Hambletonian updates

WIth less than a week to go before the Hambletonian eliminations at the Meadowlands, Mr. Pine Chip is the likely favorite. The eliminations for the $1.5 million Hambletonian are Saturday, July 29.

Mr. Pine Chip romped in 1:52 in the Stanley Dancer Memorial, and will now put his five-for-five season on the line. “He came out of the Dancer back to his normal self, nothing phases that horse,” said trainer Trond Smedshammer. “He was stretched out a bit, but he didn’t act like it afterwards. I don’t do much to all three of mine, just try to keep them healthy and happy.”

Chocolatier will also go into the eliminations on two weeks rest. “He trained well today (July 22), and he’ll train again on Tuesday,” said Doug Ackerman. “We think he just trotted over himself, and he has no problems whatsoever.”

Blue Mac Lad is right on schedule according to Smedshammer. “He also came out of the Dancer fresh,” he noted. “He can spring off the gate, he got a little aggressive and George (driver George Brennan) decided to let him roll.”

Glidemaster unfurled a dazzling Meadowlands debut in a non-betting event on July 21, a career best of 1:53.1. “He’s always been a talented horse, but so far this year he’s going in the right direction,” noted trainer Blair Burgess. “It’s hard to judge that mile and where it stacks up. It looks like a pretty deep group compared to some years.”

Here Comes Herbie continues to require a little more attention than his two Smedshammer stablemates. “He wasn’t as good in the Dancer final as his elimination when he had three weeks off,” Smedshammer noted. “He takes the racing a little bit harder and we’re working on his blood to build him back up.”

RC Royalty was entered in a New York Sires Stakes event at Monticello Raceway on July 24. “He’s a strong, sound horse who wants to beat the world,” said trainer Dan Daley. “He’s actually settling down a bit.”

Of other Hamblenian likelys, Berto Primo finished second to Glidemaster on July 21; Capetown Hall had the week off; Man About Town broke his maiden with a game first-over mile in 1:53.4 on July 20; and Algiers Hall finished fifth to Glidemaster in his Meadowlands debut.

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