Well, as usual it was a great Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. Attendance continues to be disappointing. This year, attendance was 25,754 up only 748 people from last year when the area was hit with a torrential squall before the races. Perhaps with the economic situation, any type of a gain should be considered a success. Betting was the third best for a Hambletonian card thanks to an increasing European market for the signal.
First, let's talk about Muscle Hill. Actually, there is not much to say but, 'WOW'. A horse could not win any easier than he did; it seemed like everyone basically conceded the race to him. Explosive Matter raced second and basically sat hoping for a miracle in the form of a miscue from Muscle Hill that was not coming. Federal Flex is obviously not the same horse he was earlier in the year. Here's hoping to see Muscle Hill race through the Midwest and Lexington to see how fast he can go.
Hot Shot Blue Chip? To no one's surprise he jumped off-stride in the big. He has so much potential which has not yet been harnessed. Time off to mature or gelding him will likely bring another monster to the trotting wars next year if they decide to continue racing with him.
There were other stories at the Meadowlands Saturday as well. Not Enough who was always being under appreciated according to the Hambletonian Poll sent a message to the voters that she deserves to be recognized with her world record victory in 1:49. Basically her only competition in the race came from stablemate Yellow Diamond who is a formidable foe in her own right. I suspect Not Enough will finally get some recognition from the voters who discounted her efforts in Canada (similar to the way Somebeachsomewhere's Canadian efforts were discounted last year).
In the Nat Ray, Lucky Jim was phenomenal. In perhaps his easiest victory of the year, Lucky Jim dominated the Nat Ray, making sure there would be no traffic problems this week. Once he cleared Glen Kronos, it was all over. You could argue there were two different races in the Nat Ray. Lucky Jim was in his own race and Glen Kronos dominated the rest of the field as he finally was able to acclimate to North American racing and display the ability he had shown in Europe. The Nat Ray could have gone another half mile and the top two finishers would have been the same. While my 'upset' special did not win the race, he completed a spectacular $140 exacta underneath Lucky Jim. Lucky Jim has one more race in him this season in the Breeders Crown and will then be turned out for the rest of the year. This may cost him the horse of the year award at season end.
As expected, the Oaks was the more competitive of the two 3yo trotting events. Broadway Schooner survived a photo to win an exciting stretch run. While nothing can be taken away from the race winner, the most impressive performer in this race may have been Margarita Momma who finished fourth showing she is back. With an open draw, she may have been the race winner. My guess is Margarita Momma will be the 3yo trotting filly we will be hearing the most about the rest of the year.
In the US Pacing Championship, Shadow Play pulled off a gutsy upset holding off Mister Big at the wire in 1:47.4. Shadow Play has got to be one of the gutsiest horses with the worst feet that ever raced. After the race, we learned he is still having feet problems which needs to be worked on. If Shadow Play ever got over his foot problems he would likely be unstoppable. While he may not be a 'super star' if given a chance in the breeding shed, I would hope after this season his connections consider giving him a chance as a stud. If he could pass his determination on, his offspring would be in demand. He deserves the chance.
If I had a vote for the Hambletonian Poll, after this weekend's action I would give the top spot to Lucky Jim with Muscle Hill second (once Lucky Jim stops for the year and assuming Muscle Hill continues on successfully, Muscle Hill would go to the top), Well Said would garner the third spot with Not Enough moving up to fourth. It should be interesting to see how the poll actually looks when it come out.
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