Race 1
2-Iron Will – steady improving trend has led to back-to-back on-the-board finishes, 19-day layoff prior to his last, angled out of heavy traffic & was flying
8-Zuerest – beaten favorite was used early from a similar post, took heavy pressure & still closed willingly, back class resurfaces second try off the bench
1-Spectator K – bounced back in winning style given a perfect drive by Campbell, freshened up item lands the pole for the requisite step up from C-1
Race 2
8-Screen The Call – fewest starts among this group, finished up in :56.3 over the slop & makes his second start in over five months
7-Bestjetyet – was able to control a :57.2 middle half under no pressure & held on second time Lasix, there’s obvious upside here
3-Cee Pee Panic – was forced into a premature brush to the lead when favored in a much improved second start here for Burke
Race 3
6-Big Baller – fresh from an excellent acclimating mile in which he chased a fired up Chick N Tell, expect him to build on that in a wide-open field
5-B L Class Act – shipped in off a lifetime best of 1:55.2 at Harrah’s Philly & rallied to hit the board, dangerous with a strong speed target
2-King’s Cavalier – beat better than B L Class Act did at Harrah’s Philly back on 12-2 when he took a new mark, drops from A-2 & draws a much better post
Race 4
9-Ethan Hanover – love the way he almost got to a heavily favored One Through Ten with a :27.1 at both ends fresh off the claim
7-Holdingallthecards – has gone two-for-two here with relatively ease as the major danger in this series, tough to go against with his winning habit
4-Yankee Doodle Jim – there might be some talent lurking here, he certainly needed his first start here when he got shuffled behind Holdingallthecards
Race 5
4-Just Like Lloyd – great $20,000 claim by Rene Allard at Pocono rose to the winners over $25,000 level there & been tearing up smaller tracks
3-Blessed Victory – rock solid 9yo who can live all day on the outside, moves inside off the game grind, acclimating mile & switches to Dave Miller
5-Not Afraid – Dexter Cup winner at three came back in blowout fashion at Harrah’s Philly for Jimmy Takter, 33-day layoff is a legitimate concern
Race 6
3-In Mint Condition – Erv Miller take-back after a claim faltered twice at Harrah’s Philly, then qualified here with a :26.3, beat $25,000 types at Pocono & draws well
9-Dreamzzzz R For U – ended a season-long drought with a decisive upset on 12-29, followed up with a strong second to an uncatchable winner in Western Tsunami
10-Elusive Reward – wired this kind in convincing fashion on 1-4, then simply went too fast against $25,000 stock, drops back down, but deals with post 10 again
Race 7
8-Tac’s Delight – well rested after 29 days off & draws outside, but on a major form spree, class, speed & versatility still makes him the one to beat
6-Unefoisdansmavie – goes for five in a row fresh off an eye-catching wire-to-wire
comeback at The Meadows, this Burke trained mare loves the Big M
7-Ice Machine – utilized his gate speed, and the keys were getting covered up & outmuscling the favorite Rose Run Hooligan, look for him to be firing out again
Race 8
2-Dragon Princess – almost got to the perfect-trip-sitting winner Here’s My Ticket from post 11, moves inside & has a history of success here
1-Miss Sand Creek – parked a long way in slop from post 9 after dropping from B-1 & now moves to the pole on an improving trend
6-Gordy’s Filly Yenta – stormed home from last in :27 to land in the photo with Here’s My Ticket, only 2 for 31 last year, but remains a threat with the right pace & trip
Race 9
2-Fountainbleau Volo – was raging with trot once clear of traffic as the beaten favorite, Horse & Groom Series champion last year is prime to show his class
9-Il Mago – got underway way too late in a much needed mile here, son of Kadabra flashed plenty of talent & speed as a 3yo
5-My Leap Of Faith – was under mild urging to go by after a live cover trip in the slop, his first win in two years & worthy of the step up to B-1
Race 10
4-Ole Miss – rallied stoutly in :27.2 off a rated pace & finished with lots left, Burke trainee draws a bit better & carries some back class
7-Reilly’s Daughter – paced a fairly strong back half with no chance in the slop, expect her to fire a bigger shot in her second start off the bench
9-Elleofnxample – that was some late charge in :26.4 to score on Opening Night, came right back with a nose loss in :27.2 at this B-1 level, post 9 makes it harder
Race 11
5-Vodka Is Terror – almost got there with a :27.3 surge first time Lasix & looms as a logical stalking threat
6-One Through Ten – steamrolled uncovered in the slop to make it two-for-two at the Big M for Nifty Norman, stands out as the one the beat
1-Mr Dennis – recently added Lasix & romped in 1:51.1 at Harrah’s Philly, just missed to Shaw’s Creek Buff in his debut here & draws inside that rival
Race 12
7-Autumn Magic – steps up off an easy win for C-1 with a :27.3, sharp, veteran mare carries some back class & rates the call to repeat
2-JoyfulJoy N – ran into a runaway Elleofnxample two starts back, then got parked & didn’t fade that badly, she’s eligible to trip out in this wide-open field
5-Real Ravishing – had no chance in her last two with a parked-out trip & was too far back from post 8 in most recent, a speed display would be no surprise
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Race 1
6-Boinga – pulled a huge upset in a Hambo Oaks elimination in 2010 when she paid $75.80, makes her second start off the bench in a very easy spot, 28-day layoff
3-Scent Of Oil – switched to Team Orange Crush & qualified with confidence, let’s give this one a big chance to step up after a needed start despite a 28-day layoff
4-Photo Review – from the man who produced millionaire Green Day, Jim Raymer has a 5yo who looked better in the second qualifier
Race 2
1-Joyeux Dream – was a very headstrong pacesetter, yet rated the middle half in :58 and romped for Tetrick, great acclimating mile, looks invincible from the rail
7-For Goodness Lindy – gets points for his rally to finish second to Joyeux Dream, now has a feel for the mile track & figures to offer some value
3-Swiss Lightning – lightly-raced 4yo took aim & came up short chasing Joyeux Dream, expecting the improving trend to continue from the same inside post
Race 3
3-Ladainian – came around in a big way with a gutsy uncovered score at Yonkers in his third start off the bench, owns a mark of 1:54.2 here & hasn’t raced in 31 days
4-Paisley – has been putting in some decent miles against much tougher at Harrah’s Philly, don’t like the 32-day layoff, but the class relief is too much to ignore
9-Baby Blaze – a winner here last season regained his speedy edge at Rosecroft, lands outside after a 28-day layoff, yet may be the one to reel in
Race 4
2-Rock N Victory – arrives on an excellent form spree at Rosecroft, just missed in his last two with inspiring surges & lands inside a blank field here
3-Card Knock Life – rounded back into form to break his maiden with a nice rally at Yonkers, that was 30 days ago, but this is a field begging to be beaten
6-Dharma Initiative – makes his debut in a very soft spot for Mark Harder & his qualifying lines make him competitive at first asking
Race 5
9-Where To Hanover – grinded gamely first over & simply drew off in a sparkling Big M debut going 3-for-3, lands in a more challenging division, yet brimming with upside
3-No Less Than Magic – put together a strong back half of :56.4 chasing Helios, draws an improved post & could be on the verge
6-Windsun Galliano – was very impressive in his winning debut here in 1:54.4, so how much are you willing to forgive the early miscue last week?
