EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The head of trotting’s most prestigious race hopes that contesting the $1.2 million Hambletonian in heats on a single day results in a better experience for fans and generates greater wagering.
Hambletonian Society president and chief executive Tom Charters says the society will re-evaluate heat racing after Saturday’s race at the Meadowlands.
The return to heat racing certainly got owners and trainers interested. Twenty-three 3-year-olds were entered and they will compete in three heats early on Saturday’s card. The top three finishers in each heat and the fourth-place finisher with the most earning will advance to the final.
Royalty For Life, Wheeling N Dealin and Corky have been made the favorites in the three eliminations.
