Big Ranger makes big move in poll rankings

Hambletonian elimination winner Big Ranger made a big move in the Week 8 Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll released Wednesday (Aug. 5).

Sitting outside of the Top 10 a week ago, the 3-year-old colt trotter added 127 points to his previous total and vaulted to No. 6 in the rankings following his 1:50 victory this past weekend at the Meadowlands.

Apex, the Hambletonian’s other elimination winner, also improved his position, adding 20 points and moving from sixth to fifth.

The top four spots were unchanged, although Brandon Blvd solidified his hold on No. 1 thanks to his 1:47.3 win in the Tompkins-Geers Stakes at the Meadowlands. Brandon Blvd received 27 of 35 first-place votes, an increase of 11, on his way to his third consecutive week at the top.

On To Norway, Miki And Minnie, and Odds On Mr Mamba – all idle – occupied the three spots behind Brandon Blvd.

Be Perfect BG, also idle, dropped from the Top 10.

The Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, which will continue weekly on Wednesdays through the Grand Circuit season, does not determine year-end awards. The members of the U.S. Harness Writers Association vote on all Dan Patch Award division winners plus Trotter of the Year, Pacer of the Year, and Horse of the Year.

Rankings based on the votes of harness racing media representatives on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll: Week 8 – 8/5/2026

ALSO: Be Perfect BG 56; Lexus Kody 54; Super Chapter 38; Ervin Hanover 15; Bourbonista S, Shalom Hanover 11; Nezuko Kamado S 10; Lou Hill 8; Crack Shot 5; Jailbird Jog, Jersey Bulldog 4; Redland Rocket Man 3; Captain Optimistic, Yo Tillie 2; Antognoni S, Carve, Periculum 1.

by Ken Weingartner, for the USTA