Chocolatier defeated in 2nd Hambo Elimination

[two gun sid]

From USTA.com:
Trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer won both $100,000 Hambletonian eliminations with the addition of win number two with Here Comes Herbie in a new lifetime mark of 1:52.

Smedshammer and Herbie were first to the lead in :27.1, holding off the challenge of RC Royalty (Dan Daley) when they straightened out in the backstretch. Those two held the lead through the :55 half and the 1:23.3 three quarters, with Capetown Hall right behind him in second and RC Royalty fading. When the field straightened out for home, Chocolatier fanned out from the back of the pack and made a bead on the leader. With driver D.R. Ackerman urging him on, Chocolatier gobbled up ground, but did not quite get to Here Comes Herbie who go to the wire first by a length and a quarter in 1:52.

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=16860&z=1

[jakefrep]

1. Choclatier really blistered that last quarter....

27.1, according to the USTA's chart. He may just sneak up and win the Hambo.

[two gun sid]

2. Chocolatier has a lot to overcome...

if he is going to win the Hambo.

Smedshammer, Pierce and DR.

He's a great horse and I am pulling for him and the Ackermans.