Race 6
4-He’s A Beachboy – shows a mark of 1:51.4 taken here last year, chased a runaway back on Opening Night with pace at both ends & draws well in a wide-open field
6-Forensic Z Tam – got shuffled some & was just okay in his latest comeback here, 9yo has a big chance to flaunt his class after that needed mile
10-Zen Major – was parked through a decent pace & didn’t fade much in his Conor Flynn debut, hopes to get into a lively flow in this one
Race 7
1-Jack’s Magic Jewel – 10yo mare closed from the clouds with a :27.3 to grab a piece in her first start here from post 11, look for her to sit a little closer from the rail
5-Elodie – that was one lively effort from post 9 in her Big M debut when she just missed at almost 50-1, any semblance of that makes her one to beat
9-Honorary Hanover – got razor sharp winning two of three at Harrah’s Philly, but now we have a 36-day layoff + post 9
Race 8
7-Laguna Beach – was red-hot for $15 + $20,000 here last Winter & Spring, flashing hints of coming around at Harrah’s Philly, the 29-day gap is a concern
9-Dontu Get Lonely - Mike Watson sent out a winner Saturday in Armbro Billow, the qualifier was strong enough to rate a long look at a price
8-Celebrity Scandal – has improved hitting the board in his last two with Lasix added, gutsy mile last out chasing a runaway Brandon’s Colt
Race 9
4-Helios – has won both starts here with relative ease, while demonstrating versatility and a willingness to grind them down, continues to tap into his upside
10-Wisenheimer – kudos to Jenny Melander & Dave Miller for getting this son of Revenue S pointed in the right direction, gets a poor draw off that brave score
7-Majestic Stone – was lurking with late trot behind Wisenheimer with his best effort to date, further improvement expected & count on Tetrick to get him within range
Race 10
8-Cruise Queen – give her major points for making up for a slow start & hitting the board, Lasix has picked up her game, Burke trainee was 8 for 18 last year
2-Lizzie’s Dream – steps up to C-1 fresh from a gutsy score, lands inside & tough to go against in her current form
4-Shayna Baby – beaten favorite wasn’t quite ready to deliver her killer kick, veteran mare loves this track & can atone
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Race 1
5-All Blues – consistent, yet a bit camera shy, burning cash recently in Chicago, but switches to Team Orange Crush off an energetic qualifier
8-Majorly Bad – is a lightly-raced 4yo who has responded to aggressively handling to win his last two, his latest was a Bongiorno bottom out upset first time Conor Flynn
3-Critical Acclaim – catapulted off a hot :54 half & held off one of the favorites in a :59.2 back half, same inside post & moves up into a so-so nonwinners of 3
Race 2
1-Golden Receiver – sufficiently freshened & couldn’t have looked better popping a brilliant :25.4 wrapped up sprint, defending champ remains the main target
4-Meirs Hanover – sat the cones & left in the wake of The Golden One last week, unless the favorite gets roughed up he’s all out for second money again
2-Modern Legend – interesting newcomer from the WEG circuit, lightly-raced 5yo went 7 for 9 last year, sharpened on the comeback trail & lands inside
Race 3
8-Recent News – comes off a solid season, sports decent lines against 30 & 20 claimers at Yonkers, worth a shot with the right set up
2-Automatic Teller – might appear automatic based on the form revival off the claim with Lasix added & draws an improved post
3-Brandon’s Colt – makes the requisite jump to C-1 off a blowout back on Opening Night, a mile that puts right in the mix of this wide-open field
Race 4
8-Bell’s Panacea – forced wide from a tough spot to finish second to Elusive Reward with a noteworthy :56.1 back half, sharp item retains Corey Callahan
4-Gaelic Thunder – was forced first over again into a demanding pace last week, remains a live item bound for better luck from another inside post
2-Buckeye In Charge – only 2 for 36 for last year is a concern, got parked again & held for second over a snowy track on 12-29, matches up well with this group
Race 5
1-So Take That – closed from last to third with a :56.2 back half when dropped to this level, recently added Lasix, switches to Dave Miller & rewarded with the pole
4-Trend Spotter – was barely outgamed with deft Gingras rating, gets another shot at this reduced level as a dangerous Burke Barn bullet
5-Nathan Feelsgood – took a couple of starts & perfect Pierce piloting to spring the upset by equaling his lifetime mark, merits the step up to B-1
Race 6
4-Dial Or Nodial – applied strong, steady pressure to Golden Receiver & still paced home in :26.2, beat Mr Hasani N on 12-14 at Harrah’s Philly
6-Mr Hasani N – New Zealand bred worked his way to the Open level at Harrah’s Philly, winning with speed & versatility, 22-day layoff a concern & might need to acclimate
3-Second Wind N – hasn’t raced in 29 days, no chance last out chasing Dial Or Nodial, yet I like his controlling speed with the Bionic Man
Race 7
5-Mortal Zin – Hip #173 in the Jan. 21st Sale won again in decisive style over Voice Of Truth on opening weekend, this Burke trainee is definitely moving in the right direction
3-Mystic Desire – has come back to make it two-for-two with relative ease, merits another step up to face a very competitive A-2 from an inside draw
7-Voice Of Truth – second by a nose with a brisk :54.2 back half, anything similar puts him right back in the thick of this class
Race 8
9-Esprit De Kayjay N – angled & exploded off cover to repeat in convincing fashion for a hot barn, 9yo crushed in a new lifetime mark & looks tough despite post 9
5-Scotty Mach N – was claimed again off a game, first over try against Esprite De Kayjay A, remains a live item for Funky Munky
6-Keystone Raptor – nice bounce back effort off the break & lame scratch & just missed to the speedy Oyster Bay with a :27.3
Race 9
5-Freddy Day Hanover – had his requisite tightening mile, remains at the reduced B-1 level & lands a perfect midpack post to stalk n pop a field begging to be beaten
3-Hemer’s Card Shark – took a shot with him last week & got bothered early with little chance, drops from A-2 & moves inside, watch him burn me now
9-I Fought Dalaw – showed improvement when he dropped this level, fired out & ran into a standout Mystic Desire, remains sharp on the comeback trail
Race 10
3-Arsenal – second try off the bench after a much needed mile off a sick scratch for Burke, he was facing tougher before he fell off form & draws better tonight
2-Stand By Cam – just 2 for 25 last year, launched from post 9 & couldn’t capitalize on a ground-saving trip, the improved post puts him right back in line to seriously contend
5-Bolero Andrew – came back to life in his second start off a sick scratch with a well-controlled score & now steps up to face a so-so B-2 field
Race 11
3-A J Corbelli – flashed a bit more late kick in that second qualifier, classy Big M lover lands in a perfect spot fresh off the bench with Simon in town
7-Escape The News – unleashed a sparkling 4yo debut for Burke when he just missed to the headstrong River Shark, finds a prime spot to exploit his sharp current form
6-Silver Eagle – dealt with pesky pressure through a pretty fast pace & still held on
while understandably all out, Remmen trainee has cycled forward
Race 12
1-R Caan – Burke trainee got parked in Big M debut from post 9, chased the likes of Mr Hasani N at Harrah Philly, which makes him a major danger
2-Hello Hot Shot – just 2 for 30 last, but lands in a very soft spot here, aired it out two starts back at Harrah’s Philly & just missed to Time To Roll before that in NW of 5
5-The Pokester – joins the ranks of those who seldom win in here, yet he towered up on the far outside to gain the place with a :27.2 last week
Race 13
3-Its Outa Here – I’m going to give him the needed tour-of-the-oval excuse, second try at this reduced C-1 level, third time Lasix, inside post, maybe we get a price
6-Blue Claw – only 2 for 39 last year, first start off the bench was energetic over a good track, we know he likes this track & has a penchant for pulling an upset
2-Big Ten Champ – give him a thumbs up for that third here after stepping up off a win for $10,000 at Harrah’s Philly, plus he draws inside a weak C-1 finale field
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Race 1
4-Bestjetyet – broke his maiden here last June, returns from a four-month layoff & several qualifiers, finally got his act together with a solid comeback on Lasix
5-Star Chaser – was on a four-race winning streak before faltering in a series final at Georgian Downs with a dismal :31.2, back to Burke Barn for rebound therapy
8-Connery Blue Chip – arrives on a four-race winning streak & breezed in that second qualifier here for a dangerous combo of Joe Bongiorno & Conor Flynn
Race 2
2-One Through Ten – unfurled a completely dominant 4yo debut for Nifty Norman, lands inside a so-so division & continues to progress
