Meadowlands: EL Ideal impresses in Kindergarten Classic Series final

EL Ideal delivered as the favorite in the $251,460 Kindergarten Classic Series final for rookie trotting colts and geldings on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. A 1:52 2/5 winner at The Red Mile in Grand Circuit competition earlier this year, EL Ideal stopped the clock on this night in 1:53 1/5.

After a recall, driver Andy Miller settled Ake Svanstedt-trained EL Ideal into the pocket behind Beyond Kronos (Andrew McCarthy) on the first turn, but he already had the even-money choice coming on the outside at the 27 1/5 opening quarter. EL Ideal made front past that point and went on to the half in 56 2/5, with Back Of The Neck (Mattias Melander) coming first-over from third just prior to that station.

Back Of The Neck got into second on the final bend and challenged EL Ideal to the 1:24 4/5 three-quarters, but then EL Ideal kicked away from him late on the turn and was clear turning for home. In the lane EL Ideal was handled confidently by Miller, and he couldn't be caught as he won by a length and a half over Beyond Kronos. Chestnut Hill (Brian Sears) found his best stride in the lane and rallied for third ahead of Maesteraemon (Tim Tetrick).

"Just a lot of maturity," Miller said about what the colt has developed through the year. "Ake's done a great job bringing him along slow, and then getting him ready at the right time. He was a little more keyed up after (the recall), but then once he got to the front, he settled right down and was really good."

When asked about EL Ideal's potential as a Hambletonian contender next year, Miller said, "Absolutely because he's very smart and has lots of speed and talent."

A Muscle Hill colt, EL Ideal is trained by Svanstedt for owner Emp Invest Oy of Lahti, Finland. EL Ideal made his third appearance in the winner's circle from nine opportunities, and he has now pocketed $276,437. He paid $4.00 to win.

EL Ideal, who was bred by Erkki Laakkonen, is out of the Garland Lobell mare Courtney Hall (1:55 4/5, $118,986), a full sister to Cameron Hall (1:53 4/5, $1,816,236).