Zweig Memorial Spotlight

On Sunday afternoon, three year old trotters are competing, hoping to show their owners they belong behind the starting gate in next week's Hambletonian Oaks eliminations or the following week's Hambleotnian for the boys.  For others, this week is their Hambletonian experience in the the Dr Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot and Filly Trot.

Here is my review of the two races plus a consolation event for colts and geldings.  All horses will be listed in post position order.

3rd Trot - $76,000; Zweig Memorial Trot Consolation - 3yo
1 - Muscle Diamond (Campbell, 8-1) - Well regarded horse who has run into issues keeping him of the track. Cam he show a big effort here?  Most likely short and landing a share best chance
2 - Fashion Creditor (Sears, 3-1) - Okay in lower level events but has failed thus far in big event.  A pass for me.
3- Uncle Hanover (Ackerman, 8-1) - Improving horse whose best effort came in low level Landmark stakes. Expect improvement here.
4 - Total Darkness (Gingras, 2-1) - Goes from 86-1 in last to favorite here.  Showed a big finish in lasts effort besides outside post an parked half a mile.  The one to beat but worth the wager at expected odds?  Your call?
5 - Iron (Tetrick, 5-1) - Class of the field but often self destructs.  Your guess which way he goes.
6 - Tidquist (Long, 10-1) - Solid in lower level classifieds but fails against NYSS.  Doesn't seem up to it,
7 - Dapper Don (B Miller, 9-2) - Been going good and earned promotion.  Will be a factor here.
Selections: 4-7-3-1


6th Trot - $185,000; Zweig Memorial Filly Trot - 3yo Fillies (No Show Wagering)
  3 -Lock Down Lindy (Tetrick, 5-1) - No chance in last,  Must use early speed to get into contention,
  4 -Concentration (Lems, 10-1) - Some success in NYSS but appears to be tailing off.
  5 - She Glides (Bartlett, 6-1) - Early season sensation but note trainer's UTR.  Your guess here,;
  1 - Gatka Hanover (B Miller, 9-5) - Jumped off last two stakes and winless this year,
1A - Mission Brieif (Gingras, 9-5) - Last chance to show she belongs in Hambletonian.  Clearly the best here on on paper.
  6 - Sweet Thing (Merton, 8-1) - Loves second place.  Went well until met stakes company.  Can upset this field.
  2 -Wild Honey (Campbell, 2-1) - Rounding into form.  Major challenger.
2A -Magic Marker (Sears, 2-1) - Don't see. Pass.
1B - I'm So Fancy (Dube, 9-5) - Different horse since adding hopples.  Won PA-sired event and may land a share h/ere,
Selections: 1A-6-2


9th Trot - $370,000; Zweig Memorial Trot - 3yo (No Show Wagereing)
  2 - Workout Wonder (Dube, 6-1) - Draws rail and must get involved early. Likely to tire late.
  3 - Boots N Chains (Bartlett, 8-1) - Best efforts in overnights but has drawn poorly in stakes.  May sneak in to the exotics.
  4 - Royal Decepter (Mc Givern, 10-1) - Being tested for class.  Suspect in too deep here.
  1 - Uncle Lasse (B Miller, 9-5) -  Part of strong Takter entry.  Will be a serious threat here.
1A - Canepa Hanover (Takter, 9-5) - Made move in Dancer Memorial and was passed in stretch.
  5  - Wings Of Royalty (Tetrick, 5-1) - Another one tested for class.  Should pass test and land share.
1B - Pinkman (Gingras, 9-5) - Obvious choice in race.  Winner of two straight looks to make it three.  Will go lower than 9-5.
  6 - Habitat (Sears, 2-1) -  Fast charging in Dancer to miss by neck.  Expect similar move here. Considering likely odds of fave, is my play.
1C - Who Shall I Fear (Campbell, 9-5) - Weakest of entry.  Looking to grab a share with luck.
Selections: 6-1B-1-5