Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

The Road to The Hambletonian
The $1.5 million Hambletonian was on August 6, 2005 at the Meadowlands Bob "Hollywood" Heyden will be updating the road to the Hambletonian for Odds On Racing readers on a weekly basis by providing insight from the trainers, owners and drivers, followed by the results of the most recent Hambo-prep stakes.

Readers will note that all Hambletonian elegible's names are in CAPS, and that all of the previous' weeks analysis is at the very bottom of this page.

Final Update for August 1, 2005
Last Week's Rank/Early Morning Line/Horse/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
3, 6-5, CLASSIC PHOTO, Erv Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Won elim. "I feel like I have the horse to beat,” said driver Ron Pierce. “He was trotting real square and you can race him any way you want."

Not Ranked, 5-2, VIVID PHOTO, Roger Hammer, Roger Hammer & Todd Schadel, Equaled 3yo gelding track record of 1:53.2 to win his elim. "I wasn't planning on leaving,” Hammer said. “But I couldn't hold him. He felt strong. At the end, I was just hoping to get home. I'm in the Hambletonian.”

6, 4-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, "He came from way behind and closed for third,” said driver Mike Lachance after the elim. “He was calm and sound. He did everything right."

4, 6-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, Fourth in his elim. "This colt may surprise some people,” Jimmy Takter said. “I don't think we've seen his best yet."

7, 8-1, MR DREAM OM, Jim Campbell, Wm Solomon, Orsi Mangelli, Emposimato Stb, Placed fourth in his elim. "I'm happy with his first race for me,” said trainer Jim Campbell. “He got to the final and that was the main objective."

10, 10-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, Second in his elim. "I think that was the fastest mile he's ever gone,” said Don Swick. “I'm going to change his bit next week."

5, 12-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, Placed third in his elim. “Brian [Sears] told me he was hard on the right line,” said Smedshammer. “We've got another week to make it right."

9, 12-1, NORTHERN ENSIGN, Mark Harder, Montgomery, Fielding, Harder, Arden Homestead, Second in his elim. “He raced very well,” said Harder. “He got a good trip. I think he'll be even better next week in the Hambletonian Final."

Not Ranked, 15-1, GETTINDOWNANDDIRTY, Paula Wellwood, Wellwood Stb. & Paul MacDonell, Placed fifth in his elim. “He was always a solid and square-gaited horse,” said Paul McDonell. “Basically, all I was doing was holding him together."

Not Ranked, 20-1, RACINO, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, Fifth in his elim. "He gives up some experience to most of the others, but I'm happy to be in the final with him,” said Swick.

Date/Stakes/Site/Winner/Owner/Trainer/Driver/2nd Horse, 3rd Horse/Time
5/14, Dexter Cup, Fhld, LINDY FIVE HUNDRED, Schnittker, Jones, et al, Ray Schnittker, George Brennan, Great George Two, CLEARAWAY, 1:59.1

5/30, NJSS - 1st leg, M, MUSCLE MEMORY, Smith, Nojaim, Takter, Jimmy Takter, Brian Sears, Muscles Serenade, LINDY'S MAESTRO, 1:56.1

5/30, NJSS - 1st leg, M, Franks 'N Beans, Alfred Ross, Karen Garland, Stephen Smith, Corona Bluestone, Armbro Copenhagen, 1:56

5/30, NJSS - 1st leg, M, SELF PROFESSED, Royal Wire Products, Don Swick, Brian Sears, NORTHERN KID, MUSCLESEXTRODINAIR, 1:55.1

5/30, NJSS - 1st leg, M, Q FORTY FIVE, Takter, Ross, Fielding, Jimmy Takter, Ron Pierce, Grit Your Teeth, CLEARAWAY, 1:56.2

6/9, NJSS - 2nd leg, M, MUSCLE MEMORY, Smith, Jojaim, Takter, Jimmy Takter, Brian Sears, CELEBRITY MASTER, Magic Swan, 1:55.1

6/9, NJSS - 2nd leg, M, NEW YORK YANK, Adam Victor & Son, Noel Daley, Ron Pierce, Chocolate Dipped, WILLISTOWN, 1:54.3

