2025 Hambletonian

by Jenn Starr for the Hambletonian Society

The 100th edition of the prestigious Hambletonian will take place on Saturday, August 2, with a field of outstanding trotters and what is sure to be another thrilling race, plus a tremendous day filled with exciting events catering to all ages.

 The great Muscle Hill, 2009 Hambletonian winner, Dan Patch Award winner, and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, will be in the Backyard for a special Meet & Greet with his fans, with a chance to win Hoof-ograph or a poster.  The event features a pennant flag giveaway.  Fans can snap a quick photo of the superstar as well. 

In addition, when the post parade for the Hambletonian is called to the track by announcer Ken Warkentin, the field for the 2025 race will be led by a familiar face, or rather horse!  Hambletonian 2012 winner Market Share will return to the scene of his great triumph to escort the race onto the track.  

 Market Share, owned by Richard Gutnick with T L P Stable and Bill Augustine, was trained by Linda Toscano to his victory, and she became the first woman  to win the Hambletonian in the history the race. She is thrilled to return with the two-time Dan Patch award divisional champion. 

“It’s fun!” she said. “I’m fortunate enough and privileged enough to serve on the board of directors of the Hambletonian Society, so when we were kicking around ideas for the 100th Hambletonian, Moira (Fanning, COO) said to me ‘any ideas on how we could get an old Hambletonian winner?’ And I said ‘Market Share could come!  He’s babysitting out at Southwind Farms, and the last time I looked at him he looked great!” 

One phone call to Laura Young, Manager at Southwind Farms, and the deal was sealed. Laura has been working with Market Share for years, and was instrumental in bringing him to the farm. 

 “I called Richard (Gutnick, owner) after the Standardbred Horse Show, and asked what he was doing with Market Share. I told him he should be here with the other champions,” said Young. “ He can be a babysitter, and maybe some of his attributes will rub off on our yearlings. That has been his job, and he is pretty good at it!”  

 Young also jumped at the chance to suggest bringing Muscle Hill along too!  

 “He’s the most intelligent horse I have been around,” said Laura. “I have been with him for over 16 years. I have never come across another horse that is so alert and attentive to his surroundings. I believe he passes this onto his offspring and that is the main attribute that makes them stand out.  We will be there.”  

 With the plans firmly in place, Toscano brought Market Share in, to refresh his memory a little on getting back to his old job. “I thought, let me kind of fluff him up a little bit, and remind him what it’s like to put a harness on.  It’s really rare to put a harness on one that you had for as long I did with him, because you don’t get a chance to race one for six years, then retire him, and then get a chance to put a harness back on him at 16 years old.  The old horse is absolutely having the time of his life!  And so are we. He’s really really enjoying it. And we are too.”  

 What will he be like once his hooves hit the famous Meadowlands racetrack?  “Well, he’s been to Gaitway, and based upon how he’s perked up on that racetrack, when other horses are around, I think he’s going to swell right up. I think he’s going to be as proud as a peacock when he gets out there.  I always called him ‘the Little Engine That Could,” and that’s exactly how he acts, and I think when he gets out there, he’s going to have a ball.  I think this horse just thrived on racing.”  

 Toscano will be sitting behind Market Share for the post parade as his regular driver Tim Tetrick picked up the steer on No. 7 Gap Kronos S.

 The Muscle Hill Meet & Greet is from 10-2, and Post Time for the Hambletonian is approximately 4:47p.m. 

Toscano expressed her thanks to everyone for such a great job in planning what is expected to be a tremendous day of racing and fun. “Kudos to the Hambletonian Society and the Meadowlands for making this year even more special because it is the 100th edition, and it is the Holy Grail of harness racing.”  

Super Chapter, who won one of last week’s three Hambletonian Stakes eliminations, drew post two for Saturday’s $1 million final at The Meadowlands and was made the 5-2 morning-line favorite for the 100th edition of the sport’s premier event for 3-year-old trotters.

The remaining elimination winners, Emoticon Legacy and Nordic Catcher S, drew post three and six, respectively. Emoticon Legacy was established as the 4-1 third choice while Nordic Catcher S was set at 9-2 on the morning line. Maryland, who finished a nose behind Nordic Catcher S in their elim, drew post four and was made the 3-1 second choice.

Elimination winners drew for posts one through six followed by the remaining finalists in an open draw. The draws for the Grade 1 Hambletonian, as well as the filly companion Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks, were held Tuesday during a luncheon at the Chateau Grande.

Unbeaten in five races this year, Super Chapter won his Hambletonian elimination by 1-3/4 lengths over Maximus Mearas S in 1:51.1. In June, the colt won the MGM Yonkers Trot, the first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown. The Hambletonian is the second jewel, followed by the Kentucky Futurity in October. Nine horses have captured the Trotting Triple Crown since its inception in 1955, the most recent being Marion Marauder in 2016.

A son of stallion Chapter Seven out of the 2014 Hambletonian Oaks winning mare Lifetime Pursuit, Super Chapter has won 10 of 16 career races and earned $844,765.

“He’s a great gaited horse and goes around any size track; he’s just like a car to drive,” trainer Marcus Melander said. “There have been some races that he’s been doing it on the front; he can cut the mile and then sprint home. He’s a very consistent horse and he always gets the job done.”

Super Chapter is one of four finalists for Melander, who is seeking his first Hambletonian trophy. The 33-year-old has finished second in the race on three occasions. His other finalists are Dan Patch and O’Brien awards winner Maryland, along with Blank and Meshuggah. Dexter Dunn is listed to drive Super Chapter and Maryland.

Maryland has finished second in all four of his starts this season. Last year, the son of Chapter Seven-Crucial closed his campaign by winning five consecutive Grand Circuit stakes, including the Mohawk Million and a Breeders Crown, on his way to earning $1.22 million – a total that led all of harness racing.

“I feel bad for the horse because he deserves a win (this year),” Melander said. “But he’s a fighter and we drew good, so it will be exciting.”

Emoticon Legacy, unbeaten in four races this season for trainer Luc Blais and driver Louis-Philippe Roy, captured his Hambletonian elimination by a nose over Greenma in 1:51.4. The colt’s other victories include the final of the Goodtimes Stakes in 1:50.2 at Woodbine Mohawk Park (the fastest mile ever by a 3-year-old trotter on Canadian soil) and the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial at Vernon Downs, where he defeated Maryland and Meshuggah.

A son of Walner-Emoticon Hanover, Emoticon Legacy has won eight of 11 career races and earned $459,371. Blais won the 2019 Hambletonian with Forbidden Trade.

“This is not an easy race to win,” Blais said after Emoticon Legacy’s elim. “We just have to hope everything goes good this week. I’ve got a good feeling. He’s a racehorse. I think he’s getting better and better at taking care of himself. He was a little bit tough on himself before, but now I think he’s more mature, more professional. He knows what’s going on. He’s not a big horse, but he’s strong. He’s very strong.”

Nordic Catcher S, trained and driven by two-time Hambletonian winner Ake Svanstedt, won his elimination in 1:50.3. Nordic Catcher S, a son of Six Pack out of the pacing mare That Woman Hanover, has won two of four races this year. He has hit the board in all nine career starts, including four victories and four second-place finishes, and earned $313,285.

“He’s been better and better for every race this year,” Svanstedt said after the Hambletonian eliminations. “He’s gone one second faster in every race, so I’m happy with that. I hope he stays that way for one more week.”

The Hambletonian will be race 12 with a post time of 4:47 p.m. (EDT). The companion $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks is race 10 and will go at 3:37 p.m. Racing will begin at noon.

For free program pages, visit The Meadowlands website here.

Following is the field for Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian in post-position order with drivers, trainers and morning-line odds.

PP – HORSE – DRIVER – TRAINER – ODDS
1 – Meshuggah – Bjorn Goop – Marcus Melander – 20-1
2 – Super Chapter – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 5-2
3 – Emoticon Legacy – Louis Roy – Luc Blais – 4-1
4 – Maryland – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 3-1
5 – Maximus Mearas S – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin – 6-1
6 – Nordic Catcher S – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 9-2
7 – Gap Kronos S – Tim Tetrick – Ake Svanstedt – 20-1
8 – Blank – Andrew McCarthy – Marcus Melander – 25-1
9 – Greenma – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer – 25-1
10 – Go Dog Go – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske – 10-1
Post time: 4:47 p.m. (Race 12); TV: FOX Sports; Morning-line odds by John Rallis.

Imagine your prom is in a few days and two of the prettiest girls in school want you to put the corsage on her wrist and slow dance the night away in the gymnasium under the basketball hoop.

Tough decision.

That’s how Andy McCarthy must have felt heading into Saturday’s $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old trotting filles at The Meadowlands.

You see, McCarthy was being courted by Conversano, a daughter of Muscle Hill-Celebrity Ruth, and Miss Belmar, a Muscle Hill-Chapter Too offspring, after the 39-year-old pilot guided each to the winner’s circle in their respective Oaks eliminations last Saturday (July 26).

Trained by Juan Cano, Conversano has won six of eight starts this year, including the New Jersey Sire Stakes final, and took one of three Oaks elims last week in 1:52.4 as the 1-5 favorite.

Miss Belmar, who resides in Noel Daley’s barn, does not have the seasonal resume that Conversano possesses but has won three straight races at The Meadowlands – including an Oaks elim in 1:52.3 as the 3-1 second choice – and appears to be peaking at just the right time for the defending Dan Patch Trainer of the Year Award winner.

Who’s the lucky girl, Andy?

“I’m going with Miss Belmar,” said McCarthy just before the Hambletonian and Oaks post-position draws held yesterday at Chateau Grande in East Brunswick, NJ. “I just think she’s the better horse. I liked her performance [in the elimination].

“Obviously, I’m very close with Noel and have been for a very long time, so it’s the logical decision. Miss Belmar can leave, or she can sit. It was a really tough call and probably more the fact that I’ve had such a great relationship with Noel for such a long time. My relationship with Noel was the deciding factor. Both fillies are about the same.”

