Road To The Hambletonian

Each week, Ken Warkentin of the Meadowlands Racetrack ranks the contenders for the $1.5 million Hambletonian, to be contested August 2 at the East Rutherford, New Jersey oval.

Here are the top ten horses in this week's installment:

1. DEWEYCHEATUMNHOWE

Extended his unbeaten string to 11 winning his sophomore debut in 1:53.3, his first race in seven months. Schnittker said he was just coasting along. Post 3 in the first Stanley Dancer elimination.

2. MUSCLE MASS

Rebounded off a break in his 2008 debut with a methodic, wrapped-up rally to beat older foes June 27 in 1:54.3. Drew Post 10 in the first Dancer elimination.

3. SNOW WHITE

Rolled into a break in her 2008 debut. John Campbell said she was unsure of herself at the gate and never trotting comfortably. Landed Post 9 in the second Del Miller elimination.

4. CELEBRITY SECRET

Did not race last week after making it three in a row with another brave finish to take the NJSS final in a career best of 1:54. Tackles Post 8 in the second Dancer elimination.

5. MAKE IT HAPPEN

Stablemate to Deweycheatumnhowe, the Empire Breeders Classic winner finished a tight second in the Yonkers Trot. Schnittker said he'll be a lot better on the mile track.

6. FUEL MY MUSCLES

Did not race last week after he just missed to Celebrity Secret in the NJSS final with game grind. Leaves from Post 3 in the second Dancer elimination.

7. KAJAN KOOKER

Improving son of Self Possessed finished a close third in the NJSS final and a fast-closing second to Deweycheatumnhowe in the Dickerson Cup. Post 8 in the second Dancer elimination.

8. NAPOLEON

Capitalized on a late break by favoured Holiday Credit to win the Yonkers Trot -- a dream come true for five-time Yonkers driving champ Stephane Bouchard.

9. BIG APPLE DELI

Consistent colt finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic and the Yonkers Trot elimination, then third in the Yonkers Trot.

10. CLERK MAGISTRATE

Did not race the past two weeks after winning his elimination and final of the Goodtimes with miles of 1:54.1 and 1:54. Makes his Big M debut from Post 4 in the first Dancer elimination.

(Meadowlands)

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