2023 Hambletonian

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – For the first time in over a decade, The Hambletonian will be shown to a widespread national television audience, as FOX SPORTS (FOX 5 NEW YORK) will show the 98th edition of “America’s Classic Trotting Race” as part of the New York Racing Association’s “FOX Saratoga Saturday”, a three-hour presentation of live action from Saratoga Race Course on Saturday (Aug. 5). The show kicks off at 3 p.m.

“We are pleased and proud to have partnered up with the TV team at the NYRA,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “It’s been great to have our races shown on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports 2 (FS2), but having harness racing’s biggest event available to an even bigger television audience is very exciting for all of us here at The Meadowlands, as well as the Hambletonian Society, and, of course, the fans who will be unable to be here on track.”

The show will feature the Whitney Stakes from the Spa, which has a post time of 5:42 p.m. The Hambo will serve as an appetizer for that major stake, as the field of 10 will get behind the starter car at 4:45 p.m.

Big M TV’s Jessica Otten and Gabe Prewitt will provide commentary and interviews for the harness racing portion of the program.

CROSS COUNTRY PICK-5: The Meadowlands and Saratoga will combine forces on TV, and they will team up at the windows as well. The “Cross Country Cross Breed Pick-5” will be made up of two races at The Big M and three at The Spa. The bet will start with The Hambletonian Oaks at 3:35 p.m. and conclude with the Whitney at 5:42 p.m.

IMPRESSIVE STAKES MENU: While you enjoy the food that will be available at food trucks on the apron, feast on these stakes events that will take place during the card: the $97,900 Shady Daisy, $131,250 Dr. John R. Steele Memorial, $240,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes Final for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, $171,400 Lady Liberty, $128,750 Sam McKee Memorial (Division I), $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, $278,000 John Cashman Memorial, $1,000,000 Hambletonian, $240,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes Final for 2-year-old filly trotters, $315,750 Cane Pace and $130,000 Sam McKee Memorial (Division II).

THE BIG ONES: These are the fields for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, with post position, horse, driver, trainer and morning-line odds:

$1-MILLION HAMBLETONIAN – Post time: 4:45 p.m.
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line                                                                  

1 – Celebrity Bambino – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 2-1
2 – Oh Well – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 7-2
3 – Osceola – Doug McNair – Gregg McNair – 12-1
4 – Winner’s Bet – Dexter Dunn – Domenico Cecere – 4-1
5 – Point Of Perfect – David Miller – Ron Burke – 6-1
6 – Up Your Deo – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 15-1
7 – Southwind Coors – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 20-1
8 – French Wine – Andy Miller – Julie Miller – 12-1
9 – Ghostly Casper – Brian Sears – Benoit Baillargeon – 10-1
10 – Tactical Approach – Scott Zeron – Nancy Takter – 15-1

$500,000 HAMBLETONIAN OAKS – Post time: 3:35 p.m.
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Walner Payton – Dexter Dunn – Chris Ryder – 3-1
2 – Heart On Fire – Todd McCarthy – Tony Alagna – 5-1
3 – Bond – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 9-2
4 – Righteous Resolve – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 8-1
5 – Railee Something – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 7-2
6 – Mambacita – Scott Zeron – Tony Alagna – 20-1
7 – Instagram Model – Andrew McCarthy – Annie Stoebe – 8-1
8 – Kayleigh S – David Miller – Marcus Melander – 20-1
9 – Secret Volo – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 6-1
10 – Heaven Hanover – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 12-1

“We feel that with the help of FOX and NYRA,” said Settlemoir. “The Hambletonian tradition is ready for the public recognition it richly deserves. This year, the Hambletonian will have an earlier post, which is expected to increase business not only in North America and Canada, but also in Europe, where the race will be shown late in the evening.

“With the race shown live on FOX, we expect the pool for the Hambletonian to break the $1-million barrier, which is uncharted territory. The $1-million plateau moves the sport, The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian to the next level. It’s a magical moment for the sport.”

BOUNTIFUL BETTING: The Hambletonian program will have extraordinary wagering opportunities for value-conscious horseplayers around the world. Low minimums and low takeouts are always in place at The Big M to help keep the players in action.

On Hambo Day, there will be $350,000 in guaranteed pools and eight wagers that sport a low takeout of 15 percent, all of which have a mandatory payout. Here is the list:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-6 ($50,000 guarantee)

·         Race 3: 20-cent Pick-5 ($75,000 guarantee)

·         Race 5: Early 50-cent Pick-4

·         Race 6: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 7: Early 10-cent Hi-5

·         Race 9: Middle 50-cent Pick-4 ($100,000 guarantee)

·         Race 12: Late 50-cent Pick-4 ($125,000 guarantee)

·         Race 16: Late 10-cent Hi-5

PICK-6 CARRYOVER: While Saturday is harness racing’s biggest day, bettors can go for their biggest score on Friday.

After no winning tickets were sold for a second consecutive night last Saturday, the Pick-6 sported a double carryover of $47,167. The Pick-6 begins on race eight and concludes in race 13. The bet has a low 15 percent takeout along with a low 20-cent minimum wager.

If the final pool – including the carryover – is under $350,000, players would be shooting for a rare treat: a negative takeout. This is why play is expected to be huge.

In the event that the wager carries over again, the Saturday Pick-6 would turn into the wager of the year. The Saturday Pick-6 on Hambletonian Day starts with the first race, which gets underway at noon. With or without a carryover, the Saturday Pick-6 will have a mandatory payout.

IT’S FREE: Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to playmeadowlands.com.     

GET TWEETING: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on Twitter. 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 team of Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Gabe Prewitt (@gabe_prewitt).

MORE NATIONAL EXPOSURE: There will be a one-hour Hambletonian replay show telecast on the CBS Sports Network at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6.

After the Hambo, live racing will go dark for three weeks. When racing resumes for a brief two-week stand, the New Jersey Classic Series finals for 2-year-olds will be in the spotlight with a live telecast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) at 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8.

HAMBO DAY AT THE TRACK: There are several options for Hambletonian Day seating and dining:

$300 Promenade Table – seats four people and table purchase includes admission

$100 Cafe Table – seats four people and $100 is food credit for use at the Cafe (admission not included)

Second Floor Lounge Seating – tables of two and four available along with a four-person couch. Purchase is beverage and food credit for Victory (admission not included)

Hambo Day festivities include live music in the Backyard, carnival rides and games throughout the Backyard, a Hambo Hat Contest (sign-up between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby) featuring prizes from $50-$500, a FanZone Tent with free swag giveaways all day and a driver and trainer autograph session from 10:30 a.m.-noon.

In addition, there will be food trucks doling out delicious eats all day long, with House of Cupcakes, Clyde’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream, Latin Bites, Chick Wings and Things, Cat Like Reflexes, Beared One BBQ, Antojitos de mi Teirra and Hadez Food Truck among those expected to be on hand.

CASINO AND POKER NIGHT: The Hambletonian Charity Casino and Poker Night takes place on Friday, Aug. 4, and is presented by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

There will be a poker tournament, table games, a silent auction and much more. The evening gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $125 for a Casino Guest ($150 at the door), and includes dinner, dessert, bar and $50 in casino chips (additional casino chips may be purchased at any time), and $175 for the “Exacta Special” ($200 at the door) which gets one a Casino Guest and a Poker Seat.

The timeline for the night:

·         6:30 p.m.: Dinner, open bar and casino tables open

·         7:15 p.m.: Poker tournament (Enter before 7:15 p.m./$150 buy-in = $3,000 in chips to start. Grand Prize: Trip for two to Las Vegas, including hotel and airfare. Second place: $300. Third place: $150.)

·         9:15 p.m.: Silent auction closes; casino tables close

·         9:30 p.m.: Bar closes; raffle winners drawn

There are sponsorships available. For more details, go to 2023 Casino Night (adoptahorse.org)

To purchase tickets, go to Hambletonian Charity Casino Night Tickets in East Rutherford, NJ, United States (ticketleap.com)

WARKENTIN ‘MASTERFUL’: Nights 17 and 18 of the track’s “Battle of The Meadowlands Masterminds” went to Ken Warkentin in a big way.

Warkentin hit big on both Friday (July 28) and Saturday (July 29), ending the weekend with a bankroll that was just short of $5,000.

The Big M’s track announcer moved into second place in the overall standings with $9,225.00 to his credit. Dave Little is the leader of the competition with $11,118.05, followed by Warkentin, Gabe Prewitt ($8,296.40) and Jessica Otten ($7,601.50).

