New York at Harrisburg

by Murray Brown

In the same manner as Harrisburg is somewhat comparable to the London Classic Yearling Sale in the depth and quality of its number of Ontario yearlings, so is Harrisburg somewhat the same vis-a-vis Lexington as far as New York eligible yearlings are concerned.

In terms of New York eligibles, Harrisburg, attracted a near comparable number of 142 New York eligibles to Lexington’s 137.

However, when you think of New York eligible yearlings, in many cases you are thinking well beyond racing in New York. The influence of the state’s two premier stallions — Chapter Seven on the trot and Huntsville on the pace — reach far beyond the Empire State. It’s true that they come close to domination in restricted New York events, but they, especially Chapter Seven, are also a significant force on the Grand Circuit.

Lexington offered 59 yearlings by Chapter Seven. Harrisburg has significantly less of an offering, but nevertheless a not to be sneered at 31.

Harrisburg has the lead in yearlings by Huntsville with 29 to Lexington’s 24.

There is a new kid on the block with pacers in New York with Blue Chip Farms outstanding son of Sweet Lou, Cannibal.

Cannibal’s offering at Lexington was well received with 16 of his yearlings bringing $796,000 an average of $49,875.

Harrisburg has more than double the number of Cannibal yearlings with 38 scheduled to be sold.

Their competition will be great though. His counterpart on the racetrack and his paternal half-brother Confederate has 32 selling in his first Harrisburg group. In addition, there will be 29 yearlings by Sweet Lou himself which I believe might represent the highest number ever on offer by Sweet Lou at Harrisburg.

Whereas, in my opinion, the quality of the Ontario pacing yearlings were somewhat more appealing than the trotters, the opposite is the case in New York with the trotters holding sway over the pacers.

The promise of this week’s column was to pick a stable of 12 Harrisburg, New York-eligible yearlings, with three from each category in order of preference. So, let’s get at it!

TROTTING COLTS

Hip #135 Rami Hanover — Chapter Seven—Ramona Hill—Muscle Hill. Consigned by Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.

If ever there was a colt with a Hambletonian pedigree, this colt could be the one. The first colt and third foal out of a Hambletonian winning mare who earned $1,363,050. Her first two foals are stakes winning fillies including this season’s 2-year-old Nevis Peak ($323,380).

Hip #54 Written In Ink — Chapter Seven—Blk Thai Optional—Muscle Hill. Consigned by Concord Stud Farm, agent.

Another colt with a Hambletonian pedigree. He is a full brother to the Hambletonian and Dan Patch winner Cool Papa Bell ($1,084,278) and a sibling to three other stakes winners.

Hip #164 Slew — Chapter Seven—Swinging Royalty—R C Royalty. Consigned by Concord Stud Farm, agent.

A full brother to four stakes winners including Ahundreddollarbill ($972,356), Slay ($748,931), Royal Mission ($472,022), and Royal Filly ($246,209). From the multiple stakes winner Swinging Royalty ($255,880), a sibling to four other stakes winners.

TROTTING FILLIES

Hip #88 Live Long Hanover — Chapter Seven-Lifetime Pursuit-Cantab Hall. Consigned by Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.

Sister to the world champion and Dan Patch winner Super Chapter ($2,955,066) and out of the world champion and multiple stakes winner Lifetime Pursuit ($1,065,586).

Hip #43 Coffeeshop Hanover — Chapter Seven—Crucial—Father Patrick. Consigned by Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.

Sister to the Dan Patch and multiple stakes winner Maryland ($1,719,655) and out of the multiple stakes winner Crucial ($528,598), a sibling to four stakes winners including the Dan Patch and O’Brien winner Venerable ($1,187,798).

Hip #166 TH Aliza — Chapter Seven—TH Present—Royalty For Life. Consigned by Concord Stud Farm, agent.

First foal from a stakes winning sibling to the pair of multiple O’Brien winners Logan Park ($1,908,550) and Willys Home Run ($769,944).

PACING COLTS

Hip #78 Gibby Meet Freddie — Huntsville—Jag Out—American Ideal. Consigned by Preferred Equine Mkt, Inc, agent.

Brother to the multiple stakes winner Two Twenty Swift ($376,488) and the third foal from the multiple stakes winner Jag Out ($457,423) a sibling to the stakes winner Rockford Peach ($114,874).

Hip #402 Twin B Ladykiller — Cannibal—Lovely Erin—Sportswriter. Consigned by Twinbrook Farms.

Half-brother to the stakes winner Twin B High Tide ($175,460) and out of the stakes winner Lovely Erin, a sibling to Wake Up Peter ($907,535) and Art’s Temptress ($384,445).

Hip #111 Amir Springs — Huntsville—Music Row—Western Ideal. Consigned by Twinbrook Farms, agent.

Sibling to five stakes winners including Music Is Art ($507,203) and out of a stakes winning sibling to Allamerican Native ($1,296,304) and Allamerican Nadia ($504,465).

PACING FILLIES

Hip #86 Hunting Days — Huntsville—Lazy Day Hanover—Betting Line. Consigned by Concord Stud Farm, agent.

First foal from a stakes winning half-sister to the world champion and multiple stakes winner Dealt A Winner ($1,544,197) and the dam of Legendary Hanover ($1,088,681) and Linedrive Hanover ($655,580).

Hip #180 Peachville — Huntsville—Wannashakeyourtree—Art Major. Consigned by Weaver Standardbred Farm.

Sister to the stakes winner Shakeitonthebeach. Third foal from the stakes winner Wannashakeyourtree, a sibling to three stakes winners and from the immediate maternal family of world champion Bulldog Hanover ($2,419,000).

Hip #51 Flourish Hanover — Huntsville-Fashion Katie-Village Jolt. Consigned by Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.

Sister or half-sister to three stakes winners including Early Action ($731,400) and Fabulous Hanover ($188,695).