Gimpanzee Vs. Mr Vicktor At Tioga; Grand Circuit Stakes For Both Divisions At Meadowlands

All fields feature Hambletonian-eligible horses. Tioga hosts #Hambo19-eligible colts in a pair of New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) races on July 19. The first in the duo of events, though it is a field of eight, will not offer place or show betting based on the magnitude of two entries—Gimpanzee (e) and Mr Vicktor (e). Marcus Melander’s Gimpanzee is just about the lightest raced colt in the division. Aside from Greenshoe (e), another Melanderer [sic], Gimpanzee is arguably the Hambletonian favorite. Greenshoe is not here; he demolished a field of Stanley Dancer Memorial glamour boys at the Meadowlands and remains the mainstream early favorite for the Hambo. However, the one division member racing dangerously in the shadows of the Melanderers will be challenging Gimpanzee on July 19. That horse is Jennifer Lappe’s Mr Vicktor (e). Mr Vicktor shares an element of his profile with Gimpanzee in that his soph career has taken place solely in the ranks of the NYSS. What differs is the volume. In seven starts, Mr Vicktor has won six and placed once—when Gimpanzee beat him. No place or show betting means passing or betting on an upset. The only turnover possible, all things being equal, is a victory by Mr Vicktor. The second NYSS field, with eight at the gate, contains only two colts on the eligible list for the trotting classic—Cavill Hanover (e) and Getting Serious (e)—neither of whom is expected to drop into the box for an elim attempt at the big prize. However, this could be the last chance for either of these classy colts to race for a purse of this size, barring their appearance in the six-digit NYSS championship events later this season. Of the duo, Ake Svanstedt’s Cavill Hanover is the best, yet it is no certainty he will go off the public’s choice. Ake’s colt has raced against better in the series, accounting for his strong bankbook, but the crowd may find a few other ways to invest, using the other eligible, Getting Serious (e), Trond Smedshammer’s Winnerup or Travel Winner and even Oney Hall. Cavill Hanover’s fair odds are up to you but watch closely or you may miss what could be a huge overlay. GRAND CIRCUIT GLAMOUR GROUPS At the Meadowlands on July 20, Tompkins-Geers stakes fill fields for fillies and colts. Each division presents two fields. The fillies go for $47,050 in their first round, with 10 at the gate. Seaside Bliss (e) would have been in the preview blog’s horses-to-watch list for the second time had she not been in this stakes event. We will use her as an exotics component but for the win we like Personal Paradise (e). Ake Svanstedt may still be deciding which of his fillies go to the “Oaks,” so this one, filled with potential, should put it all on the line in this mile. The second filly “Geers” goes for $46,550, with a field of nine. Again, Svanstedt will be firing, this time with Golden Tricks (e). Off the board but once in five starts, Ake drives for a serious result, because there is no limit to the number of fillies he can drop into the Oaks box. The colts first Geers is worth $50,450 and it features Green Manalishi S (e), the third member of the Melanderers from Marcus Melander’s hot barn. It is no surprise that Svanstedt’s stable sends out an Oaks candidate here, too, and one that “Green” must defeat to keep a strong profile in the August classic. Immeasurable in this field, however, comes Cantab Fashion (e) and Aldebaranwalkabout (e). The latter has only raced once and the former debuts at three. What keeps them from #Hambo19 may not be known until after the draw but why the waits? Green is the choice because he has no choice but to put in a strong winning mile. Sheena’s Boy is exotic material. Ten colts make up the second Geers field ($50,450), a few using the stakes for a final prep before the #Hambo19 entry deadline. Pilot Discretion (e) has raised questions since he won in Canada, though he has won four of five and after Marseille (e) snuck in a big Svanstedt upsed at Pocono, he has picked up the respect we handed him earlier in his four-race season. Osterc (e) is better than most give him credit because this crop is unfairly compared solely to Greenshoe (e). Osterc is listed as having retired-trainer Jimmy Takter driving for trainer Per Engblom, leaving from post 10. It may mean nothing. Svanstedt also sends Soul Strong (e), who could be this race’s Marseille from Pocono. At a good price, he is our choice to lay groundwork for another of Svanstedt’s anti-Melanderer colts in #Hambo19. Hambletonian Trail TOP TEN July 15 1. Gimpanzee 2. Greenshoe 3. Green Manalishi S 4. Mr. Vicktor 5. Pilot Discretion 6. Summit In Sight 7. Swandre The Giant 8. Osterc 9. Marseille 10.Forbidden Trade Follow Hambletonian Trail action from this blog on Twitter #Hambo19 and @FrankCotolo in cooperation with the Hambletonian Society.