4-Defying Gravity – draws well off an excellent speed try & acclimating mile, eight for 22 record last year says a lot & figures to be forwardly placed
8-Ethan Hanover - beaten favorite brushed & pummeled into submission, fresh claim off the Burke debut here has the credentials to be a serious threat
Race 3
3-Shaws Creek Buff – was hammered down to 7-5, somehow got away last with no chance, big chance to rebound in a question mark field
5-Cee Pee Panic – was used pretty hard from post 10 in his Burke Barn debut here, based on his lines at Woodbine he looks like a major rebound candidate
4-Dial A Win – chased a runaway in that latest qualifier here with a noteworthy :27.3, can be a factor if ready
Race 4
8-DW’s NY Yank – beat impressive first out winner Helios in that qualifier off the sick scratch & lands in a soft spot for his Burke Barn debut
3-Macho Lindy – 9yo veteran put forth a game grind against B-2 stock & draws inside a camera shy bunch
1-Stretch Limo – that was an easy, perfect, two-hole trip win at Harrah’s Philly, yet a win is a win & goes a long way from the pole in a field begging to be beaten
Race 5
1-Ringo – Dover Downs raider ships up the turnpike brimming with confidence & commands large respect from the pole for Corey Callahan
4-Holdingallthecards – arrived with fanfare & scored a key win against this kind utilizing his gate speed to secure a perfect trip, an excellent prep for this series
5-Arthur – note the way he kicked home to win the qualifier with a :27.3, taps further into his potential in a challenging division
Race 6
6-Rose Run Hooligan – 10yo warhorse couldn’t quite get there with a perfect trip when favored, remains a serious threat with Simon back in town
2-Lucky Roll – was shuffled from the rail, angled around traffic with a late move in :27.3, back inside off an excellent acclimating mile
5-Speculation – just missed when he shook loose late & surged after Waldorf Hall, on a form spree & looks for a better trip in a very competitive field
Race 7
10-Mystical Victress – Invitational winner at Indiana Downs & 11 for 18 last year, unleashed an impressive second qualifier here for Erv Miller
4-Chief Karen – rallied off cover to chase a standout Hot List after winning from last-to-first, maintains her high profile here as a legitimate A-2
3-Argument Hanover – rebounded with a perfect trip win from an inside post at Yonkers, piled up the wins last season & lands inside here for Team Burke
Race 8
9-Go On BB – millionaire Burke trainee was caught in a first over grind, with the right set up she can flaunt her class in this uninspiring field
5-Reilly’s Daughter – we know she loves the Big M, hasn’t raced in eight months, yet she could threaten with her late move if ready enough
1-Synergy Seelster – offered some decent late pace for a piece from post eight, moves inside & continues to fit this B-1 class
Race 9
6-Flashy Lady – veteran mare flashed a :27.3 kicker to win the qualifier, that’s enough to beat this bunch & her previous record is worth noting
7-Mohegan Hanover – came around & showed speed when favored in his third start for Team Orange Crush, further improvement expected
2-Spice It Up Lindy – was able to tower up late to finish a close second when the front end collapsed back on Opening Night, rewarded with an inside post
Race 10
1-Western Tsunami – 10yo needed that last start here when he paced home in :56.2, the rail facilitates a trip he needs
7-Stormin Rustler – reached the top of his form cycle with a first over crush at the $15,000 level, chance to stay on a roll
2-Image Of Dawn – rare 14yo with millionaire status a perfect four-for-four in the Conor Flynn barn, draws favorably in a field he can get the jump on
Race 11
1-Fox Valley Swift – was weak in the win column last year, but uncorked an eye-opening rally in :27 and :56 in her first start here
2-Love You Bye – continued her improving trend with an advance to hit the board from far back, will need to crank it up further
5-Gordyyy’s Pet – that was some kind of turnaround for this 7yo who stormed home from last in :27 and :55.4, must prove it was no fluke
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Race 1
9-Church St Bloom R – Ohio bred rounding into form at The Meadows over off tracks there & joins the Burke Barn battalion
8-Where To Hanover – late-starting 4yo was a $30,000 yearling, went two-for-two in
December, and qualified energetically with hopples added
6-Bad Day Black Rock – son of Revenue S (Market Share) beat nonwinners of 3 typese at Harrah’s Philly & comes off a tough trip there
Race 2
7-Joyeux Dream – same sire as standout 2yo filly from 2012 True Day Dream got a little too aggressive last out at Dover, chance to take charge & ration his speed
5-Windsun Galliano – fresh from a sparkling debut for Team Orange Crush, parked uncovered & kept grinding down the favorite Good Sound Advice
6-Money Maven – 1 for 21 with nine seconds in Ontario, yet shows some strong rallies & debuts here for Chris Ryder
Race 3
7-Beachfront – from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere, flashed a hint of talent at two, won his qualifier with a controlled :26.4 sprint
3-Wilcox – solid :27 finish in his first qualifier in two months, sold for $110,000 as a yearling for a top flight trainer, draws well for Gingras
6-Rocky Mountain Guy – broke his maiden in a Reynolds Stake division here, finished behind Wilcox in the latest qualifier
Race 4
2-Volare De Vie – fired out with vigor & chase Helios with willing late trot, chance to turn the tables in another stalking mode
1-Helios – brushed & crushed in a visually impressive 4yo debut for Team Orange Crush, rewarded with the pole & logically moves forward
6-No Less Than Magic – very lightly raced 4yo launched a decent move from well off the pace, an excellent prep in his third try off the bench
Race 5
5-Cameron Chip – strong finish in sharp :27.2 in her qualifier after some freshening & returns at a reduced level
1-Sing Out – just 1 for 21 last year, but celebrated her first mile for Ray Schnittker with a perfect trip & winning rally, lands the pole in a suspect field
6-The Triple Lindy – inspiring 12-14 comeback at Saratoga, then qualified with a solid finish & hasn’t seen the winner’s circle for a long time
Race 6
8-Get It Now – former sub 1:50 performer here returns after struggling at Woodbine & drops dangerously
3-Cane Ridge – steps back up to face a modest $15,000 field after regaining his winning edge at Harrah’s Philly for Team Burke
5-Wit And Wisdom – got parked in the slop at Yonkers & parked before that, shows a competitive line for this price at Pocono
Race 7
2-Lookinforagoodtime – went all the way over an off track at Harrah’s Philly, then had no chance, moves inside here & reunited with Bionic Man
3-Shayna Baby – put together a big back half of :56 and :27.1, second start off the bench from a better post
9-Cruise Queen – showed some improvement first time Lasix in much tougher nonwinners of 5 at Harrah’s Philly for Burke
Race 8
3-Demanding Force – joins the numerous new Burke Barn acquisitions, regained his form in two solid qualifiers at The Meadows & appears to stand out
7-JL’s Man Of Action – off a much needed start after missing a year off the claim, and finds a softer spot to return
6-Eagle Artesian – some back class here, had a couple of much needed qualifiers, and there’s not a whole lot to excited about in here
Race 9
5-Wisenheimer – I like the way her bounced back off a miscue with a strong qualifier here, note the lifetime best by nine lengths of Pocono back on 11-21
6-Explosive Fashion – beat nonwinners of three types at Harrah’s Philly, chased Where To Hanover in his qualifier, figures to be in a stocking role
9-Majestic Stone – got parked off a pedestrian half as the beaten favorite at Harrah’s Philly, continues to improve, while trying to overcome post nine
Race 10
4-Lizzie’s Dream – showed improvement chasing the favorite Smoke Pan Mirrors, veteran mare with a bit of back class remains inside for Tim Tetrick
3-Sad Story – stepped out there from post seven & finished well for third off two straight wins at Freehold, rates contender status off that effort
6-Carolstern – swooped the field to light up the board when the front end fell apart on Opening Night, makes her a major threat in this wide-open C-2 class
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Race 1
8-One Through Ten – runner-up in last year’s Survivor Final qualified with zeal at The Meadows & returns here now with Nifty Norman
5-Doomsday Hanover – Plainridge shipper somehow couldn’t go by after a perfect trip in his debut here, beaten favorite with a chance to atone
2-Yo Cheyenne Rocky – flashed some promise last Fall with a 1:51.3 win at Pocono & draws well out of a strong second at Harrah’s Philly
Race 2
10-Cee Pee Panic – another fresh threat for the Burke Barn, a lightly-raced 4yo took a new two starts back at Woodbine & did well from outside posts
