EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Occasionally, the unconventional route can be the best route to success.
For Hall of Fame driver John Campbell, that proved to be true as he drove the Kentucky-bred Glidemaster to victory in yesterday's 81st Hambletonian at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Glidemaster, a 5-1 choice in Post 8, came from way back to set a track record by crossing the line in 1 minute, 51.1 seconds in the $1.5 million classic, giving Campbell his record sixth Hambo title.
"I know a lot of [people] get nervous when they see horses intentionally race off the pace," winning trainer Blair Burgess said. "But very often it's the best thing; it's your best chance to win."
At the quarter, Glidemaster sat eighth, following race favorite Mr Pine Chip (4-5). He was still eighth as the trotters hit the halfway mark, but as Glidemaster approached the three-quarter mark, he made a three-wide move and jumped to fifth at the top of the stretch. At a length and a half behind, Campbell trotted Glidemaster to the front of the pack, winning the race by a length and a quarter. Chocolatier, who put in a huge mile from Post 10, finished second as the 4-1 second choice.
Invasor wins Whitney. Invasor held off Sun King in the stretch and won the $750,000 Whitney Handicap by the bob of a head at Saratoga Race Course. Flower Alley, who captured the Jim Dandy and the Travers last year, was in contention at the head of the stretch but faded to seventh as the 3-2 favorite in the nine-horse field.
Socialite Marylou Whitney made a brief appearance to present the winner's trophy. It was the 80-year-old Whitney's first public appearance since suffering a mild stroke on Memorial Day.
Previewing the Haskell. Missing the Triple Crown races might pay off for Strong Contender in today's $1 million Haskell Invitational.
"We're lightly raced, and that may be an advantage," trainer John Ward said. "We've been very patient."
Strong Contender was the morning-line 5-2 second choice behind 2-1 favorite Bluegrass Cat for the 1 1/8-mile Haskell, the highlight of the Monmouth Park season. The imposing 3-year-old colt is coming off a 7 3/4-length romp in the Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park last month and has given Ward every indication his best races are ahead.
Nicole's Dream at Calder. Nicole's Dream raced to her third straight stakes victory, edging Atticus Kristy by a length in the $250,000 Turf Sprint Championship at Calder in Miami. Ridden by E.T. Baird, Nicole's Dream ran five furlongs in 55.44.
This article includes information from the Associated Press.