6/9, NJSS - 2nd leg, M, MUSCLE BOUND, Brittany, Silva, Sampson St, Ron Gurfein, MikeLachance, CLEARAWAY, Choice Sakra, 1:55.3

6/11, Goodtimes Elims, Wdb, Great George Two, Graham Grace, M&W, Bib Roberts, Jon Roberts, Ro Lo, BARE IT ALL, 1:52.1

6/11, Goodtimes Elims, Wdb, VINO CAMIELLE, L:aakonen & Iversen, Anders Wolden, Jack Moiseyev, CLASSIC PHOTO, TRAVELIN LITE, 1:54

6/11, Goodtimes Elims, Wdb, BJs King, Robert Key, Jonas Stutzman, Ron Pierce, Brancaleone, Stonebridge Diablo, 1:54.1

6/18, Goodtimes, Wdb, CLASSIC PHOTO, Wright, Mystical Marker, et al, Ervin Miller, Ron Pierce, Ro Lo, Stonebridge Diablo, 1:53.1

6/23, NJSS Final, M, NEW YORK YANK, Adam Victor & Son, Noel Daley, Ron
Pierce,CLEARAWAY, KEN WARKENTIN, 1:53.3

7/1, Dickerson Historic, M, MUSCLE MEMORY, Smith, Nojaim, Takter, Jimmy Takter, Brian Sears, STRONG YANKEE, NORTHERN KID, 1:55.1

7/8, SF Dancer Elims, M, RACINO, Royal Wire Products, Don Swick, Brian Sears, DIESEL DON, SIR PERSEVERANCE, 1:56.4

7/8, SF Dancer Elims, M, SELF PROFESSED, Royal Wire Products, Don Swick, Eric Ledford, VINO CAMIELLE, MED VAC, 1:54

7/8, SF Dancer Elims, M, CLASSIC PHOTO, Wright, Mystical Marker, et al, Ervin Miller, Ron Pierce, Ro Lo, MUSCLE BOUND, 1:54.4

7/15, SF Dancer, M, CLASSIC PHOTO, Wright, Mystical Marker, et al, Ervin Miller, Ron Pierce, STRONG YANKEE, VINO CAMIELLE, 1:53.4

7/30, Hambletonian Elims, M, CLASSIC PHOTO, Wright, Mystical Marker, et al, Ervin Miller, Ron Pierce, NORTHERN ENSIGN, MUSCLE BOUND, 1:53.3

7/30, Hambletonian Elims, M, VIVID PHOTO, Hammer & Schadel, Roger Hammer, Roger Hammer, SELF PROFESSED, STRONG YANK, 1:53.2

Previous Updates
Updated on July 25
Last week's rank/Early Line/Horse/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 6-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., "He had a light week of jogging,” said Takter. “I took it easy with him. I'm confident after his last race [1:52.3 win] that he's coming into the elims in great shape."

2, 7-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "We qualified [1:54.4 last Friday] him because he showed us the week before that the speed is there,” said Marvin Katz."

3, 4-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Had the week off. "I couldn't be happier with him,” said Miller. “So far so good."

Not Ranked, 5-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, “He trained very good this week,” said Takter. “He's coming into the elims the way I want him to."

5, 6-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, Week off before the elims. "He seems like he's okay,” said Smedshammer. “He has the ability. Now he's got to go out there and show it."

6, 8-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, "I'm happy with him,” said Gurfein, trainer of three previous winners “With the right trip, I think he can win it."

7, 10-1, DREAM VALLEY OM, Remi Jensen, Wm Solomon, Orsi Mangelli, Emposimato Stb, Had week off. “He was not tired after his last race [1:54.2 in 3yo open],” said Jensen. “He's peaking at a good time."

4, 12-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Broke stride in 3yo open. "There was a lot of traffic in the first turn,” said Daley. “As he was going to settle into a hole, he clipped his hoof and broke. I don't think it's a big concern."