7-Holdingallthecards – not sure how the Invite level at Balmoral Park matches up here, but the 12 for 21 record, speed, form & barn change are all pluses
2-Defying Gravity – piled up eight wins in 22 starts, while beating nonwinners of 4 at Yonkers, expect to see his controlling speed from an inside draw
Race 3
2-Freddy Day Hanover – 1:50.1 winner here in 2012 lands inside a solid field off deceptively good qualifier with :54.4 back half indicating readiness at a price
9-Lookinforadventure – knows his way around this track, gets some class relief, which will force him to employ his effective rally
5-Mystic Desire – sprinted out, stole a :56 half, then fought off fierce pressure fresh off the bench, merits the step up from B-2
Race 4
9-Tiger Williams – brushed & crushed $20,000 stock in his comeback here Opening Night to cap a strong 2012, takes only a slight step up here
1-Oyster Bay – recent claim has been struggling with slows starts from outside posts, veteran now lands the pole off a solid year
3-Gaelic Thunder – impossible to ignore off that game first over last Saturday, draws the same inside post & just needs to time his move right
Race 5
7-Hemer’s Card Shark – acclimated with noteworthy late pace in :55.1 back half in last Saturday’s snow, could retain his value in an even affair
2-Allamerican Pewter – rounded into winning form in his last three at Yonkers & draws inside off a gutsy first over score
8-Mybrothergeorge – recent form appears suspect & will need a fast pace, yet has to rate strong consideration based on the class drop
Race 6
3-Dial Or Nodial – went on a late-season winning streak & got scorched in his latest at Harrah’s Philly, lands in a perfect spot to stalk n pop
5-Golden Receiver – The Golden One posted nine wins here last season, defending Presidential champ was right there from start to finish & looks ready
6-Nob Hill High – put together crushing back-to-back Open tallies at Dover Downs recently, seems up to this serious test
Race 7
8-Silver Eagle – put forth an excellent mile in his debut here, brushing to the top & chasing a standout, looking forward to the follow up effort
7-Musselsfrmbrussels – beaten favorite had no chance getting away last, had missed three weeks & seeks a stronger pace set up
3-Line Officer – stormed home from far back over a good track, needed that start over the track & post improves
Race 8
3-Ethan Hanover – engaged Dinner Guest in a fierce tussle & held for third in a strong mile, lands inside again for Team Burke
5-Sonic Raider – made it two-for-two off the Brandon Simpson claim with a sterling rally & threatens to take another if anywhere within range
4-Esprit De Kayjay A – 9yo veteran launched a vicious slingshot move off cover to score a 17-1 upset last Saturday, faces a stronger group here
Race 9
5-Lahaye – qualified twice against Open class pacers like Golden Receiver, ready for his return in real soft spot
8-Fuzzylegsandall – take note of that energetic qualifier with pace at both ends & looks to be well spotted here for Team Burke
4-Mighty Young Joe – 10yo kicked home in a sharp :27 with Lasix added, elevated to the B-1 level, but draws a better post
Race 10
4-Shaws Creek Buff – that was a game grind for the place in his Big M debut for Nik Drennan, any kind of expected improvement beats this wide-open field
6-Nathan Feelsgood – has taken a few miles to get going, we know he’s better than last week’s even fifth, count on some back class to resurface
10-Lawgiver Hanover – product of the NYSS circuit has been roughed up in his last three starts, has some potential & just needs to get into a live flow
Race 11
3-Mickey Hanover – steady customer who loves to take charge almost converted a perfect cover trip, remains a live stalking item for Rene Allard
2-Electrofire – brushed n crushed A-2 stock well within himself fresh off the Casie Coleman claim, draws well in a very competitive A-1 class
4-Escape The News – was chasing top level 3yos like Heston Blue Chip & fresh from an air-out mission at Harrah’s Philly for Team Burke
Race 12
7-Stonebridge Master – 1:51.3 winner here last April has come around recently, ships off a tough trip at Yonkers & his closing style suit this longer stretch
1-Albion – can’t ignore this winner of 19 races last year & lands the pole off a narrow loss at Harrah’s Philly for Virgil Morgan, Jr. (Pet Rock, Mister Big, etc.)
6-Bolero Andrew – weak in the win column last season, but likes this track & figures to be better in his second start off a sick scratch
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Race 1
9-Zuerest – 1:54.1 mark here last season, strong in the win column, sharp qualifier with Man O Matic, Dave Miller sends him in an intriguing opener
8-Missy Goldfire – based on her solid recent form at Harrah’s Philly, which features a win with trot at both ends, Eric Carlson patience could pay off
1-Live Jazz – offering some positive signs recently, inside speed a definite asset here as he’s best when forwardly placed
Race 2
6-Helios – lightly-raced & promising 4yo Muscles Yankee, series winner at Vernon Downs, qualified with solid trot & now with Team Orange Crush
5-Volare De Vie – cycled forward to win two straight at Harrah’s Philly, second try off the bench & figures to be the one to knock off
4-Pilatus – sports some pedigree & excellent record at Saratoga, qualifier was okay first time Mark Harder & Tim Tetrick, ready to tackle new heights
Race 3
3-Fast And Fiesty – arrived here in prime form & got used too hard from post 8, gets the inside draw to facilitate a stalking trip this time
6-Bittersweet Best – was used hard, shuffled & shook loose too late, which cost her the decision to the bomb Carolstern, second try off the bench
8-Full Explosion – did the bulk of the work when she grinded after the favorite & didn’t fade much, acclimated now & Gingras can get some cover here
Race 4
3-Civic Duty – I’m liking his increased vigor since the claim at Pocono, should like the longer stretch here, looks like a bit of a class drop & adds Gingras
6-Fountainbleau Volo – last year’s Horse & Groom champ started to come around recently at Harrah’s Philly before the break last out
1-Celebrity Bombay - returned from over three months off & displayed some of his controlling speed in that handy qualifier with Marcus Johansson at the lines, gets forwardly placed in a strong field
Race 5
3-Jessesjo – exits a career season, arrives in excellent form & draws inside a competitive field for Team Burke
5-Lord Darby – 8yo veteran rode a form spree right into a well-driven Orange Crush upset, stalking type makes the requisite step up from B-1
1-Speculation – chased a very sharp Harbor Point last out after winning with a hefty late burst at Harrah’s Philly & lands the pole again
Race 6
7-Western Tsunami – steady 10yo ran into a sloppy track when dropped to this price two starts back & you must respect the high percentage connections
2-Activator – 12yo warhorse fresh off another productive year & claim, a versatile player at this level & former sub 1:50 performer here lands inside
9-Diamonddonthebeach – came to life in his last three at Harrah’s Philly & steps up off the claim by Chris Oakes
Race 7
6-The Evictor – has obviously rounded into form, put together a big back half chasing All About Justice, just needs the right set up at a value price
4-Don’t Know Chip – was no match for the trip-sitting All About Justice, but makes a more significant second start off the bench with high credentials
5-All About Justice – repeated at 50-1 given another perfect drive by Mike Simons, consistent 9yo logically looms large as a result
Race 8
10-Diamond Tiara – was chasing the world champion Put On A Show at Harrah’s Philly, her snap gate speed can get her involved
1-Chief Karen – polished off 2012 on a high note taking three of her last four, rallied from last to first & lands the pole in the same A-2 class
4-Hot List – $15,000 Burke claim has been utilizing her controlling speed on NY half-milers, sharp form gives her a leg up on this tougher company
Race 9
5-Zooming – Amber Buter ships in another live trotter, too far back in his last two from outside posts at Yonkers, looks for a stalking set up here
4-Rose Run Hooligan – 10yo has enough class, flashed late life in that qualifier & draws well to merit respect for Tetrick & Allard
3-Sea Raven – closed into a :56.4 back half to hit the board here last week, her style seems to fit into the pace scenario in this intriguing affair
Race 10
4-Caramel Chinno – was caught in the typical grind from post 10, recent claim has now acclimated & draws better to work out a more favorable trip
6-Joyfuljoy N – emerged from a shuffle with a :27.3 as the winner took off by four, any semblance of that effort gets it all in this one
11-Dragon Princess – steady Big M lover has come to hand in her last three, can show her class if she can work out a decent trip from the second tier
