EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — While they are in the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras have something they missing from their resumes — a win in the Hambletonian.
Burke and Gingras will get a great chance to check off the box on their resumes when favored Celebrity Bambino faces nine rivals at the Meadowlands on Saturday in trotting’s most prestigious race.
Both men have come close to combining to win the $1 million race. They finished second in 2015 when Mission Brief finished behind Pinkman and they were second by a nose in 2016 when Southwind Frank was edged by Marion Marauder.
The following year, Burke saw Hall of Fame driver Dave Miller guide What The Hill across the finish line first in the Hambletonian. However, the colt was disqualified for interference in the stretch, the only time the race was decided by a DQ.
“I want to win it bad. I’ve been close twice and once had it taken it away,” Burke said. “But at the end of the day, I’m just going to enjoy the experience. It’s not changing my life either way.”
Burke trained both Hambletonian elimination winners last week with Gingras driving the improving Point Of Perfect to victory in first elimination in 1:51.2. Celebrity Bambino also posted a career best in winning in 1:50.4 in the second elimination.
“It’s the race everybody is looking for. It’s been well, well, well documented that it’s one thing that’s missing, and I know it,” said Gingras who also had a second in 2020 with Ready for Moni. “It’s going to come one of these days. I drive a lot of good horses for great connections. We have a good shot next week, as good as anybody in the race obviously.”
Celebrity Bambino, who has won two of his last three starts, drew the No. 1 post position and has been made the morning-line favorite. Miller picked up the drive for Point of Perfect. They will break from the No. 5 post and are listed at 6-1, the fourth choice.
Here’s the full field in post position order with colt, driver and odds after Celebrity Bambino:
Oh Well, Tim Tetrick, 7-2; Osceola, Doug McNair, 12-1; Winner’s Bet, Dexter Dunn, 4-1; Point of Perfect, Miller, 6-1; Up Your Deo, Ake Svanstedt, 15-1; Southwind Coors, James MacDonald, 20-1; French Wine, Andy Miller, 12-1; Ghostly Casper, Brian Sears, 10-1; Tactical Approach, Scott Zeron, 15-1.
Post time for the Hambletonian is 4:45 p.m.
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