Not Ranked, 12-1, NORTHERN ENSIGN, Mark Harder, Montgomery, Fielding, Harder, Arden Homestead, Broke stride and lost all chance in 3yo open. "I never used to think in terms of the Hambletonian -- it was always the Meadowlands Pace -- until I got this horse, that is,” said Harder, “Now I am."

8, 15-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, "He is not doing well in this heat and humidity,” said Swick. “Sometimes it happens like that. I am going to call the weather service [on Tuesday morning] and check and see what the forecast is for Saturday."

Updated on July 19
Last Week's Rank/Early Line/Horse/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 6-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., Won in 1:52.3 on July 15. "He's been training well and he's sharp right now,” said Takter. “My goal all along was to have him as ready as I can for the Hambletonian eliminations."

5, 7-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, 2nd across wire in season’s debut on July 15, chasing Ken Warkentin. DQ’d from purse money for pacing. “There's work to be done, but he's got a lot of talent,” said Pelling.

3, 4-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Won Dancer in 1:53.4. "He's a nice little horse who's done everything I've asked,” said Pierce. “He's the first horse that I can remember who reminds me of American Winner (his 1993 Hambletonian winner]”

2, 5-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Had week off. "It's been by design, racing him less than some of the others,” said Daley. “My aim now is to point him towards the elims on July 30 and hopefully the final and have him at his very best."

9, 6-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, 2nd in the Dancer. "I knew right after the Goodtimes that Classic Photo would be tough, and the one to beat in there,” said Smedshammer. “But my colt is progressing, too"

8, 8-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, Closed well for 4th in Dancer. "He was tremendous,” said Gurfein. “I'm very happy with him."

Not Ranked, 10-1, MR DREAM OM, Remi Jensen, Wm Solomon, Orsi Mangelli Stb, Emposimato Stb, Won 3yo open in 1:54.2 on July 15. “He qualified with a 27.2 final quarter, and I knew he was a top colt right there,” said Jensen. “Then he made a break, but that was because he could never grab the track."

6, 12-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, 7th in the Dancer.. "He was used early in the Dancer, now I am just going to try my best to have him sharp for the eliminations,” said Swick.

4, 15-1, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., Broke at start of Dancer. "He got mixed up in the gate and wouldn't get trotting,” said John Campbell. "It's time to regroup,” said Sylvester. “I've got two weeks to get it right."

10, 20-1, RACINO, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, 6th in the Dancer. "He doesn't have the experience that some of the others have, but he's coming along,” said Swick.

Updated on July 12
Last Weeks' Rank/Early Morning Line/Horse/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 5-2, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., Scratched sick from Dancer elim. "He's coughed a few times, and I didn't want to take any chances," said Takter. "We're aiming him for the Hambletonian. That's our #1 concern." In 3yo open, Friday's 10th race at Meadowlands.

2, 7-2, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Broke in Dancer elim, placed 6th. "If he is going to make a mistake, it's better that he make it now," said Adam Victor Sr. "We haven't lost any confidence in him at all."

5, 4-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Won his Dancer elim in 1:54.4. "He's done everything so far that we've asked," said Erv Miller. "I couldn't be happier with his progress." Drew post four in Dancer Final; 9-5 favorite.

3, 9-2, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., Placed 2nd in Dancer elim. "We need some racing to get him tightened up," said Chuck Sylvester. "This race is a stepping stone. There's only one race as far as I'm concerned, and it comes on the first Saturday in August."

4, 6-1, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, 2005 debut in Saturday's 10th off Q in 1:57. "I thought the Dancer would come up tougher than the Hambo," said Brett Pelling. "I didn't want to put him right in there."

Not Ranked, 8-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, Won his Dancer elim. "I wound up with a good trip, and at the head of the lane, I knew I'd get him qualified," said Eric Ledford. "The rest was just a bonus." Post 3 in final.

6, 8-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, Fifth in Dancer and failed to qualify. "I'm not sure he liked the [sloppy] track last week," Takter said. "He'll be in the eliminations for the Hambletonian, and you'll be hearing from him." Drew 10-hole in 3yo open, Friday's 2nd race.

7, 10-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, 3rd Dancer elim. "He behaved and was easier to handle than in his other starts," said Gurfein. "He'll be better in the final."

