Zeron looking for 2 straight Hambletonian wins
EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. » Scott Zeron has a shot at becoming the first person in almost three decades to drive consecutive winners in the Hambletonian.
Hall of Famer John Campbell was the last driver to win trotting’s biggest race in consecutive years when he when guided Mack Lobell and Armbro Goal to the victory in 198788.
Zeron got Marion Marauder to the winner’s circle last year and is looking to get International Moni there on Saturday in the $1 million race at the Meadowlands.
International Moni, who is undefeated in three starts this year, is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the first elimination. Devious Man is the 5-2 favorite in the second elimination.
The top five horses in the eliminations, which drew 19 entries, qualify for the final.
While many of the top drivers in harness racing compete at the Meadowlands, Zeron said much goes into winning a Ham- bletonian.
“I like to think the best 3-year- old trotting colts win the Hambletonian and to have that in consecutive years, let alone more than once, is very difficult,” said the 28-year- old Montreal native. “I don’t take what I have this year for granted. To have a competitive horse is a big deal regardless of it being in consecutive years.”
International Moni has made major strides for trainer Frank Antonacci, whose family or Lindy Racing have been involved in the ownership of five Hambletonian winners: Lindy’s Pride (1969), Speedy Crown (1971), Probe (1989), Harmonious (1990) and Victory Dream (1994).
The colt won 1 of 12 starts last year and finished second or third in seven other races.
“If you speak the trainer, Antonacci, he would tell you he was just a little under- developed physically we would say,” said Zeron, who won the Meadowlands driving title last year. “He took his time with him. He was developing him more mentally and (the colt) got stronger as the year went on. You can see that in his race lines. He just got better and better.
“We were very happy with the way he finished off that year, and we’re definitely not shocked with the form he has come back this year.”
This year’s Hambletonian is a wide open race following the withdrawal of Walner. Last year’s best 2-year-trotter, the colt is sidelined with a minor injury.
The goal for the 19 horses will be to get to the final. The winners of the eliminations can pick their starting post for the final, choosing from spots 1- 5. The rest of the field is determined by a draw.