TCI gives Burke excellent chance at winning the Hambletonian
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The one prize that has eluded Hall of Fame trainer Ron Burke is the Hambletonian.
The Burke Stable, Fredericktown, has had its share of contenders and close calls.
TCI, 3-year-old trotter, is next up and he gives Burke an excellent chance to gain the coveted prize.
TCI is the richest 2-year trotter of all time. But he’ll have to best a talented field highlighted by Karl — the 2023 Breeders Crown champion.
“Everything is on plan with him,” Burke said. “Everything is good with him. He’s such a smart horse.”
Burke said TCI will be driven by Hall of Fame driver David Miller this season.
The Hambletonian will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J. Eliminations will be contested July 27.
TCI has won his two starts in 2024, winning the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (PASS) division in 1:52.2 at The Meadows and PASS division in 1:53.3 at Pocono Downs.
In addition to Karl, other top contenders include Security Protected, Highland Kismet, Daiquiri Hanover, Benny J, Waterfall, Mars Hill, Winter Soldier, Pantoran and Dame Good Time.
TCI had won 10 consecutive races, since placing second in his career debut July 7 in a division of the Kindergarten Classic Series at The Meadowlands.
Burke knew the thrill of a Hambletonian victory for all about 10 minutes seven years ago before his horse What The Hill became the first winner of America’s race to be disqualified.
Last year he said: “(The Hambletonian) has not exactly been one of my greatest successes. I’ve lost a lot of money trying to win the race.”
Burke had two chances last year with Celebrity Bambino and Point Of Perfect, who both won elimination races
Neither was able to deliver the ultimate victory.
In 2023, TCI became the richest 2-year-old male trotter in history, with his $1.238,870 earnings, going into the Breeders Crown final, besting the previous mark of $936,191 held by Deweycheatumnhowe.
TCI won 10 of 12 races last year and placed second twice.
While he defeated Karl earlier in the year, Karl struck back to defeat TCI in the Breeders crown.
Adios Pace
The 2024 Adios Pace will be held Saturday, July 27. Post time is 11:45 a.m. Adios eliminations will be July 20.
Nijinsky tops
North American Cup winner Nijinski topped the initial Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll for 2024.
Nijinski, a 3-year-old colt pacer, is five-for-five this year and has earned $455,155.
Following Nijinski are: Twin B Joe Fresh, 4-year-old mare pacer; Karl; It’s A Love Thing, 3-year-old filly pacer; Highland Kismet, 3-year-old colt trotter; Jiggy Jog D, 5-year-old mare trotter; Call Me Goo, 4-year-old mare trotter; Hellabalou, 6-year-old pacer; Captains Quarters, 3-year-old colt pacer and Ruthless Hanover, 7-year-old gelding pacer.
“Pop-Up Series”
The first “Pop-Up Series” of the summer will be held Saturday for 2-year-old filly trotters. The first round will take place June 27 of a “Pop-Up Series” for freshmen filly pacers.
The last Friday of June will feature “Pop-Up Series” events for freshman colt pacers and colt trotters.