Hambo Hopefuls Engage In Earl Beal, Jr. Eliminations For More Shots At Big Money

Pocono Downs will host almost an entire program of eliminations on Saturday, June 24 (see weekly blog) as it prepares for Sun Stakes Saturday, a program featuring finals for many of the sophomore racing divisions, including the top Hambletonian hopefuls in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. Three eliminations are carded for the Saturday program.

Elimination one gathers hopefuls Snowstorm Hanover, Rubio, Giveitgasandgo, Lucky Matter, Long Tom, Sortie and President Lindy. Wagering in this race is not clearly on one horse, as Rubio, Long Tom, and Sortie will all likely take some amount of play. However, if Long Tom is not sent off the favorite, consider him the value, as he is likely the best horse in this race. Otherwise, nothing else stands out.

Devious Man heads the hopefuls in the second elimination, who consist of Southwind Woody, Dover Dan, Don Dream, Perfect Spirit and King On The Hill. From an outside post, expect a great price on King On The Hill who should be able to place himself into the race regardless of his starting position. At the very least, he will be a high price that could potentially complete a lucrative exacta underneath Devious Man.

Finally, What The Hill, Ei Ei O, Bill’s Man, Muscles Jared, Moonshiner Hanover and Ariana G, a filly, are the hopefuls competing in elimination three. Being her first try against the guys, Ariana G remains a stand out, especially for the public’s consideration, off two dominant efforts in the New Jersey Sires Stakes.

For a possible price, consider Bill’s Man as minor-upset material. Consistently finishing strongly in New York Sires Stakes, his draw here could put him in a perfect striking position to beat the prohibitive favorite.

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The racing of classic divisions—soph-colt-and-filly trotters—on their quest to the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks finals continues its exclusive, extended coverage from TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society. Recaps of races covered in this blog can be found at the archive section of the web’s home for the Hambletonian Society.