gone the right way. I think part of it is because she put in play in the Hambleto- has so much desire to do it. You don’t really even have to ask her.” nian eliminations. Expect Beaver selected Awesome Trix as a yearling for a variety of reasons, Tetrick to show early speed including her looks and pedigree. She is by Trixton out of the Majestic here as this guy destroys this Son mare Awesome Chrissy. group. “She’s not big, but she’s got a lot of body to her,” Beaver said. “I like -Derick Giwner the Trixton fillies. Her family is neat to me with Majestic Son. I like the cross to Trixton with the Majestic Son mare. It was just those RACE 8 little things. I also knew she wouldn’t bring a lot of money because she didn’t stand well. I like a bargain.” (6) MARY KAT drops In his career, Beaver has had two finalists in the Hambletonian and multiple class levels and she one in the Hambletonian Oaks. His best finish in those races came in has to beat these tonight 2014 when Il Sogno Dream finished fourth in the Hambletonian. you’d think. Awesome Trix will start the Hambletonian Oaks from post three and -Garnet Barnsdale is 9-2 on the morning line behind Bella Bellini (3-1) and Lady Chaos (7-2). “I think we’re in a good spot,” Beaver said. “I think they probably Saturday, August 7 handicapped it about right. I think we have a shot. She’s been trotting home really fast in her last few starts, as good as any of them in there. RACE 12 She should land in a good spot from where she is on the gate. “To win a race like this would personally mean a lot to me, a lot This is the kick-off leg to more than the money. It means a lot for me to buy one inexpensive the $125,000 GTD Pick 4. like her and bring her out here and compete as we are. I enjoy that, (5) CAPTAIN BARBOSSA developing a horse like her and showing that she can compete. ran into stretch traffic two “Bob McNerney has been in the business 35 years and never had different times and finished one race in the Oaks. This is probably the second or third horse we’ve under a death grip last week. owned together. That’s fun too, to bring people along that haven’t Good price coming for a very experienced it before.” capable horse. The field for the 51st edition of the Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old -Giwner trotting fillies, that takes place Saturday (Aug. 7) at The Meadowlands, with post position, horse (driver, trainer) and morning-line odds: full card analysis / past performances $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks Mohawk Park (THU) Analysis Mohawk Park (FRI) Analysis 1. Darlene Hanover (Todd McCarthy, Brett Bittle), 10-1 2. Flawless Country (Ake Svanstedt, Ake Svanstedt), 15-1 Meadowlands (FRI) Analysis Mohawk Park (SAT) Analysis 3. Awesome Trix (Scott Zeron, Christopher Beaver), 9-2 4. Lady Chaos (David Miller, Linda Toscano), 7-2 Yonkers (FRI) Analysis Meadowlands (SAT) Analysis 5. Bella Bellini (Dexter Dunn, Nifty Norman), 3-1 6. Piper Hanover (Andy McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 8-1 7. Hot As Hill (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 15-1 DHP PPs harness eye PPs trackmaster PPs free PPs 8. Contested Hanover (Tim Tetrick, George Ducharme), 15-1 9. You Ato Dream (Jeff Gregory, Jeff Gregory), 8-1 10. Iteration (Brian Sears, Marcus Melander), 6-1 Want full-card analysis? Visit DRF.com/harness

DRF Harness Digest | 29 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness NEWS FROM AROUND THE HARNESS INDUSTRY

$21,611 Pick 5 carryover at Northfield Saturday Bella Bellini in ‘Nifty’ spot for Hambletonian Oaks

MGM Northfield Park has announced the addition of a $75,000 Pick Trainer Nifty Norman didn’t think he’d be in a spot like this. 5 total pool guarantee for Saturday (August 7). Beginning in race His Bella Bellini is the 3-1 morning-line favorite leaving from post six, the $75,000 Pick 5 guaranteed total pool includes a carryover of position five for Saturday’s $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year- $21,611. old trotting fillies at The Meadowlands. In fact, Norman’s pleasantly This wager is being offered as part of the Strategic Wagering surprised Bella Bellini amounted to much of anything. Program through the United States Trotting Association. READ MORE Saturday’s eighth race begins the 50-cent (non-jackpot) Pick 6 with a $2,124 carryover. CR Renegade passes at 25 Northfield’s Pick 5, Pick 4s, Pick 3s, 50-cent (non-jackpot) Pick 6 and 20-cent Super High Five offer a reduced takeout rate of just 14 percent. Winbak Farm is sad to announce the passing of CR Renegade, 2, Saturday’s post time is 6 p.m. Q1:58 4/5; 3, 1:53 4/5 ($903,785). -press release (Northfield) READ MORE $7,536 Pick 6 carryover at Yonkers Thursday Gold Cup week details released