9, 12-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smedshammer, Strong Yankee Stable, Fastest 4th, gets into Dancer Final. "I was hoping he'd fight off horses, but he is getting the experience and races he needs," said Smedshammer.

NOT RANKED, 15-1, RACINO, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products, Won his Dancer elim. In 1:56.4. "He's green yet," said Swick. "But he's also talented. I don't know if he's going to go with the more seasoned colts, but we're going to give him a shot."

Update for July 5, 2005
Last Week's Rank/Early Line/HORSE/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 2-1, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., "I trained him Saturday," said Takter. "He's doing fine. I'd have to say I'm happy with his performances so far this year." Dancer elims next on July 8.

2, 3-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., "We want to space out his races, have him fresh and ready for the Hambletonian," said Daley. "He's right there in the mix with the rest of them." Had week off; Dancer elims next.

3, 7-2, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., 2nd to Classic Photo in 1:53.3 3yo open on June 30 at Big M. "We've been patient and so far we're quite happy with his progress," said Neal Goldman. "He goes next in the Dancer."

4, 9-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "He won [1:55.4 Q mile July 1] confident, and I was quite happy with him," said Pelling. "I am going to qualify him one more time next week. I'm passing on the Dancer. The original plan was to get an overnight or two and go into the Hambo elims, and that's what I'm sticking to."

8, 6-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Won 3yo open in 1:53.3 on July 1. "He's sharp and has kept his form," said Ron Pierce. 'He's definitely Hambletonian material." Dancer elims next.

6, 8-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, Won Dickerson in 1:55.1; Dancer elims next. "I wouldn't call him a second teamer to Ken Warkentin," said Takter. "He's a top colt in his own right."

9, 10-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, Had week off before Dancer elims. "He hasn't been able to prove himself yet," said Gurfein. "He's a much better horse than he's shown. I like him a lot."

10, 12-1, CADILLAC HALL, Ron Gurfein, Walnut Hall, Berto, Birnam Wood, "He's an overachiever," said Gurfein. "He's a little short-legged thing, but he's turned out to be a very nice horse."

Not Ranked, 15-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, 2ND in Dickerson; Dancer next. "He's coming along," said Smedshammer. "It has taken a while with him, but he's coming around."

Not Ranked, 20-1, YANKEE VALOR, Ron Gurfein, Yankee Valor Stable, Q'd July 1; in nw2 on July 6 at Big M. "He's the most talented of my top 3yos," said Gurfein. "But he has issues. It'll be interesting to see if he can put it together in the next month."

Update for June 27, 2005
Last Week's rank/ Early Line/Horse/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 9-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., 3rd in NJSS Final. "He had too far to come, but he's on schedule," said Takter. "I'm happy with where he is right now." Next start could be Historic Dickerson on July 1.

4, 3-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Won NJSS Final in record 1:53.3. "He trotted better than ever before," said Daley. "I would say no to the Historic. He went a tough mile and needs a break."

3, 7-2, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., Had a week off. "He's done everything we've asked so far," noted driver and co-owner John Campbell. In to go in Thursday's 3yo trot at the Meadowlands.

2, 9-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, 3rd in June 24 Q, timed in 2:00.2. "He's got a good foundation," said Pelling. "He'll come back again and qualify. I plan on having two starts in him before the Hambletonian."

5, 6-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., "He was hard used and wasn't able to get to the front," said Eric Ledford of 7th in NJSS Final. "This is a very nice trotter." He has the Dickerson and the Dancer on his schedule.

8, 8-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, "He had a shipping accident the day before [his 4th in the NJSS]," said Takter. "He wasn't injured, but he was quite stressed out." Dickerson is next.

Not Ranked, 10-1, CLEARAWAY, Ray Schnittker, Schnittker, Baldassare, Demeter, Closed for 2nd in NJSS Final. "It's not a question of talent with him," said Schnittker assistant Paul Doherty. "He's always had that. It's a matter of him putting it all together."

6, 12-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker, Hood, Week off after winning Goodtimes. In 3yo trot June 30. "He's got some 'go' to him," said Ron Pierce. "He's still maturing."

