2026 Hambletonian Card
Quote from Lonnie on August 4, 2026, 5:30 PMI just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
I just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 5, 2026, 7:22 AMQuote from Lonnie on August 4, 2026, 5:30 PMI just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
@lonnie If Jailbird Jog was in the Oaks or Perfect Thought in her stake race, then likely your (our) excitement level would be different. Nevertheless, we get another matchup between the great older pacing mares, aged trotting horses, and great storylines in the Hambo.
Would love to see a stretch battle develop among Apex, Endurance and Big Ranger. My friends at Spring Haven in Ohio bred, raised and sold the latter, so part of me will be pulling for him despite the barn move. Now, if Ronnie was being interviewed this week in the run up, it would have been must see TV.
As it is, my sentiments go with Chris Beaver and Endurance. Beaver can have one racing in the Hambo on Saturday, yet be driving one of his problem two year old trotters at a fair in Ohio next week ( and finish well up the track as he works thru some issues with the baby).
And Melander’s outfit may be the most professional in the business in the manner in which his horses are trained. He certainly deserves his Hambo if he comes out on top.
Celebrate the day, hope for good weather and may all the horses and drivers come off the track healthy.
Quote from Lonnie on August 4, 2026, 5:30 PMI just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
@lonnie If Jailbird Jog was in the Oaks or Perfect Thought in her stake race, then likely your (our) excitement level would be different. Nevertheless, we get another matchup between the great older pacing mares, aged trotting horses, and great storylines in the Hambo.
Would love to see a stretch battle develop among Apex, Endurance and Big Ranger. My friends at Spring Haven in Ohio bred, raised and sold the latter, so part of me will be pulling for him despite the barn move. Now, if Ronnie was being interviewed this week in the run up, it would have been must see TV.
As it is, my sentiments go with Chris Beaver and Endurance. Beaver can have one racing in the Hambo on Saturday, yet be driving one of his problem two year old trotters at a fair in Ohio next week ( and finish well up the track as he works thru some issues with the baby).
And Melander’s outfit may be the most professional in the business in the manner in which his horses are trained. He certainly deserves his Hambo if he comes out on top.
Celebrate the day, hope for good weather and may all the horses and drivers come off the track healthy.
Quote from Purple Aura on August 5, 2026, 12:21 PMAlso leaning Endurance. Here's a interview with Da Beav.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BIkLEE-wz8
Also leaning Endurance. Here's a interview with Da Beav.
Quote from Lonnie on August 5, 2026, 12:37 PMQuote from Bgtolex25 on August 5, 2026, 7:22 AMQuote from Lonnie on August 4, 2026, 5:30 PMI just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
@lonnie If Jailbird Jog was in the Oaks or Perfect Thought in her stake race, then likely your (our) excitement level would be different. Nevertheless, we get another matchup between the great older pacing mares, aged trotting horses, and great storylines in the Hambo.
Would love to see a stretch battle develop among Apex, Endurance and Big Ranger. My friends at Spring Haven in Ohio bred, raised and sold the latter, so part of me will be pulling for him despite the barn move. Now, if Ronnie was being interviewed this week in the run up, it would have been must see TV.
As it is, my sentiments go with Chris Beaver and Endurance. Beaver can have one racing in the Hambo on Saturday, yet be driving one of his problem two year old trotters at a fair in Ohio next week ( and finish well up the track as he works thru some issues with the baby).
And Melander’s outfit may be the most professional in the business in the manner in which his horses are trained. He certainly deserves his Hambo if he comes out on top.
Celebrate the day, hope for good weather and may all the horses and drivers come off the track healthy.
You're right. Even though I don't own a piece of either it would have added an extra level of interest.
I will have a good time. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 5, 2026, 7:22 AMQuote from Lonnie on August 4, 2026, 5:30 PMI just saw the card. It feels underwhelming to me for some reason that I can't put my finger on.
I'll be there though. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!
Anyone else coming?
As soon as the program is available I'll post it here along with a handicapping challenge.
@lonnie If Jailbird Jog was in the Oaks or Perfect Thought in her stake race, then likely your (our) excitement level would be different. Nevertheless, we get another matchup between the great older pacing mares, aged trotting horses, and great storylines in the Hambo.
Would love to see a stretch battle develop among Apex, Endurance and Big Ranger. My friends at Spring Haven in Ohio bred, raised and sold the latter, so part of me will be pulling for him despite the barn move. Now, if Ronnie was being interviewed this week in the run up, it would have been must see TV.
As it is, my sentiments go with Chris Beaver and Endurance. Beaver can have one racing in the Hambo on Saturday, yet be driving one of his problem two year old trotters at a fair in Ohio next week ( and finish well up the track as he works thru some issues with the baby).
And Melander’s outfit may be the most professional in the business in the manner in which his horses are trained. He certainly deserves his Hambo if he comes out on top.
Celebrate the day, hope for good weather and may all the horses and drivers come off the track healthy.
You're right. Even though I don't own a piece of either it would have added an extra level of interest.
I will have a good time. I'm looking forward to meeting @niekh!