EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Apex clinched the $1 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters on Saturday at the Meadowlands, narrowly edging out the favorite Big Ranger by just a nose, setting a new stakes record time of 1:49.2. Minoan finished third, trailing the top two by 4 1/4 lengths.
This victory marked the first Hambletonian win for trainer Marcus Melander and driver Dexter Dunn. Melander had previously finished second in America’s Trotting Classic four times, including three times in the last four years.
Earlier the same day, Melander also trained Nezuko Kamado S to a win in the Hambletonian Oaks, the filly counterpart to the Hambletonian, narrowly defeating Carve by a neck. By achieving wins in both prestigious races in the same year, Melander joined the ranks of trainers Jimmy Takter (twice), Jim Campbell, and Jan Johnson who have accomplished this rare feat.
Dexter Dunn also made history by becoming the first driver since Mike Lachance in 2003 to win both the Meadowlands Pace (with Brandon Blvd in July) and the Hambletonian in the same year.
After a thorough photo-finish analysis, Apex, carrying the No. 3, was declared the winner. His final time of 1:49.2 not only set a stakes record but also established a new track record for a 3-year-old trotter, coming just 0.2 seconds shy of the world record.
“Thank God we got there,” Melander said. “It was tight. He has the will to win, and he put his nose first. I didn’t think he held on, but he’s a big fighter. He fights all the way to the finish line.”
Apex, who was honored as the 2025 Dan Patch Award winner for best 2-year-old male trotter, has now won 10 of 14 races in his career and earned $1.61 million for his owners Jeff Snyder, S R F Stable, and Steve Stewart. Entering the race as the 5-2 second favorite, Apex returned $7.80 to bettors who backed him.
Fan Take: This thrilling finish highlights the intense competition and rising talent in harness racing, making it an exciting time for fans of the sport. Apex’s near-world record run and the dual victories for Melander not only showcase elite training and driving skill but also raise the profile of trotting events, promising even greater interest and growth for horse racing’s future.
Source: www.espn.com
