Hambletonian Archives

Muscle Massive made trainer Jimmy Takter’s week shine even more as his colt won the Hambletonian in 1:51. "Massive" chased down favorite Lucky Chucky to win the race late in the stretch with Ron Pierce again in the bike.

"You win the Hambletonian and you win the biggest in the game," Takter said. "Chucky" held for second. Wishing Stone closed well and picked up the third spot while Pilgrims Taj, who had some traffic problems, got fourth.

It was as great a field as this event has seen in years and all of the colts raced their hearts out from start to finish. Cassis went right for the lead, giving pause to an attack by Massive; he sat cold in second.

Hard Livin, another of the three Takter colts, left well but could not clear Cassis’ lead. Takter’s other colt, On The Tab, the only colt eligible to win the Trotting Triple Crown, was out of it most of the way.

Holiday Road never had a chance, unable to get a spot leaving from post 10 and breaking at three-quarters to finish last. Mystery Photo was parked out early with nowhere to go. Temple Of Doom was not a threat at all.

The field was strewn out down the stretch as Massive and Chucky battled home. Muscle Massive was sent off at 6-1.