Miss Belmar will depart from post one and was installed as the 5-2 favorite on John Rallis’ morning line.

McCarthy and Daley have had many standouts together, including last year’s Dan Patch 3-Year-Old Male Trotter of the Year, Sig Sauer, who won the Breeders Crown and Kentucky Futurity.

So, where does that leave Conversano?

Sometimes blind dates work out well, and four-time defending O’Brien Award-winning Driver of the Year James MacDonald got the call from Cano.

MacDonald is no stranger to big wins at The Meadowlands. Last year, he guided Legendary Hanover to victory in the Meadowlands Pace and Coach Stefanos (older male pacer) and Lady Landia (2-year-old trotting filly) to Breeders Crown wins.

“It was one of those things,” said MacDonald. “Timing is everything. I picked up Gigglingonthebeach for Juan [last] Saturday and she raced well for second to Miki And Minnie [in the Tompkins-Geers].

“And then Juan said he might need a driver for the Oaks. He asked me if I would be interested in coming. I’m really excited. Anytime you can pick up a drive in big races, it’s a real thrill.”

Conversano is the 9-2 third choice leaving from post six.

“I’ll do some studying, watch some replays,” said MacDonald. “She looks like a horse who knows how to make money. I’ll talk to Juan. I’ll ask Andrew [McCarthy] if there is anything I need to know. I’m going to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. With horses like this, there’s not much to learn. Put them in the right spot and, hopefully, things work out.”

Delaney Hanover won the third elim and will leave from post five as the 3-1 second choice with Scott Zeron in the bike.

The daughter of Muscle Hill-Danielle Hanover was an upset winner at odds of 11-1 in her preliminary, coming from off the pace to stop the clock in a lifetime-best 1:52.3.

The Hambletonian Oaks is part of a dazzling 16-race, stakes-laden program on Hambletonian Day at The Big M. Post time for the first race is noon.

THE FIELD FOR THE $500,000 HAMBLETONIAN OAKS FOR 3-YEAR-OLD TROTTING FILLIES:

PP – HORSE – DRIVER – TRAINER – ODDS

1 – Miss Belmar – Andy McCarthy – Noel Daley – 5-2

2 – Deja Blu – Yannick Gingras – Nancy Takter – 5-1

3 – Sound Judgement – Kevin Oscarsson – Jim Oscarsson – 20-1

4 – R Charm – Dave Miller – Linda Toscano – 10-1

5 – Delaney Hanover – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin – 3-1

6 – Conversano – James MacDonald – Juan Cano – 9-2

7 – Aperfect Annie – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske – 20-1

8 – Walspea – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer – 12-1

9 – Champagne Problems – Dexter Dunn – Nancy Takter – 6-1

10 – Torrisi – Tim Tetrick – Nancy Takter – 20-1

Post time: 3:37 p.m. (Race 10); Morning-line odds by John Rallis.

By Frank Cotolo, for The Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The 100th Hambletonian Grade 1 field was determined on Saturday (July 26) at The Meadowlands by a trio of seven-sophomore trotting fields worth $83,550 each.

Favorite Emoticon Legacy held sway with Louis Roy in the bike again for trainer Luc Blais in the first elimination. The homebred son of Walner-Emoticon Hanover made a winning move brushing through the :55.1 half to take the lead to a speedy 1:24.1 three-quarters and, with a last quarter in :27.3, recorded a nose win in a 1:51.4.

Closing late to get second and make next week's final was longshot Greenma driven by trainer Trond Smedshammer. Finishing third to get a spot in the classic trot was Blank, the Marcus Melander-trained colt with Andy McCarthy at the reins. Meshuggah, driven by Scott Zeron, took fourth and qualified for the final by having the highest lifetime earnings of all the fourth-place finishers from the eliminations.

Driver Roy said he had "not much of a game plan" for a trip going into the elim. "Right now, he’s perfect to drive. Even in the post parade today he was a perfect horse. We always have the hopples at the same length [but] I got a new bike here – I don’t know if it’s the bike or the surface, [but] the hopples seem a little tight on him. I don’t know if we’re restraining him in his gait, but it might be another plus next week if he gets a little looser in there."

Emoticon Legacy looks to extend his four-race winning streak in the trotting classic. His wins up to the Hambletonian eliminations include the Zweig Memorial at Vernon and the Goodtimes at Mohawk, where he set a Canadian record and a lifetime best of 1:50.2.

Determination owns Emoticon Legacy, who raised his lifetime earnings to $459,371. He paid $4.20 to win.

The second Hambletonian elimination saw Super Chapter collect his fifth straight victory in a perfect sophomore season, winning in 1:51.1 in rein to Dexter Dunn. The dominating division son of Chapter Seven-Lifetime Pursuit was never engaged once taking the lead after a :27 first quarter. An overwhelming favorite in all of his sophomore races including a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial and the Yonkers Trot (the first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown), Super Chapter coasted to the elimination victory with little to no urging from Dunn.

Maximus Mearas S swept up real estate in the late going to finish second, beaten 1-3/4 lengths. Gap Kronos S earned the last berth into the final with a third-place finish from a first-over push.  

The elimination win balloons Super Chapter's lifetime bankroll to $844,765 for owners Jeffrey Snyder, Arthur Pronti and Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. 

"He was super last year," said Mattias Melander, of the Marcus Melander barn. "He’s impressed us enough this year that we can’t be more impressed." Mattias said he expects there won't be any equipment changes going into the million-dollar mile. 

Super Chapter paid $2.10 to win. 

Ake Svanstedt guided Nordic Catcher S, his longshot son of Six Pack-That Woman Hanover, to the top from post 1 and commanded his six foes through the two turns to win the last of the Hambletonian eliminations. 

Driver-trainer Svanstedt not only went wire to wire to score the victory, his charge recorded a lifetime-best winning mile of 1:50.3.

His main challenger was last year's 2-year-old trotting champion Maryland. The Marcus Melander-trained Maryland left quickly and a bit wide from post 7, but settled into fourth as the field lined up around the backstretch. He left the row and attacked after the :55.3 half to almost nip Nordic Catcher S in a :26.2 sprint to the finish. Nordic Catcher S held onto the victory by a firm nose over Maryland, who is still looking for his first victory as a 3-year-old.

Also attaining a berth in next week's Hambletonian final was Go Dog Go, who went off the 4-5 favorite after his big win over Maryland in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division.

After the race Ake said the minor equipment change of bridle gave him further confidence in his steed. "He performs better and better and I was not afraid of showing high speed [on the lead]," he said. "Maybe pacer blood makes him a bit tougher."

Ake Svanstedt and Jeff Gural's Little E LLC own Nordic Catcher S, who has now earned $313,285 for his two racing seasons. He paid $23.80 to win.

By Ray Cotolo, for The Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The picture for the Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks shifted greatly from expectations with some surprise performances from both ends of the spectrum in the three $50,000 eliminations at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (July 26).

First came 11-1 shot Delaney Hanover, who motored off a second-over ride to score a lifetime-best 1:52.3 win in the first Oaks elimination.

After a :27.1 first quarter, driver Scott Zeron flushed cover from R Dutchess as Champagne Problems moseyed up the backstretch to a :56.3 half with Sound Judgement in the pocket. R Dutchess loomed forward through three-quarters in 1:25 before retreating into the stretch. Champagne Problems maintained her speed down the lane, but Zeron lifted Delaney Hanover to the center of the track and built the most momentum to barrel by in the last eighth and win going away by 1-1/4 lengths. Champagne Problems finished second and Sound Judgement took third. Lady Landia, the 2-5 favorite and last year’s Breeders Crown champion, trailed the field and tried to rally in the stretch, but missed the final when finishing sixth.

“My expectations are always tempered because it’s racing and you never know what’s going to happen,” said Andrew Steinberg, co-owner of Delaney Hanover through Shermay Stables. “She won her first two races as a 2-year-old, but then she got sick with stomach ulcers and we were careful with her at the end of the year. She came back really good; she’s an all-star. And it’s emotional because my father started the business. We’ve had nothing like this. My dad is in the sky looking upon us and I’m very emotional. I hope he’s proud of me today.”

Lucas Wallin trains Delaney Hanover, a filly by Muscle Hill-Danielle Hanover, for owners Wiesman Farms LLC, Shermay Stables and Wallin Racing Stable Inc. She won her first race from three starts this season and her third race from nine starts in her career, good for $158,185 in earnings. She paid $25.80 to win.

Next, Miss Belmar commandeered her competition and capitalized on a rough mile from favorite What A Bid Hanover to register a 1:52.3 victory in the second Hambletonian Oaks elimination.

Walspea carved a :27.2 first quarter while driver Andy McCarthy readied Miss Belmar for a brush into the backstretch. Miss Belmar cleared control before a :57 half and cruised as favored What A Bid Hanover, who broke past the quarter, attempted a rebound first over before tiring through the final turn. Past three-quarters in 1:25.3, Miss Belmar strode strongly for the finish until falling out of rhythm into the last eighth. But McCarthy held her focus to the finish to wade off flanking rivals by a half length. Deja Blu finished second with Walspea taking third.

“Noel [Daley]’s been a magician in terms of getting fillies ready for the races and having them peak at the right time,” co-owner Dave Offenberg said. “We’re along for the ride, but it’s a great ride and I have some great partners.”

Noel Daley trains Miss Belmar, a daughter of Muscle Hill-Chapter Too, for owners Allister Stables, Dean Ehrgott, Joe Sbrocco & JAF Racing and Zei Zei Racing Inc. She won her third race – off a winless freshman campaign – from 13 starts and has now earned $261,782.

“Noel’s been very delicate with her,” co-owner John Fodera said. “Last year she went into the Breeders Crown and finished second; she was a maiden going most of the year. It’s just been a blessing to get her this far this year, but right now he has her at her peak so we’re looking forward to next week.”

Miss Belmar paid $8.80 to win.

Conversano emerged the least surprising winner of the three Oaks eliminations, though she just held on for victory as the 1-5 favorite in a 1:52.4 mile.

