Hambletonian Post Position Draw Reaction

The field for the 96th Hambletonian was set this afternoon at the Meadlowlands as harness racing’s premier trot is on tap for Saturday in northern New Jersey. Elimination winners Delayed Hanover and Captain Corey will begin from posts 1 and 4, respectively, in the 10-runner lineup. Track oddsmaker Dave Brower tabbed Captain Corey the 3-1 morning line favorite.

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Ake Svansveldt trains both elimination winners as well as Ambassador Hanover (post 9). Delayed Hanover won the first elimination at 6-1 in a race clouded by breaks from top contenders Dancinginthedark M and Zenith Stride. Captain Corey’s elimination victory was surrounded by less drama, powering on the front end at the same 6-1 mild upset price.

Trainer Nancy Takter has Spy Booth (post 3), Locatelli (post 5) and Really Fast (post 7) in the Hambo final. Takter said Yannick Gingris would drive Really Fast if Dexter Dunn opts for Delayed Handover as expected when final drivers are announced Wednesday.

In all, $3.4 million in stakes races will be offered on Saturday’s 16-race Meadowlands card, including the Hambletonian Oaks. Bella Belini is the 3-1 morning line favorite from post 5 in the Oaks. First race will be noon ET on the final day of the Big M Championship Meet.

For more handicapping analysis of this year’s Hambletonian, check back at Xpressbet.com and news.1st.com on Thursday for harness handicapping expert Al Cimaglia’s horse-by-horse analysis and Saturday’s final picks from Cimaglia.

Meadowlands // Hambletonian // 1 mile trot

1. Delayed Hanover 7-2
2. Take All Comers 12-1
3. Spy Booth 15-1
4. Captain Corey 3-1
5. Locatelli 15-1
6. Sonofamistery 4-1
7. Really Fast 5-1
8. Venerate 8-1
9. Ambassador Hanover 15-1
10. Quatro De Julio 10-1

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