August 2, 2008
Immediately before the Hambletonian, a field of ten 3-year-old trotting fillies contested the $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks, also at the standard 1 mile distance. Lantern Kronos was sent off as the 3-5 favorite over 7-2 second choice Stage Show and 12-1 No Pain No Gain.
Diana Hall set the early pace while being stalked by Creamy Mimi down the backstretch, through fractions of 27 3/5, 56 3/5, and 1:25 3/5 over the good track. Favorite Lantern Kronos sat back in 7th early, very wide most of the way. In mid-stretch, Creamy Mimi closed on the outside to take over the lead as Diana Hall tired and faded to finish fourth. Lantern Kronos closed on the far outside but was left with too much ground to make up, as Creamy Mimi cruised under the line 1 1/4 lengths in front, in a time of 1:53 4/5. It was another 1/4 length back to late-running Stage Show third.
Winning trainer Trond Smedshammer said, "Finally! I was second three years in a row and finally got it done. I knew we had a good filly coming in. This was exactly the kind of trip we were looking for. I didn't think she could control the race and win, I didn't think anyone could; it was a matter of a trip."
Winning driver Andy Miller added, "The trip worked out perfect; that was what we talked about, getting up close and getting a good trip. My filly was really strong, she felt super and I thought she'd take me to the wire. It's awesome."