Driver Andy McCarthy sat fourth with Conversano to a :27.1 first quarter and waited to make her move along the rim until after a :56.2 half. She ranged forward towards tempo-setter R Charm on the march to three-quarters in 1:24.4 and pushed past her spinning for home, though she stalled on the outside in the stretch. R Charm tried to charge back, but Conversano withstood the challenge and kept a nose in front at the finish. Aperfect Annie took third off a pocket trip and Torrisi earned the last berth into the final with the highest lifetime earnings of the eliminations’ fourth-place finishers.

“She just gets a little lost when she’s out there by herself,” winning driver Andy McCarthy said. “She’s always been that way; once she clears, she forgets what her job is. I had to remind her a bit late, but once she sees horses coming back at her she’ll get going again. I was quite pleased with her – she did her job.”

Juan Cano trains Conversano, a daughter of Muscle Hill-Celebrity Ruth, for owner Hot Lead Farm.

“I’m really happy – I’ve never been happier in my life than right now,” said Cano, who will make his Oaks debut with his first starter. “I don’t have any words to say. The only thing I can say is thanks to God and to the owner for giving me the chance and the opportunity.”

Conversano won her eighth race from 16 starts, has now banked $263,636 and paid $2.60 to win.

The $1-million Hambletonian, America’s premier trotting race, will celebrate its 100th edition on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, NJ. FanDuel, the largest advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform in the United States, will serve as the presenting sponsor for the milestone event.

The 100th Hambletonian, presented by FanDuel, will headline a stakes-loaded race card and be nationally televised on FOX Sports and CBS Sports Network.

First contested in 1926, the Hambletonian was created by the Hambletonian Society to promote the Standardbred trotting breed. Over the past century, it has endured through rain delays, economic shifts, venue changes, world wars and a global pandemic to consistently crown the champion trotter of the year.

FanDuel, a dominant force in New Jersey’s sports-wagering landscape, owns and operates FanDuel TV, a channel synonymous with delivering racing excellence for the past quarter century, and the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands – the top-performing sportsbook in North America.

“It’s only fitting that the track’s two biggest partners team up for the 100th anniversary of the Hambletonian,” said Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “New Jersey’s No. 1 sportsbook partnering with the world’s No. 1 trotting race is a match made in wagering heaven.”

The Hambletonian has been hosted by The Meadowlands since 1981, the longest-running venue for the sought-after event. New Jersey is also a pioneer state for sports wagering, with a victorious 2018 legislative battle ending the ban on sports betting, opening a new frontier for the Meadowlands Racing and Gaming/FanDuel partnership, both the premier organizations in their respective brands.

“We are proud to be able to celebrate the 100th edition of the Hambletonian with the Meadowlands and FanDuel,” said Hambletonian Society President and Chief Executive Officer John Campbell.  “The Hambletonian has only grown in purse, prestige and stature since the move to the Meadowlands in 1981, and this will be the biggest event to date.”

Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands is consistently the highest-handling event in harness racing, generating more than $107 million in single-day wagering since 2010. This year’s 100th celebration will feature a Hambletonian Homecoming Party, autograph sessions by alumni and today’s racetrack stars, appearances by past Hambletonian winners, a commemorative book, memorabilia displays and much more.

FanDuel will be the presenting sponsor of the Hambletonian Winter Book Favorites, the FanDuel Road to the Hambletonian and the 100th Hambletonian broadcast on CBS Sports Network. 

 -endit-

Meadowlands/Hambletonian Society files

About FanDuel Group

 FanDuel Group is the premier mobile gaming company in the United States. FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering including, America’s #1 Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook, its leading iGaming platform FanDuel Casino, the industry’s unquestioned leader in horse racing and advance-deposit wagering, FanDuel Racing and its daily fantasy sports product. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV, its broadly distributed linear cable television network and FanDuel TV+, its leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, the world's largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FLUT).

About the Hambletonian Society

The Hambletonian Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1924 to sponsor the race for which it was named, the Hambletonian Stake. The Society’s mission is to encourage and support the breeding of Standardbred horses through the development, administration and promotion of harness racing stakes, early-closing races and other special events. 

The Hambletonian Society manages 161 of harness racing’s most prestigious events, held across 13 North American racetracks under seven state jurisdictions. This includes the $1M Hambletonian for 3-year-old trotters, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year at The Meadowlands, and the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks. The Society is also responsible for overseeing the $7M Breeders Crown, the sport’s premier championship series.

In addition, the Hambletonian Society is responsible for the oversight of more than $25M annually, in the administration of a wide range of stakes and early-closing races. These events are funded through eligibility payments from breeders and owners, as well as sponsorships from race tracks.

By Kimberly French for the Hambletonian Society

Horses are named long before their careers commence, but on occasion humans hit the bullseye and Aperfect Annie’s team threw the perfect dart. The filly will take on nine rivals on Saturday (Aug. 2) at The Meadowlands in the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks and demonstrate her prowess.

“She is just so laid back,” said trainer/co-owner Carter Pinske. “She makes me look good as a trainer.”

The sophomore daughter of Googoo Gaagaa-Asixpakfromperfect (Todd McCarthy) will leave from post position seven in Saturday’s classic event for her age, gait and division. The filly is 20-1 on the morning line after finishing third in her $50,000 Hambletonian Oaks elimination behind favored Conversano (Andrew McCarthy) and R Charm (Scott Zeron).

“She may not have the ability to sprint, but she is a grinder, and she always shows up,” Pinske said. “We always have confidence in her.”

Aperfect Annie is the 10th foal from her dam and the fourth of that mare’s offspring to earn more than $100,000 in purse money. She is a half-sibling to 2012 Peter Haughton Memorial victor Aperfectyankee ($588,369), A Perfect Gem ($192,986) and A Perfect Helen ($187,530).

The filly was selected by Pinske, Melvin Hartman and Andray Farm for $70,000 at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. She was bred by Robert Detweiler.

After collecting $387,860, with a resume of 14-5-4-1 including a state championship and a berth in the Hambletonian Oaks, it appears that check returned a significant return on its investment.

“I think maybe the mare (Asixpakfromperfect) was a little older and she had not thrown a really big-name horse,” Pinske said. “But this filly comes from a very solid family, and we were pleased to get her.”

And rightly so.

Aperfect Annie finished second in her first two Kentucky Sire Stakes events at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel in July of last year. The filly, however, broke her maiden in style after a change of scenery in the Kentucky Championship Series at The Red Mile.

She upset the previously undefeated Kentucky Sire Stakes competitor, Yo Tillie, by a neck on Aug. 12, 2024, and came home first over that foe in the $400,000 Championship Series Final on Sept. 15.

Aperfect Annie kicked off 2025 with two triumphs at the aforementioned Oak Grove prior to an eighth-placed-seventh finish in the $141,000 Delvin Miller Memorial at The Meadowlands on July 12.

“We found out she was sick and maybe may have bled a little, so we treated her,” Pinske said. “She was much better in the Oaks elimination, and we think after working on her she will be sitting on a big mile for the final.

“It’s also nice to be a little under the radar coming into the race. It takes some of the pressure off.”

If Aperfect Annie hits the line in front it would be the first Hambletonian Oaks trophy for her trainer, who also has Go Dog Go  in the $1 million Hambletonian, starting from post position 10. The son of Greenshoe-Primary Target is 10-1 on the morning line.

Pinske is no stranger to Grand Circuit triumphs with fillies as he conditioned 2023 Kentucky Futurity Filly winner Mommamia Volo and was co-owner on dual Breeders Crown victor Amigo Volo, who also captured the 2020 Kentucky Futurity.

“We are just pleased for the opportunity,” Pinske said. “All you can do is get them ready and place them in the race. The horses do all the rest.”

The Hambletonian Oaks will be shown live on FOX Sports and is the 10th race on a stakes-laden card with a post time of 3:37 p.m. (EDT). FOX Sports will broadcast from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT).

For free program information please click here.

Field for Hambletonian Oaks

PP – HORSE – DRIVER – TRAINER – ODDS1 – Miss Belmar – Andy McCarthy – Noel Daley – 5-22 – Deja Blu – Yannick Gingras – Nancy Takter – 5-13 – Sound Judgement – Kevin Oscarsson – Jim Oscarsson – 20-14 – R Charm – Dave Miller – Linda Toscano – 10-15 – Delaney Hanover – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin – 3-16 – Conversano – James MacDonald – Juan Cano – 9-27 – Aperfect Annie – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske – 20-18 – Walspea – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer – 12-19 – Champagne Problems – Dexter Dunn – Nancy Takter – 6-110 – Torrisi – Tim Tetrick – Nancy Takter – 20-1

By Kimberly French for The Hambletonian Society

When Hambletonian morning-line favorite Super Chapter went through the auction ring at the 2023 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, he looked like he could be a champion and fetched a $300,000 price.

“He had it all as far as pedigree and his looks go,” said Jeffrey Snyder, who shares ownership of Super Chapter with Arthur Pronti and Hanover Shoe Farms. “His mother (Lifetime Pursuit) did win the Hambletonian Oaks, and he did have class about him.”

In training with Marcus Melander, Super Chapter quickly returned dividends. He was second in his career debut on June 24, 2024, in a $78,700 leg of the New York Sire Stakes at Saratoga behind the Ake Svanstedt trained, steered and favored Mr Mouton.

Super Chapter broke his maiden in his next engagement at Vernon Downs on July 4, 2024, prior to collecting his second victory at Yonkers Raceway on July 25. Melander then shipped his charge to compete in the Kentucky Championship Series at The Red Mile where he collected his third consecutive triumph in a second $80,000 leg of that event on Aug. 5.

The colt came home third in as the favorite in the third leg of that series on Aug. 18 with regular pilot Dexter Dunn at the controls. He then finished seventh in the $225,000 New York Sire Stakes Final for his age, gait and sex on Sept. 7 after making a break behind the gate.

Upon his return to the Bluegrass, Super Chapter rebounded with a triumph over Go Dog Go, who he will face yet again this weekend in the Hambletonian, in a convincing 1:52.1 performance.

