Hambletonian to Glidemaster

John Campbell, the dominant driver in the history of harness racing, extended his own record with a sixth victory in the $1.5 million Hambletonian on Saturday at the Meadowlands.

Campbell guided Glidemaster ($14) to a 1 1/4-length victory over Chocolatier in the trotting classic for 3-year-olds. Blue Mac Lad finished third. The time for the mile was a stakes-record 1:51.20.

Campbell, 51, has won over $215 million in a Hall of Fame career. This was one of his most satisfying wins, coming with a colt who almost missed last week's eliminations after stepping on a nail.

Glidemaster swept to the lead when Mr Pine Chip, the 4-5 favorite, went off stride in midstretch.

"I knew at the head of the stretch my horse would pass a lot of horses," Campbell said. "He was full of himself. He was trotting great."

Toronto-based trainer Blair Burgess is now unbeaten in the Hambletonian. His only other starter was Amigo Hall in 2003, the longest priced winner in the race's history at 27-1.