EAST
RUTHERFORD, N.J. _ Royalty For Life, Wheeling N Dealin and Corky are the
favorites in the three Hambletonian eliminations on Saturday afternoon at The
Meadowlands Racetrack.
The
wide-open field of 23 was divided into three $70,000 heats. The top three
finishers in each heat, along with the highest money-earner among the fourth
place finishers, return later that afternoon for the $1 million final for
3-year-old trotters, the richest race in harness racing.
Unlike
other heat races, the winner does not have to win twice on the same day. The
winner of the final is the Hambletonian champion.
This
marks the first time since 1996 that Hambletonian heats and final will be raced
on the same afternoon.
In
recent years, Hambletonian eliminations were held one week before the final.
Royalty
For Life is the 8-5 favorite from post 8, the outside slot, in the first heat.
He won the Stanley Dancer at the Meadowlands earlier this month and has
captured his last two races. Brian Sears will drive for trainer George
Ducharme.
Wheeling
N Dealin, last season’s champion 2-year-old trotter, is the 2-1 favorite from
the rail in the second elimination with eight starters. Sylvain Filion will be
in the sulky for trainer Dustin Jones.
Seven
line up for the third and final heat where Corky, winner of the Beal Memorial
at Pocono Downs, is the 2-1 favorite from post 5 with David Miller at the lines
for trainer Jimmy Takter.
Fans can follow all the action at meadowlandsracetrack.com, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and on Twitter at #Hambo13.