Super Chapter then collected another victory in a $60,000 division of the International Stallion Stake over fellow Hambletonian competitor Maximus Mearas S in 1:52. That foe turned the tables on Super Chapter in their $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination at The Meadowlands on Oct. 19. The colt would finish an even fifth in the $700,000 final the following week with David Miller in the bike behind defending champion 2-year-old Maryland, Maximus Mearas S, Go Dog Go and Blank. All of whom he will face again in the Hambletonian starting gate.

Super Chapter concluded his freshman campaign with a second to Monseratte as the favorite in the $447,000 Valley Victory Final on Nov. 30 at The Meadowlands. For his 2-year-old season the colt possessed a resume of 11-5-2-1 and banked $521,260.

Did he require a little time off to grow into himself for his sophomore campaign? Maybe so, as Super Chapter is a perfect five-for-five this season, including a victory over stablemate and New York champion, Variegated, in the $300,000 MGM Yonkers Trot, the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, on June 27, a $119,500 division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on July 13 in a lifetime best 1:50.3, and his $83,550 Hambletonian elimination last week while never seriously challenged.

Snyder has been involved in harness racing decades at an elite level and is primarily known for his ownership of pacers. In fact, Snyder has collected trophies for many of the harness racing’s most prestigious events while owning and breeding some fabulous horses.

The list includes:  Rocknroll Hanover ($2,754,038), Well Said ($2,569,342), Cam’s Card Shark ($2,498,204), Royal Flush Hanover ($2,153,893), Michaels Power ($1,908,226), Village Jolt ($1,634,220), Dealt A Winner ($1,513,258), Aetos Kronos ($1,347,000), Michelle’s Power ($1,287,371), Mac’s Jackpot ($1,008,229), Red River Hanover ($965,426), Million Dollar Cam ($880,255), Beyond Delight ($875,784), Michael’s Marvel ($831,828), Date Night Hanover ($800,636) and Alexas Power ($762,666).

Their stakes wins include four North America Cups, three Meadowlands Paces, three Little Brown Jugs, three editions of the Adios, two Metros Paces and number of Breeders Crowns.

A resident of New York City, Snyder has owned two Horses of the Year: the pacers Cam’s Card Shark and Rocknroll Hanover.

Snyder, however, has recently been focusing his purchasing power and selective eye on trotters. Naturally, he has a solid foundation for that decision.

“I met trainer Jerry Riordan several years ago,” he said. “Jerry is an American trainer based in Europe that has enjoyed great success, primarily in Italy and Sweden, for my son Michael. Michael really enjoys European racing and I understand why as horses seem to have much more longevity there.

“We have a horse, Aetos Kronos, who earned $1.34 million in Europe, and we have brought him here to race. We are very excited to see how he will perform and we really enjoy the fact trotters possess a much greater audience world-wide.”

Snyder also continues to invest in the future as he owns Apex (Walner-Mission Brief, $525,000 2024 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale) and Spencer Hanover (Chapter Seven-Secret Passion, $450,000, 2024 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale). Secret Passion is a half sibling to In Secret (Deweycheatumnhowe, $981,036) and to three-time Dan Patch Award  winner and world champion Manchego (Muscle Hill, $3.14 million).

“We’ll just take it one race at a time,” Snyder said in regards to a path to the Triple Crown. “Simply being in the Hambletonian is so thrilling with Super Chapter. I can’t imagine how exciting it would be to win a Trotting Triple Crown. These are the kinds of races you dream about winning when you become involved in this industry. The horses are what makes those dreams come true.”

The Hambletonian will be race 12 with a post time of 4:47 p.m. (EDT). Racing will begin at noon.The stakes-laden card, including the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks (Race 10, 3:37 p.m. (EDT), will be shown on FOX Sports from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

For free program information please click here.

Following is the field for Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian in post-position order with drivers, trainers and morning-line odds.

PP – HORSE – DRIVER – TRAINER – ODDS1 – Meshuggah – Bjorn Goop – Marcus Melander – 20-12 – Super Chapter – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 5-23 – Emoticon Legacy – Louis Roy – Luc Blais – 4-14 – Maryland – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 3-15 – Maximus Mearas S – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin – 6-16 – Nordic Catcher S – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 9-27 – Gap Kronos S – Tim Tetrick – Ake Svanstedt – 20-18 – Blank – Andrew McCarthy – Marcus Melander – 25-19 – Greenma – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer – 25-110 – Go Dog Go – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske – 10-1

John Fodera has gone to the winner’s circle twice as an owner of a Hambletonian Stakes champion. He hopes on Saturday to make that trip again, this time following the Hambletonian Oaks.

Full Story CLICK HERE

Super Chapter, a colt who is undefeated in five starts this year, is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the field of 10 contesting the 100th edition of the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands racetrack on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Despite his undefeated record in 2025, Super Chapter will have a new driver for the Hambletonian. When his regular driver, Dexter Dunn, opted to drive Maryland—last year’s 2-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year—Super Chapter was paired with Yannick Gingras, who won last year’s Hambletonian with the colt Karl.

“I learned I might have a chance to drive either Super Chapter or Maryland last Saturday, after the Hambletonian eliminations,” Gingras shared. “Marcus (trainer Marcus Melander) told me he had to talk to the owners of each horse first, and if they were OK with me, then Dexter would get first choice and I would drive the horse he didn’t pick. Then Sunday night, when I was racing in Lexington (KY), he told me I would have the chance to drive one of those two, but I wouldn’t know which one until Dexter made his decision about who he would drive. I committed to drive if I got one of those horses.”

Gingras sees the Hambletonian as a very competitive race.

“I have thought all along that it is a six-horse race,” he said. “And then the top contenders all drew well for post positions, except for Go Dog Go. Everybody knows how hard it is to win the Hambletonian.”

As is often typical for driving a horse in a top race, Gingras will not have a pre-race strategy. Melander said Super Chapter is an easy horse to drive.

“He is a horse than can do it [win] from anywhere,” said Marcus Melander. “He can come from off the pace, he can be close up. He just is push-button and does anything you ask him to do. He can also do it on any type of track and he has proven that.”

Gingras said that two days before the Hambletonian, he watched replays of all of Super Chapter’s races.

“I have raced against him, but watching the replays, just focusing on him, I loved what I saw,” said Gingras. “I talked to Scotty Zeron (the only person besides Dunn to previously drive Super Chapter) and he said he’s like driving a sports car.”

Although trained by Melander, a Swede, Super Chapter is owned by Americans Jeffrey Snyder, Arthur Pronti and Hanover Shoe Farms, which also bred the colt. Super Chapter is a son of 2012 Horse of the Year Chapter Seven, and his dam is the 2014 Hambletonian Oaks winner Lifetime Pursuit. With his pedigree and physique, Hanover sold Super Chapter as a yearling for $300,000.

In early July, Hanover Shoe Farms, the perennial leading breeder of Standardbred horses, bought back an interest in Super Chapter, obviously interested in acquiring a stallion for breeding purposes. Hanover is also the leading breeder of Hambletonian winners with 11 champions hailing from the Pennsylvania nursery.

Melander is hoping one of his four Hambletonian entries will give him first victory in the race on Saturday.

“I think we have him in great condition with for this race. He’s not a big horse but he’s so well put together and well-gaited he looks larger on the track. I’m really looking forward to to Saturday.”

The Hambletonian will be race 12 with a post time of 4:47 p.m. (EDT). Racing will begin at noon.The stakes-laden card, including the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks (Race 10, 3:37 p.m. (EDT), will be shown on FOX Sports from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

For free program information please click here.

Following is the field for Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian in post-position order with drivers, trainers and morning-line odds.

PP – HORSE – DRIVER – TRAINER – ODDS1 – Meshuggah – Bjorn Goop – Marcus Melander – 20-12 – Super Chapter – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 5-23 – Emoticon Legacy – Louis Roy – Luc Blais – 4-14 – Maryland – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 3-15 – Maximus Mearas S – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin – 6-16 – Nordic Catcher S – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 9-27 – Gap Kronos S – Tim Tetrick – Ake Svanstedt – 20-18 – Blank – Andrew McCarthy – Marcus Melander – 25-19 – Greenma – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer – 25-110 – Go Dog Go – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske – 10-1

A trainer has won both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks on the same day on four occasions, and a driver has accomplished the feat three times, but never have a trainer and driver done it together. Lucas Wallin and Scott Zeron are among those who have the chance Saturday to become the first.

Full Story CLICK HERE

The road to the Hambletonian sometimes requires a crazy route. But it’s a safe bet Hall of Fame driver Trevor Ritchie is the only person that got there after quitting over the very same race – dispelling the old adage that quitters never prosper.

Full Story CLICK HERE

Trond Smedshammer has won both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks during his career – one of 12 trainers to accomplish that feat – and he will have the opportunity to add to his trophy collection Saturday when he sends out a horse in each of those trotting classics for 3-year-olds at The Meadowlands.

Full Story CLICK HERE

The HarnessRacing.com Preview Show, presented by the Standardbred Horse Sales Company, will be live from The Meadowlands on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. for the 100th edition of the Hambletonian.

Hosted by Wendy Ross and Emily Gaskin, the show can be seen on U.S. Trotting Association social media platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

The show will include special features on the Hambletonian Society and their staff, trainer Marcus Melander as well as a guest from the connections of a key Hambletonian contender.

The USTA would like to thank participating sponsors VIP Stable, Winbak Farm, Hambletonian Society and Standardbred Transition Alliance.

The remaining schedule of HarnessRacing.com Preview Shows, presented by the Standardbred Horse Sales Company, is as follows:

Saturday, August 2 – 100th Hambletonian (Live from the Meadowlands at 11 a.m.)
Thursday, September 11 – MGM Yonkers International Trot
Sunday, October 5 – Kentucky Futurity (Live from the Red Mile)
Wednesday, October 22 – Breeders Crown

MGM Yonkers Trot winner Super Chapter, Dan Patch and O’Brien awards winner Maryland, and multiple stakes winners Emoticon Legacy and Go Dog Go were among 21 horses entered Tuesday for the 100th edition of the Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands.