The Masterminds competition will end at the conclusion of Friday night’s ninth race. On-track patrons who select the winning handicapper on the card will have a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000. The drawing takes place on Hambletonian Day, Saturday, Aug. 5.

The handicapper who has the biggest bankroll at contest’s end will have $1,000 donated to a charity they have selected. Second place will get $500, with third and fourth $250 each. Prewitt is playing for CBH Care, the charity that the late Dave Brower played for last year when he won the competition. Otten is playing for New Vocations, Little for the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and Warkentin the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.

HORSEPLAY GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a car?

Then come to The Meadowlands Friday night for the “Horseplay Car Giveaway”, where the grand prize is a 2023 Toyota Camry.

Patrons will toss small rubber horses into a moving car along the fence at the track after the replay of race six, and those whose horses make it into the vehicle have a chance to drive it home. The winner will be announced Friday night.

For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will donate $5 to a designated monthly charity.

The May recipient was Helping Horseshoe, June’s was Spectrum 360 while the July/August donation will go to HOPES. An additional $5 for every horse that makes it into the car will also be donated to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program by The Meadowlands.

For complete information and giveaway rules, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2023-horseplay-toyota-giveaway/2023-05-05/

FANDUEL’S FABULOUS: If you like betting professional sports and would like to get your money down in the No. 1 facility of its type in North America, then head inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands and get your action in the FanDuel Sportsbook.

In Major League Baseball action, the Houston Astros travel to the Bronx to take on the New York Yankees in a 7:15 p.m. start. The Yankees are a -112 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 8½ runs.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go to https://www.fanduel.com/sportsbook-meadowlands

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight. For cash-at-counter customers, the hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m. The Lounge opens at noon on Sundays.

August 3, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — After taking the long way home from post 10 in his Hambletonian Stakes elimination last week, Winner’s Bet will attempt to cash in on a more advantageous starting spot in Saturday’s $1 million final at The Meadowlands.

August 2, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — Oh Well heads into Saturday with one million-dollar win already to his credit and will try to add a second when he goes behind the gate with nine rivals in the $1 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands.

#1 Winner’s Bet

Dexter Dunn, Domenico Cecere, Lindy Farms of Conn, Robert Rudolph

William Wellwood Memorial winner two for-two on Lasix as a 3YO, Reynolds division in 1:52.2, shot home in :26.1 for a new mark of 1:51 in a Dancer division, fourth with tough post ten trip in second Hambo elimination, Dexter Dunn looks for his first Hambletonian

#2 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, then just missed in 1:52, second in NJSS Final, second (1:51.4) in a Reynolds division, new mark of 1:51.2 in a Dancer division, second in the first Hambo elimination, Tetrick looks for his second Hambletonian

#3 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Rallied to win a 1:51.3 Reynolds division, fourth (1:51.4) in a Dancer division, took a new mark of 1:50.4 in the second Hambo elimination, Gingras said, “I expected a lot from this colt all along. All through the wire he was trotting strong.”

#4 French Wine

Andy Miller, Julie Miller, Andy Miller Stable, Daniel & Jean Christophe Plouffe, One Legend Stable

Won KY Championship at two, PASS winner in 1:53.3 on July 2, solid runner up in the second elimination, Team Orange Crush have had a second & two thirds in Hambo Finals

#5 Point Of Perfect

David Miller, ,Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Jerry & Theresa Silva Stables, Knox Services

Peaking perfectly fresh off a new mark of 1:51.2 with a 16-1 elimination upset, Gingras noted, “The breaks he made, it was always when he was on the move, Ronnie changed a few things around and he’s got him on point now.”

#6 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Set a track record of 1:53.1 in a Yonkers Trot elimination, romped in 1:53.3 Final, fifth in second Hambo elimination after missing a month, Ake Svanstedt seeks his third Hambletonian

#8 Southwind Coors

James MacDonald, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final, fifth from post eight in first Hambo elimination

#9 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco & Jaf Racing

Took a 1:51.1 mark on June 23, third (1:51.4) in Reynolds division, third (1:51.1) in Dancer division, finished third in the second Hambo elimination, Nancy Takter was second in 2020 Ready For Moni, Scott Zeron goes for his third Hambletonian

#7 Osceola

Doug McNair, Gregg McNair, Gregg McNair, Willow Oak Ranch, Paul Hawman

Ontario-based son of Muscle Mass with a mark of 1:53.1 @ Mohawk, Hambo debut for father & son team of Gregg & Doug McNair, finished third in the first elimination after three weeks off

#10 Ghostly Casper

Brian Sears, Benoit Baillargeon, Benoit Baillargeon, Teresa Davidson, Santo & Nunzio Vena

Ontario-based son of Resolve with a mark of 1:53.3 @ Mohawk, finished fourth in the first Hambo elimination after three weeks off, Brian Sears goes for a Hambletonian grandslam

August 1, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Cream Ridge, NJ — Elimination winner Celebrity Bambino drew post one for Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian Stakes final at The Meadowlands and was established as the 2-1 morning-line favorite as he seeks to give trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras their first wins in the trotting classic for 3-year-olds.

August 1, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — Four trainers will head into Saturday’s Hambletonian Day card at The Meadowlands with the opportunity to win both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, a feat accomplished previously by only three conditioners.

Just one trainer in Saturday’s group is in his first year at the helm of a stable, Canadian Matt Bax. The 34-year-old, who has taken the leading role with the family stable from his father John, will send out Southwind Coors in the $1 million Hambletonian, the sport’s premier event for 3-year-old trotters, and Righteous Resolve in the companion $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for sophomore female trotters.

By Ray Cotolo, for Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Just six years ago, Ron Burke nearly had his first Hambletonian victory before What The Hill suffered the only disqualification of a first-place finisher in the race’s history. He and Yannick Gingras, also still chasing a win in the American classic, exited Saturday night (July 29) at The Meadowlands primed and ripe for revenge after sweeping the pair of $100,000 Hambletonian eliminations.

The faster of the two eliminations went to Celebrity Bambino, who flambéed a crispy 1:50.4 jogburger to win in hand to Gingras.

Celebrity Bambino planted onto the point to a :27.4 first quarter with French Wine securing the pocket and Up Your Deo in third. Gingras had the 7/2 third choice rolling undisturbed to a :55.3 half while Winner’s Bet, attempting to overcome post 10, found himself stuck plugging uncovered on the rim with Tactical Approach in tow.

Foes gave chase to Celebrity Bambino that grew fleetingly futile to three-quarters in 1:23.3. Gingras chirped at the Muscle Hill colt and he spurted clear of competition in the lane. French Wine clung to second off the pocket ride, beaten 1-3/4 lengths, with Tactical Approach grabbing third from Winner’s Bet and Up Your Deo securing the last berth into the final.

“He was full of trot and I chirped to him in the middle of the last turn and he went like a good horse,” Gingras said after the race. “All through the wire he was trotting strong.”

The win by Celebrity Bambino put his bankroll at $411,295 after a promising freshman campaign rife with near misses and opportunities. He popped onto the scene with a win in the Peter Haughton Memorial elimination, but scratched in the final due to sickness and had a comeback tour that ended with a narrow defeat to Gaines Hanover in the 2022 Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot.

“We didn’t do as well as we had hoped at the end of the year, but he raced well in the fall. I expected a lot from this colt all along, and even this year – trip hasn’t really worked out; there was always an excuse. But every time he went through the wire he had the bit in his mouth. He’s nice.”

A seven-time winner from 18 starts, Celebrity Bambino competes for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Phil Collura.

He paid $9.80 to win.

While Celebrity Bambino showed sparks as a 2-year-old, the Burke’s other elimination winner Point Of Perfect went 0-for-15 as a freshman. On the heels of two wins in six starts this season, Point Of Perfect captured the first Hambletonian elimination with a 16-1 upset in 1:51.2.

Yannick Gingras hustled Point Of Perfect off the wings as the cavalry charged through the first turn, where Kierkegaard K made an uncharacteristic break. Point Of Perfect planted himself on the helm to a :27.1 first quarter but yielded control to Little Expensive up the backstretch, though only for a short time. Gingras circled Point Of Perfect back to the top before a :54.4 half and attempted to rate through the final turn.

As the tempo slowed, 3-5 favorite Oh Well pulled first over under confident handling and strode to the leader’s neck marching to three-quarters in 1:23. Oh Well continued his attack into the lane but Point Of Perfect reengaged, sliding to a slightly wider lead at the eighth pole. Point Of Perfect stayed game to the finish as the backfield came swooping late to claim a half-length victory in 1:51.2. Oh Well settled for second, Osceola weaved through traffic to fly in for third with Ghostly Casper rallying for fourth and Southwind Coors grinding to grab fifth – the top five separated only by 1-1/4 lengths.

