Hambletonian Goes to Jersey-Bred Broad Bahn

Early this year trainer Noel Daley and manager Ole Bach were in search of a driver to match with their trotting colt Broad Bahn. They both thought that with Broad Bahn's tendency to race near the front the perfect choice would be George Brennan, known affectionately in the harness racing industry as "The Minister of Speed."

On Saturday afternoon the connections were richly rewarded when Broad Bahn made every pole a winning one capturing the 86^th edition of the $1.5 million Hambletonian, and 30^th at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

With the connections of Broad Bahn entitled to select their position following an elimination victory, the colt started from the pole position. Though longshots Whiskey Tax and Luckycharm Hanover both tried to leave the gate, Brennan showed them early that the front was not the place for them. Instead Whiskey Tax and driver Ron Waples took the two-hole behind the winner and Luckycharm Hanover ducked for cover at the quarter. The brisk :27.1 first quarter was followed with a leisurely :56 half and set up what many expected to be the duel to decide the Hambo.

Manofmanymissions, the favorite, moved to the outside before the half and began a methodical grind towards the leader, but Brennan and Broad Bahn were well-prepared for the battle. The powerfully-built son of Broadway Hall kept his rival at bay easily on the turn and then showed no signs of quitting after the 1:23.4 third quarter.

The two colts battled a bit into the stretch but Manofmanymissions began to weaken in midstretch and then abruptly went offstride. That left Broad Bahn all alone with pocket-sitting Whiskey Tax keeping his distance but maintaining the place position. At the wire Broad Bahn had equaled the mark he set in last week's elimination posting a 1:53 mile. He was three and a quarter length winner with Whiskey Tax another two lengths in front of Opening Night who finished third.

Chapter Seven, well-supported in the wagering, struggled to maintain his position behind cover during the quick third quarter pace. He rallied late for fourth. Pastor Stephen followed the extended cover flow and finished fifth earning the final check.

The victory by Brennan made him just the second driver to sweep both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks in the same afternoon. Brian Sears accomplished the feat in 2009 with Muscle Hill and Broadway Schooner.

Owned by Leif Alber's Fam Alber Horse Racing LLC., Broad Bahn won for the fourth time in eight starts this year. Trainer Noel Daley, who was second with Explosive Matters in 2009 in this race, captured it for the first time as did George Brennan.

Stable manager Ole Bach was a bit concerned about the horse's chances before the race.

"I was very worried. Speed hasn't been holding up the whole day and I knew we had a speed horse," Bach said. "But when George (Brennan) was able to rate him to the half in :56 I was feeling more confident.

Brennan, who is having a career day, was ecstatic following the race. "Noel told me he warmed up great and he raced great."

A $20,000 yearling purchase, Broad Bahn pushed his career earnings to $1,154,528.

Sent off as the 6-1 third choice in the field, Broad Bahn returned $14.60, 7.00 and 5.60 across the board. Whiskey Tax, a 39-1 shot, returned $26.00 and $11.60 for place and show. Opening Night paid $6.40 to show.

The exacta pairing Broad Bahn and Whiskey Tax paid $462.40 for a $2 ticket. The trifecta with Opening Night returned a cool $3,700.40.

(Jay Bergman for the Meadowlands Racetrack)