The Fillies Against the Boys: Is the 90th Hambletonian Horse Race a Harbinger of Hillary Clinton’s Political Fortunes?

New York, NY, August 5, 2015 -- While political pundits often compare elections to horse racing, it is not very often that the metaphor can be taken quite so literally – until now.

In a coincidence of top equine and political races converging, while Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton takes a large group of male competitors, a leading trotting filly (female) has made a rare challenge and decided to take on a group of top colts in one of the nation’s most significant horse races, the $1 million Hambletonian, the first leg in Trotting’s Triple Crown, on Saturday August 8, 2015.

The extremely talented filly, Mission Brief, has won more than $700,000 and has world record in her name.  She also has the enviable number 2 post position in the elimination and is considered a favorite to win.  But the Hambletonian challenge will be the toughest challenge yet. 

If history is any indication, political and equine soothsayers and handicappers would do well to tune into this “girl against the boys” race.   In the 90-year history of the race, only 160 fillies have entered the box to race against the boys, and only fourteen have won.  The last winner was 29 years ago. 

In a twist of fate, previous filly wins in the race coincided with Hillary Clinton’s political success.   The last filly to win the race was the great Continental Victory in 1996 – the same year the Clintons won the second presidential term.  The previous filly to win before that was in 1983, the same year the Clintons won the election for Governor of Arkansas.  That year, a little known filly named Duenna beat the odds and the boys in an emotional and surprising ending.  

Would a Mission Brief victory also be a harbinger for another Hillary Clinton political success? 

Tune in to what is sure to be an epic battle of the sexes live at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, NJ (gates open at noon) or on CBS Sportsnet from 4-5:30. 

About the Hambletonian

First raced in 1926, the Hambletonian is the first leg of Trotting’s Triple Crown and the greatest day in harness racing.  In its 90 year history, only 160 fillies have entered to take on the colts and only fourteen have won the race.   The last winner was 29 years ago.   The race can be experienced live on Saturday August 8 at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, NJ or on television on the CBSSports Network from 4pm-5:30pm. Find your channel here.

More details on the Hambletonian can be found here.

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