Three $83,550 eliminations will be held Saturday (July 26) at The Big M. The top three finishers from each elim plus the fourth-place finisher with the highest lifetime earnings will advance to the $1 million Grade 1 Hambletonian final on Aug. 2.

Elim winners will draw for post positions one through six followed by the remaining finalists receiving their posts in an open draw. The draws for the Hambletonian and companion filly event, the $500,000 Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks, will be conducted July 29 during a luncheon hosted by Carson Kressley from 2-5 p.m. at The Chateau Grande in East Brunswick, N.J.

Twenty-three horses entered the Hambletonian Oaks, resulting in three $50,000 eliminations Saturday at The Meadowlands. As with the Hambletonian, the top three finishers from each group plus the fourth-place finisher with the highest lifetime earnings will advance to the $500,000 final on Aug. 2.

Super Chapter, the No. 1-ranked horse in Meadowlands announcer/analyst Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian, and Maryland were among five trotting colts entered by trainer Marcus Melander. The others were Battle of Bunker Hill winner Variegated, Blank and Meshuggah.

Unbeaten in four races this year, Super Chapter won the first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown, the Yonkers Trot, in June at MGM Yonkers Raceway. The Hambletonian is the second jewel, followed by the Kentucky Futurity in October. Nine horses have captured the Trotting Triple Crown since its inception in 1955, the most recent being Marion Marauder in 2016.

Super Chapter will leave from post four with driver Dexter Dunn in the second of the three eliminations. He heads to the race off a career-best 1:50.3 win in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on July 12 at The Meadowlands. He defeated Monserrate, another Hambletonian hopeful, by 1-1/4 lengths.

The son of stallion Chapter Seven has hit the board in 13 of 15 career races, winning nine and earning $802,990. His dam, Lifetime Pursuit, won the 2014 Hambletonian Oaks.

Super Chapter’s stablemate Variegated, who finished second in the Yonkers Trot, is in the same elimination. He will leave from post five. The field also includes Onajetplane, who won a division of the Tompkins-Geers last week at The Meadowlands. He will start from post six for trainer Noel Daley.

The first elimination features the season’s fastest 3-year-old trotter, Emoticon Legacy, who will start from post two with Louis-Philippe Roy in the sulky for trainer Luc Blais. Emoticon Legacy is unbeaten in three races this year, with his victories including the final of the Goodtimes Stakes in 1:50.2 at Woodbine Mohawk Park (the fastest mile ever by a sophomore trotter on Canadian soil) and the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial at Vernon Downs, where he defeated Maryland and Meshuggah.

Meshuggah is also in the first elimination, leaving from post three with Scott Zeron listed to drive, as is Monserrate, who finished second to Super Chapter in their Dancer Memorial division. Monserrate, last year’s Valley Victory winner, will start from post four with David Miller driving for trainer Andrew Harris.

The third elimination finds Maryland leaving from post seven with driver Dunn for trainer Melander. Maryland has three second-place finishes in three starts this season, with his setbacks coming to Super Chapter, Emoticon Legacy and, most recently, Go Dog Go by a neck in their Dancer Memorial division.

Last year, Maryland finished his season by winning five consecutive Grand Circuit stakes, including the Mohawk Million and a Breeders Crown, on his way to earning $1.22 million – a total that led all of harness racing.

Starting from post three in the third elim is Go Dog Go, with Todd McCarthy driving for trainer Carter Pinske. Go Dog Go is perfect in three races this season, with his win in the Dancer Memorial coming in a career-best 1:50.4. New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Hidalgo is the richest horse in the field, with $157,143, and will start from post two with Yannick Gingras driving for trainer Ron Burke.

The Hambletonian eliminations are races six, eight and 10.

Among the sophomore trotting fillies, Conversano is the season’s richest, with $208,511, and will start from post one in the third elimination for the Hambletonian Oaks. Andrew McCarthy will drive for trainer Juan Cano.

Conversano has hit the board in all seven of her races, winning five, including the New Jersey Sire Stakes championship and a division of the W.N. Reynolds Memorial, both at The Meadowlands. Her mark of 1:51.3 is the fastest among the 23 Oaks hopefuls and second fastest of the season for a 3-year-old trotting filly.

Also in the third elimination is Zweig Memorial Filly winner Torrisi, who will start from post seven for trainer Nancy Takter.

The first elimination features Breeders Crown champ Lady Landia, who made her 2025 debut on July 12 in a division of the Del Miller Memorial at The Big M. She finished second to Yo Tillie, who was not eligible to the Oaks. Lady Landia will leave from post seven with trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt.

Dan Patch Award-winner Champagne Problems, another filly from the Takter Stable, will start from post three in the first elim. R Dutchess, who has a win and three seconds in four races this year, will leave from post one for trainer John Butenschoen. She missed by a head against Conversano in their Reynolds division and was second to What A Bid Hanover in their Miller Memorial split.

What A Bid Hanover, last season’s Goldsmith Maid winner, is in the second Oaks elimination. She will start from post six with trainer Svanstedt in the sulky. In the race prior to her Miller triumph, she missed by a neck against Torrisi in the Zweig.

The elimination also includes Miss Belmar, who won a division of the Tompkins-Geers last week at The Meadowlands. She will leave from post five with Andrew McCarthy in the sulky for trainer Daley.

The Hambletonian Oaks eliminations are races seven, nine and 11.

Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT). For free TrackMaster past performances for The Big M, visit the track’s website here.

Click: #Hambo100 Hype!

Following are the fields for the $83,550 Hambletonian eliminations, with horse, listed driver, and trainer:

Elimination One, Race 6
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – Fashion Green – Tim Tetrick – Jim Campbell
2 – Emoticon Legacy – Louis Roy – Luc Blais
3 – Meshuggah – Scott Zeron – Marcus Melander
4 – Monserrate – David Miller – Andrew Harris
5 – Greenma – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer
6 – Mr Mouton – Dexter Dunn – Ake Svanstedt
7 – Blank – Scott Zeron – Marcus Melander

Elimination Two, Race 8
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – Grande Via – David Miller – Andrew Harris
2 – Gimpanzee Dancer – Aaron Merriman – Chris Beaver
3 – Gap Kronos S – Yannick Gingras – Ake Svanstedt
4 – Super Chapter – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander
5 – Variegated – Andrew McCarthy – Marcus Melander
6 – Onajetplane – Andrew McCarthy – Noel Daley
7 – Maximus Mearas S – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin

Elimination Three, Race 10
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – Nordic Catcher S – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt
2 – Hidalgo – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke
3 – Go Dog Go – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske
4 – Landing On Time – James MacDonald – Rick Zeron
5 – Go Ahead Makemyday – David Miller – Blake MacIntosh
6 – The Rogue Prince – Tim Tetrick – Lucas Wallin
7 – Maryland – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander

Following are the fields for the $50,000 Hambletonian Oaks eliminations, with horse, listed driver, and trainer:

Elimination One, Race 7
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – R Dutchess – Tim Tetrick – John Butenschoen
2 – Lasting Dream – Louis Roy – Luc Blais
3 – Champagne Problems – Dexter Dunn – Nancy Takter
4 – Delaney Hanover – Scott Zeron – Lucas Wallin
5 – Kadena – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander
6 – Sound Judgement – Kevin Oscarsson – Jim Oscarsson
7 – Lady Landia – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt

Elimination Two, Race 9
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – Luna Lovegood – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander
2 – Voguish – Todd McCarthy – Andrew Harris
3 – Deja Blu – Yannick Gingras – Nancy Takter
4 – Walspea – Trond Smedshammer – Trond Smedshammer
5 – Miss Belmar – Andrew McCarthy – Noel Daley
6 – What A Bid Hanover – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt
7 – R Lady W – Scott Zeron – Linda Toscano
8 – Grand Reserve – Todd McCarthy – Mark Steacy

Elimination Three, Race 11
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer
1 – Conversano – Andrew McCarthy – Juan Cano
2 – Dearly Beloved – David Miller – Jenny Melander
3 – R Cee Cee – James MacDonald – John Butenschoen
4 – Aperfect Annie – Todd McCarthy – Carter Pinske
5 – R Charm – Scott Zeron – Linda Toscano
6 – EL Nightwish – Dexter Dunn – Lucas Wallin
7 – Torrisi – Todd McCarthy – Nancy Takter
8 – Goodgirl Bi IT – Mattias Melander – Marcus Melander

100 YEARS AND STILL RUNNING STRONG: AMERICAN DREAM & HAMBLETONIAN SOCIETY HOST FAN EXPERIENCE SATURDAY JULY 26th

EVENT PREVIEWING THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RACE IN HARNESS RACING

Hambletonian 100th Race to be Held August 2nd at Meadowlands Racetrack – Including Family-Friendly Events and Contests for All

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., JULY 26th, 2025 – American Dream and the Hambletonian Society are teaming up to host a Racing Fan Experience event at the entertainment and retail center on July 26th from 12-2pm.  The Fan Experience will preview historic 100th running of the most prestigious harness racing event in North America and highlight the upcoming races with a live family-friendly meet and greet with HorseAbility therapy ponies Aidan and Pearl for photo opportunities.  The event will also include memorabilia and trophies on display; and spotlight the most famous moments in the sport. Also available are discounts and giveaways for all – free of charge.

WHO: The Racetrack Experience: 100th Hambletonian at American Dream

WHAT: Harness Racing Highlights, Memorabilia, Trophies, take a picture and pet a family-friendly pony, exclusive giveaways and discounts at American Dream and the Meadowlands – preview of the $1 million 100th Hambletonian Race that runs on Saturday August 2nd at Meadowlands Racetrack

WHERE: American Dream, The Garden – Level 1

WHEN: Saturday, July 26th from 12-2pm

VISUALS: Shoppers and fans interacting with exhibit, racing highlights, trophies, memorabilia, family friendly ponies for shoppers to interact with and take photos, autographs available – all free of charge

ABOUT THE HAMBLETONIAN SOCIETY:

The Hambletonian Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1924 to sponsor the race for which it was named, the Hambletonian Stake.  The Society’s mission is to encourage and support the breeding of Standardbred horses through the development, administration and promotion of harness racing stakes, early-closing races and other special events.