“He’s a pretty aggressive horse and we had some stuff in his mouth to try to get him to calm down a bit, and he wasn’t really liking it,” Yannick Gingras said of the colt’s tendency to gallop. “Every time you’d grab a hold of him, he’d shake his head and make breaks. The breaks he made, it was always when he was on the move to do work. [Ronnie] changed a few things around and he’s got him on point now. He’s perfect to drive, lets me do my job and he obviously did his tonight.”

Point Of Perfect has now won three races from 22 starts and has earned $217,146 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, J&T Silva Stables and Knox Services.

The colt by Walner paid $34.60 to win.

Gingras, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, will try for his first Hambletonian victory next Saturday (Aug. 5).

“Last time I won both eliminations I picked the wrong one,” Gingras said with a smirk after winning the second elimination. Gingras famously had a difficult choice following the first heat of the 2015 Hambletonian where he chose to drive Burke trainee Mission Brief, who finished second to the horse Gingras opted off of in winner Pinkman for trainer Jimmy Takter.

Point Of Perfect and Celebrity Bambino, by winning their eliminations, earn the right to draw between post one and post five for the $1-million final next Saturday.

Regarding his driving choice in the final, Gingras also said “I don’t need to wait for Tuesday. It’s going to be [Celebrity] Bambino.”

HAMBO, OAKS DRAW TUESDAY: The press conference and post-position draw for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks will take place Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Hogan Equine, 329 Trenton Lakewood Road, Cream Ridge, NJ.

All are welcome to attend.

The press conference will begin at 2 p.m. with Meadowlands’ track announcer Ken Warkentin serving as host. The post draws for both the $1-million Hambo and $500,000 Oaks will take place at 3 p.m. with Big M TV’s Jessica Otten interviewing some of the pertinent players.

For those who can’t attend but want to watch all of the festivities, they can do so by going to The Meadowlands’ Facebook page or The Big M’s YouTube channel.

AMERICAN DREAM & HAMBLETONIAN SOCIETY HOST FAN EXPERIENCE

EVENT PREVIEWING THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS RACE IN HARNESS RACING

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., JULY 29th, 2022 – American Dream and the Hambletonian Society are teaming up to host a Harness Racing Fan Experience event at the entertainment/retail center on July 29 from noon-2:00 p.m.  The Fan Experience will preview the upcoming races and highlight some of the biggest moments in harness racing, have live Hambletonian ambassador mini-ponies Aiden and Pearl available to pet and take photos with, include fan giveaways, and offer exclusive American Dream and Meadowlands Discounts.

WHO: The Hambletonian Fan Experience at American Dream

WHAT: Harness Racing Highlights, Memorabilia, and live ponies!

·       Take a picture and meet HorseAbility’s pony ambassadors Aiden and Pearl

·       Free stuffed Hambo Pony to first 400 kids

·       Harness racing coloring book

·       Get a picture taken with the iconic Hambletonian trophy

·       Meet the first winningest Hambletonian driver of all time, John Campbell, who has won six Hambletonians and $300 million in purses

·       Pick up passes to Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands on Saturday, August 5

·       Free posters and other Hambletonian souvenirs

WHERE: American Dream, The Garden

WHEN: Saturday, July 29th 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 with.

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.  

For more information, go to American Dream - Fantasy, Fashion, Food, Family, and Fun

Want more good stuff? For Meadowlands and Hambletonian discounts, go toExclusive Meadowlands & Hambletonian Discounts – MLCVB – The Meadowlands Liberty Convention Visitors Bureau

July 27, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — Domenico Cecere might not be thrilled with the post position for Winner’s Bet in Saturday’s second of two $100,000 Hambletonian Stakes eliminations at The Meadowlands, but the trainer is quite pleased with the way his colt has returned to action this season as he heads to the sport’s premier event for 3-year-old trotters.

Week Eight – Issued Thursday, July 27

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – Oh Well and Air Power are 1-2 in Warkentin’s Week 9 Road to the Hambletonian. Both are trained by Marcus Melander and are in separate Hambletonian elimination races this Saturday, July 29.

#1 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, then just missed in 1:52, second in NJSS Final, second (1:51.4) in a Reynolds division, new mark of 1:51.2 in a Dancer division, post two in first Hambo elimination

#2 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, then a 1:51 NJSS division, career best 1:50.4 NJSS Final, second with a :25.3 in a Reynolds division, broke & sixth-placed eighth in Stanley Dancer Memorial division, post six in second Hambo elimination

#3 Kierkegaard K

Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc.

Equaled Vernon Downs all-age track record of 1:50.3 in an EBC division, won Yonkers Trot elimination in 1:54.3, broke/sixth in that Final, second (1:51.4) in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division, post five in first Hambo elimination

#4 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

First win in 3YO debut @ The Big M from post 11 in 1:52 in slop, gutsy third (1:51) in NJSS Final, set a track record of 1:53.1 in a Yonkers Trot elimination, romped in 1:53.3 Final, post three in second Hambo elimination

#5 Winner’s Bet

Dexter Dunn, Domenico Cecere, Lindy Farms of Conn, Robert Rudolph

William Wellwood Memorial winner two for-two on Lasix as a 3YO, Reynolds division in 1:52.2, shot home in :26.1 for a new mark of 1:51 in a Dancer division, post ten in second Hambo elimination

#6 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

Peter Haughton Memorial winner, won an EBC division in 1:52.4 (:26.3), strong second (1:51) in a Dancer division, post ten in first Hambo elimination

#7 Southwind Coors

Scott Zeron, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final, cruised in 1:52.4 overnight @ Mohawk on July 10, post eight in first Hambo elimination

#8 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco & Jaf Racing

Won his first two 3YO starts, a 1:52.1 NJSS division, deadheat fourth in NJSS Final, took 1:51.1 mark on June 23, third (1:51.4) in Reynolds division, third (1:51.1) in Dancer division, post eight in second Hambo elimination

#9 Gaines Hanover

Louis Roy, Claude Cadieux, Gestion J Y Blais Inc.

O’Brien Award & Breeders Crown winner, won a Goodtimes elimination in a career best 1:52.1, nosed out in that final, broke/ninth in a Dancer division, post nine in first Hambo elimination

#10 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Deadheated for fourth in the NJSS Final, rallied in :26.3 to take a new mark of 1:51.3 in a Reynolds division, fourth (1:51.4) in a Dancer division, post five in second Hambo elimination

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The next-to-last weekend of racing at The Meadowlands means the impending conclusion of the Championship Meet has wall-to-wall stakes events certain to get harness fans’ hearts racing, with the highlighted contests coming on Saturday (July 29) when eliminations for the $1-million Hambletonian and $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks take place.

In addition, the track will host its annual “Seafood Fest” on Saturday with local food trucks serving up fresh seafood. (For more information, see below) For those who aren’t into seafood, they will not be left out, as there will be plenty of other food trucks offering up many different varieties of great things to eat.

While Saturday offers much to both the racing fan and the foodie, Friday is one for the bettor as the 14-race card will be highlighted by a carryover on the Early 10-cent Hi-5. There were no winning tickets sold last Saturday on the seventh race Hi-5, creating a carryover of $14,932. These carryovers are such a big opportunity for the player, and the mathematics prove that.

In the event there is $99,000 or less in “new money” wagered into the pool, bettors will be trying to make a score in a pot with a “negative takeout”, meaning that winning tickets will pay out more money that what will be bet on Friday, with the carryover soaking up the “rake”.

THE FIELDS: These are the fields for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks eliminations that will take place Saturday night at The Meadowlands, with post position, horse, driver (with late changes), trainer and morning-line odds. Horses who are in the top five in the official order of finish will qualify for their respective finals, which will be contested on Saturday, Aug. 5.

