A little R&R for Chocolatier

Although Hall of Fame trainer Doug Ackerman was obviously disappointed when Chocolatier made a break down the backstretch and took himself out of contention in the $375,000 Stanley Dancer Memorial final at the Meadowlands July 15, he is optimistic that the 3-year-old colt trotter “will get them this week” in the Hambletonian eliminations this Saturday.

Ackerman told harnessracing.com Monday morning that following the Dancer he turned Chocolatier out for three or four days at Southwind Farm in Pennington, N.J., which shares ownership in the son of Credit Winner with Ackerman and his wife, Ada Jean, and Lindy Farms of Conn. He said he then trained Chocolatier a mile in 2:16 at the Meadowlands last Saturday (July 22).

“He didn’t say so, but I think he did (enjoy the time off at Southwind),” said Ackerman with a laugh. “He’s OK. I’ll tune him up (Tuesday with a mile in 2:07 or 2:08) and then race him Saturday. Just sharpen him back up again.”

Ackerman said he doesn’t plan on making any equipment changes for the Hambletonian elims, and that he doesn’t have an explanation as to why the colt made the break in the Dancer with his son, D.R., in the sulky.

“He was really trotting, but he’s not supposed to jump no matter how fast he is going,” said Ackerman. “I just told him after to quit that—and don’t do it again!”

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