Antonacci thrilled with Hambletonian draw

The trainer’s colt International Moni was named the favorite in his elimination for Saturday’s $1.2 million classic at the Meadowlands; Devious Man pegged as fave in the other elimination.

International Moni and Devious Man on Tuesday were made morning-line favorites for their respective eliminations in Saturday’s $1.2 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The Hambletonian format calls for eliminations to be contested the same day as the final. A total of 19 horses entered this year’s event, requiring two $100,000 eliminations from which the top five finishers in each division advance to the $1 million final. Elimination winners draw for inside posts 1-5 and all other finalists will then be placed in an open draw. The winner of the final is the Hambletonian champion.

photo: Hambletonian Trophy | Dave Landry