Race 11
4-One Night – shook loose with strong late pace to finish second to a decisive winner, draws well again with a winning attitude
5-Elleofnxample – launched a vicious move to swoop the field when well supported opening night, worthy of the step up to B-1
1-Mojarra Hanover – unleashed an eye-catching rally chasing the headstrong Ryder Blue Chip, must include her from the pole off that effort
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Race 1
4-Good Sound Advice – 4yo son of the prolific Ontario sire Kadabra is just 1 for 29, yet ships into the mighty Burke Barn & recent lines riddled with tough trips
8-Windsun Galliano – a very lightly-raced 4yo debuting for noted trotting aficionados Team Orange Crush, won the qualifier with a strong finish
9-No Less Than Magic – another Kadabra & green 4yo finding his best stride for Nifty Norman, a solid runner-up in his first start off the bench
Race 2
1-What’s The Story – the latest story has been one of sick scratches, then a strong rally in the qualifier with Lasix added & now the rail in a soft field
4-Protocol – was a $40,000 yearling out of a Breeders Crown winning dam, debuted with a handy score at Harrah’s Philly & draws well
8-Arc De Triumph – from the first offering of Tell All, sold for $70,000 as a yearling, qualified here in 1:52.3, had his own way in the latest Q
Race 3
3-Ax Man – took a mark of 1:54.1 here last season, so we know he can trot, plus Rob Harmon always sends them ready & puts them in where they can win
8-Striking Forever – she hasn’t been strong in the win column, but can certainly handle herself on a half-miler & won her qualifier with a nice late burst
4-T P Lucy – 1:55.1 winner here in 2012, scored with an eye-catching move at Freehold two starts back, then chased in a 1:54.4 at Harrah’s Philly
Race 4
5-Smoke Pan Mirrors – 1:52.3 Big M winner returns to the mile track in her third start off a sick scratch, so likely trending in the right direction
1-Lizzie’s Dream – recent form has been less than stellar, but the class & post relief, plus the big driver change to The Bionic Man could spell wake up
4-Ariane Hanover – she took her mark here last April with Campbell in the bike, sports a pair of recent wins, freshened up & favorably classified
Race 5
3-Gambler’s Tale – just missed from a tough spot with a late surge at Harrah’s Philly two starts back & drops into a soft spot here
1-Articulate – toss his last start from post 8 at Freehold off a sick scratch, makes his second start for a new barn with a stalking trip imminent
2-Forensic Z Tam – kicked home in :27.1 in the qualifier on 12-20, lacked the same zip on 12-29, 9yo millionaire might need a spin or two
Race 6
4-You Little Rascal – really turned it around with that mild upset at Yonkers, big chance to follow up in an ideal spot for a barn that knows how to win here
1-Arts Chip N Gail – was on a form spree before her latest debacle at Harrah’s Philly, reunited with Ricky Macomber, Jr. & has the credentials to be a threat
8-Goin Broke – scored a hefty eight times in 22 starts last year, goes second time Lasix & drops from nonwinners of five at Harrah’s Philly
Race 7
2-White Ruler – we’ve got an 0 for 17 last year making his second start for Nik Drennan off a decent fourth on the drop down & lands inside
9-Dragon King – only 1 for 31 in 2012 is hard to take, but the veteran’s recent form is strong & he faces much weaker company
3-Zen Major – go back to how Majorly Bad stood out last Saturday for the Joe Bongiorno-Conor Flynn combo, could the barn change work again?
Race 8
6-Ccs Lover N – 9yo New Zealand bred was a machine at Pocono, freshened up, qualified a ton here & finds a field he can dominate
4-Integrity – an intriguing claim by Virgil Morgan, Jr. has yet to pay off in four starts, but he may have found a field he can stalk n pop
7-Four Starzzz King – 12yo warhorse suddenly pulled one out of his hat with surprisingly good vigor, knows his way around this oval
Race 9
7-Jedrik Hanover – very productive 8yo whose latest win was a commanding wire-to-wire blowout at Harrah’s Philly, then just missed repeating
4-Blomkvist – 1:54.1 winner here last season grinded gamely in the qualifier and draws nicely to rebound off those recent gate breaks
8-Swagger Begonia – very interesting claim by Rene Allard was only 2 for 32 last year, will definitely need the right pace set up here
Race 10
4-Runaway Rose – just reeled off the class drop n pop at Yonkers & lands a perfect spot to get aggressive again
5-Latin Lyric – has been trading blows with Runaway Rose at Yonkers & beat her two starts back, renews the rivalry here with an ideal mid-pack post
11-Jack’s Magic Jewel – 1:51 Pocono winner goes for three in a row from the second tier, this 10yo mare is tough when able to take charge
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There were six new members of the Sub 1:48 Club in 2012: Panther Hanover, Hurrikane Kingcole, Put On A Show (only female), Bolt The Duer, Sweet Lou and Thinking Out Loud.
Despite the continuous evolution of speed in harness racing, the sub 1:48 club remains a relatively exclusive list, mostly of those pacers who definitely earned their respective speed marks.
It’s an interesting collection of the sport’s fastest performers of all-time, and each one with their own story, creating their very own dramatic moment when they stopped the teletimer with an eye-popping number.
There have been 40 sub 1:48 miles, and of the 33 members of the club, seven have accomplished the feat twice: Somebeachsomewhere, We Will See, Art Official, Won The West, Lis Mara, Holborn Hanover and Real Joke. The first three of those seven did it as sophomores. In fact, more than a third (14) in this special group took their sub 1:48 marks as a three-year-old.
Although there are only two time trials on the list, Cambest continues to rank number one for his 1:46.1 mile at Springfield, Illinois. It’s also the oldest sub 1:48 mile, coming back in 1993 off fractions of :26.1, :51.4 and 1:19 with Hall of Famer William O’Donnell. Jereme’s Jet reeled off his 1:47 time trial in the Fall of 2007 at The Red Mile and remains the fastest mile of John Campbell’s illustrious career.
Jim Morrill, Jr. guided two in the top six, Holborn Hanover, the longest shot in Meadowlands Pace history, who came back at age four to win the US Pacing Championship in 1:46.4. Then, Morrill drove the recently retired Won The West to the fastest Breeders Crown mile ever at 1:47 in 2009. Morrill also put a mark of 1:47.4 on Shadyshark Hanover in the 2011 Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Somebeachsomewhere’s 1:46.4 race mile in Lexington came a few months after his gallant defeat at the hands of Art Official in the 1:47 world record Meadowlands Pace in 2008, one of the greatest races of all-time.
We Will See’s pair of 1:47.2 and 1:47.4 in 2011 with Ron Pierce came in his $1.2 million four-year-old season when he was beaten out for the division title by Foiled Again, whose mark of 1:48.1 leaves him an outsider here.
Hypnotic Blue Chip paced the fastest mile of 2011, 1:47.2 in the US Pacing Championship, one of two 1:47.2 trips in Jody Jamieson’s career, and one of 26 sub 1:48 miles recorded at The Meadowlands. Jamieson’s other 1:47.2 sparkler came with the oldest member of this crew, the nine-year-old Primetime Bobcat, who stunned onlookers on a 53-degree night at Woodbine back in 2006. That is still the all-age track record at Woodbine.
Bettor Sweet was another who took his mark of 1:47.2 at age four at The Big M, just won his second straight Breeders Crown and is closing in on $3 million.
Sometimes you get lucky and set up by hot fractions, like Hurrikane Kingcole’s record 1:18.2 three quarters, and the lightly-raced Panther Hanover with Sylvain Filion pounced in 1:47.2 to win the 2012 New Jersey Classic in only his tenth career start. Hurrikane Kingcole had previously romped in the Pace Consolation in 1:47.3 in rein to Yannick Gingras.
Jenna’s Beach Boy and William Fahy sat a perfect trip behind Riyadh and the result was a 1:47.3 before-its-time clocking back in 1996.
Space Shuttle and Ron Pierce tripped out behind Western Ideal in 2000 to win in 1:47.4, one of many in the daytime heat of Hambletonian Day.
Lis Mara and Brian Sears came charging off stunning fractions of :25.2, :52.2 and 1:20.2 enroute to a 1:47.3 Breeders Crown triumph in 2006.
On the other side of the coin, Well Said and Ron Pierce simply dominated the 2008 Meadowlands Pace in a 1:47.3 blowout. Rocknroll Heaven did the same in his 2010 Pace elimination, yet had to settle for second to One More Laugh in a 1:47.4 final.
Hall of Famer Ron Pierce leads the way with seven sub 1:48 miles.
The Sub 1:48 Club not only stands out as a collection of fleet of foot pacers and some great champions, but a legacy of the constant quest for time standards and a memory book of heart-pounding moments.