The Hambletonian Society currently services 147 of harness racing’s richest and most prestigious events held at 13 North American racetracks under seven state jurisdictions.  These include harness racing’s most prominent race, the Hambletonian for 3-year-old trotters, its filly division, the Hambletonian Oaks and the sport’s championship series, the Breeders Crown.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN DREAM:

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlooking the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and Skip Barber Racing Go-Kart Academy. American Dream’s immersive luxury shopping and dining experience – The Avenue – features Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Dolce&Gabbana, Carpaccio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, and much more. The retail collection is further expanded with flagship locations for Aritzia, H&M, PRIMARK, Uniqlo, Sephora and Zara; as well as the Toys“R”Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the U.S, and the world’s first and only “candy department store,” IT’SUGAR.  

For more information on American Dream, visit www.americandream.com or find us on  Instagram @americandream and TikTok @americandream_official.   

Monserrate will bring a streak of eight consecutive top-three finishes to his Hambletonian Stakes elimination Saturday at The Meadowlands, where another on-the-board result will guarantee the colt a spot in the million-dollar final of America’s Trotting Classic.

The 100th edition of the Hambletonian attracted 21 3-year-old male trotters, requiring three eliminations. The top-three finishers from each elim plus the fourth-place finisher with the highest lifetime earnings will make up the 10 horses in the Grade 1 Hambletonian final on Aug. 2 at The Meadowlands.

Full Story CLICK HERE

The last time Sweden’s Kevin Oscarsson appeared in a race in the U.S., he was a 21-year-old driver sitting behind a horse in the $1 million International Trot at MGM Yonkers Raceway in 2016.

On Saturday, he will return to action in the States, this time behind Sound Judgement in her elimination for the Hambletonian Oaks at The Meadowlands. Oscarsson, the now 30-year-old son of trainer Jim Oscarsson, will drive the 3-year-old trotting filly for his dad and owner Blomberg Stable.

Full Story CLICK HERE

With the Championship Meet nearing its end, The Meadowlands will be a flurry of activity for the next two weeks, culminating with the 100th edition of the biggest event the sport of harness racing offers, the $1-million Hambletonian, on Saturday, Aug. 2.

“It’s been over 40 years that the Hambletonian has been part of the scene at The Meadowlands,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The race and the track are now linked and are synonymous with the greatest day in harness racing.”

Eliminations for the seven-figure Hambo for 3-year-old trotters and $500,000 Hambo Oaks for 3-year-old trotting fillies take place this Saturday (July 26). There was no shortage of horses at the entry box as 21 dropped in for the Hambletonian and 23 for the Oaks. Each event will have three eliminations with the three first-place finishers plus the highest-earning fourth-place finisher qualifying for the finals.

Goodtimes winner Emoticon Legacy and Stanley Dancer division winners Super Chapter and Go Dog Go are among the Hambletonian entrants, along with winter book Hambo favorite Maryland, who has yet to record a win this year despite racing well in all three of his seasonal starts, which resulted in second-place finishes.

Lady Landia (second to Oaks-ineligible Yo Tillie in a division of the Del Miller) and What A Bid Hanover (a Del Miller division winner) are a pair of standouts for trainer Ake Svanstedt in the Oaks. Conversano, third to What A Bid Hanover in the Miller, opened the year with five wins in six starts, including victories in the Reynolds and New Jersey Sire Stakes final, and is a big-time threat from the Juan Cano barn.

WATCH THE DRAW LIVE: The post-position draws for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks will take place on Tuesday (July 29) at Chateau Grande in East Brunswick, NJ.

The luncheon begins at 2 p.m. and all are welcome to attend for free.

Carson Kressley and Jessica Otten will host the event with Ken Warkentin providing interviews.

The draws for The Hambo and Oaks will start at 3 p.m. For those who cannot be there, the event will stream on Meadowlands Facebook Live and the Meadowlands YouTube channel.

HAMBO DAY STAKES: Hambletonian Day is the strongest program of the year in the sport.

Need proof?

This is the list of the stakes events that will be contested that day (with estimated purses):

·         $1,000,000 Hambletonian

·         $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks

·         $260,000 Cane Pace

·         $100,000 Shady Daisy

·         $300,000 John Cashman Memorial

·         $150,000 Dr. John Steele Memorial

·         $275,000 Sam McKee Memorial

·         $175,000 Lady Liberty

·         $240,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final (2-year-old colt and gelding trot)

·         $240,000 New Jersey Siren Stakes final (2-year-old filly trot)

POST TIME FOR THE BIG ONES: Hambletonian Day will feature a 16-race card. The first race will get underway at noon. Post time for the Hambletonian (Race 12) is 4:47 p.m. The Hambletonian Oaks (Race 10) will head to the gate at 3:37 p.m.

NEED TO KNOW BASIS: What follows is a list of things fans attending the Hambletonian need to know before attending the races:

·         Gates open at 10 a.m.

·         Admission is $5; all paying adults will receive a Hambletonian baseball cap

·         There will be a cigar roller on the Paddock Level

·         Food trucks will be on the East Apron and throughout the Backyard

·         Kiddie rides will be available from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

·         Hambletonian Hat contest: 1:40 p.m. (after race 5; will be judged by TV personality Kressley)

·         Best-dressed contest: 2:05 p.m. (after race 6; will be judged by influencer Caitlyn Warakomski)

·         Interviews with Kressley, New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, Big M Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gural, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hambletonian Society John Campbell and Editor of DRF Harness Derick Giwner will be conducted during the course of the card

·         Hambletonian drivers’ parade: 4:05 p.m.

·         Last-race post time: 6:48 p.m.

HAMBLETONIAN DAY TV: In addition to coverage on FOX 5 from 3-6 p.m. of the 100th Hambletonian, there are other ways to view what happens on the biggest day in harness racing.

They are:

·         CBS Sports Network: Sunday, Aug. 3, 3 p.m. (replay)

·         PrimeTime Racing: All day coverage of Hambletonian Day

·         Racetrack Television Network: (rtn.tv) Free streaming of The Meadowlands In-house show from playmeadowlands.com

·         Meadowlands Facebook page: All day coverage

·         Meadowlands YouTube channel: All day coverage

·         HarnessRacing.com Preview Show: Hosted by Wendy Ross; live on Vimeo at 11 a.m.

·         FanDuel TV: Live on-site

BIG M STILL FOXY: For a fifth consecutive year, the TV teams at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and The Meadowlands are combining forces to bring high-caliber harness racing stakes events to a coast-to-coast audience over the networks of FOX Sports as part of NYRA’s “America’s Day at the Races” telecasts.

The next broadcast will be Hambletonian Day, Saturday, Aug. 2, when the 100th edition of the $1-million Hambletonian can be seen in the New York-Metropolitan area on FOX 5 New York from 3-6 p.m.

Here is the schedule for the remaining FOX Sports shows, with the event(s) that will be featured and the time the show will be broadcast. Which FOX network the show can be found on – Fox 5 New York (locally), FS1 or FS2 – will be determined:

·         August 2 – Hambletonian 100, 3-6 p.m., FOX 5

·         September 5 – New Jersey Classic Series finals, 8-11 p.m., TBA

·         November 1 – Kindergarten finals, 8-11 p.m., TBA

·         November 15 – Fall Final Four, 8-11 p.m., TBA

FOSSLI WINS AGAIN: Karen Fossli was on target once again in the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest on Friday (July 18), taking first place for a second time this year, again walking away with the top nightly prize of $500.

A 20-cent Pick-5 hit of $477 set Fossli up well, as she finished the night with a bankroll of $722.26, so not only did Fossli take home the top cash prize, but also – as per contest rules – took home her profits of $622.26 as well.

Finishing second with a bankroll of $604.50 was Nick Montemurro, who took down the $250 second prize. For Montemurro, it was his third top-two finish this year, so he will have three entries (at least) for the end-of-the-year, invitation-only contest on Dec. 13, which offers prize money totaling $10,000. Fossli and Gary Scogna will have two entries (as of now) apiece in the big-money test, which will be limited to 20 entries.

Contest format:

·         Contestants must be on-site to participate

·         Contestants must buy a $100 betting card to participate

·         Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races

·         There is no minimum or maximum bet per race

·         Contestants can play any wager(s) on The Meadowlands live wagering menu

·         Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings

·         Contestants can enter as many times as they wish

·         The top two finishers earn spots in the $10,000 end-of-the-year contest

Remaining contest schedule:

·         Saturday, August 30

·         Saturday, October 25

·         Friday, November 21

·         The $10,000 invitation-only final is on Saturday, December 13

Previous players that have qualified for the December contest are Montemurro and Gary Scogna (the top two finishers from January); Michael Grasso and Montemurro (February); Sean Loebs and Joe Barre (March); Robert Glaser and Jim Bohnarczyk (April); Fossli and Russ Slader (May); and Del Kern and Scogna (June).

Complete contest rules and regulations can be found here.

To participate, players must be 18 years of age or older to wager on racing. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please get help at 1-800-GAMBLER.

THEY ARE FA-REEE! To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free program pages for every race of every race card on its website.

Go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the “news” dropdown to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.

WHEN IS LIVE RACING? This weekend, live racing at The Big M will be conducted on Friday (July 25) and Saturday (July 26) with a first-race post-time of 6:20 p.m.

Next week, racing on Friday, Aug. 1, begins at 6:20 p.m. Then, on Hambletonian Day, Saturday, Aug. 2, the only card that takes place entirely during the day starts at noon.

CATCH THE SHOW: Check out the live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show this Friday and Saturday when track announcer Ken Warkentin opens up the mic with a scene set and program changes at 5:45 p.m.

At that point, Warkentin will then throw to the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set, where, on Friday night, The Big M’s Dave Little and Jessica Otten will provide news, notes, selections and a look at the night’s featured races.