HAMBLETONIAN – First Elimination (Race 6)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Osceola – Doug McNair – Gregg McNair – 20-1
2 – Oh Well – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 2-1
3 – Ghostly Casper – David Miller – Benoit Baillargeon – 15-1
4 – Djimon – Bob McClure – Shawn Steacy – 30-1
5 – Kierkegaard K – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 7-2
6 – Point Of Perfect – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 8-1
7 – Little Expensive – Andy Miller – Julie Miller – 10-1
8 – Southwind Coors – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 5-1
9 – Gaines Hanover – Louis Roy – Claude Cadieux – 9-2
10 – Kilmister – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 12-1

HAMBLETONIAN – Second Elimination (Race 9)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Tuscan Prince – Louis Roy – Luc Blais – 10-1
2 – Crown – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 20-1
3 – Up Your Deo – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 7-2
4 – French Wine – Andy Miller – Julie Miller – 15-1
5 – Celebrity Bambino – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 9-2
6 – Air Power – Orjan Kihlstrom – Marcus Melander – 5-2
7 – One Hundred Poof – Matt Kakaley – Jenny Melander – 30-1
8 – Tactical Approach – Scott Zeron – Nancy Takter – 5-1
9 – Excalibur Bi – Andrew McCarthy – Tom Cancelliere – 15-1
10 – Winner’s Bet – Dexter Dunn – Domenico Cecere – 4-1

HAMBLETONIAN OAKS – First Elimination (Race 7)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Gigi Hanover – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 12-1
2 – Heaven Hanover – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 3-1
3 – Instagram Model – Andrew McCarthy – Annie Stoebe – 5-2
4 – Mambacita – Scott Zeron – Tony Alagna – 8-1
5 – Railee Something – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 2-1
6 – Walner Payton – Dexter Dunn – Chris Ryder – 6-1
7 – Wild Jiggy S – Mark MacDonald – Ake Svanstedt – 15-1
8 – Warrawee Yes – Bob McClure – Shawn Steacy – 20-1

HAMBLETONIAN OAKS – Second Elimination (Race 8)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Bond – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 5-2
2 – Pure Hope S – Mark MacDonald – Ake Svanstedt – 20-1
3 – Quick Stop – Tim Tetrick – Anette Lorentzon – 4-1
4 – Bella Macchiato – Dexter Dunn – Nancy Takter – 10-1
5 – Heart On Fire – Todd McCarthy – Tony Alagna – 12-1
6 – Secret Volo – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 9-2
7 – Kayleigh S – David Miller – Marcus Melander – 20-1
8 – Righteous Resolve – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 2-1

THE BIG DAY: Hambletonian Day brings the curtain down on the track’s Championship Meet on Saturday, Aug. 5, with the biggest race card the sport offers. The first of 16 races will head to the gate at noon. The Big M’s live pregame show will begin at 11:30 a.m. and all of the action from start to finish can be seen on Racetrack Television Network (rtn.tv), as well as The Meadowlands Facebook and Youtube pages.

Live coverage of the Hambletonian (post time, 4:45 p.m.) will be shown to a national television audience on FOX SPORTS (WNYW-Ch. 5; FOX 5 New York) as part of the “Saratoga Saturday” broadcast that will also show the Whitney Stakes (post time, 5:43 p.m.) from Saratoga. The show is put together by the TV team at the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

But that’s not all the stakes action that will be seen coast-to-coast.

There will be a second show, this one to be broadcast on Fox Sports 2 (FS2). “Saratoga Live” begins at 6 p.m. and will feature the Hambletonian Oaks (post time, 6:30 p.m.) as well as the final two races of the day at The Spa.

Big M TV’s Jessica Otten and Gabe Prewitt will be providing the commentary on The Meadowlands events.

NATIONAL EXPOSURE: The remaining schedule for when Meadowlands’ races will be shown on either FOX, FS1 or FS2 is as follows (with highlighted races):

·         Saturday, Aug. 5 (FOX, 3-6 p.m.; FS2, 6-7 p.m., Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, plus other stakes events for total purses of $3.5 million)

·         Sunday, Aug. 6 (Hambletonian replay show on CBS Sports Network, 2 p.m.)

·         Friday, Sept. 8 (FS1, 9-11 p.m.; New Jersey Classic Series finals)

“All of us at The Meadowlands have been so pleased with the partnership we have with the TV crew at The New York Racing Association (NYRA),” said Settlemoir. “They, along with the team at Fox Sports, put out a first-rate product on a show that is normally seen, in large part, by a Thoroughbred-centric audience. These shows have helped us display our competitive harness races to a fan base who now might be more likely to follow harness racing in addition to the runners.”

THE HAMBO’S A DREAM: Head over to the American Dream Mall before the races on Saturday, July 29 to have some fun that’s tied into “America’s Trotting Classic.”

While it’s true it’s actually a week before the $1-million Hambletonian for the best trotters in the world, the event is called “Hambletonian Day at American Dream” and takes place in The Garden Court, where you can get a chance to pet and take a photo with a live pony. The free event also includes horse racing memorabilia, trophies and free discount offers and much more.

For more information, go to American Dream - Fantasy, Fashion, Food, Family, and Fun

Want more good stuff? For Meadowlands and Hambletonian discounts, go to Exclusive Meadowlands & Hambletonian Discounts – MLCVB – The Meadowlands Liberty Convention Visitors Bureau

HAMBO DAY AT THE TRACK: There are several options for Hambletonian Day seating and dining:

·         $300 Promenade Table – seats four people and table purchase includes admission

·         $100 Cafe Table – seats four people and $100 is food credit for use at the Cafe (admission not included)

·         Second Floor Lounge Seating – tables of two and four available along with a four-person couch. Purchase is beverage and food credit for Victory (admission not included)

Hambo Day festivities include live music in the Backyard, carnival rides and games throughout the Backyard, a Hambo Hat Contest (sign-up between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby) featuring prizes from $50-$500, a FanZone Tent with free swag giveaways all day and a driver and trainer autograph session from 10:30 a.m.-noon.

In addition, there will be food trucks doling out delicious eats all day long, with House of Cupcakes, Clyde’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream, Latin Bites, Chick Wings and Things, Cat Like Reflexes, Beared One BBQ, Antojitos de mi Teirra and Hadez Food Truck among those expected to be on hand.

IMPRESSIVE STAKES MENU: While you enjoy your food, feast on these stakes events that will take place (purses are estimated) during the card: the $1-million Hambletonian, $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks, $300,000 John Cashman Memorial, $275,000 Cane Pace, $275,000 Sam McKee Memorial, $175,000 Lady Liberty, $175,000 John R. Steele and $90,000 Shady Daisy.

SEAFOOD FEST: The Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks eliminations take place on Saturday, July 29, and the perfect meal to compliment such good racing can be found at the track’s “Seafood Fest”.

Enjoy fresh and delicious seafood from area food trucks and restaurants from 5-11 p.m. Some other food options include lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish, grilled shrimp, shrimp tacos, crab fries and more.

Among the food trucks expected to be on hand include Angry Archies (Jersey City-based food truck), Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream, Latin Bites, Cat Like Reflexes, Antojitos de mi Tierra, Green Dog Mobile, Rod’s Fish N Chips, The Mozzarella God, DAW Concessions, Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, The Original Golden Brown and Michael’s Backyard BBQ.

CASINO AND POKER NIGHT: The Hambletonian Charity Casino and Poker Night takes place on Friday, Aug. 4, and is presented by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

There will be a poker tournament, table games, a silent auction and much more. The evening gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $125 for a Casino Guest ($150 at the door), and includes dinner, dessert, bar and $50 in casino chips (additional casino chips may be purchased at any time), and $175 for the “Exacta Special” ($200 at the door) which gets one a Casino Guest and a Poker Seat.

The timeline for the night:

·         6:30 p.m.: Dinner, open bar and casino tables open

·         7:15 p.m.: Poker tournament (Enter before 7:15 p.m./$150 buy-in = $3,000 in chips to start. Grand Prize: Trip for two to Las Vegas, including hotel and airfare. Second place: $300. Third place: $150.)

·         9:15 p.m.: Silent auction closes; casino tables close

·         9:30 p.m.: Bar closes; raffle winners drawn

There are sponsorships available. For more details, go to 2023 Casino Night (adoptahorse.org)

To purchase tickets, go to Hambletonian Charity Casino Night Tickets in East Rutherford, NJ, United States (ticketleap.com)

DON’T PAY: Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to playmeadowlands.com.     

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

On race nights, stay in touch with The Big M team of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_) and Prewitt (@gabe_prewitt).

HATTER’S RACE REVIEWS: Race reviews and selections by The Meadowlands’ morning-line odds maker, program analyst and TV talent Hatter are available 48 hours before a given race card. To access this valuable information from one of the brightest young minds in the sport, simply go to playmeadowlands.com, go to the “handicapping” tab, then click “race reviews”.

LITTLE, OTTEN ARE ‘MASTERFUL’: Nights 15 and 16 of the track’s “Battle of The Meadowlands Masterminds” handicapping contest went to Little and Otten, respectively.

