Trio Of Dexter Cup Elims Are Overtures For The Classic Trek

The Hambletonian Trail, the exclusive blog in cooperation with TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society, returns in the 2016 season.

The betting analysis for the eligible colts and fillies of the Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks will continue through the big stakes day, Aug. 6, when we cover races and the main events live from The Meadowlands.

Each race along the Hambletonian Trail involving eligible contenders will be handicapped and this blog will offer contenders from our wagering experiences over the decades for TwinSpires. There is a slew of races for the two divisions, many of those miles offering great wagering possibilities. Any race containing eligible colts and fillies hungering to have their names dropped into the box to race in the August classics will be highlighted as the “Trail” gets closer to Aug. 6.

The Trail begins with The Dexter Cup at Freehold on April 30 and this year there are three eliminations, each worth $16,000 with fields of six, all battling for a spot in the final on May 7.

First, let’s address the two elims with Hambletonian-eligibles (e). The first elim, Race 5, includes Steed (e) and Treasure Keys K (e). Steed has already won two of his three races this season, while Treasure Keys K finished off the purse grid in his soph debut.

There are two non-eligible colts in their debuts, Credevie and Explosive Yankee. At the best behavior, they could pose a threat but Steed should be the key, though a guaranteed low price.

Elim two, Race 7, also has two boys battling for the classic—Dominion Beach (e) and Granite State (e). Except for one colt, each entry has already put in a race or two and two have won.

Dominion Beach demands favoritism and could get it but Granite State won’t be given his due for being the other eligible. Always, the eligible colts will have a slight edge on those they battle and in this case both of these horses should be measured equally.

In the third elim, Race 10, we can be more liberal about our choices, since there are no eligible colts. Plus, the favorite is bound to be Inukchuk Chuck, a well-bred product with 10 races and three wins to his favor already. We will lean towards one of the sophomore debut colts, Dante, from the Aske Svanstedt stable with the other, Nebraska Jack, in the exotic mix.

For more on all things Hambletonian, visit the Hambletonian Society.