Ariana G, Magic Presto take ‘Oaks’ eliminations
(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible
The eliminations for the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks were contested at the Meadowlands on Saturday, July 29, with two $40,438 splits of 18 taking the top five finishers for the final on Saturday, August 5.
Ariana G (H-Muscle Hill) flew off of cover to cruise to a 1:51.3 victory in the first Oaks elimination over finalists Dream Together (H-Muscle Hill), Sunshine Delight (H-Credit Winner), Fine Tuned Lady (H-Cantab Hall), and Dream Baby Dream (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, she paid $2.20 to win.
Taking the lead before the half, Magic Presto (H-Kadabra) held control, winning the second Oaks elimination in 1:52.1 over Feed Your Head (H-Muscle Hill), Southwind Avanti (H-Muscle Hill), Overdraft Volo (H-Yankee Glide), and Caviart Wonder (H-Muscle Massive). Owned by Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman, David Mc Duffee, and Little E LLC, trained by Richard Norman, and driven by Brian Sears, she paid $3.60 to win.
Hambo prospects were also in competition on the Saturday card with a $15,000 trot and the $49,580 Reynolds Memorial.
Giveitgasandgo (H-Yankee Glide) won the $15,000 trot in 1:52.1 over Jake (H-Muscle Hill) and Shake It Off Lindy (H-Crazed). Owned by Harmony Oaks Racing Stable, David Miller, Lawrence Means, and V I P Internet Stable, trained by John Butenschoen, and driven by Corey Callahan, he paid $7.40.
What The Hill (H-Muscle Hill) won the Reynolds Memorial going wire to wire in 1:52.1 over Yes Mickey and Bill’s Man (H-Credit Winner). Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stables, Jerry and Theresa Silva Stables and Deo Volente Farms, trained by Ron Burke, and driven by David Miller, he paid $7.00.
At The Meadows, more Hambo hopefuls competed in a $45,000 Arden Downs, which was won by Snowstorm Hanover (H-Muscle Massive) in 1:55 over Andy M and Frankie Mullins. Owned by Burke Racing Stables, Frank Baldachino, Phillip Collura, and Weaver Bruscemi, trained by Ron Burke, and driven by Matt Kakaley, he paid $15.40.