On Friday (July 21), Little connected on a win parlay that created a hit of $1,190, while on Saturday (July 22), the consistent Otten scored with three win and place bets, enabling her to finish the night with $962.50.

The Masterminds competition will take place for the next three live race nights, and on-track patrons who select the winning handicapper on a given card will have a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000. The drawing takes place on Hambletonian Day, Saturday, Aug. 5.

The competitors are vying for a top prize of $1,000 that will be donated on their behalf to charity. Currently, Little is atop the leaderboard with $10,593.05, followed by Prewitt ($8,296.40), Otten ($6,866.50), Hatter ($5,744.50) and Warkentin ($4,285.00). The second-place finisher earns $500 for their charity, with third-through-fifth-place getting $250.

Prewitt is playing for CBH Care, the charity that the late Dave Brower played for last year when he won the competition. Otten is playing for New Vocations, Little for the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Warkentin the Harness Horse Youth Foundation and Hatter the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program.

HORSEPLAY GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a car?

Then come to The Meadowlands every live racing night for the “Horseplay Car Giveaway”, where the grand prize is a 2023 Toyota Camry.

Patrons will toss small rubber horses into a moving car along the fence at the track after the replay of race six, and those whose horses make it into the vehicle have a chance to drive it home. The winner will be announced on Friday, Aug. 4.

For every horse that makes it into the Horseplay car, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment will donate $5 to a designated monthly charity.

The May recipient was Helping Horseshoe, June’s was Spectrum 360 while the July/August donation will go to HOPES. An additional $5 for every horse that makes it into the car will also be donated to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program by The Meadowlands.

For complete information and giveaway rules, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2023-horseplay-toyota-giveaway/2023-05-05/

FANDUEL’S FABULOUS: If you like betting professional sports and would like to get your money down in the No. 1 facility of its type in North America, then head inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands and get your action in the FanDuel Sportsbook.

On Thursday (July 27), the Washington Nationals travel to Queens for a 7:10 p.m. game with the New York Mets. The Mets will send their most reliable starting pitcher during 2023, Kodai Senga, to the hill. Senga has a record of 7-5 and an ERA of 3.27. The Mets are a -205 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 9 runs.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go to https://www.fanduel.com/sportsbook-meadowlands7

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight. For cash-at-counter customers, the hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m. The Lounge opens at noon on Sundays.

New York, New York – Horse racing enthusiasts and novices alike are in for a treat as Siegelman Stable proudly announces the launch of an exclusive 5-piece capsule collection dedicated to the prestigious Hambletonian race. In honor of the 98th edition of America's greatest harness race, the New York-based luxury streetwear brand has yet again crafted a collection that captures the essence of this renowned event. The capsule is set to drop on Friday, July 28th at 1pm EST on

www.siegelmanstable.com, just a week ahead of the highly anticipated race day, which falls on Saturday, August 5th at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.

The Hambletonian, a time-honored tradition in the world of harness racing, has garnered attention from racing aficionados and spectators worldwide. With a storied history dating back nearly a century, this event showcases the top horses and drivers in the country. Siegelman Stable’s 2023 Hambletonian collection offers a curated range of products that pay homage to the sports history and modern era.

"We are thrilled to present the Hambletonian 2023 capsule collection," said Max Siegelman, founder of Siegelman Stable.

"This collection represents not only the longstanding legacy of the Hambletonian race but also our dedication to the sport and its community. Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or someone who has just been attracted to our brand over the last few years and is new to the world of horse racing, this capsule has something special for everyone."

For those eager to grab a piece from this collection, the capsule will be available for purchase on the official Siegelman Stable website starting July 28th at 1pm EST. We encourage you to mark your calendars and set your alarms, as this captivating collection is expected to sell out quickly.

Collection prices ranging from $64 to $108.

Stay tuned to Siegelman Stable's website and social media channels for further updates and details regarding the Hambletonian 2023 collection and future releases.

July 25, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Cranbury, NJ — MGM Yonkers Trot winner Up Your Deo was among 20 horses entered Tuesday in the $1.2 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at The Meadowlands, which attracted an all-male field for the 98th edition of the event.

Among the horses joining Up Your Deo, who will be seeking the second jewel in the Trotting Triple Crown, were Goodtimes champion Southwind Coors as well as Stanley Dancer Memorial division winners Oh Well and Winner’s Bet.

Two $100,000 eliminations will be contested Saturday at the Big M. The top-five finishers from each group will advance to the $1 million Hambletonian final Aug. 5. Elim winners draw for post positions one through five followed by the remaining finalists receiving their posts in an open draw.

The Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old female trotters attracted 16 horses, which were divided into two $40,000 eliminations. The fillies entered include 2022 Jim Doherty Memorial champ Instagram Model, O’Brien Award-winner Righteous Resolve, Delvin Miller Memorial division winners Heaven Hanover and Quick Stop, New York New York Mile champ Secret Volo and four-time Grand Circuit-winner Bond. The $500,000 Oaks final also is on Aug. 5.

In the Hambletonian, Up Your Deo will start from post three in the second elimination, which also includes Winner’s Bet, New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Air Power, W.N. Reynolds Memorial division winner Celebrity Bambino, and Crown, Excalibur Bi, French Wine, One Hundred Poof, Tactical Approach and Tuscan Prince.

Trained and driven by two-time Hambletonian-winner Ake Svanstedt, Up Your Deo has won three of four races this year after going winless in eight starts at age 2. He will be making his first start since winning the Yonkers Trot, the first jewel in the Trotting Triple Crown, on June 30. The son of Walner-Grand Stand is owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Suleyman Yuksel Stables, breeder Deo Volente Farms, and Van Camp Trotting Corp.

The most recent horse to win the Trotting Triple Crown was Marion Marauder in 2016.

Air Power, one of four Hambletonian horses for trainer Marcus Melander, will leave from post six while Celebrity Bambino, one of two horses for trainer Ron Burke, will start from five. Winner’s Bet, whose career victories include the 2022 William Wellwood Memorial, drew post 10.

In the first elimination, Oh Well will start from post two for Melander while Southwind Coors will leave from post eight for trainer Matt Bax. The remainder of the field is 2022 Breeders Crown and O’Brien Award-winner Gaines Hanover, 2022 Peter Haughton Memorial champ Kilmister, recent Tompkins-Geers Memorial division winner Point Of Perfect, and Djimon, Ghostly Casper, Kierkegaard K, Little Expensive and Osceola.

Oh Well has finished no worse than second in 12 of 13 lifetime races. His wins last season included the Mohawk Million and New Jersey Sire Stakes championship. His triumph in the Dancer on July 15 was his first victory in five starts this year.

Southwind Coors has three wins and two seconds in his five most recent races. His 1:52 score in the Goodtimes final at Woodbine Mohawk Park is the fastest mile by a 3-year-old trotter in Canada this season.

Gaines Hanover and Kilmister drew the outermost starting spots in the first elim, posts nine and 10, respectively.

In the second Hambletonian Oaks elimination, Bond will start from post one, Quick Stop from three, Secret Volo from six and Righteous Resolve from eight.

Bond, one of four Oaks horses trained by Svanstedt, had a nine-race win streak snapped by a third-place finish in her July 15 division of the Miller Memorial, which was won by Heaven Hanover.

Quick Stop enters the elim off back-to-back victories in divisions of the Reynolds and Miller. Secret Volo was third in the Miller division won by Quick Stop, which followed her triumph in the New York New York Mile and second-place finish in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

Righteous Resolve, another Bax trainee, won last year’s Peaceful Way Stakes and Ontario Sire Stakes championship. She has an Ontario Sire Stakes victory to her credit in two starts this year and was first-placed-second in the other.

In the first Oaks elim, Heaven Hanover will leave from post two and Instagram Model from post three.

Heaven Hanover, one of three Oaks horses for Melander, has been no worse than second in seven of eight races dating back to last September. Her 1:51.3 victory in the Miller is the fastest mile of the season by any of the Oaks entrants.

Instagram Model, trained by Annie Stoebe, heads to the elim off a second-place finish by a head to Quick Stop in the Miller. She has hit the board in four of five starts this year, with one win.

Burke-trained Railee Something, who starts from post five, has been no worse than second in any of her seven starts this season, winning five. She heads to the elim off a career-best 1:52 victory in a division of the Tompkins-Geers.

Walner Payton also has been a model of consistency, with top-three finishes in 14 consecutive races. She was last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up and finished second to Secret Volo in the New York New York Mile. She starts Saturday from post six.

Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT) at The Meadowlands. The Hambletonian eliminations are races six and nine. The Oaks eliminations are races seven and eight.

