Muscle Hill rolls in Hambletonian

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Muscle Hill, as expected, dominated the $1.5 million Hambletonian for 3-year-old trotters Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The colt lost his first race last season by a neck and hasn't tasted defeat since. The Hambletonian extended the winning streak to 13, including all five this year, and he won in record time. Muscle Hill trotted the mile in 1:50.20, erasing the Hambletonian mark of 1:51.20 set by Glidemaster in 2006.

The outcome was never in doubt. Driver Brian Sears let Muscle Hill, the 3-10 favorite, roll to the lead from the rail, and the colt was never seriously challenged. In the lane, Muscle Hill was all alone, finishing six lengths better than Explosive Matter with Calchips Brute third.

The Hambo win capped a big day for Sears, who became the first driver to win the Hambletonian and the $783,042 Hambletonian Oaks, the companion event for 3-year-old fillies, on one day. Sears steered Broadway Schooner ($14.60) to a nose win over Raising Rachel in the Oaks.

"It's humbling to win such prestigious races on a day like today," Sears said. "I couldn't be happier."

Sears, on the verge of wrapping up a fifth straight Meadowlands driving title, got his first Hambletonian win.

"I knew I had the horse this year to get it done," Sears said. "I never had any doubts."

The Chancellor was fourth followed by Symphonic Hanover, Reinsman Hanover, Judge Joe, Triumphant Caviar, Federal Flex, and Hot Shot Blue Chip.