Trotters Continue Preps for Hambletonian In Final Month

A week out from the Del Miller and Stanley Dancer Memorials, drawing to the end of the Hambletonian Trail, colts and fillies readying for the first Saturday in August will be in competition this weekend, with fillies competing in the $41,880 Reynolds Memorial at the Meadowlands on Saturday, July 8 and colts in four divisions of the $120,000 Pennsylvania All-Stars at Pocono Downs on Sunday, July 9.

The Reynolds Memorial runs as a single dash, with a sextet including “Oaks” hopefuls Rosesareexplosive, Sunshine Delight, Dream Baby Dream, Casaubon and Overdraft Volo lining up. Unfortunately, as she’s starting to get really sharp, Dream Baby Dream will likely take the majority of the play here. If she does not, however, then consider that value.

Aside from her, Sunshine Delight is exiting a tough race against Barn Bella, who is the best filly on the New York circuit currently. She may have the ability to win here.

Pocono Downs hosts the meat of “Trail” action with four splits of the Pennsylvania All-Stars. Division one gathers hopefuls Snowstorm Hanover, Di Oggi, Rubio, Moonshiner Hanover and Simply Volo. Play in this race should be focused on Rubio and Moonshiner Hanover, both exiting the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial, but Gustavo Fring should be dangerous and a price as he finally draws better, starting from post 1. If anything, try him underneath in exotics to make betting the race worthwhile.

Round two features hopefuls Achille Duharas, Awol Hanover, Shake It Off Lindy, Dover Dan, Brand New Key and Coogan. Favoritism will likely head toward Achille Duharas, exiting a fast mile at the Meadowlands, though this division is screaming upset.

Shake It Off Lindy should be ignored off a decent performance in the Goodtimes. Traveling first over, he was justifiably flat in the stretch and should improve in his third start of the season. He has the ability, which he showed finishing third in his elimination in his first race back.

Lucky Matter, Giveitgasandgo, Explosive Ridge and Stealth Hanover are Hambo-eligible in division three. Of them, Lucky Matter should be the value, assuming the public dismisses his lackluster performance in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. However, the noticeable class drop could negate any further analysis of his performance, so he could take favoritism.

Nobody else stands out in the race besides Lucky Matter. Perhaps, given the right setup, Wiagram Hanover could sweep into the mix late, and he will certainly be the right price.

The final division collects hopefuls President Lindy, Phi Alpha, Sir John F, Muay Hanover, Limerance, Affair Of Honor, Thisguyisonfire, and Meme Hanover. Likely, from the rail and out of the “Beal” consolation, President Lindy should be the public choice. We, however, will try his neighbor Phi Alpha, who has shown himself to be live with his speed in his last few outings. Now with a good draw, he may be able to put it to good use.

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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.