Sophomore colt trotters battle in Bluegrass

With Kentucky Futurity champion Muscle Hill sitting the week out in preparation for the upcoming Breeders Crown, 27 sophomore colt and gelding trotters were entered into Saturday's Bluegrass at The Red Mile, and Explosive Matter, who has been chasing that colt all year long, took full advantage. Driven by Ron Pierce, Explosive Matter scored an open-lengths win in the third of the three $102,000 divisions in the event historically known as the Transylvania.

 

Pierce moved Explosive Matter to the lead early down the backstretch, reaching the top shortly before the half was reached in :57.1. From there, Explosive Matter cruised on home, reaching the wire easily in front in 1:52.4. Swan For All finished second for Jody Jamieson, with PJ Clark and Andy Miller taking third-place laurels.

 

"It is what it is, and it's good to win when he's (Muscle Hill) not around," said trainer Noel Daley afterward.

 

Owned by Adam Victor & Son Stable, the winning son of Cantab Hall won for the fifth time in 12 starts this year, along with five seconds and a third. Saturday's mile was just a fifth of a second off Explosive Matter's career best, set earlier this year at the Meadowlands. Overall, the sophomore has seasonal earnings of $1,236,501. 

 

Tom Cango came up the winner in the first of the three divisions. Driven by Brian Sears, Tom Cango dropped in midpack early as The Chancellor set first-half fractions of :28.3 and :57.2. Russell Hill ranged up first-over for John Campbell, with Tom Cango tucked right behind following the cover.

 

Sears tipped Tom Cango three wide turning for home and the son of Tom Ridge trotted home for the 1:55.4 victory. Howthehaloareyou found room inside to finish second for George Brennan, with Airzoom Lindy and Tim Tetrick closing for third.

 

"We've been waiting for him to come along at the right time," said Jules Siegel, co-owner with his wife, Arlene, in the winner's circle. Jim Campbell trains the winner for the Siegels, who notched his third win of the yea in 12 starts and eighth overall in 21 attempts. Bred by Walnut Hall Ltd., Tom Cango increased his career earnings to $447,368 with the win.

 

Neighsay Hanover came charging down the middle of the stretch for driver Sears to win the second Bluegrass division in 1:55.1 Broadway Bistro finished second for Brennan, with Cantabmyway third for Ron Pierce. Just eight trotters lined up behind the gate after the scratch of morning-line favorite, Yonkers Trot winner Judge Joe. Trainer Jimmy Takter said he scratched Judge Joe after the first warm-up trip due to possible lameness in his right hind leg, although he would sent the colt for further examination.

 

Brennan had moved Broadway Bistro to the lead around the final turn after moving quickly first-over against the leading Ray Schnittker-driven Citation Lindy. Rick Beinhauer had Photoforwin following the cover of Broadway Bistro before dropping back to the inside behind the leader turning for home. Although Broadway Bistro had a short lead in midstretch, he was no match for the fast-charging Neighsay Hanover.

 

"He's been pretty steady and consistent all year," said trainer Trond Smedshammer afterward. "He's going up there (Woodbine) for the Breeders Crown, with that and the Matron (at Dover Downs) all that is left."

 

The win was the third of the year in 19 starts for Neighsay Hanover, who is owned by Ted Gewertz, Barry Goldstein's Willow Pond LLC, Leif Alber and Martha Frank. With seasonal earnings of more than $413,000, Neighsay Hanover has a career bankroll topping $459,000.

 

Smedshammer added that he hopes to sell Neighsay Hanover to overseas interests, but if not, he will bring the son of Muscles Yankee back to the races next year as a 4 year old.