7, 15-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, 5th in NJSS Final. "I had post 10, and he left strong," said Mike Lachance. "I got what I could in there." Dickerson next.

9, 15-1, CADILLAC HALL, Ron Gurfein, Walnut Hall, Berto, Birnam Wood, "I'm happy with his progress," said Gurfein. Was 2nd to Solveig in June 23 start at Meadowlands. Dickerson is next.

Update for June 20, 2005
LAST WEEK, EARLY LINE, HORSE, TRAINER, OWNER, SCOOP
1, 8-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor
Stb., Impressive stretch rally in 2005 debut to win NJSS leg in 1:57.3.
Drew post eight in NJSS Final on June 23.

2, 3-1, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "We're still
a week or two away from qualifying," said owner Marvin Katz. "We are
taking it slowly. We really believe this is a special colt."

4, 7-2, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman,
Having Fun Stb., Won June 17 Q in 1:56. "He's matured tremendously, a
much better horse than at 2," said Goldman. "We are not in the Historic,
but there will be a 3yo open June 30, and we're aiming for that to be
his first start."

3, 9-2, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., "He was well
in hand in his win in the NJSS [on June 9]," said Adam Victor Jr. "We
don't want to have too many starts entering the Hambletonian. Right now,
we couldn't be more pleased." Drew post five in NJSS Final.

5, 5-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., 2nd by a
neck to Muscle Bound in June 16 NJSS; post six in final. "He scoped with
a lung infection two weeks ago but it seems to have cleared up now,"
said Swick.

Not Ranked, 6-1, CLASSIC PHOTO, Ervin Miller, Wright, Mystical Marker,
Hood, Won Goodtimes at Woodbine June 18 in 1:53.1. "He's definitely
Hambo material," said driver Ron Pierce. "When he gets all the ripples
out, watch for this colt."

8, 8-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb,
Won NJSS div. in 1:56.3; has post 10 for the final. "He's coming along
fine," said Mike Lachance. "He shook loose to the inside and finished
with a lot of trot."

7, 10-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter,
Rail in NJSS Final on June 23; had week off. "He's done more at this
point in his season that I expected," said Takter

9, 12-1, CADILLAC HALL, Ron Gurfein, Walnut Hall, Berto, Birnam Wood,
Back in 3yo open on June 23; won at Meadowlands on June 15 in 1:57.2.
Half-brother to Gurfein protege Cantab Hall.

10, 15-1, WORSHIP, Arild Eggen, WCB Racing Stable, Q'd at Big M June 17
in 1:56.4, 27.4 final quarter "We'll look for an open for him," said
Eggen. "He's responded well. I think he's got a good foundation and is
coming into his own."

Update on June 14, 2005
Last Week's Rank/Early Morning Line/HORSE/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 8-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., Makes 2005 debut in NJSS on Thursday at Meadowlands. "I hope he races well enough to make the final," said Takter. "I'm very happy with his qualifiers, and he's ready to go."

2, 7-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "We're excited about this season," said Marvin Katz. "He's set to qualify this week." Katz and Libfeld won the $1 million Meadowlands Pace in 1997 with Dream Away.

3, 4-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Won NJSS in 1:54.3, gets week off before NJSS Final. "This colt has a mind of his own," said Ron Pierce. "He's a very independent sort. If you don't keep a careful eye on him, he's going to try and pull something on you out there."

4, 5-1, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., Q'd in 1:56.2 on June 10 at the Meadowlands, last quarter in 28.2. "I was very happy with him," said John Campbell. "He'll come back again and qualify [this] week."

5, 6-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., "I didn't want to race in every leg," Swick said of decision to skip NJSS last week. "I hope he's done enough after Thursday night [NJSS 3rd leg] to make the final."

6, 8-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, "It's time to get him some racing," said Smedshammer. "He's not the easiest horse to handle. Now we'll be able to better see what we've got." Season's debut in Thursday's NJSS.

8, 10-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, "He's done what we've asked so far," Takter noted "I think he's shown to be one of the best out there so far." Week off before June 23 NJSS Final. Won NJSS in 1:55.1 on June 9.

