by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Throughout the spring, the USTA Web site will provide occasional glimpses at some of harness racing’s stars as they get ready for action on the track. This week, we take a look at the 3-year-old trotting colt Deweycheatumnhowe.

DEWEYCHEATUMNHOWE
Muscles Yankee – Trolley Square – Speedy Somolli

Owners: Ray Schnittker, Ted Gewertz, Charles Iannazzo, Deweycheatumnhowe Stable (Frank Baldassare, Alan Leavitt, Jerry Silva, Walnut Hall Limited)
Breeder: Steve Jones
Trainer: Ray Schnittker
Driver: Ray Schnittker

2007 Record: 10-10-0-0; $936,191; 1:54.2

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Gareth Dowse from the Ray Schnittker Stable gets Dewey ready for action.

Honors: Dan Patch and Nova awards, best 2-year-old male trotter of 2007. USTA Horse of the Month, October 2007.

Time of his life: ‘Dewey’ trotted a career-best 1:54 in a qualifier on Thursday (June 5) at the Meadowlands. His race mark of 1:54.2 came last year in a 3-1/2 length victory in a division of the International Stallion Stakes at the Red Mile.

The road back: After winning the Breeders Crown on November 24 at the Meadowlands, Dewey got a 10-week break. He then returned to jogging and swimming, which along with being ridden, is a favorite activity.

“He really likes (to be ridden),” trainer-driver Ray Schnittker said. “He loves that, actually. I think it keeps them a lot fresher and mentally stable. The more you keep off the track and still get work, the better it is for them because they’re not going to get track sour. It’s a long year.

“Most of them would (benefit from varied activity) but it’s hard to give them that kind of time with a big stable of horses. But he seems to like it and he’s worth putting the time in.”

The road ahead: Schnittker planned to skip next week’s qualifiers and return to the Meadowlands for a final prep in two weeks. Dewey’s first scheduled start is the Dickerson Cup on June 27. Then comes the Stanley Dancer Memorial (elims July 4; final July 11) and the Hambletonian (elims July 26; final August 2).

“A (1):54 qualifier is probably a (1):52 mile on race day, so we’re down where we need to go,” Schnittker said. “He did it really handy. I think he’s ready to race.”

Third’s no charm: Twice Schnittker has finished third in the Hambletonian, with Armbro Trick in 2000 and Armbro Plato in 1997.

“Hopefully, I can get the job done this year,” Schnittker said. “He’s tons better than anything I’ve ever had. It’s night and day.”

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Deweycheatumnhowe was a perfect 10 as a freshman last year, winning each of his trips behind the gate.

What, me worry?: Based on his perfect 10 in the win column last year, Dewey was widely regarded with filly Snow White as the top contender for this season’s Hambletonian. Donato Hanover (2007), Scarlet Knight (2001), Malabar Man (1997), Mack Lobell (1987), Sharp Note (1952) and Titan Hanover (1945) are the only horses to enter the Hambletonian with undefeated records and claim the trophy in the last 62 years.

“I’d rather have the good ones than be 90-1,” Schnittker said. “It’s great to have a horse like this. But he’s a horse. I can’t pick him up and carry him; he’s got to do it.”

Money, money, money: Dewey’s $936,191 in purses last year was a record for 2-year-old male trotters. The previous record was $840,328 set by Express Ride in 1985.

Name game: The horse’s unusual name comes from the fictitious law firm referenced in numerous comedy routines. The firm/joke has been referenced by the Three Stooges, Johnny Carson and the Simpsons, to mention a few.

Dewey as Huey: Schnittker describes Dewey as “happy go lucky,” although a bit more of a stud this year.

“He’s kind of like a big Baby Huey,” Schnittker said. “He’s always got his head out; he likes you rubbing his head. He feels good all the time. In the paddock here (at the Meadowlands qualifier) I was watching them, and he was the only horse that had his ears up the whole time, just watching what’s going on. He enjoys racing.”