North American News – Hambletonian takes centre stage

The countdown is on to North America’s greatest trotting event with the 101st Running of the $1 million Winning Key Farm Hambletonian and the 56th Hambletonian Oaks set to headline a blockbuster card at The Meadowlands on Saturday.

Ohio star Big Ranger has been installed the 2-1 morning-line favourite after drawing perfectly in barrier four for the $1 million classic.

The son of In Range stamped himself as the horse to beat when he demolished his elimination field by four lengths in 1:50, extending his outstanding record to 12 wins from 14 starts. Trained by Anette Lorentzon and driven by Tim Tetrick, Big Ranger has quickly adapted to racing outside Ohio despite making just his third start away from home.

His biggest danger appears to be last season’s Dan Patch Award winner Apex, who drew barrier three and is the 5-2 second favourite. The Marcus Melander-trained colt edged out Endurance in a thrilling elimination and will again have Dexter Dunn in the sulky.

Melander holds a powerful hand with three finalists, also represented by Spencer Hanover (barrier nine) and American Power (barrier 10).

The ever-consistent Endurance has drawn barrier seven and shapes as the leading closer if the pace is genuine. Trained by Chris Beaver, the son of Captain Corey has won 10 of 14 starts and has rarely been out of the money throughout his career.

Hambletonian – Race 11

• Big Ranger (4) – 2-1
• Apex (3) – 5-2
• Endurance (7) – 5-1
• It Could Be Worse (2) – 8-1
• American Power (10) – 10-1

Nezuko Kamado S favoured in Hambletonian Oaks

The $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks also shapes as a fascinating contest with Nezuko Kamado S installed as the 2-1 favourite despite suffering her first defeat of the season in last week’s eliminations.

The brilliant daughter of Chapter Seven produced the fastest mile by a three-year-old trotting filly this season when she won the Del Miller Memorial in 1:50.1, and trainer Marcus Melander believes she is even more effective chasing horses than leading.

Scott Zeron reunites with the talented filly from the ideal barrier two, while Melander also has strong claims through Setyoursightshigh, who scored impressively in her elimination and starts from gate four.

Fastest elimination winner Carve is the 7-2 second favourite from barrier six after producing a dazzling late burst to score in 1:51.1, while elimination winner Busy Miss Lissy S has drawn the coveted pole and is rated a 4-1 chance after her determined victory over Nezuko Kamado S.

Hambletonian Oaks – Race 9

• Nezuko Kamado S (2) – 2-1
• Carve (6) – 7-2
• Busy Miss Lissy S (1) – 4-1
• Setyoursightshigh (4) – 6-1
• Custom (3) – 8-1

With two outstanding fields assembled, Hambletonian Day promises another memorable chapter in North American harness racing.

 

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink