by Thomas Hicks, for monteamerica.com

East Rutherford, NJ — Take My Picture (7g Classic Photo-Habits Lady-Muscles Yankee) with Therese Lindgren in the irons for trainer Nikolas Drennan captured the second division of the first leg of the Hambletonian Monte Series at the new Meadowlands Friday night in a hotly contested affair. Bred by Status Stables and owned by Joseph and Laurie Davino, the winner scored in a sharp 1:58.1 (last quarter :27.4) to defeat Vernon Downs open trotter A Penny Earned and Michelle Crawford with pacesetter, veteran Master Pine and Helene Gregory home third. Master Pine holds the North American monte record of 1:57.1 taken August 4, 2012. Take My Picture is a career earner of $836,916 with 23 victories in 109 starts (both sulky and monte).

The first division went to Flowing James (8g Ilooklikemymom-Flowing Jody-Rule The Wind) and trainer Tara Hynes. This pair scored in 2:00 over Bambino Hall, Stephanie Jacobs aboard, with Tymal So Nice and Heather Reese finishing third. Each division carried a purse of $5,000 and were conducted as non-wagering races after the second and fourth races on the regular card.

The Hambletonian Monte Series Final will take place the evening prior to the Hambletonian and will carry an estimated purse of $30,000.