Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

2006 Hambletonian Oaks Elims-A Closer Look

July 24, 2006

First crop sires-Banker Hall has two in the Oaks elims, while Dream Vacation has three.

18 entered in the Oaks elims are the fewest since 2001 (18 also) 6 of the past 7 seasons, 20 or more entered the Oaks eliminations. Four of the 18 entered are winless in 2006.

Klipspringer-last years odds on favorite in the Merrie Annabelle (9th) tries to give Jonas Czernyson his second straight. It has been 32 YEARS since a trainer has won the Oaks back to back-1973-1974 Glen Garnsey with Colonial Charm and Berna Hanover.

The lifetime earnings in the Oaks go from $12,375-Velma K to $950,447-Passionate Glide.

Northern Possession races for Allister stables, who had the distinction of also being part of the ownership of 1996 Hambletonian winner Continentalvictory.

Mai Tai is trained by Brett Bittle-trainer of the 2002 Oaks winner Windylane Hanover.

It's been 16 years since Mike Lachance won the Oaks in 1990 with Working Gal.

Only two fillies are over 50% lifetime in win percentage, and both are trained by Jimmy Takter and owned by Brittany Farms. Passionate Glide 10-16 and Simple Task 4-5

Three of the fillies did NOT race at two: Velma K, Armbro Deja Vu and Simple Task.

Trond Smedshammer has four in the Oaks Elims and three in the Hambo. The last trainer to win both in the SAME year was in 1988---Jan Johnson with Armbro Goal and Nans Catch.

Celebrity Sweedie at 21 has the most career starts.

Queen Serene is owned by the same owner as $1.5 million earner and 2004 Breeders Crown winner H P Paque. That's owner Timo Yll Panula.

FOUR Returnees from the 2005 Merrie Annabelle: Miss Wisconsin first, Celebrity Sweedie 4th, Klipspringer 9th, and KD Girl 10th. TWO fillies have won the Merrie Annabelle at 2 and the Oaks at three.

FOUR returnees from the 2005 Breeders Crown: Passionate Glide first, Quick Credit 5th Susies Magic 7th, Miss Wisconsin 8th. SEVEN fillies have won BOTH the Breeders Crown at 2 and the Oaks at 3. ONLY Miss Wisconsin raced in BOTH of the races above.

Four of the participating trainers in the Oaks elims have had a Horse Of The Year prior. Sylvester, Takter, Ivan Sugg and Gurfein.

It's been 19 YEARS since the winner of the Merrie Annabelle at 2 ALSO won the Hambletonian Oaks at 3!!!!! 1986-1987 Armbro Fling. This year, Miss Wisconsin will try and duplicate that.

Jimmy Takter is a 2-time winner of this race-1994-Gleam, 2003 Southwind Allaire.

Chuck Sylvester (Workout Doll) won this race in 1993 with Winkys Goal.

Trond Smedshammer is looking for his first Oaks win. He was a nose shy in the 2005 final, the richest ever edition at $750,000.

Lee & Linda DeVisser will send out a pair in the Oaks: Lee has won Breeders Crowns with Jennas Beach Boy in 1993 and She's A Great Lady, and then with Lady MacBeach in 2000. Now he's trying to do it in the Oaks with Workout Doll and with Susies Magic.

Emantee races for the same connections as last years near winner Blur.

Did You Know? That Jimmy Takter has only one female trotter PAST $1 million in his illustrious career? Moni Maker $5,589,256? Passionate Glide is the leading career earner in the Oaks field at $950,447, and is Jimmy Takters's top filly in 2006.