Apex edges Big Ranger by a nose in Hambletonian-record timeBy Canadian Press on August 8, 2026. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Apex won the $1 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters Saturday at the Meadowlands, holding off favorite Big Ranger by a nose in a stakes-record 1:49.2. Apex gave trainer Marcus Melander and driver Dexter Dunn their first Hambletonian wins. Melander became the fourth trainer to win the Hambletonian and Oaks in the same year, joining Jimmy Takter (twice), Jim Campbell and Jan Johnson. Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, Apex paid $7.80 to win.