The 100th Edition of the $1,000,000 Hambletonian is the prestigious headliner of the 16-race card at the Meadowlands. The entire lineup is loaded with talent and big purses. The Hambo rolls in Race 12 and kicks-off the 0.50 Late Pick 4. The sequence has a $100,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Don't forget to register for the Bet $150 Get $20 Promo on Saturday's Meadowlands card.
Comments and selection below are based on a fast track.
Race 12 (4:47 PM EDT)
4-Maryland (3-1)-This year the son of Chapter 7 has second-itis but comes off a sharp effort in its Elimination. The connections were probably happy with the result, finishing a close 2nd and not going a taxing mile. Didn't earn over $1.2 million last year with mirrors and has 3 wins and 3 second place finishes in 7 starts at M1. This was Dexter Dunn's choice over Super Chapter the program chalk and looks ready to take its 1st picture of the year at a most opportune time.
5-Maximus Mearas S (6-1)-Rallied in a big way in its Elim and finished the mile with a .26 last panel. Scott Zeron steers for trainer Lucas Wallin and this colt has made only 2 starts this season, which is the least in the field. Will look for a more aggressive steer with 2 races under its belt and has a pilot who is trying for a Hambo Grand Slam.
6-Nordic Catcher S (9/2)-In each of the 4 races this year the team Svanstedt pupil has gone faster. In its Elim went gate to wire and stood tall down the lane. The 150.3 was a new mark, also the fastest Elimination time on the card. Best to respect, could win with another top effort and doesn't need to lead every step of the way.
Race 13 (5:34 PM EDT)
1-Diabolic Hill (9/5)-The Annie Stoebe trainee has a perfect 3-0 record this season and won handily last week from the 10-hole. Has been the chalk in all 3 outings and will be a small price once again. Many will single and does deserve the respect. But it won't get as much respect from its foes as last week. So, will use one more that might be able to catch the speed down the lane.
9-I'm Kronos S (6-1)-The Walner 2-year-old is looking for its 1st win of the season but has hit the board in both starts. Tim Tetrick takes over for Dexter Dunn and will rely on a sharp steer. If the fractions are spicy and the Svanstedt entry is within striking range at the top of the lane it could be upset time.
Race 14 (6:02 PM EDT)
4-Sabonis (5-1)-Won the Graduate Final and then raced big in the Haughton to just miss leaving from post 11. Came first over last week and was overtaken late by the winner he towed up and another coming from the backfield. This is a tough race, but offers value at the morning line price and only needs a fair trip to be there at the wire.
5-Ken Hanover (3-1)-Ken was going to lose at some point and had its 5-race win streak snapped on 6-12. That loss came with the help of post 9 and getting hung early in the mile. Should be more than odds-on today and will look for a rebound.
Race 14 (6:29 PM EDT)
5-Sylvia Hanover (8/5)-Sylvia has been very sharp since shipping in from Mohawk. Took advantage of some hot fractions at Plainridge in last to win. But her burst down the lane looked like a champion mare who has banked over $2 million. Looking for another big effort and to double up at a short price.
$2 Late Pick 4
4,5,6/1,9/4,5/5
Total Bet=$24
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