Post positions for the Hambletonian and Oaks finals will be drawn Tuesday (Aug. 1) at a press conference and luncheon hosted by Hogan Equine Clinic in Cream Ridge, N.J., beginning at 2 p.m.

Below are the full fields for the Hambletonian:

First Elimination (Race 6)
PP – Horse – Driver- Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Osceola – Doug McNair – Gregg McNair – 20-1
2 – Oh Well – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 2-1
3 – Ghostly Casper – James MacDonald – Benoit Baillargeon – 15-1
4 – Djimon – Bob McClure – Mark Steacy – 30-1
5 – Kierkegaard K – Ake Svanstedt- Ake Svanstedt – 7-2
6 – Point Of Perfect – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 8-1
7 – Little Expensive – Andy Miller – Julie Miller – 10-1
8 – Southwind Coors – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 5-1
9 – Gaines Hanover – Louis Roy – Claude Cadieux – 9-2
10 – Kilmister – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 12-1

Second Elimination (Race 9)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Tuscan Prince – Louis Roy – Luc Blais – 10-1
2 – Crown – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 20-1
3 – Up Your Deo – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 7-2
4 – French Wine – Andy Miller – Julie Miller – 15-1
5 – Celebrity Bambino – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 9-2
6 – Air Power – Dexter Dunn – Marcus Melander – 5-2
7 – One Hundred Poof – Scott Zeron – Jenny Melander – 30-1
8 – Tactical Approach – Scott Zeron – Nancy Takter – 5-1
9 – Excalibur Bi – Andrew McCarthy – Tom Cancelliere – 15-1
10 – Winner’s Bet – Dexter Dunn – Domenico Cecere – 4-1

Below are the full fields for the Hambletonian Oaks:

First Elimination (Race 7)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Gigi Hanover – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 12-1
2 – Heaven Hanover – Tim Tetrick – Marcus Melander – 3-1
3 – Instagram Model – Andrew McCarthy – Annie Stoebe – 5-2
4 – Mambacita – Yannick Gingras – Tony Alagna – 8-1
5 – Railee Something – Yannick Gingras – Ron Burke – 2-1
6 – Walner Payton – Dexter Dunn – Chris Ryder – 6-1
7 – Wild Jiggy S – Dexter Dunn – Ake Svanstedt – 15-1
8 – Warrawee Yes – Bob McClure – Mark Steacy – 20-1

Second Elimination (Race 8)
PP – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1 – Bond – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 5-2
2 – Pure Hope S – Ake Svanstedt – Ake Svanstedt – 20-1
3 – Quick Stop – Tim Tetrick – Anette Lorentzon – 4-1
4 – Bella Macchiato – Dexter Dunn – Nancy Takter – 10-1
5 – Heart On Fire – Todd McCarthy – Tony Alagna – 12-1
6 – Secret Volo – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 9-2
7 – Kayleigh S – Brian Sears – Marcus Melander – 20-1
8 – Righteous Resolve – James MacDonald – Matt Bax – 2-1

Week Eight – Issued Thursday, July 20

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – Oh Well moves into the top spot in Week 8 of Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian after and impressive wire to wire victory in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division.  Winner’s Bet also makes his debut on the Road to the Hambletonian ranked fifth after his impressive 1:51 win in his Dancer division.

#1 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, then just missed in 1:52, second in NJSS Final, second (1:51.4) in a Reynolds division, wire-to-wire for a new mark of 1:51.2 in a Dancer division

#2 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, then a 1:51 NJSS division, career best 1:50.4 NJSS Final, second with a :25.3 in a Reynolds division, broke & sixth-placed eighth in Stanley Dancer Memorial division

#3 Kierkegaard K

Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc.

Wire-to-wire in 1:53 NYSS, equaled the Vernon Downs all-age track record of 1:50.3 in an EBC division, dominated a Yonkers Trot elimination in 1:54.3, broke/sixth in that Final, rebounded with a solid second (1:51.4) in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division

#4 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

First win in 3YO debut @ The Big M from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, third (1:51) going first over in NJSS Final, set a track record of 1:53.1 in a Yonkers Trot elimination, romped in Final in 1:53.3

#5 Winner’s Bet

Dexter Dunn, Domenico Cecere, Lindy Farms of Conn, Robert Rudolph

William Wellwood Memorial winner two for-two on Lasix as a 3YO, tripped out to win a Reynolds division in 1:52.2, shot home in :26.1 for a new mark of 1:51 in a Dancer division

#6 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

Peter Haughton Memorial winner, won an EBC division in 1:52.4 (:26.3), strong second (1:51) from post eight in a Dancer division, Melander has had three Hambo finalists in three of last four years

#7 Southwind Coors

Scott Zeron, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Just one for 11 as a 2YO, yet has matured into a Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final, cruised in 1:52.4 overnight @ Mohawk on July 10

#8 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco & Jaf Racing

Won his first two 3YO starts, a 1:52.1 NJSS division, deadheat fourth in NJSS Final, took 1:51.1 mark on June 23, third (1:51.4) in Reynolds division, third (1:51.1) in Dancer division

#9 Gaines Hanover

Louis Roy, Claude Cadieux, Gestion J Y Blais Inc.

O’Brien Award & Breeders Crown winner, won a Goodtimes elimination in a career best 1:52.1, nosed out as the heavy favorite in that final, broke/ninth in Dancer division

#10 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Breeders Crown elimination winner at two, deadheated for fourth in the NJSS Final, rallied in :26.3 to take a new mark of 1:51.3 in a Reynolds division, fourth (1:51.4) in a Dancer division

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

By Frank Cotolo, for Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Oh Well, driven by Tim Tetrick, took immediate control over the field and made his foes chase him the entire mile to win the first of two $138,500 divisions of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on Saturday night (July 15) at The Meadowlands by two lengths.

The Marcus Melander-trained son of Hambletonian champ Muscle Hill left quickly along with Gaines Hanover, Kierkegaard K and favorite Air Power, but Tetrick made it to the top with Oh Well leading the field to a :27.3 first quarter.

In firm command, Oh Well trotted easily to a :56.3 half as Gaines Hanover galloped off to the side and left the scene. The remaining trotters rolled on behind Oh Well as he clocked three-quarters in 1:24.1, where Kierkegaard K left the catbird seat to set up a duel with the leader while favorite Air Power took cover second over.

Off the final turn and into the stretch, Oh Well kept Kierkegaard K from threatening. Then, Air Power galloped while attempting a closing charge. Kierkegaard K held on for second while French Wine was clear to take third and Father Stosh rambled home fourth.

The time for the mile was 1:51.2, a personal best for Oh Well. SRF Stable owns the winning trotter. Oh Well, now with a bankroll of $890,585. He paid $9.20 to win.

"I was super happy,” said Tetrick, “he was getting beat every time at the wire and he raced good enough to win every time. We've been playing with the open bridle all year to get him in shape. We put the blind bridle on tonight and he really responded. He's a great, big, lazy colt that doesn’t pay attention all the time, but when he gets his mind on business he knows what's going on.”

Trainer Marcus Melander said he kept an open bridle on so far this year, “and today was the time to put a closed one on like every start he had last year. It's a long season and we don't want to pull all the plugs right away. We've been managing him to have him on top Hambo day. So far, he looks good."

Winner’s Bet paid off in a three-colt finish of the second $138,500 division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial to win with driver Dexter Dunn in 1:51, a career best.

Winner’s Bet settled in line early as favorite Tactical Approach charged to the front followed by Kilmister. The first quarter went in :27.3 with Winner’s Bet third and Excalibur Bi fourth. Tactical Approach rolled through a :56.2 half, and the top trio kept their positions routing to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

Scott Zeron kept Tactical Approach strongly trotting on the lead into the stretch until Kilmister dug in to close quickly on him. As those two looked to meet the wire together, Winner’s Bet came charging on the far outside making up the most ground. Dexter Dunn’s charge had plenty left to pass the two and win in 1:51 by a half length. Kilmister held for second and Tactical Approach was third.

"He's come back really well,” Dunn said. “Domenico [Cecere] and the team have done a great job bringing him back. He's super relaxed this year; he's trotting great and he's filled out. He had a good draw tonight and we got a good trip. I was really impressed with his turn of foot."

Domenico Cecere trains the Walner colt paying $13.40 to win for owners Lindy Farms Of Connecticut and Robert A. Rudolph. Winner’s Bet increased his bankroll to $427,618 with the victory.