Not Ranked, 10-1, MUSCLE BOUND, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, J Silva, Sampson St Stb, "He went a very good mile," said Mike Lachance of 51/2-length NJSS win on June 9 "He's got good natural ability."

7, 12-1, CADILLAC HALL, Ron Gurfein, Walnut Hall, Berto, Birnam Wood, Took the week off. Entered in nw3 on June 15 at the Meadowlands. "It's early, but I like what I see so far," said Hall of Fame driver Mike Lachance.

10, 15-1, WORSHIP, Arild Eggen, WCB Racing Stable, "I had to back off his training a bit," said Eggen. "Now that he's going to be racing, I won't be drilling him as much." Second in a June 10 qualifier at the Meadowlands.

Update For June 6, 2006
Last Week's Rank/Early Line/HORSE/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 8-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., Won June 3 Q in 1:55.1. "We're very happy with him," said Takter. "We'll skip the second leg of the NJSS, aim for the third and hopefully the final."

2, 7-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "He's coming along fine, and he's close to qualifying," said Pelling Stable assistant trainer Richard Norman.

3, 4-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., "We purposely have taken it easy with him; that's why we limited his starts at two," said Adam Victor. "He's come back a better horse at three." Debuts Thursday in NJSS.

5, 5-1, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., "He trained Friday at the Meadowlands and will qualify next Friday," said co-owner Neal Goldman. "He's doing very well."

4, 6-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., Won NJSS leg in 1:55.1 on May 30. "Even though he's been on the front end in his qualifiers and the first leg, he's not a one dimensional horse," Swick said. "That's just the way it has worked out." Skips this week.

7, 8-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, "He was okay [in his June 3 Q]," said Smedshammer. "I took him off the gate, and he was a little rank. He finished with quite a bit of trot." Leaning toward 3rd leg of the NJSS

Not Rated, 10-1, CADILLAC HALL, Ron Gurfein, Walnut Hall Ltd, Berto Stb, Birnam Wood Fm, Won June 1 at Meadowlands by 2 lengths in 1:57.4 in 2nd career start. "I was happy," said Gurfein, who turns over the lines to Mike Lachance. "He's still a bit green."

8, 10-1, MUSCLE MEMORY, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, Won NJSS in 1:56.1 on May 30 at the Meadowlands. "I loved his first start," said Takter. "We'll see how he progresses, but so far, so good." Drew rail in Thursday's 3rd race, NJSS div.

9, 12-1, LINDY FIVE HUNDRED, Ray Schnittker, Jones for Pres Stb, EG Pachuta, KR Breeding, Dexter Cup winner broke stride in PA Sire Stakes at the Meadows on May 28, finishing sixth.

6, 15-1, WORSHIP, Arild Eggen, WCB Racing Stable, Won Meadowlands qualifier on May 27 in 1:58.4. Likely to start in third week of NJSS on June 16. "I've got a lot of work in him; he's fit," said Eggen.

Update For May 29, 2005
Early Line/HORSE/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
1, 9-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., 4th in May 27 Q at Meadowlands. "I was very happy with his first start," Takter said. "We raced him on the end, and he was perfect. We'll do it again next week [June 3]."

2, 7-2, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "His class this year has impressed me," said Pelling. "You need to have class to be a good stakes trotter. He's two to three weeks from qualifying."

5, 4-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb., Won Q in 1:56.1 by 31/4 lengths, 27.3 final quarter, on May 27 at Meadowlands. "We've been careful with him all along, but he's progressing quite well," Adam Victor noted. Looks for 3yo open for first start of the
year.

3, 5-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., Won season's debut May 30 at Big M in 1:55.1. "We are going to take one of the next two weeks off [June 9 or 16]," said Swick. "It looks like we might have to win twice to guarantee a spot in the NJSS Final."

4, 6-1, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb., "He's a couple of weeks away from qualifying," said Neal Goldman. "All systems are go. I've had a good run with Chuck [Sylvester], starting back with Pine Chip."

