from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Each week, Ken Warkentin ranks the contenders for the $1.5 million Hambletonian on August 2 at The Meadowlands.

Rank, Horse, Trainer, Owner, Ken Warkentin’s comments
1, Snow White, Kevin Lare, North State Street St., Harness The Power, and Jerry Silva. Will look to become only the 14th filly in 83 years to win the Hambletonian. On schedule to qualify this week after early season throat surgery. Could make first start of 2008 in Coaching Club Oaks on June 27.

2, Deweycheatumnhowe, Ray Schnittker, Schnittker, Gewertz, Iannazzo, and Deweycheatumnhowe Stable. Fashioned perfect 10-for-10 freshman season, capped by easy Breeders Crown triumph. Won his first qualifier on June 5 in a handy 1:54 and Schnittker declared him “ready to race.” Could make his first start of 2008 in Historic Dickerson Cup.

3, Muscle Mass, Erv Miller, Perretti and Black Horse Racing. Seven-for-seven at two, including a world record of 1:53.4 at Springfield for Erv Miller. Has a win and second in two qualifiers so far.

4, Lear Jetta, Bobby Myers, James McAuliffe. Won 11 of 13, including the Matron Final. Trotted to a world record of 1:55.3 at Harrah’s Chester at two. Started his season two-for-two in stakes action at the Meadows with Tim Tetrick driving, his latest a lifetime best of 1:55.2 in the Currier & Ives.

5, Make It Happen, Ray Schnittker, Eat My Dust St., Daisy Acres, H. Taylor, and J. Adkins. Runner-up to stablemate Deweycheatumnhowe in last year’s Valley Victory. Won his elimination and the final of the Empire Breeders Classic (1:54.4) at Vernon Downs.

6, Blue York Yankee, Trond Smedshammer, Einari Kale Vidgren. Won Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:57.2. Closed season with three wins in just four starts. Full brother to Blue Mac Lad, third in 2006 Hambletonian. Broke in his 2008 debut after winning two qualifiers in 1:55.4 and 1:57.2.

7, Atomic Hall, Trond Smedshammer, Leif Alber. One of three by Self Possessed in the Top 10. Rallied stoutly for second in his 2008 debut in NJSS (timed in 1:54.4).

8, Azur, Walter Carroll, Verlin Yoder. Has a second and a win in 1:54.3 in his first two starts at the Big M in NJSS. Unraced at two and began his career at Hoosier Park for Verlin Yoder.

9, Holiday Credit, Jimmy Takter, Takter, Fielding, Falkbolagen Ab, and Order By Stable. Got off to a flying start this season by winning the Dexter Cup Final in 1:56.3. Finished third in the Empire Breeders Classic Final.

10, Fuel My Muscles, Randy Beeckman, Ronald, Douglas and Jason Allen. Burst on the scene this year by winning two in a row (1:54.3, 1:54.1), before making a break in round two of NJSS.