|
Lou Monaco, PA Sports Ticker
1. Mr Pine Chip -- Wins from off the pace, on the lead and the
new king of the Big M is on him. Tough to pick against.
2. Blue Mac Lad -- I liked Brennan's confidence at the press conference.
Could sneak it out.
3. Here Comes Herbie -- Trond's trio prevails.
Ken Weingartner
Harness Racing Communications
- Here Comes Herbie – I saw Herbie win at Goshen last year in
his terrific 2:00.3 mile, besting the field by 35 lengths. Afterward,
his trainer/driver at the time, Ray Schnittker, told me: "He's a real
nice colt. He's a little bit of a head case sometimes and has trouble
getting around turns. He was super today. He could be anything." All
of that still rings true today. He still can make his connections hold
their breath going around a turn, and he still could be anything.
Looks to me like he’s the Hambletonian winner.
- Chocolatier – I really like this horse and would’ve put
him on top if not for the 10 hole. He’s another one that can make
you hold your breath. If he stays trotting, I wouldn’t rule out
a win, but it will be awfully tough. So much fun to watch, though.
- Berto Primo – Seems to be getting better with every start. Had
traffic trouble in his Hambo elim, otherwise he would’ve been
closer to Herbie and Chocolatier at the finish. Plus, we need to throw
a bomb in there.
Jack Ireland
Wilmington News Journal
I hate to go against
Trond Smedshammer, who is a great, great horseman, but I think Chocolatier
and Doug Ackerman will nip Mr Pine Chip and Here Comes Herbie at the wire.
Paul Ramlow
Associate Editor, Hoof Beats
Mr Pine Chip – It’s hard not to like a horse that is six-for-six
this year. Plus, this talented sophomore has an awesome brush and has
trotted sub-28 final quarters in each of his three Meadowlands victories.
Here Comes Herbie – Showed a lot of promise early in his career,
including a world record performance last year at Pocono Downs. Herbie
looks like he is finally rounding into form and should be a threat on
Saturday.
Chocolatier – Has had an inconsistent season and will have to score
from post 10, but you can’t count him out. If he races up to his
capabilities, a victory would not be out of the question.
Ellen Harvey
Harness Racing Communications
Glidemaster – The Hambletonian is often won by the horse on the
upswing and I think Glidemaster is on the improve; besides, I cannot
bet 4-5 shots.
Here Comes Herbie – Not consistent enough for me to bet him to
win, but on pure late foot, I like the :27 last quarter in the Dancer
elim. That’s enough for me to be a Herbie backer.
Chocolatier – I’m guessing he can hope to work out a trip
and pass horses in the stretch. Just on pure talent alone, he
could pass most of this field in the last eighth. Also my choice
for the leading role if they re-make The Black Stallion; this is one
head turner of a horse.
Bob Roberts
Cleveland Plain Dealer
I'm backing
the hometown horse, Mr Pine Chip. That's because the colt's breeder
and co-owner, Joe Sbrocco, who now lives in Brecksville in suburban
Cleveland, participated in a scene that preceded "My Big Fat
Greek Wedding" by several decades. Sbrocco bowed to his father-in-law,
Bob Cole's wishes by settling in another northern Ohio city (Medina)
after the wedding. It kept his bride near her parents. In exchange, Joe
got half of his first harness horse, owned and trained by the aforementioned
father-in-law. Call it "My Big Fat Father-in-law Compromise." Whatever,
it led to Mr Pine Chip.
Dean Hoffman
USTA Director of Strategic Planning
- Chocolatier
- Mr Pine Chip
- Blue Mac Lad
I believe that Chocolatier has the most pure, natural talent of any horse
in the field. If he can get a front half free of any breaks or incidents, I’m
convinced that there is no trotter that can match him in the stretch. I’m not
sure I’ve ever seen a horse trot through the stretch as strongly as Chocolatier
does. I admit, however, that I’m biased because of his connections. Starting
with breeder Bill Weaver and going through the Ackerman family and the new
owners, these are first-rate people all the way and I’d love to see them in
the Hambo winner’s circle.
Mr Pine Chip has done nothing wrong this year and you certainly cannot dismiss
him. He’s certain to get a good trip from Brian Sears and yet I think if he and
Chocolatier hook up in the stretch, he simply won’t be strong enough to withstand
Chocolatier’s attack.
Blue Mac Lad was a top colt early last year, the odds-on favorite in the Peter
Haughton Memorial, and I think he’s been a bit overlooked this year among Trond’s
troika. I think he has a legitimate shot.
Nicole Kraft
Editor, Hoof Beats magazine
1. Chocolatier
The Ackermans have spent a lifetime pursuing racing excellence to reach this
point, and this colt has the speed and skill to take them to their first Hambo
winners circle. The question is: Will he behave?
2. Mr Pine Chip
There is no way to deny he is the one to beat—since he has beaten every
one who faced him this year. If anyone can get a trotter ready to peak, it’s
Trond Smedshammer.
3. Glidemaster
Blair Burgess and John Campbell have both been here before. Burgess won the
Hambo in 2003 with 28-1 longshot Amigo Hall, and Campbell has taken home the
trophy five times. They have the experience and the horse to get the job done.
John Pawlak
USTA Publicity Director
MR PINE CHIP – Will come into the Hambletonian as hot as a horse
can be before any race, and given a good draw should be able to handle
Saturday’s assignment, perhaps with ease. A long-winded sort who
is a perfect six-for-six coming in, he can plan on sipping from the Hambletonian
Trophy.
HERE COMES HERBIE – Another from the powerful “Team Trond,” who
opened eyes with a 1:52 score in his Hambletonian Elimination, he has
already defeated fellow Hambletonian finalists Chocolatier (twice) and
Capetown Hall.
CHOCOLATIER – I don’t think he needs to be a sentimental
choice at this point; everyone respects Doug and D.R. Ackerman, and MUST
respect their champion 2-year-old – who may be getting sharp at
precisely the right
|
|
|
|
