Will T C I perform better than expected?
Trainer Ron Burke is focused on getting his talented 3-year-old trotter, T C I, back to peak performance after a couple of disappointing races. T C I, who had an impressive career as a two-year-old, recently finished third in the Stanley Dancer Memorial and had a previous fourth-place finish in the Zweig Memorial, marking the first time he has lost consecutive races. Although the start of 2024 saw T C I winning three straight, his recent underwhelming performances prompted Burke to conduct a thorough physical examination, uncovering correctable issues.
Burke expressed cautious optimism about T C I's upcoming race, stating that the recent time off had been beneficial, and the horse had shown significant improvement in training leading up to the Hambletonian Stakes elimination on July 27 at The Meadowlands. With T C I entering the elimination as the 2-1 morning-line favourite in a field of 10, there are high expectations for his performance, especially considering his past successes, including victories in major races like the Mohawk Million and the Peter Haughton Memorial.
T C I's elimination includes notable competitors such as Zweig Memorial champion Dame Good Time and recent Tompkins-Geers Stakes winner Secret Agent Man. Burke is not overly concerned about the competition, emphasising the importance of ensuring his horse is ready. The top five finishers from each elimination will qualify for the prestigious $1.05 million Hambletonian final on August 3.
Burke also has three horses competing in the $50,000 eliminations of the Hambletonian Oaks for three-year-old female trotters, with Spy Coast being his top contender. Overall, Burke is optimistic about his horses' chances leading into this highly anticipated event, with racing scheduled to begin at 6:20 p.m. EDT at The Meadowlands.
28 July 2024, 16:00