There was just one winning favorite during Wednesday night’s Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving (August 4) Pick 6 sequence at Yonkers Raceway, and that led to the Park Monday (August 2) released details on the 2021 Gold Cup and wager not being hit. This means that on Thursday night’s (August 5) Saucer week of racing, which will take place from Thursday, August program, there will be a $7,536.45 carryover and a $15,000 guaranteed 12th to Saturday, August 21st. pool in the Pick 6. READ MORE The guarantee is being offered as part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. SBOANJ SUPPLEMENTAL YEARLING NOMINATIONS DUE AUGUST 15 Yonkers Raceway’s Pick 6 has a takeout rate of 20 percent, as do the track’s nightly Pick 4 and Pick 5 wagers. The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey Thursday night’s 12-race program at Yonkers starts at 7:15 p.m., will accept supplemental yearling nomination payments on or before with the Pick 6 kicking off in the third race. August 15, 2021, for 2020 foals. These nominations are for the 2020 -press release (Yonkers) foals that missed the May payments for the Garden State Trot #5 and the New Jersey Home Grown Pace #5. Ohio State Fair races start Thursday at Scioto Also, those that have submitted applications for the Stallion Rebate or Mare Resident Rebate Programs please submit foal registrations to The Ohio State Fair races commence Thursday (August 5) at Eldo- the SBOANJ by October 31, 2021, in order to receive rebates. rado Scioto Downs. With divisions for 2- and 3-year-olds of both sexes Visit sboanj.com for the full 2021 stakes payment schedule, stakes and gaits, Ohio breds will be competing for over $1.04 million in three payment forms and rebate programs days of racing. -release (SBOANJ) Three divisions of the 2-year-old colt trot and four divisions of the 2-year-old filly trot kick off the Ohio State Fair action. Each colt division Cumberland sets new handle record will go for $48,000, while each filly division will go for $35,300-36,000. READ MORE The 12-race card on Wednesday, August 4 generated a new handle threshold, exceeding $100,000 for the first time in the First Tracks Racine Bell smashes Batavia track record Cumberland Spring/Summer meet. Cumberland’s meet concluded on Thursday, August 5 and Racing Racine Bell, who equaled the 4-year-old pacing mare world record resumes for a winter meeting beginning November 3rd and racing of 1:48 1/5 at the Meadowlands in June and has been dominant in through December 31, 2021. the Open class at Yonkers Raceway since spring, shipped into Bata- -edited release (First Tracks Cumberland) via Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 4) and demolished the exist- ing track record for aged pacing mares after a dominant gate to wire victory in 1:51 3/5 in the $11,200 Mares Open pace. MSOA Charity night raises over $5,000 for STA READ MORE Thanks to the generosity of so many, The Meadows Standardbred Quincy Market, Molotov Cocktail rule in NY Sire Stakes Owners Association (MSOA) “Charity Night” raised $5,169 for the Standardbred Transition Alliance, which will help STA in its vital Quincy Market and Molotov Cocktail rolled over their competition goal of working with organizations throughout the sport that prepare in taking their respective New York Sire Stakes sections for 2-year- retiring racehorses for new careers and homes. old colt and gelding trotters on Wednesday evening at Batavia Downs. The MSOA wishes to extend special thanks to Weaver Bruscemi, READ MORE Ron Burke and all other contributors of cash, auction prizes and in-kind services, including: Nick Catalano, Keith Pippi, Kahrig 2021 Hambletonian Pedigrees a fascinating puzzle Racing Stable, Lori & Ray Romanetti; The Hyatt & Parlay Lounge, Washington Chamber of Commerce, and John & Nicole Sullivan. Both Hambletonian fields are high in quality this year, but from -edited release (MSOA) a breeding and pedigree perspective they are very dissimilar. Although nothing significant in itself can be deduced from two fields New look CBS Network broadcast for Hambletonian of 10 trotters, it is interesting to compare and contrast the two fields and ponder the question: Is the breeding of trotters in North America CBS Sports Network will present a 60-minute telecast of the $1 going to continue along the lines of what we see in the Hambletonian million Hambletonian, live from The Meadowlands Racetrack, East Oaks - or will North American breeders more be more inspired by Rutherford, N.J., on Sat., Aug. 7, from 5:30--6:30 p.m. (EDT). The what we see in the Hambletonian final? Hambletonian is the richest race in the world for 3-year-old trotters. READ MORE READ MORE

DRF Harness Digest | 30 | August 5, 2021 Visit us online at drf.com/harness