Expect trainer Dewayne Minor to be watching the weather reports leading up to Saturday’s Hambletonian. Why? His Shoshie Deo, the New Jersey Sire Stakes champion, is fond of dry conditions. His most recent two races were over a ‘sloppy’ track and he finished no better than fourth in either.

“The last two performances, you really can’t tell much because he raced in the rain and he really doesn’t like the rain,” Minor said. “So that didn’t give us a real true indication of going in here, but with his attitude, he’s got such a positive attitude, we’ll give it a try. We’re just hoping for a good track and that it doesn’t rain on us and maybe we can do some good here.”

Shoshie Deo is a son of Wishing Stone out of Fortune Dream. Minor also trained Wishing Stone, who finished third in the 2010 Hambletonian with George Brennan in the sulky. Brennan will drive Shoshie Deo, who has won seven of 17 career races and earned $151,040 for owner Annemette Minor.

“He’s got a big sweeping gait like a French horse,” Minor said. “He’s out of a French mare and he’s got the gait like them. If he can use his gait the right way and get good live cover in here he’ll be close. We’re just hoping for the best.

“He’s paid his way. He’s made enough to go in, win, lose or draw.”

To view the draw results for the opening heat of the Hambletonian, click here.

(USTA)