The 2014 Hambletonian Trail
Goodtimes highlights action for hopefuls
By Frank and Ray Cotolo
(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible
The C$272,100 Goodtimes final at Mohawk Racetrack was the centerpiece of preparatory races for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks contested on the weekend of June 14.
Trixton & Jimmy Takter
Top “Trail” contender Trixton (H-Muscle Hill) continued his rampage on the undercard of the North America Cup, making a patient brush to the lead and progressing to a 6-length romp in 1:51.3. The Jimmy Takter pupil is owned by Brixton Medical AB and Christina Takter, with conditioner Takter piloting. Trixton was a $2.20 winner.
Soph colts competed at Pocono Downs on Saturday, June 14 in three divisions of the $216,900 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS). Madewell Hanover defeated the 3-5 public choice Amped Up Hanover (H-Explosive Matter) in the opening division, scoring in 1:53.3f. Traveling first over and challenging the favorite at three-quarters, the Chris Ryder trainee grinded out a nearly 2-length victory for owner and driver Ryder, paying $10.20 to win.
Nuncio in action for driver Matt Kakaley
Nuncio (H-Andover Hall), one of Takter’s two PASS triumphants, made a gradual move from last to win the second division of the PASS by a neck in 1:53.4f. Pacesetter Don Dorado (H-Donato Hanover) was second as the 11-1 second choice. A $2.10 winner, Nuncio remains undefeated this year for owner Stall TZ Inc., trainer Jimmy Takter and driver Matt Kakaley.
The partner of Takter’s triumphant duo, Father Patrick (H-Cantab Hall), won the final division in an easy 1:53.1f. Datsyuk (H-Explosive Matter) came close to the frosh champion, finishing a neck behind Father Patrick, who paid $2.10 to win for owner Father Patrick Stable, trainer Takter and driver Matt Kakaley.
The spotlight shifted to Buffalo Raceway on Sunday, June 15, with fillies competing in two divisions of the $118,200 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS). Glowngold (H-Conway Hall) was a wire-to-wire winner in 1:59h for owners Andy Miller Stable Inc., Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc., Highland Green Farms and Stephen Demeter.
Glowngold & Jim Morrill, Jr.
She is trained by Julie Miller and driven by Jim Morrill Jr. Glowngold returned $4.70 to win, combining with Beauty Of Gray (H-Conway Hall) for an exacta payout of $28.00. Odds-on favorite Market Rally (H-Cash Hall) slid up the passing lane to win the other division in 2:00.4h. She is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stable and The Panhellenic Stable, trained by Ron Burke and driven by Jim Morrill Jr. She paid $3.30 to win.
“Oaks” hopefuls were featured at Mohawk Racetrack during their race card on Monday, June 16, with two divisions of the $210,000 Ontario Sires Stakes (ONSS).
The first division went to White Becomes Her, a $38.40 winner in 1:54.1. Driver Mario Baillargeon beat 4-5 favorite Danica. Margie (H-Angus Hall) finished third. White Becomes Her is owned by Vince Mastrangelo and trained by Benoit Baillargeon.