Cambest 5,1:46.1TT
Holborn Hanover 5,1:46.4
Somebeachsomewhere 3,1:46.4
Jereme’s Jet 4,1:47TT
Art Official 3,1:47
Won The West 5,1:47
We Will See 4,1:47.2
Hypnotic Blue Chip 4,1:47.2
Primetime Bobcat 9,1:47.2
With Anticipation 5,1:47.2
Bettor Sweet 4,1:47.2
Panther Hanover 3,1:47.2
Won The West 7,1:47.2
Jenna’s Beach Boy 4,1:47.3
Lis Mara 4,1:47.3
Soul Chaser 7,1:47.3
Well Said 3,1:47.3
Real Joke 4,1:47.3
Real Joke 4,1:47.3
Rocknroll Heaven 3,1:47.3
Hurrikane Kingcole 3,1:47.3
Put On A Show 5,1:47.3
OK Commander 3,1:47.4
Somebeachsomewhere 3,1:47.4
Lis Mara 5,1:47.4
Four Starzzz Shark 6,1:47.4
Holborn Hanover 5,1:47.4
Space Shuttle 4,1:47.4
Ultimate Falcon 5,1:47.4
American Ideal 3,1:47.4
My Boy David 3,1:47.4
Mister Big 4,1:47.4
Shadow Play 4,1:47.4
Art Official 3,1:47.4
One More Laugh 3,1:47.4
Shadyshark Hanover 3,1:47.4
We Will See 4,1:47.4
Bolt The Duer 3,1:47.4
Sweet Lou 3,1:47.4
Thinking Out Loud 3,1:47.4
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Race 1
1-Relentless Dreamer – returns at a reduced level, earned a mark of 1:51.2 here, deceptively good qualifier + rail + price
4-Mcturesque – dismiss his last mile in a too tough 1:51.1 nonwinners of 5 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, strong n steady efforts before that
9-Cheyenne Umberto – was able to come to life off a hot pace & romp to a career best at Harrah’s Philly, trying to build on that from a tougher post here
5-Prince Sharka – benefited from a couple of months freshening & qualified with vigor, owns a mark of 1:51.3 here
Race 2
5-Fool Of Ideas – was a tad overmatched in his last two + out of position, note the strong brush n bottom out move on 11-29
1-Saywhatuneedtosay – steady, stalking type matches up competitively with this group & figures to be well within striking range
2-Southern Sport – Big M lover qualified with good vigor & yielded to a superior Special T Rocks, lands inside to employ a stalking trip
3-Mystic Desire – revived his form adding Lasix, qualified with plenty & owns a bit of back class
Race 3
6-Fresh Dream – out of sheer respect for trainer Ed Hart, this colt qualified with a :27.3 final quarter & was tackling nonwinners of 5 at Pocono
4-Doomsday Hanover – stellar form at Plainridge where he took a new mark on 11-15, chance to use his big rally here in a so-so field
7-The Green Knight – adds Lasix fresh off a standout qualifier, any semblance of that mile makes him a threat in this one
2-He’s Unbelievable – only 1 for 22 this year, but catching some checks in Pennsylvania & post two affords him some favorable options
Race 4
10-Social Network – took a 1:51 mark here this year, first try off the bench worth noting & shows a line against the speedy Hurrikane Kingcole
3-Gaelic Thunder – has had some success here & started to come around in last two with class relief & draws well here
4-Blue Claw – relentless veteran with a strong affinity for the Big M, won that qualifier with a :27.3 sprint
9-Beware Of Darkness – recent winner at Yonkers with a liking for this oval, compromised by post 9
Race 5
1-Royal Meeting – was parked through a :27 third quarter & held for minor spoils, note those wire-to-wire wins at Yonkers
2-Tireman – demands respect for that big upset on 12-8 at Yonkers, owns a mark of 1:50.4 here & draws inside to stalk these
6-Sir Globalop Z Tam – developed a bit of seconditis at Dover Downs & seemed to hang in that last one at Philly, but matches up well with these
5-Lettherockbegin – knows his way around this oval, sports consistent form & capable of speed he displayed on 11-9
Race 6
8-Hillbilly Hanover – brother to Holborn Hanover has been on the rise since the Burke acquisition in October, faces a deserving test against seasoned foes
7-River Shark – 1:48.4 winner here this season sharpened his sword recently, sports a hefty 11 wins in 2012 & vaults past $1 million with another
6-Western Shore – soon-to-be-10yo warhorse came back with a strong qualifier after four months on the sidelines, fifth Presidential appearance on tap
2-Southwestern Dream – another Big M classmaster in here capping off a long, productive season, sharp form & inside post gives him a big chance
Race 7
9-Musselsfrmbrusels – stronger closer from Woodbine makes his second start for Rene Allard, shows a sparkling career best on 12-1, then got parked through a :27.3 third quarter & fought back for third
5-Electrofire – runner-up to Four Starz Trace two starts back looms large as a fresh claim by Casie Coleman, 10-time winner in 2012 with a 1:50 mark here
2-Four Starz Trace – has come to life in his last two against $50,000 claimers at Yonkers, which makes him a favorite in here from an inside post
8-Hemer’s Card Shark – worked his way up in class at Yonkers & just missed when well supported last out, dangerous if the pace & trip sets up right
Race 8
4-Go West Lucky Cam – aired it out & went all the way against similar two starts back and lands an ideal stalking spot here
5-Trend Spotter – Burke trainee was most effective at the nonwinners of $13,000 level at Harrah’s Philly, which seems like the measuring stick in this one
9-Flem N Em N – added Lasix in his last three for an always dangerous barn, this is a class drop situation, but post 9 is a hindrance
1-Lindwood Player – changed barns & promptly won his first two of the season in smashing style before the sick scratch, intriguing proposition
Race 9
8-Rockstar Temper – posted a crushing score when hammered down to 2-1 in his fourth start off the bench, owns a mark of 1:50.2 here & trending in right direction
4-A Sweet Ride – Captain Carl claim added Lasix & got nosed out on 12-15, then faltered in most recent, looks to rebound in easier class & with a better post
1-Mias Bold Maneuver – tossed out his latest & go with the strong effort on 12-8, proven winner here with stalking potential
5-Voice Of Truth – fresh off a rousing rally for third at Harrah’s Philly, capable of speed & has done some damage here this season
Race 10
8-Dinner Guest – sub 1:50 performer here has regained top form in his last three at Yonkers for Team Allard & we know he loves the Big M
9-Fat Man’s Alley – chased a runaway winner at the $50,000 level, going in the right direction after a recent sick scratch & owns a big move
3-Sonic Raider – popular item at the claim box fresh from a crushing tally at Yonkers, worthy of the step up & draws well here
4-Ethan Hanover – Burke got him straightened around on the bigger oval & gelding reeled off a career best, this is a prime spot for him to steal away
Race 11
2-Nathan Feelsgood – ran into Western Shore in his latest qualifier, lands in a softer spot for his return from a four-month layoff & draws on his class
9-Brookstone – paid off instantly after the Burke Barn acquisition, and raced well against $25,000 claimers before that, big threat despite tougher post here
4-Vodka Is Terror – 3yo has really cranked up his game in New York with three in a row & translates into major contender status in this one
3-Shaws Creek Buff – new Nik Drennan acquisition ships in off an energetic qualifier at Mohawk, looms as a price play in a wide-open field
Race 12
3-Prestissimo – 9yo has taken a few starts off the claim to kick in & rates strong contender status off his latest at Harrah’s Philly
4-Justin Art – ships in with solid numbers & fresh off an improved second when dropped to this level, garners many votes here
7-General Montgomery – converted a perfect cover trip to edge Prestissimo & light up the board, arrow pointing up on this classy veteran
2-Trade Editor – badly beaten favorite at Yonkers drops further to half his previous price & draws inside for Allard
Race 13
4-Giddy Up Delight – a steady customer won here a couple of times last Winter, can take advantage of a likely stalking trip scenario
3-Mar Dream – PJ Fraley reclaim clearly a hot item at Yonkers, gunned down despite controlling the pace in his latest, figures in a similar role here
8-Scotty Mach – won his last two when facing $20,000 stock at Harrah’s Philly, claimed in peak form & more blast out speed expected
6-On The Radar – seemed to cycle to the top & got parked as the beaten favorite on 12-14, could get the speed set-up he needs
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Positive Changes Galore in Store for 2013
Racing fans anxious for the return of the world’s greatest harness action will be greeted with many exciting changes in 2013.