Week Six – Issued Wednesday, July 5

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – Air Power takes over the top spot in Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian Week Six. Driven by Mattias Melander and trained by Marcus Melander, Air Power rallied in last week’s Reynolds division for an impressive second place finish. Fabulous filly Special Way still retains the second spot with Kierkegaard K moving down to the third spot after breaking in the Yonkers Trot Final.

#1 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division, then took the NJSS Final in a career best 1:50.4, rallied from a tough spot in :25.3 to finish second in a Reynolds division

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, three-for-three in 2023 (10 in a row) with a career best 1:51.4 in the NJSS Final, scratched out of a July 1 Big M qualifier with a minor issue & qualifies in a couple of weeks

#3 Kierkegaard K

Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc.

Wire-to-wire in 1:53 NYSS, equaled the Vernon Downs all-age track record of 1:50.3 in an EBC division, dominated a Yonkers Trot elimination in 1:54.3, broke/sixth in the Final, reportedly hit his knee, he’s fine & connections agree he’s more of a big-track horse

#4 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Prolific filly finished 2022 with six straight wins, three-for-three this season, wire-to-wire in PA Allstars @ Pocono in 1:52.3, lowered her mark to 1:51.4 in PASS @ Pocono, dominated a Reynolds division from post eight in 1:53.1 (:26.4)

#5 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Broke his maiden in his 3YO debut @ The Big M from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, third going first over in the NJSS Final, set a track record of 1:53.1 in a Yonkers Trot elimination, won Final in 1:53.3

#6 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Breeders Crown elimination winner at two, deadheated for fourth in the NJSS Final, fresh off the bench rallied in :26.3 to take a new mark of 1:51.3 in a Reynolds division

#7 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Won 2022 NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, just missed in 1:52, second again in the NJSS Final, second (1:51.4) in a Reynolds division

#8 Southwind Coors

Scott Zeron, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Just one for 11 as a 2YO, yet has matured into a Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final

#9 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, second [1:56.2) in June 14 qualifier @ Magical Acres, third (1:54.4) in a June 24 qualifier 19 @ Big M, finished fifth (1:53.4) in his 3YO debut

#10 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut, third (1:53.3) in a NYSS division @ Tioga Downs, took a mark of 1:52.4 in an Empire Breeders Classic 1st division, post three in Zweig Memorial

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - In celebration of the 98th edition of America's greatest harness race, the Hambletonian Society, Meadowlands Racetrack and Ghost Hawk Brewing Company have once again teamed up to provide fans and guests with Trotter’s Gold 2023.

The $1 million Hambletonian will be raced Saturday afternoon, Aug. 5 as the finale to the championship meet at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Post time is 12 noon.

Labeled “Trotters Gold 2023”, the Clifton, NJ based brewery has produced a 4.8% abv American golden ale.

It will be sold at the Meadowlands Racetrack starting Friday, July 7th and at Ghost Hawk Brewing. The beer can be rated at https://untappd.com/b/ghost-hawk-brewing-company-trotter-s-gold-2023/5420129

The 16oz beer can label features 2022 Hambletonian winner Cool Papa Bell and driver Todd McCarthy.

“We love that Trotter’s Gold has become part of the Hambletonian tradition at the Meadowlands,” said Rachel Ryan, Director of Marketing and Onsite Events.  “This year’s beer is the best one yet – a crisp, dry ale, perfect for summer.”

Ghost Hawk Brewing Company is a collaborative effort between two Clifton natives - Tom Rachelski and Steve Bauer. Fueled with the addition of decorated Brewmaster Chris Sheehan to the project in 2018, the brewery project kicked into high gear. Ghost Hawk Brewing Company opened its doors in April of 2019.

Everything Hambletonian can be found at https://playmeadowlands.com/hambletonian-news/  and hambletonian.com

Week Five – Issued Wednesday, June 28

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – After dominating his Yonkers Trot elimination, Kierkegaard K moves into the top spot in week 5 of Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian.

#1 Kierkegaard K

Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc.

NYSS Final runner up last year, three-for-three this season, wire-to-wire in a NYSS division in 1:53, equaled the Vernon Downs all-age track record of 1:50.3 in an Empire Breeders Classic division, dominated a Yonkers Trot elimination in 1:54.3, post three in Final

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, richest 2YO female trotter of 2022 with $697,475, made it three-for-three this season & 10 in a row with a career best 1:51.4 in the NJSS Final, qualifies @ Big M on July 1

#3 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, came right back to upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division, then captured the NJSS Final in a career best 1:50.4, post seven in first Reynolds division

#4 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, second [1:56.2) in June 14 qualifier @ Magical Acres, third (1:54.4) in a June 24 qualifier 19 @ Big M, makes 3YO debut from post six in first Reynolds division

#5 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Filly finished 2022 with six straight wins, including the PASS Championship, Kindergarten Classic & Goldsmith Maid, wire-to-wire in PA Allstars @ Pocono in 1:52.3, lowered her mark to 1:51.4 in PASS @ Pocono, post eight in Reynolds division @ Big M

#6 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Won 2022 NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, just missed in 1:52, second again in the NJSS Final, post two in second Reynolds division

#7 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Broke his maiden in his 3YO debut from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, upsetting Oh Well, third going first over in the NJSS Final, recovered from an early miscue to win a Yonkers Trot elimination in a track record of 1:53.1, post two in Yonkers Trot Final

#8 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut, third (1:53.3) in a NYSS division @ Tioga Downs, took a mark of 1:52.4 in an Empire Breeders Classic 1st division, not in to go

#9 Southwind Coors

Scott Zeron, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Just one for 11 as a 2YO, yet has matured into a Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final, not in to go

#10 Gaines Hanover

Louis Roy, Richard Moreau, Gestion J Y Blais, Inc.

O’Brien Award & Breeders Crown winner, held on to take a Goodtimes elimination in 1:52.1, second (1:52) by a nose in the Goodtimes Final third time Lasix, not in to go

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

Week Four – Issued Thursday, June 22

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ – Volume Eight retains the top spot in Week Four of Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian. Kierkegaard K makes his debut in the fourth spot after his himpressive all-aged track record in the Empire Breeders Classic. Southwind Coors also jumps into the top ten in the eighth spot after his impressive Good Times victory last week.

#1 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, fastest 2YO male trotter of 2022 [1:52], five-race winning streak, including the Valley Victory & Kindergarten Classic Final, second [1:56.2) in June 14 qualifier @ Magical Acres, post one in qualifier 19 on June 24 @ Big M

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, richest 2YO female trotter of 2022 with $697,475, made it three-for-three this season & 10 in a row with a career best 1:51.4 in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#3 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Made only three starts at two, won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, came right back to upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division, then captured the NJSS Final in a career best 1:50.4, not in to go

#4 TKierkegaard K

Ake Svanstedt, Knutsson Trotting Inc.

Won two qualifiers & first two starts as a 3YO, including a 1:52.1 NJSS division, third with a :25.4 in the slop on May 20, deadheat for fourth in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#5 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Filly finished 2022 with six straight wins, including the PASS Championship, Kindergarten Classic & Goldsmith Maid, wire-to-wire in PA Allstars @ Pocono in 1:52.3, then lowered her mark to 1:51.4 in PASS @ Pocono to go two-for-two this season, not in to go

#6 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Won 2022 NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, just missed in 1:52, then finished second again in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#7 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut, third (1:53.3) in a NYSS division @ Tioga Downs, took a mark of 1:52.4 in an Empire Breeders Classic 1st division, not in to go

#8 Southwind Coors

Scott Zeron, Matthew Bax, Bax Stable, Glengate Farms, David Richard Hudson, Craig Wilson

Just one for 11 as a 2YO, yet has matured into a Goodtimes winner in 1:52, second (1:52.1) by a neck to Gaines Hanover in his elimination, then nosed out that rival in the final, not in to go

#9 Gaines Hanover

Louis Roy, Richard Moreau, Gestion J Y Blais, Inc.

O’Brien Award & Breeders Crown winner, held on to take a Goodtimes elimination in 1:52.1, second (1:52) by a nose in the Goodtimes Final third time Lasix, not in to go

#10 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Broke his maiden in his 3YO debut from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, upsetting Oh Well, finished third going first over in the NJSS Final, one of four for Team Svanstedt in Top 10, post four in the first Yonkers Trot elimination

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

MILTON, June 17, 2023 – For the second time since the Goodtimes Trot was introduced 19 years ago, John Bax presented the trophy for the race named in honour of his career changing horse to himself and his partners. That honour was courtesy of Southwind Coors in an extremely exciting $250,000 Goodtimes final for three-year-old trotting colts tonight at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Meadowlands Racetrack - East Rutherford, NJ

Gaines Hanover and Crown enter Ken Warkentin’s  week three Road to the Hambletonian in spots eight and nine respectively. Volume Eight remains in the top spot for trainer Noel Daley.