On Saturday, Giwner will join Little on the outdoor set near the winner’s circle.

John Rallis, who divides his on-camera time between The Big M and Woodbine Mohawk Park when not serving as an editor and columnist at TROT Magazine, will be handling interviews from the back paddock as well as providing commentary and selections on the FanDuel Television (FDTV) feed all weekend long.

PLAY HORSEPLAY, WIN A CAR: The extremely popular Horseplay Car Giveaway is winding its way toward the payoff.

When there is live racing, fans can get involved by picking up a free toy horse to toss. Participants attempt to throw their numbered horse into the window of a moving car. A winner, randomly chosen from all the horses that make it into the vehicle, will receive a $100 betting voucher. The 27 winners will be entered into the Horseplay final drawing on Friday, Aug. 1, for a chance to win a 2025 Toyota GR86. 

SOCIALLY SUPERIOR: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

Stay in touch with The Big M talent trio of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).

A GREAT NIGHT OUT: Looking to book a corporate event or private party?  The Meadowlands has unlimited event possibilities. The redesigned Gallery with multiple TVs, private bar and balcony overlooking the FanDuel Sportsbook is perfect for game days, watch parties and more.

To book your private party, email alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.

FANDUEL IS NO. 1: Meadowlands regulars know that if they want action on professional and college sports, all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is the No. 1 facility of its kind in all of North America.

It couldn’t be easier to access, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Big M.

The book has massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, which enable fans to watch and wager in comfort while having some great food and drink.

Local baseball fans get a day of rest on Thursday (July 24), but they can still get their action.

The most intriguing MLB matchup of the day has the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays traveling to Detroit to take on the ice-cold Tigers in a 6:40 p.m. start.

The Tigers are a -126 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 8½ runs.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open for business Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.

In celebration of the 100th edition of America's greatest harness race, the Hambletonian Society, Meadowlands Racetrack, and Ghost Hawk Brewing Company have again teamed up to provide fans and guests with Trotter’s Gold 2025.

Labeled “Trotters Gold”, the Clifton, NJ-based brewery has produced a 5% ABV American Golden Ale brewed with Pilsner malt and Mt. Hood hops to create a balance between cereal grain flavors and floral, soft, and spicy notes.

The beer label pays homage to race’s 100-year history with Rysdyk’s Hambletonian and the Hambletonian trophy prominently featured.

It is available for sale at the racetrack.

Yo Tillie maintained her current standing as the top horse in her division and Onajetplane threw his hat into the ring as a Hambletonian contender Saturday night at The Meadowlands when four divisions of the Tompkins-Geers Stake were contested for 3-year-old trotters of each sex.

Yo Tillie remained unbeaten in four tries this season after displaying an awesome closing kick rather than the dazzling early speed she showed in each of her first three starts this year.

“Her last couple of starts she’s been awesome,” said winning driver Todd McCarthy. “I’ve been racing her pretty aggressively and that was kind of the plan for tonight, but she’s come back so smart this year and she’s learned how to settle in. It’s an advantage when you can race them like that.”

The daughter of Tactical Landing-Consolidator raced in fourth past the five-eighths in the $37,125 first dash for fillies, then moved to the outside on the far turn before unleashing a powerhouse final quarter of :26.3 to win by 3½ lengths over R Charm in 1:52.3. Jersey Slide was third.

“I knew when I tipped and asked her that she would give me a pretty good last quarter,” said McCarthy.

Not eligible for the Hambletonian Oaks, Yo Tillie, who returned $2.10 to win as the 1-9 favorite, is being pointed toward the Kentucky Filly Futurity and Breeders Crown, among other stakes events this year, according to trainer Andrew Harris.

Onajetplane used a quick brush to command down the backstretch to secure the top just after the half and then had to hold off a late-charging Hey Porter to take the first division for colts and geldings – which went for a purse of $39,125 – by a head in a lifetime-best equaling 1:52.1. Warrior was third.

“He doesn’t love being in front, he starts looking around a little,” said winning driver Andy McCarthy. “He got to wondering a little but once Scottie [Zeron, driving Hey Porter] came to us, he got back to business.”

In the opinion of his driver, the son of Walner-Noble Lover is a Hambletonian contender. “This horse is good enough [to compete in the Hambo]. He needs a good draw and a good trip and he’ll be right there.”

As the 4-5 public choice, Onajetplane, a Noel Daley trainee, paid $3.60 to win.

DALEY DOUBLE: Andy McCarthy and Daley doubled up in the Tompkins-Geers in the second division for fillies, which went for $37,625, when Miss Belmar (Muscle Hill-Chapter Too) scored in a lifetime-best 1:52.1 from off the pace, giving her two wins in her last three starts after starting her career 0-for-9.

In the other split for colts and geldings, the Blake MacIntosh-trained Go Ahead Makemyday led at every call in the $39,625 dash, stopping the clock in a lifetime-best 1:53 with Dave Miller at the controls. The son of Walner-Uvie Hanover could be peaking at just the right time with the Hambletonian eliminations just one week away, as eight days ago, he was a sold second-place finisher to the talented Mr Mouton. Go Ahead Makemyday paid $10 as the 4-1 second choice.

MEADOWLANDS/STANLEY DANCER MEMORIAL/TROTTERS/FOR SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025

SUPER CHAPTER, GO DOG GO TAKE WINNING STEPS IN STANLEY DANCER MEMORIAL

By Frank Cotolo, for The Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Super Chapter and Go Dog Go recorded speed-smashing victories in their respective editions of the Stanley Dancer Memorial at The Meadowlands on Saturday (July 12) as they both eye towards the 100th Hambletonian.  

With a commanding mile while facing minimal challenge, Super Chapter – with Dexter Dunn at the reins – won the first of the two $119,500 Stanley Dancer Memorial divisions.

Hidalgo left for the lead from the inside, but 1-9 favorite Super Chapter eased towards the front out of post 4 and captured the top spot in a :27 first quarter. Hidalgo sat second ahead of Hard Seven and Monserrate, all while Super Chapter sailed to a :55.1 half.

Holding on to the top spot with ease, Super Chapter was in a smooth groove as the lineup changed when Monserrate left the pylons to go after the leader and Gap Kronos S took the live cover behind him. Super Chapter clocked the three-quarters in 1:23.3 and continued to pick up the pace down the stretch. He recorded a :27 final quarter while keeping Monserrate to his rear in a personal-best 1:50.3 mile. Monserrate closed well to finish second, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, and longshot Blank made up sufficient real estate to finish third. Hidalgo held fourth.

Super Chapter, coming from a win in the Yonkers Trot, the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, is a son of Chapter Seven out of 2014 Hambletonian Oaks winner Lifetime Pursuit. He is owned by Jeff Snyder and Arthur S. Pronti and trained by Marcus Melander. He lifted his lifetime wins to nine from 15 starts and his lifetime earnings to $802,990. He paid $2.20 to win.

Mattias Melander, assistant trainer to Marcus Melander, said after the race, "He was super today and is good all around on any track size. He's really no problem and we did not have to make any changes [in equipment] for this one."

The Melander barn adds Super Chapter with Maryland for their shots at the 100th Hambletonian. 

Act two of the Stanley Dancer Memorial offered a lot more movement on the two turns than act one. As the gate unfolded, two betting outsiders – Top Gun Hanover and Nordic Catcher S –  grabbed the leading roles while Go Dog Go followed in front of race-favorite Maryland.

The first quarter clocked in at :27.3 as Go Dog Go and Todd McCarthy took to the outside and swished to the top with Maryland and Dexter Dunn picking up his cover. Maryland took over the lead, but the two top betting choices soon locked into a brief duel as Go Dog Go popped back outside as three-quarters flashed 1:24.3.

Go Dog Go lunged forward to stick a head in front of Maryland on the turn for home. McCarthy had Go Dog Go on the outside with plenty of trot left, enough to smack a :26.1 final quarter and repel Maryland by a neck in a lifetime-best 1:50.4. Nordic Catcher S was third and Maximus Mearas S held on for fourth. 

“There was a little bit of pressure coming from the outer flow,” Todd McCarthy said. “He felt so good at the time that I really didn’t want to risk getting put in a pocket there, and I felt like the move I made in the backstretch didn’t have to use too much energy. Maryland raced great too, but the way my guy felt I was happy to take my chance there.”

Wiesman Farms LLC and Al Libfeld own the son of Greenshoe-Primary Target. Go Dog Go is trained by Carter Pinske. 

"He fought back early," said owner-breeder John Wiseman. When asked about the connections' hopes for Go Dog Go to win the 100th Hambletonian, Wiseman said, "I’m not even going to go down that street. That’s in two weeks. Our first [Grand Circuit] stake win ever was last weekend in the Reynolds, so [he] is very, very special.”

Go Dog Go won all three of his races this season, and this was his fifth win in 13 starts. He goes into the Hambletonian having earned $410,192 lifetime. He paid $4.60 to win.

 Emoticon Legacy outlasted Maryland to capture the $320,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot for sophomore trotters at Vernon Downs on Thursday (July 3).

Meshuggah (Scott Zeron) was first to the quarter in :26.3. Onajetplane (Andrew McCarthy) then took over the lead heading to the backstretch. Emoticon Legacy (Louis Roy) then made his move first-up heading down the backside. He surged to the front and led to the half in :55.1. Maryland (Dexter Dunn) then made his move heading around the final turn. He went from sixth to second in a flash as Emoticon Legacy led to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they made the turn for home, the race was on. Second-place finisher Maryland confronted Emoticon Legacy who then found another gear and won by a length in 1:51.4. Meshuggah finished third.

Emoticon Legacy, a 3-year-old colt by Walner, paid $3.30 to win. He is owned by Determination and trained by Luc Blais.

He is now three for three in 2025 with $254,940 in winnings. It was his seventh career victory in 10 starts and increased his lifetime earnings to $417,596..

There were four divisions of the W.N. Reynolds for 3-year-old trotters contested on the undercard, with two dashes for colts and geldings and two for fillies.

