Apex trots to 1:49.2 Hambletonian record

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Apex gallantly held off a sustained stretch bid from Big Ranger to score a 1:49.2 triumph in the $1 million Grade 1 Winning Key Farm Hambletonian, on Saturday (Aug. 8) at the Meadowlands, becoming the fastest-ever winner in the 101-year history of the annual classic for 3-year-old trotters.

With Dexter Dunn at the lines for trainer Marcus Melander, Apex took control from 3-5 favorite Big Ranger (driven by Tim Tetrick) at the end of a :26.4 first quarter before controlling middle splits of :54.3 and 1:22.4. With a quarter mile remaining, Tetrick angled Big Ranger off the pegs, setting up for a stretch duel evocative of the 1989 Hambletonian dead heat between Probe and Park Avenue Joe.

Neither Apex nor Big Ranger gave an inch through the final two furlongs, but Apex steadfastly held his ground to prevail by a scant nose and knock three-fifths of a second off the previous Hambletonian record of 1:50, set by Nordic Catcher S and trainer/driver Åke Svanstedt last year.

Minoan (Todd McCarthy) finished third, beaten 4-1/4 lengths, after saving ground off the top pair.

Apex, a son of Walner-Mission Brief, has now won 10 of 14 career starts for the partnership of Jeffrey Snyder, S R F Stable and Steve Stewart. As the 5-2 second choice, he paid $7.80 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: Dexter Dunn became the first driver to win both the Meadowlands Pace and Hambletonian for the first time in the same year since Jack Moiseyev turned the trick in 1991 with Precious Bunny (Pace) and Giant Victory (Hambo). … A driver murderers’ row of Tim Tetrick, Yannick Gingras, Dunn and James MacDonald tied atop the driver leaderboard with three wins apiece. … Marcus Melander topped the trainers with four walks down victory lane. … All-source wagering on the 16-race program totaled $6,159,511, a 2026 track and industry best. … There is no live racing at The Big M on Friday (Aug. 14) due to a preseason football game. The next live card will take place on Saturday (Aug. 15). Post time is 40 minutes later than usual, at 7 p.m.