By Sam McKee

LAST WEEK, EARLY LINE, HORSE, TRAINER, OWNER, SCOOP

1, 2-1, WINDSONG’S LEGACY, Trond Smeds-hammer, Ann Jeanette Brannvoll & Ted Gewertz, “He’s doing fine,” said Smedshammer. “He trained a little Wednesday and Saturday, nothing fast or hard. Everything has gone well for him with no lameness or sickness problems this year. He’s getting a little more aggressive racing but is very relaxed training at home.”

2, 3-1, CASH HALL, Bob McIntosh, Bob McIntosh, CSX Stable, Michael Kohler, Schooled off gate Saturday at Big M in 1:54, last 1/4 in 27. “I was very, very pleased,” said McIntosh. “We put two burr head poles on him and did some vet work on his stifles. John (Campbell) said he was much, much better.”

4, 4-1, CANTAB HALL, Ron Gurfein, Brittany, Lindy Racing, Silva, Sampson Street, “His blood work came back 100%, he’s his old self once again and we’re 100% going,” said Gurfein. “We won’t know how much it took out of him until he races. I wish everyone the best of luck..”

5, 5-1, TOM RIDGE, Jimmy Takter, Christina Takter, Ross, Heffering, Banjo Farms, “We patched the quarter crack Friday, and I was really happy with how he trained Saturday,” said Takter. “He’s a fast horse and I would rather finish fourth going down trying than finish second and be intimidated. It’s a strong race, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

6, 8-1, EILEAN DONON, Bob Stewart, Steve Stewart, Taylor & Taylor Estate, Won in 1:54 in slop Friday at Meadowlands. “It was a pretty solid performance,” said Stewart. “He was getting in a little in the stretch but John (Campbell) said he was very strong. I really didn’t know what to expect after the surgery and am surprised and pleased.”

9, 10-1, SAND VIC, Jim Arledge, Bill Sanders, Q’d in 1:54.3 in slop Friday morning. “We did some vet work on his knees and feet and put a Murphy blind on the inside to keep him from diving in on the turns,” said Arledge. “I don’t know if he can beat ’em, but they’ll surely know he’s there if he stays flat.”

7, 12-1, COVENTRY, Doug Ackerman, DJ Ackerman & Ada Jean Ackerman, Third in Hambo eligibles race last Friday. “He went okay,” said Ackerman. “Mike (Lachance) said he didn’t get him fired up in time to finish second. We’ll be there for the eliminations next week.”

8, 15-1, SOLOMON BLUE CHIP, Trond Smeds-hammer, Einari Kalle Vidgren, “We didn’t find anything wrong with him after the Dancer,” said Trond Smedshammer. “He looks good training. Maybe he got discouraged on the front end in his Dancer elim. He’s not in the top three or four but could earn some money.”

Not Ranked, 20-1, SOUTHWIND ELIAN, Kevin McDermott, Double Down Stables, “I guess we’re going,” said McDermott. “If there’s three eliminations, we’ve got a decent shot to make the final. If he doesn’t make it, I’ll be available to be a television analyst.”

Not Ranked, 20-1, SHOW ME THE MONET, Jim Campbell, Arlene & Jules Siegel, Recovered from gate break and traffic for third Friday. “He’s very fast but we need to get him over the breaking issues,” said Campbell. “I’ll train him with trotting hobbles early Tuesday morning. We’ll also enter Lantern’s Law but not Great Challenger.”