In the first split for males, which went for a purse of $34,825, Hambletonian hopeful Go Dog Go (Greenshoe-Primary Target) followed live cover on the way to a lifetime-best 1:52 score for driver Todd McCarthy and trainer Carter Pinske. The 1-5 favorite paid $2.60 to win.

Another horse with Hambo dreams, Gap Kronos S (Face Time Bourbon-I’m Really Special) took the lead at the half and went down the road from there in the other division for males for Yannick Gingras and Ake Svanstedt in a lifetime-best-equaling 1:51.4. As the 9-5 second choice, he returned $5.60 to his backers in the $34,325 dash.

Super Chapter made a break when he raced at MGM Yonkers Raceway in last year’s New York Sire Stakes final, but Dexter Dunn took no chances of a repeat of that performance, taking the prohibitive favorite in Friday’s $300,000 Grade 2 MGM Yonkers Trot well off-the-pace at the outset but still having plenty in reserve to secure a 1:54.3 victory in the opening leg of the Trotting Triple Crown.

With just five horses in the field, Dunn elected prudence at the outset as stablemate Variegated, with Scott Zeron, marched to the front from post three and Happy Jack B with Ake Svanstedt assumed the pocket. With Hard Seven breaking at the outset, Super Chapter was in fourth while well off the pace through a 29-second opening quarter.

Variegated kept the pace consistent, hitting the half in :58 with Dunn sitting fourth to that station but beginning to energize the Marcus Melander-trained son of Chapter Seven. Dunn finally moved Super Chapter coming out of the third turn, and he advanced quickly on the top pair as Variegated led the field through three-quarters in 1:26.3 with Svanstedt content to draft behind with Happy Jack B.

Dunn turned up the temperature, and Super Chapter was more than up to the task, coming home with a :27.3 final quarter for a confident three-quarter-length victory. Variegated was well clear for second, with Happy Jack B third in the five-horse field.

Super Chapter is owned by Jeffrey Snyder and Arthur Pronti and won for the eighth time in 14 lifetime starts, increasing his career earnings to $744,435 with the win. Super Chapter, a son of Chapter Seven, as were the rest of the quintet, is the fourth living foal from the Cantab Hall-sired dam Lifetime Pursuit. Lifetime Pursuit has Triple Crown history of her own as the upset winner in the 2014 Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands, her signature victory on the way to a $1 million racing career. Super Chapter is by far her most accomplished foal to date. Super Chapter was a $300,000 yearling purchase from the 2023 Harrisburg Sale.

Sent off as the shortest possible favorite, Super Chapter returned $2.10 to win with the exacta returning $4.10 and triple at $24.40. 

“I just took my time, keeping him safe with the first turn,” said Dunn, recalling the break in stride when Super Chapter was the prohibitive choice in last year’s sire stakes final.

“He’s gotten stronger,” added Dunn, quite impressed thus far with Super Chapter’s unblemished 3-for-3 sophomore campaign.

This was the first MGM Yonkers Trot triumph for Dunn and the third for trainer Marcus Melander, who won it first in 2019 with Gimpanzee and again in 2022 with the filly Joviality S.

Emoticon Legacy came up with another flawless performance, this time in record-setting fashion in the $227,000 Goodtimes Stakes (Grade 2) on Saturday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. 

Sent on his way as the 1-2 choice in the Goodtimes, Emoticon Legacy arrived at his latest engagement off an authoritative 1 ¾-length victory in his elimination – and three-year-old debut – last week at the Milton oval.

He took things up a notch in the final.

Landing On Time, second choice on the tote board, landed on the front end early, while Blank, who challenged for early bragging rights into the first turn, broke stride, leaving Louis-Philippe Roy little choice but to march onwards.

It was Landing On Time who took his rivals through an opening quarter in :26.4, but Roy pressed on and powered Emoticon Legacy to the lead soon after.

Emoticon Legacy reached the half in :55.1 and was still calling the shots through three quarters in 1:23.0, as the Luc Blais pupil looked primed to draw away from his pursuers down the lane.

The bay colt shrugged off mid-stretch challenges from Gap Kronos S and Landing On Time and went on to stop the teletimer in a stakes and track record 1:50.2, nearly two seconds faster than his previous speed badge of 1:52.1. Gap Kronos S was second, 3 ¼ lengths back. Landing On Time was third and LMC Wagon Wheel was fourth.

“I didn't necessarily want to race him on the on the lead again, but leaving the gate and going in the first turn, I thought it was like the best option for me, because otherwise I was going to have to come first up on the other best two that I thought were in the race,” said Roy. “I was a little bit worried, to be honest, but the horse just proved he's a different animal."

Owned and bred by Determination, the Walner colt out of the O'Brien Award winning-mare Emoticon Hanover took four of his seven rookie races, including a division of the Champlain Stakes, earning $220,637. He was fourth in the William Wellwood Memorial and fifth in the Mohawk Million. 

On Saturday evening at Mohawk, he showcased his talents with another top-shelf triumph.

“Well, this year he's a different horse,” said Blais. “Last year, he was a little bit anxious, and didn't know how to control his emotion, I think. But this year, I think we know him. He's more easy. I started differently with him, and it's worked out.

“I know he's got lots of speed, but he just needs to control his emotion."

Emoticon Legacy, now 6-0-0 from 9 starts, rolled into last week’s elimination off four qualifiers, including a 1:54.3 mile on June 2, paid $3 for his Goodtimes victory.

Vernon Downs played host to the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for both sophomore trotting fillies as well as 3-year-old trotting colts & gelding on Friday (June 13).

Super Chapter (Scott Zeron) dominates the $87,250 EBC first division for sophomore colts & geldings.

Super Chapter ($2.80) grabbed the lead and led to the quarter in :26.4. He slowed things down with a :29.2 second quarter and maintained the lead to the half in : 56.1. Maryland (Dexter Dunn) came chasing first-over going around the final turn. Super Chapter was first to three-quarters in 1:24.3.

Super Chapter let out another gear and just flew down the stretch with an impressive :26.1 last quarter to win in a sparkling lifetime best of 1:50.4. Just 1/5 off the track record. Maryland had to settle for second. Hard Seven (Todd McCarthy) finished third.

Super Chapter is a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. He is trained by Marcus Melander for owners Jeff Snyder, and Arthur Pronti. He is now two for two as a sophomore. He owns seven career victories.

Chat Room (Tyler Buter) longshot winner in the $88,500 second division for colts & geldings.

Chat Room ($27.80) was first to the quarter in :28.0. Variegated (Dexter Dunn) took over the lead going down the backstretch and led to the half in :56.0. BJM’s Lil Man (Matt Kakaley) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn. Variegated turned him away and led to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

Chat Room waited patiently in the pocket until they reached the stretch. He pooped the pocket and blew right on by equaling his lifetime best of 1:52.3. Variegated had to settle for second. Monserate ) David Miller) was third best.

Chat Room is a 3-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is trained by John Butenschoen for owners James Crawford IV, David Miller, Charles Rowe, and Lawrence Means. It was his second win this season and his fifth career victory.

Pink Bomb (Dexter Dunn) captures the $87,750 first division of the EBC’s for 3-year-old fillies.

Chapvious (Jason Bartlett) led to the first quarter in :28.0. Pink Bomb ($8.70) made her move first-up going down the backside and was first to the half in :57.2. Sonmar Pond (Brett Beckwith) was first to make a move going around the final turn. Pink Bomb continued in command leading to three-quarters in 1:26.3.

As they made the turn for home second place finisher My Debt Collector (Tyler Buter) came flying late but was too late as Pink Bomb won in a lifetime best of 1:54.1. Chapvious was third best.

Pink Bomb is a 3-year-old filly by Chapter Seven. Owned by Crawford Farms Racing, and Heather Marshall while trained by John Butenschoen. It fourth win of the season and the fifth win of her career.

EL Nightwish (Dexter Dunn) takes the $89,000 second division for the fillies.

Pink Chou Chou (David Miller) took the early lead but Seventh Gen (Jeff Gregory) grabbed control just before getting to the quarter first in :27.1. She used a :30.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.1. EL Nightwish ($6.70) made her move going around the last turn. Seventh Gen had a short lead to three-quarters in 1:25.3.

As they entered the stretch EL Nightwish forged to the lead and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:52.4. Seventh Gen had to settle for second. Devious Babe (Tyler Miller) finished third.

EL Nightwish is a 3-year-old filly by Chapter Seven. She is owned by Emp Invest Oy and trained by Lucas Wallin. She is four for four in 2025.

Hidalgo made the lead early in the $225,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands Friday night

Hidalgo (Muscle Hill-Brooklyn) won the division for colts and geldings after claiming the lead at the quarter in :27.1 and going down the road from there.

It was exactly what driver Yannick Gingras did not have in mind.

“It was the last place I wanted to be,” said Gingras. “He’s been there before and got beat. I really wanted to get away in the two- or three-hole. At the end of the day, he dug in and got the job done.”

After reaching the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:25, Hidalgo had to deal with a three-pronged attack from Travolta Hanover, Top Gun Hanover and Onajetplane but was able to hold sway after trotting his final quarter in :27.4 to complete a 1-length win over Onajetplane and Top Gun Hanover in 1:52.4. Even-money favorite Mr Walner Fashion went off stride approaching the top of the stretch and finished eighth before being disqualified and placed 10th.

After opening the season with a pair of starts where he went off stride, trainer Ron Burke added the trotting hobbles, which have enabled Hidalgo to mind his manners, but Gingras didn’t rile his horse up in the final preliminary a week ago in a loss to Mr Walner Fashion because of his breaking issues. Or so it seemed.

“It’s not the whip,” said Gingras. “It’s really just holding him together. But I think that comes with maturity. Tonight, he dug in, but I still like him off a helmet. He’s a big, strong horse. It’s between the ears that sometimes gets to him.”

Hidalgo now has five wins from 16 lifetime tries and earnings of $332,350 for owners Brixton Medical Inc and Hatfield Stables. He returned $11 to win as the 9-2 third choice in the betting.