#1 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, fastest 2YO male trotter of 2022 [1:52], five-race winning streak, including the Valley Victory & Kindergarten Classic Final, second [1:56.2) in June 14 qualifier @ Magical Acres, qualifies on June 23 @ Big M, first start scheduled for July 1

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, richest 2YO female trotter of 2022 with $697,475, made it three-for-three this season & 10 in a row with a career best 1:51.4 in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#3 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Made only three starts at two, won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, came right back to upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division, then captured the NJSS Final in a career best 1:50.4, not in to go

#4 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Won 2022 NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, just missed in 1:52, then finished second again in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#5 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Filly finished 2022 with six straight wins, including PASS Championship, Kindergarten Classic & Goldsmith Maid, wire-to-wire from post eight in PA Allstars division @ Pocono on June 4 in a career best 1:52.3, post four Race 10 PASS @ Pocono on June 18

#6 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Broke his maiden in his 3YO debut from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, upsetting Oh Well, finished third going first over in the NJSS Final, one of three for Team Svanstedt in Top 10, not in to go

#7 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco, JAF Racing

Won two qualifiers & first two starts as a 3YO, including a 1:52.1 NJSS division, third with a :25.4 in the slop on May 20, deadheat for fourth in the NJSS Final, not in to go

#8 Gaines Hanover

Louis Roy, Richard Moreau, Gestion J Y Blais, Inc.

O’Brien Award & Breeders Crown winner, held on to take a Goodtimes elimination in 1:52.1 second time Lasix, Louis Roy said, “I was pretty confident in my horse, he does whatever you want from anywhere”, drew post two in Goodtimes Final

#9 Crown

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

NYSS star & Matron Stakes runner up at two, second by a nose & placed first in a 1:52.4 NYSS division @ Tioga Downs on June 9, not in to go

#10 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut, pace compromised third (1:53.3) in a NYSS division @ Tioga Downs, post one in Empire Breeders Classic 1st division on June 16 @ Vernon Downs

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

Meadowlands Racetrack - East Rutherford, NJ

Air Power makes the biggest jump in Week 2 of the Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian after his NJ Sire Stakes win in a career best of 1:51.4.

#1 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, fastest 2YO male trotter of 2022 [1:52], five-race winning streak, including the Valley Victory & Kindergarten Classic Final, scheduled to qualify June 14 @ Magical Acres, then June 23 @ Big M, first start July 1, plan is Hambo will be his fifth

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, richest 2YO female trotter of 2022 with $697,475, made it three-for-three this season & 10 in a row with a career best 1:51.4 in the NJSS Final

#3 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Made only three starts at two, won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, came right back to upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division, then shook loose late to capture the NJSS Final in a career best 1:50.4

#4 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Won 2022 NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final & banked $748,380, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, just missed in 1:52, then finished second again in the NJSS Final

#5 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Filly finished 2022 with six straight wins, including PASS Championship, Kindergarten Classic & Goldsmith Maid, took a mark of 1:52.3 & banked $587,264, wire-to-wire from post eight in PA Allstars division @ Pocono on June 4 in a career best 1:52.3

#6 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Broke his maiden in his 3YO debut from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop, upsetting Oh Well, finished third going first over in the NJSS Final, one of three for Team Svanstedt & Walner in Top 10

#7 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco, JAF Racing

Won two qualifiers & first two starts as a 3YO, including a 1:52.1 NJSS division, third with a :25.4 in the slop on May 20, forced wide off dull cover in a deadheat for fourth in the NJSS Final

#8 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

2022 Peter Haughton Memorial winner, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut on May 29, drew the rail in a NYSS division @ Tioga Downs on June 9

#9 Walner Payton

Dexter Dunn, Chris Ryder, Kenneth Jacobs

Dominated NJSS Final at two, mark of 1:52.2 in ISS division @ The Red Mile, won her 3YO debut in 1:51.4, second to Special Way, then finished third in the NJSS Final

#10 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Breeders Crown elimination winner in 1:53.2, second (1:52.2) in his 3YO debut, then fourth (1:52.3), stung early in a deadheat for fourth in the NJSS Final

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

#1 Volume Eight

Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, Sjoblom Racing, Joe Sbrocco, LA Express & JAF Racing, Mario Mazza

Dan Patch Award winner, fastest 2YO male trotter of 2022 [1:52], finished his campaign with five in a row, including the Valley Victory & Kindergarten Classic Final, has not qualified as of June 1

#2 Special Way

Ake Svanstedt, Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld

Dan Patch Award winner, richest 2YO female trotter of 2022 with $697,475, won seven of nine starts, capped by a Canadian record 1:52 in the Breeders Crown, two-for-two this season, has the rail in NJSS Final on June 2

#3 Kilmister

Brian Sears, Marcus Melander, Courant, Inc.

Peter Haughton Memorial winner in 1:53.3, third in the KY Championship Final, Breeders Crown & Valley Victory, took a mark of 1:52.3 & banked $414,121, third placed second (1:53.2) to Kierkegaard K in NYSS season debut on May 29

#4 Walner Payton

Dexter Dunn, Chris Ryder, Kenneth Jacobs

Dominated NJSS Final, mark of 1:52.2 in ISS division @ The Red Mile, second in KY Championship Final, Bluegrass & Breeders Crown, banked $674,900, won 3YO debut in 1:51.4, then second to Special Way, post five in NJSS Final on June 2

#5 Oh Well

Tim Tetrick, Marcus Melander, S R F Stable

Peter Haughton Memorial runner up won NJSS Final in 1:53.1, Mohawk Million & NJ Classic A Final & banked $748,380, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, then just missed in 1:52, post seven in NJSS Final on June 2

#6 Bond

Ake Svanstedt, Little E, L. Berg Inc.

Prolific filly closed out 2022 with six straight wins, including PASS Championship, Kindergarten Classic & Goldsmith Maid, took a mark of 1:52.3 & banked $587,264, romped in Big M qualifier in 1:54 (:26), post eight in PA Allstars division @ Pocono on June 4

#7 Tactical Approach

Scott Zeron, Nancy Takter, Robert Leblanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco, JAF Racing

Prominent in KY Commonwealth Series at two, won his two qualifiers & first two starts as a 3YO, including a 1:52.1 NJSS division, third with a :25.4 in the slop on May 20, post two in NJSS Final on June 2

#8 Air Power

Andrew McCarthy, Marcus Melander, Amg Stable Inc., Rick Wahlstedt, Kenneth Kjellgren, Heights Stable

Made only three starts at two, won his 3YO debut in 1:52.1, came right back to upset Ari Ferrari J in a 1:51 NJSS division on May 13, post six in NJSS Final on June 2

#9 Up Your Deo

Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms, Van Camp Trotting Corp.

Second placed ninth in last year’s NJSS Final, broke his maiden in his 3YO debut from post 11 in 1:52 in the slop on May 20, upsetting Oh Well, post five in NJSS Final on June 2

#10 Celebrity Bambino

Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Burke Racing Stable, J & T Silva Stables, Knox Services, Phil Collura

Breeders Crown elimination winner in 1:53.2, second in that final & in a NJ Classic A Final, also won Garden State Stake in 1:55.1 (in slop) & Valley Victory elimination in 1:53.4, banked $311,719, second (1:52.2) in 3YO debut, then fourth (1:52.3), post two in NJSS Final on June 2

KEY PREP RACES

Hambletonian Eligibles in Caps

The 16th Annual HAMBLETONIAN CE WET LABS will take place on THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. We will again offer half-day (4 CE hours) and full-day (8 CE hours) sessions. Complimentary lunch and transportation will be provided from our host hotel. Open to all Veterinarians and licensed Veterinary Technicians. Attendees can earn up to 8 CE Credits.

The 22nd Annual HAMBLETONIAN CE SEMINAR & TRADE SHOW will take place on FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023. The Seminar program is open to all Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Students. All Seminar materials, Continental Breakfast, hot Buffet Luncheon, and refreshments are included. Attendees will earn a total of 7 CE Credits for participating in this all-day Seminar program.

All participants are invited to join us for our Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Area on Thursday evening, August 3, 2023 from 6:30-7:30. Stop by to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a drink (or two) and meet up with old and new friends!

This Year! Participants will be invited to participate in "Casino Night" at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Friday evening, August 4, 2023 to benefit The Harness Racing Museum and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.