Broadway Schooner wins Hambo Oaks in photo finish

Broadway Schooner and Brian Sears won a wild $783,042 Hambletonian Oaks Saturday at the Meadowlands, holding off a hard-charging Raising Rachel (Jack Moiseyev) and rail-skimming Elusive Desire (Paul MacDonell) in 1:54. Sent off at 6-1, the three-year-old Broadway Hall lass narrowly won a three-filly blanket finish. Margarita Momma finished close behind in fourth.

 

As the gate folded, MacDonell and slightly-favored Elusive Desire took the lead from the rail as Moiseyev took a seat with Raising Rachel. Ok To Play, third behind the gate, made a bid for the lead early, reaching the top as the field raced to the quarter (:28). Broadway Schooner grabbed fourth racing into the turn for Sears and sat through a :55.4 opening half.

 

Broadway Schooner was the first to move first up, closing to second by three quarters (1:25.1) and providing cover for Margarita Momma and Ron Pierce. The filly advanced to the lead at the top of the stretch, putting away a fading Ok To Play. Margarita Momma mounted a challenge, as did Elusive Desire, who had moved from second along the rail. When MacDonell darted back to the rail, it provided the opening second choice Raising Rachel needed. Moiseyev pulled from behind Margarita Momma and split horses to close at the wire, coming up just short in the photo.

 

Trained by Jim Campbell for owners and breeders Arlene and Jules Siegel, Broadway Schooner earned her fourth career victory. The filly is out of Pine Chip mare Pine Schooner.