From a new front office staff stressing unsurpassed customer service to a revamped stakes schedule and betting menu, and fan-friendly promotions, the New Meadowlands will continue to offer great wagering and entertainment value as a new grandstand rises in the backstretch.
The new stakes menu will be spiced up with the emphasis on more seasoned performers, starting with the All Sires for three-year-old pacers who were nonwinners of $100,000 in 2012. The Meadowlands Maturity will be for four-year-old pacers and trotters. The Hudson River is a traveling series for four and five-year-old Open Pacers.
Action will really heat up in the Fall when the new grandstand makes its debut and there will be two $500,000 Meadowlands FFA Championships on the trot and pace. Three-year-old winners of the Meadowlands Pace, Hambletonian and Breeders Crown will be invited with possible Horse of the Year honors on the line.
Also on November 30, the Fall Final Four returns with the Goldsmith Maid, Governor’s Cup, Three Diamonds and Valley Victory.
The ABC system of classification has been revived to make overnight racing even more competitive.
The new wagering format menu provides the bettors with more of what they want, and the most popular bet, an additional Pick 4. The early Pick 4 has a nightly guarantee of $25,000, and the late Pick 4 guarantee is $50,000 Thursday and Friday, and $75,000 on Saturday.
New technology will provide behind-the-scenes coverage from the race paddock to further enhance an award winning simulcast signal.
In addition to free admission and free live racing programs on Thursday and Friday, New Meadowlands guests looking for some additional fun only need to visit the Paddock Level Promotions Table for information on a busy line-up of nightly contests like Harness Racing Bingo.
World Free Poker and Handicapping tournaments are back, including the big one, the World Harness Handicapping Championship on April 13.
Terraces Restaurant now offers a fabulous Wine and Food Pairing Buffet.
The New Meadowlands is a perfect combination of what’s new and the tradition of major events such as the Hambletonian.
World class racing and wagering options, fun promotions, great food and entertainment value in an energetic, customer-is-King environment.
It all gets underway Opening Weekend, Friday, December 28 and Saturday, December 29.
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Race 1
1-Celebrity Hercules - obviously a proven winner at the Big M, who's fresh on the comeback trail & from as solid upset rally at Georgian Downs
2-Macho Lindy - veteran closing in on half a million closing out a lean year, yet matches up well with these & draws inside
6-Armor Hanover - 3yo in very good form at Harrah's Philadelphia, while chasing some standout winners & gets a barn change
3-Berkshire - consistent in Pennsylvania off a strong effort from post 8 when runner-up to a runaway, figures to be in play early
Race 2
8-Fast And Furious - lightly-raced filly starting to find her best stride, note the sharp wire-to-wire win at Yonkers, can leave & dominate these
9-Shes Lovin It - strong seconds over off tracks in nonwinners of 4 at Yonkers, look for her to employ that stalking style, big threat
5-Full Explosion - Maine bred filly fresh from a pair of blowouts at Freehold & poised to test her potential here
1-Aint Got A Home - steady sort toiling in nonwinners of 3 at Harrah's Philadelphia, needs the right pace set-up
Race 3
7-Tiger Williams - winner for this price at Yonkers, bounced back with a very strong qualifier here & liking the 7 for 29 record
2-Fresco Blue - seeing all kinds of recent excuses, capable of a brush n crush move, yet not sure he's up to this level
4-Flowmaster - took his mark of 1:52 here earlier this year, fresh off an easy win at Yonkers, one to beat
9-Wisher - recent Burke claim has raced well in all three starts since the acquisition, logical focus despite post 9
Race 4
4-Sarkozy - second try off the bench, feeding off some back class & seeking a stalking trip at a value price
1-Soapy Sap - veteran mare relished the long stretch here, in good form, yet might be compromised by the rail
6-Aruba Vacation - ships in with a solid record, owns some speed & could be a danger if able to take control
5-Lord Darby - another hard-knocker who seems to always show up, but going to need a bigger knockout punch
Race 5
8-Wildfire Osborne - red-hot mare & recent Harmon claim with 12 wins this season, fresh from a gutsy score at Yonkers
1-Ole Miss - shows Preferred class lines at Woodbine, new Burke acquisition hasn't raced in three weeks, yet will be hammered
2-Dream's Bar - just notched only her second win of the year, but it was the mile of her life at Harrah's Philadelphia
7-Angelwithnattitude - sharp on the comeback trail, chased an A2 mare MJ's Bid last out & needs to rebound in a tough field
Race 6
8-Stir Me Up - sports a 1:54.4 lifetime best on 11-18, then repeated with vigor, in a tough spot last time, hails from ace trotting barn
4-Magnum Kosmos - capping 2012 with an hefty 8 for 31 record, won two of his last three & draws well to flaunt his speed
5-Ellen's Isle - was reaching too high last out after some sharp recent wins at Harrah's Philadelphia for Team Orange Crush
7-In Your Room - took advantage of some class relief & came within a fifth of her career mark, big time confidence booser
Race 7
7-Pacific Date - love the way she made it three in a row at Dover Downs, then tried to close into a :54 back half
9-MJ's Bid - won her last two with authority at Harrah's Philadelphia, her latest with a sizzling :26.1 third quarter move
4-Rub Thing - 1:51 mark here, just wired them at Yonkers & draws well for a barn that always has them primed
5-Chief Karen - can't ignore her two recent upsets, 8 for 36 and $100,000 in 2012, longer stretch suits her
Race 8
6-Harbor Point - chased Hambletonian hero Market Share in the American National, three in a row at Harrah's Philadelphia with versatility
1-Don't Know Chip - returned from a four-month layoff with a winning qualifier, loves to kick home here, yet finds a tough field
4-The Chancellor - positive response to his recent freshening, pulled an eight-hole upset off a solid qualifier
3-Ice Machine - loves the Big M & notched his ninth win of 2012 with a classic drop n pop at Harrah's Philadelphia
Race 9
7-Go On BB - millionaire struggling in Opens at Balmoral Park, arrives in the Burke Barn & can easily regain her confidence
10-Cuz She Can - another classy mare closing in on $1 million, winning form against lesser foes down south
6-Flashy - well-traveled mare winning 9 of 24 in 2012 & three of her last four, controlling speed & upside
9-Ryder Blue Chip - improving filly gathering steam for her new barn has upset potential
Race 10
6-Celebrity Scandal - flashed a hint of improvement first time Lasix & gets some class relief here from nonwinners of 4 + 5
1-Brandon's Colt - took a mark of 1:51.2 here, lands the pole off a sharp effort, yet concerned about the 2 for 36 slate
11-Inform - 1:50.4 winner here not making much headway against $15,000 claimers at Dover Downs, chance to perk up here
2-Attack Modes Billy - just 1 for 25 but hanging around for minor shares & draws inside a field full of question marks
Race 11
1-Here's My Ticket - filly regaining form on Lasix, chance to trip out at a price from the rail in a wide-open field
10-Caramel Chino - a solid second fresh off the claim at Yonkers, strong in the win column with a post 10 obstacle
7-Tykesa Moon - Burke trainee grinded gamely through a solid pace first time Lasix & on the drop down
4-Hostess Lisa - rounded into winning form with Lasix added & merits a stiffer test
Race 12
6-Dave Panlone - tried to close into a :56.2 back half last time, has been pretty steady & looks for a stalking trip here
2-Cambassador - fresh claim by trainer Mark Silva for himself, 1:51.1 winner here could pay instant dividends from an inside slot
3-Big Ten Champ - has twice beat $10,000 stock at Harrah's Philadelphia, dangerous making a late, bottom out move
7-Manofleisuresuit - beaten favorite squandered a perfect trip last time, yet launched a nice move to romp before that
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2013 Meadowlands Pace Winterbook
The 2012 crop of three-year-old pacers was one of the most wide open and competitive we’ve seen in years. Five sophomores had million dollar seasons, including the Meadowlands Pace winner A Rocknroll Dance. Two others were well past $900,000, and three of those glamour boys took a mark of 1:47.4.
The division scenario in 2013 could shift back to a standout with the emergence of the sensational freshman Captaintreacherous in 2012.
1-Captaintreacherous – This outstanding colt from the impressive first crop of Somebeachsomewhere became the first two-year-old to post three sub 1:50 miles. Even though the biggest freshman star could not hold on in a thrilling three-horse Breeders Crown photo, the $250,000 yearling did win eight of ten starts, including stakes records in the Woodrow Wilson (1:49.3) and Metro (1:49.2) with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Tony Alagna. He also won his Metro elimination in 1:49.3 at Mohawk and amassed $918,253.
