Trotters Ready For Major Trail Prep With Reynolds

The Meadowlands Racetrack will present two divisions of the $59,206 Reynolds Stakes for filly trotters and one division of the $62,406 Reynolds for colt trotters on Saturday, July 11. Many of these trotters are bracing for the next test on the Hambletonian Trail: the Del Miller Memorial and the Stanley Dancer Memorial.

The opening division of Reynolds for the filly trotters seems like the prime time for “Oaks”-hopeful Model Behavior to make an exhibition of the race, entering off a good effort against colt trotters in conditioned company. She has also earned favoritism rights since she finished second in menacing fashion to Mission Brief in the New Jersey Sires Stakes Final. However, the Ingrassia clan brings Cocoacabana, also a hopeful for the Oaks. The Chocolatier daughter seems to have flown under the radar this season and enters off a sharp performance against other Oaks-eligible competition.

The Lucky Chucky filly Lock Down Lindy, returning off a second-place effort to Barn Doll in the Empire Breeders Classic Final, will probably, and rightfully, be the public choice in the latter division but she also draws into the more competitive split. Magic Marker has proven to be a major foe when coming from off the pace but has also been slightly klutzy in regards to her gait. With the right trip, don’t be surprised if Magic Marker defeats Lock Down Lindy.

Ron Burke also has an interesting filly in I’m So Fancy, another Oaks eligible who has yet to see the limelight. She has been ill mannered most of this season but enters off a qualifier where she prompted her stable mate, Mission Brief, through slightly fast fractions, going first over in the process. She might be involved if the addition of trotting hopples can keep her flat.

Muscle Diamond, the regally bred trotter from the Brett Bittle barn, may be the headlining act in the incredibly balanced colt division. Cruzado Dela Noche may also take money, dropping in from the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Final, despite breaking in his last start. Ultimately, if his draw inflates his odds, Cruzado Dela Noche is a major contender for us. Yet, if such is not the case, perhaps it is worth it to take a shot with Soboro Hanover. He’s been a minor performer in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes, finishing third to Jimmy Takter’s dynamic duo of Pinkman and Uncle Lasse but he’s entering off an easy win against conditioned trotters.

The racing of classic divisions—soph-colt-and-filly trotters—on their quest to the Hambletonian and “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.