Road to the 2004 Hambletonian - Monday, July 5

Road to the 2004 Hambletonian

July 6, 2004
(EARLY LINE, Horse, TRAINER, OWNER, THE SCOOP)

2-1, CANTAB HALL, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, Lindy Racing, Silva, Sampson Street, Won Historic in 1:54. Dancer elims next. 'I'm glad that first start is over and that he didn't have to go in 1:52 against Cash Hall,' said Gurfein. Regarding the colt tossing his head, Gurfein said 'It doesn't bother me so why should it bother you. He's just playing around. I'll make zero adjustments because he doesn't need any adjustments.'

5-2, CASH HALL, Bob McIntosh, Bob McIntosh, CSX Stable, Michael Kohler, Won Historic div in 1:52.4. Dancer elims next. 'That was a big mile but he did it easily with plenty left,' said McIntosh. 'His schedule has been tough. My strategy would've been different if he'd raced more at two. He needs seasoning and experience. He's tentative [about] leaving after the one bad experience at Hazel Park but John (Campbell) said he's getting better every start.'

4-1, WINDSONG'S LEGACY, Trond Smeds-hammer, Ann Jeanette Brannvoll & Ted Gewertz, Week off, Dancer elims next. ''We've been training and conditioning nice and easy with him,' said Smedshammer. 'He's getting better with every start, and I couldn't feel any better about the way things are so far.'

5-1, TOM RIDGE, Jimmy Takter, Christina Takter, Ross, Heffering, Banjo Farms, 2nd in Historric. Dancer elims next. 'He raced real good and was very ratable which is how we want to have him,' said Takter. 'Our goal is to win the Hambletonian. I'm very happy with"...

6-1, EILEAN DONON

10-1, SHOW ME THE MONET

12-1, AMERICAN MIKE

15-1, COVENTRY

15-1, GREAT CHALLENGER

20-1, Solomon Blue Chip

Hambletonian Harness Racing event is Saturday, August 7.

The Road to the Hambletonian is compiled by Sam McKee.