Harness Racing: Hambletonian contender Smilin Eli switches barns

Smilin Eli, who was scratched as the morning line favorite in the $294,000 Stanley Dancer Memorial at the Meadowlands on Saturday, has moved into the barn of trainer David Smith. The 3-year-old colt was formerly trained by Deshawn Minor, but was widely rumored to be under the care of Carl Conte Jr., who is not licensed in New Jersey.

Officially, Smilin Eli was scratched for “not being stabled on a licensed facility,” according to New Jersey Racing Commission Executive Director Frank Zanzuccki.

“The horse is on the stewards list and ineligible to race until we are satisfied that he is stabled at a proper place and under the care of a proper trainer,” said Zanzuccki. “The trainer must sign a legal document to certify that the horse is under his care and the owner has to attest the same.”

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According to new trainer Smith, he signed the paperwork and Smilin Eli is under his care and eligible to race in New Jersey. He jogged Smilin Eli Monday morning and entered the horse on Friday at the Meadowlands, but the race didn’t fill. In order to get a race under the colt’s belt, Smith will qualify Smilin Eli on Saturday at the Meadowlands and look for a race the following week to prepare for the Hambletonian on August 3 at the Meadowlands.

Smith, 61, who was third in the Hambletonian Oaks with Sassy Syrinx last year, has never had a Hambletonian starter in his 40-year career.

“Everyone wants to be in the Hambo, but it’s close to impossible for me because I’m not a yearling guy,” said Smith, who says he has known Smilin Eli’s owner Nicholas Cimino for 25 years. “He wanted a guy that could focus on one horse. Amongst the horsemen, I like to think I have a good reputation for being good with trotters. I’m not saying I’m Jimmy Takter, but he already has three of his own in the race.”

According to owner Cimino, the trainer change was made, “because I wanted to.”

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