Not Ranked, 8-1, WORSHIP, Arild Eggen, WCB Racing Stable, Q'd May 27 at Meadowlands in 1:58.4 with Mike Lachance driving. "I've had him about 31/2 months," said Eggen. "I've never trained a horse this hard before. I'm going to pick my spots with him, probably not race in NJSS second leg."

6, 8-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smeds-hammer, Strong Yankee Stable, Timed in 1:56.4, finishing 2nd to New York Yank in May 27 qualifier at the Meadowlands. Smedshammer plans to qualify him again. Not Ranked, 10-1, Muscle Memory, Jimmy Takter, EC & DM Smith, E Nojaim, C Takter, Won NJSS from off the pace on May 30 at Big M, mile in 1:56.1. "I thought he was the best colt out there all day," said Takter. Goes in round two of NJSS on June 9.

7, 10-1, LINDY FIVE HUNDRED, Ray Schnittker, Jones for Pres Stb, EG Pachuta, KR Breeding, Broke at start of PASS at the Meadows on May 28. "The track was off, and he had an outside spot," said Schnittker assistant Paul Doherty. "It was more the circumstances than him. He'll
go two weeks in the PASS at Pocono."

9, 12-1, MAGIC SWAN, Jeff Long, Paul Long, Jeff Long, Jim Harris, Had week off. "He's been a bit off, a little slower coming back than I would have liked," said Jeff Long. "I'm not going to enter him until I have him right."

Bob's Analysis For the Week of May 24, 2005
Early Line/HORSE/Trainer/Owner/The Scoop
9-5, KEN WARKENTIN, Jimmy Takter, C Takter, Fielding, Domi, Windsor Stb., Divisional champ at two. "He trained last Wednesday at the Meadowlands in 2:00 with a good last quarter," said Takter. "I will qualify him this Friday at the Meadowlands. He's coming along well, right on schedule."

3-1, SOUTHFORK, Brett Pelling, Marvin Katz & Al Libfeld, "Last year I thought he was the only one in the fall who could give Ken Warkentin a serious go of it," said Ron Pierce. "Then he hurt his shoulder. I expect big things from him."

4-1, SELF PROFESSED, Don Swick, Royal Wire Products Inc., Q'd twice, last in 1:57 on May 20 at Meadowlands. "He goes in the NJSS opening round on May 30," said Swick. "Our goal is to get four or five starts in him before the Hambletonian."

5-1, DIESEL DON, Chuck Sylvester, Chuck Sylvester, Neal Goldman, Having Fun Stb, The Valley Victory winner is "a couple of weeks away from qualifying," according to John Campbell. Won 5 of 8 at 2.

6-1, NEW YORK YANK, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb, "He qualified easy here last week [finishing 4th, timed in 2:00 on May 20]," said Adam Victor. "We're looking to get him in a 3yo open." Won Peter Haughton at 2.

8-1, STRONG YANKEE, Trond Smedshammer, Strong Yankee Stable, "He trained at the Meadowlands on Friday in 2:01," said Smedshammer. "I plan to qualify him on Friday. He's not the handiest horse out there."

10-1, LINDY FIVE HUNDRED, Ray Schnittker, Jones for Pres Stb, EG Pachuta, KR
Breeding, Won Dexter Cup on May 14. "He goes to the Meadows this weekend for the PA Sire Stakes," said Schnittker. "He's doing well but you never know how it goes from May until August."

10-1, MED VAC, Noel Daley, Adam Victor & Son Stb, Won 7 of 14 at 2. Q'd for second time on May 20, finished 2nd, timed in 1:59. "We're looking to get him into a 3yo open," said Victor.

12-1, MAGIC SWAN, Jeff Long, J Paul Long, Jeff Long, James Harris, "He will not go in the first leg of the NJSS," said Long. "He just didn't get comfortable last week in the qualifier [breaking stride]. I will start him in the NJSS, just not the first leg."

15-1, CLEARAWAY, Ray Schnittker, SW Demeter, Ray Schnittker, PJ Baldassare, 3rd in Dexter, first or second in 6 of 7 starts this year. "He's a big, good-looking horse," said Schnittker. "I've had some success with Yankee Glides. He'll go in the first round of the NJSS on Monday."