Tom Ridge favored in $1 million Hambletonian at Meadowlands

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports WriterAugust 3, 2004

AP - Aug 3

Groom Nancy Takter attempts to brush Hambletonian favorite Tom Ridge after morning workouts at Millennium Farm in East Windsor, N.J, Tuesday, Aug. 3 2004. Tom Ridge who is trained by Takter's father Jimmy, is 5-2 in the morning line and will be driven by Ron Pierce from post 6 in the $1,000,000 Hambletonian on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.

Tom Ridge, the trotter named in honor of the former Pennsylvania governor and current Homeland Security Secretary, races Saturday in harness racing's most prestigious race.

The 3-year-old colt drew the No. 6 post position on Tuesday and was made the 5-2 morning line favorite for the $1 million Hambletonian at the Meadowlands.

``This horse is a real special deal,'' trainer Jimmy Takter said.

Tom Ridge, who has won eight of 12 races, was impressive in winning his elimination heat in 1:52.3, the fastest elimination in Hambletonian history.

The colt, who will have Meadowlands' leading driver Ron Pierce in the sulky, reached the finish line last Saturday almost two lengths in front of Cash Hall.

The time was almost two seconds faster than the one posted by Eilean Donon, who won the other elimination in 1:54.2.

The top five horses in each elimination advanced to the final.

Tom Ridge was originally named Sixty One. Kenneth Ross, a car dealer and developer in the Pittsburgh area, renamed the colt after buying it.

Cantab Hall, last year's 2-year-old champion trotter, was made the 7-2 second choice after drawing the advantageous No. 1 post position. Mike Lachance will drive the colt, who lost his last two races after winning his first 12.

Cash Hall got the No. 5 post and was made the 4-1 third choice in the wagering. Driver John Campbell, who opted to drive Cash Hall instead of Eilean Donon, will be looking for an unprecedented sixth Hambletonian win.

Dave Miller will drive Eilean Donon, the 9-2 fourth choice.

``I think with the draw it really helps Cantab Hall,'' Miller said. ``Tom Ridge and Cash Hall, they are the three you have to beat.''

After Cantab Hall, here is the entire field in post position order with horse, driver and odds:
Castle of Fortune, no driver listed, 40-1;

Eilean Donon, Miller, 9-2;
Justice Hall, Jim Morrill Jr., 15-1;
Cash Hall, Campbell, 4-1;
Tom Ridge, Pierce, 5-2;
Windsong's Legacy, Trond Smedshammer, 5-1;
American Mike, no driver listed, 40-1;
Lantern's Law, Trevor Ritchie, 12-1;
Coventry, Doug R. Ackerman, 15-1

Charlie Norris, who trains both American Mike and Castle of Fortune, said that Luc Ouellette would drive one of his horses.

The Hambletonian will be televised by CBS-TV, starting around 2:42 p.m. EDT
The race will be preceded by the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.
Peaceful Way, whose owners seriously considered entering her in the Hambletonian against the colts and geldings, was made the 8-5 morning line favorite for the Oaks.
Peaceful Way has won three of four starts this year and eight of 10 in her career. The filly, also driven by Campbell, drew the No. 3 post position.

Housethatruthbuilt, who finished third to Peaceful Way in a three-horse photo finish, was made the 7-2 second choice for driver Brian Sears.

Here's the rest of the field for the Oaks in post position order with filly, driver and odds.

Have You Ever, Pierce, 8-1;
Self Indulgent, Miller, 10-1;
Peaceful Way, Campbell, 8-5;
Silver Springs, George Brennan, 12-1;
Ivy Swinger, Stephane Bouchard, 12-1;
Housethatruthbuilt, Sears, 7-2;
Ladylind, Cat Manzi, 20-1;
Mystical Sunshine, Lachance, 9-2;
Funny Malentine, Ritchie, 15-1;
Tag A Victory, Stephen Smith, 15-1