Hypnotic AM mesmerizes in Hambletonian Oaks prep

East Rutherford, NJ — Hypnotic AM and driver Brian Sears grabbed the lead on the backstretch prior to the half-mile point and cruised to victory in Saturday’s (Aug. 1) $15,000 prep for 3-year-old filly trotters entered in next week’s Hambletonian Oaks, defeating May Baby by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands. Solsbury Hill finished third.

Hypnotic AM put rivals on notice Saturday with a game victory in her Hambletonian Oaks prep. Lisa Photo.

Hypnotic AM, the even-money favorite, started from post eight in the eight-horse field and raced on the outside until clearing early leader Solsbury Hill (Scott Zeron) for the top spot following an opening quarter of :27.1. From there, the Marcus Melander-trained filly reached the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.4 on the way to her third win in four tries this season.

“I was just going to try to go forward if it looked like it was possible and take it from there,” Sears said.

Eliminations were unnecessary for the Hambletonian Oaks, the sport’s top race for 3-year-old filly trotters. Twelve horses entered the Oaks, with eight opting to race in Saturday’s prep at the Meadowlands. The $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks is Saturday (Aug. 8) at the Big M, part of a card that includes the $1 million Hambletonian Stakes.

Hypnotic AM is a daughter of Chapter Seven out of Daydream AM S. She is owned by breeder Courant Inc. and her triumphs this year include the Empire Breeders Classic. For her career, Hypnotic AM has won 10 of 13 races and $624,725.

“We’ve come back this year and tried to get her to relax a little bit,” Sears said. “At the end of last year she was getting a little warm with us, but Marcus has done a great job keeping her calm and she’s been doing everything we’ve asked so far.”

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