2-Rockin Amadeus – Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter has trained all four foals of millionaire dam Kikikatie, Rockin Image, Grams Legacy, Time To Roll and this 2012 Breeders Crown champion. Yannick Gingras rallied the $455,440 winner to a 17-1 upset at Woodbine in 1:51.2 for owner/breeder Susan Grange’s Lothlorien, who co-owned the sire Rocknroll Hanover. Takter sent out two in the 2012 Pace, Time To Roll (ninth) and Simply Business (eighth), and finished second in 2009 with Vintage Master. Gingras captured his first Pace trophy in 2012 with A Rocknroll Dance.
3-Wake Up Peter – 2012 was a breakout season for trainer Tony Alagna, whose two-year-olds flourished like this consistent son of Rocknroll Hanover. Alagna was high on him all along and the $20,000 yearling alleviated a breathing problem early in the season. He finished a close second in the Breeders Crown, just ahead of his stablemate Captaintreacherous after he had also won his elimination (in 1:51.1). Bred in New Jersey by White Birch Farm, his dam Lovely Lady is a half sister to Worldly Beauty, whose full sister Worldly Treasure is the dam of Captaintreacherous.
4-Odds On Equuleus – Aside from being part of a controversial disqualification in the Fall of 2012, the son of Art Major developed into a major stakes player for trainer Robin Schadt and Odds On Racing. With Hall of Famer John Campbell in the bike, the $417,534 winner established himself in a division of the Nassagaweya Stakes in 1:52.3, then won a Metro elimination in 1:50.1 and finished second in that Final at Mohawk. At The Red Mile, he avenged a take-down in the Bluegrass with a 1:50 win in an International Stallion Stakes division.
5-Apprentice Hanover – The first crop of Somebeachsomewhere made a strong impression, so anticipation is high on how that group develops as three-year-olds and beyond. This Ontario-based colt trained by Ben Wallace certainly opened some eyes when he romped by nine lengths in a Nassagaweya division, then took a mark of 1:49.4 in his Metro elimination and was third in that final. The $90,000 yearling also won at The Red Mile in 1:50.3 with Jody Jamieson driving. He reportedly had been fighting a viral infection prior to finishing seventh in the Breeders Crown. Wallace said he’s very much like his father – a true gentleman and very professional. He won five of ten starts and $266,998 for owner Brad Grant.
6-Doctor Butch – Looking to follow in the footsteps of millionaire stablemate Heston Blue Chip, this Art Major colt dominated the NYSS circuit and went wire-to-wire in the final at Yonkers in 1:53.1 for the same connections –Tim Tetrick, trainer Linda Toscano and owner Kenneth Jacobs. He took a mark of 1:52 at Tioga Downs and closed out his season with a close second to Odds On Equuleus at The Red Mile. The $55,000 Harrisburg yearling earned $344,411, with eight wins and four seconds in 12 starts. Toscano and Jacobs were fourth in the 2012 Pace with Heston Blue Chip and also fourth in 2007 with Kenneth J.
7-Dovuto Hanover – This is a son of Dragon Again who took a mark of 1:50.4 on August 19 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Dave Miller and trainer Kelly O’Donnell. He got parked as the beaten heavy favorite (fifth) in the PASS Championship, and won a division of the Bluegrass in 1:51.4, final quarter in :26.4. The $40,000 Harrisburg yearling made $192,850 for owner by Martin Sharf of Gallo Blue Chip fame.
8-Fool Me Once – This is another Art Major colt, who caught fire going two-for-two at The Red Mile, both clocked in 1:51.3 for Ron Pierce and trainer Mark Austin. Pierce recommended his hobbles be let out after his Breeders Crown elimination, but the $70,000 Harrisburg yearling wasn’t a factor in that final. His full brother Feel Like A Fool finished seventh in the 2011 Pace won by Roll With Joe, one of three of the last five Pace finals taken by Pierce.
9-Dedi’s Dragon – Ron Burke developed this Dragon Again colt into a PASS winner. The $15,000 yearling displayed controlling speed in the Elevation at Indiana Downs in 1:52.2. At The Red Mile, he was just a neck behind Dovuto Hanover in the Bluegrass, then lost by a nose to Captaintreacherous. The beaten favorite in the Matron finished a close second to Twilight Bonfire despite an uncovered trip.
10-Twilight Bonfire – 1999 Pace champion The Panderosa seeks his first Pace siring credit with this steady winner of $257,848. He capped his first season with a career best of 1:51 in the Matron Stakes for Dave Miller and trainer Danny Collins. The Robert Key homebred also won a division of the Bluegrass in 1:52.1 and finished a solid fourth in the Breeders Crown.
Also: Mach Pride, Vegas Vacation, Our Dragon King, Windsong Jack, Johny Rock, Good Day Mate, Captive Audience, Hail The Taxi
]]>2013 Hambletonian Winterbook
There have been three undefeated freshman trotters in the past 11 years, Broadway Hall, Cantab Hall and Deweycheatumnhowe, and only the latter kept his string alive while becoming the first undefeated Hambletonian winner in 2008 at 15 in a row. Broadway Hall went nine-for-nine at two and never raced again due to injury. Like Dewey, Cantab Hall also went 10-for-10 as a freshman, won his first two starts at three, but had to settle for second in the 2004 Hambletonian. Now, a son of Cantab Hall heads the Top 10 list of 2013 Hambletonian prospects: Wheeling N Dealin, who went nine-for-nine with a Breeders Crown win at Woodbine.
1-Wheeling N Dealin – The Ontario-based sensation capped his unblemished two-year-old campaign with a less-than-dominant win in the Breeders Crown at Woodbine. After Sylvain Filion brushed to the lead through a :57.4 half, the colt only needed a :29.2 final quarter to hold on in 1:56. He won his elimination in 1:55.1 (:27.3) from post eight. Filion declared him an amazing animal with all the right qualities. The $100,000 yearling, bred by William Weaver’s Valley High Stable of Freehold, NJ and trained by Dustin Jones, also posted major wins in the Champlain Stakes in a career best of 1:55 and the William Wellwood Memorial in 1:55.3. He bankrolled $696,112 for Ecurie Synergie of Montreal, Quebec. Filion and Jones teamed up with 2012 Hambletonian finalist Prestidigitator (eighth, placed seventh), and look for a vastly improved result on August 3.
2-Royalty For Life – In 2006, RC Royalty was a Hambletonian contender until he broke stride in his elimination. Now he seeks a measure of revenge with a colt from his second crop, and Royalty For Life is his best to date. The homebred went from the smaller tracks of the NYSS circuit and blossomed into a Grand Circuit winner at The Red Mile in 1:54.2 from post eight. He finished a strong second to Wheeling N Dealin in both his elimination and the final of the Breeders Crown for trainer George Ducharme. Tetrick called him a perfect horse, acts and drives like an aged horse and gives 100% every time. Co-owner Paul Fontaine is the President of Harness Tracks of America and has raced horses for more than 40 years.
3-Fashion Blizzard – The Fashion Farm homebred by Credit Winner-Fun And Strokes was a pretty consistent winner in NYSS, winning three divisions and went wire-to-wire in the final at Yonkers in 1:57.4 for Jim Morrill, Jr. He took a mark of 1:54.3 at The Red Mile, and also finished a solid third from post 10 in the Peter Haughton Memorial. Trainer Jim Campbell has noted this colt can be a handful, and, unfortunately, he had trouble behind the gate at Woodbine, and broke in both his Breeders Crown elimination (a pari mutual refund) and the final. Nevertheless, Fashion Blizzard hit the board in 10 of 12 starts and earned $302,439 for the Tagliabue team of Campbell and Jules Siegel, who sent out Stormin Normand (ninth) in the 2012 Hambletonian. They have two other prospects in Hall Of Muscles and Possessed Fashion.
4-Murmur Hanover – The Ontario-sired colt by Majestic Son was a force in OSS, winning two Gold Finals and finished second to Wheeling N Dealin in the William Wellwood Memorial. He also finished third from post nine in the Breeders Crown. Campaigned by brothers Mario and Benoit Baillargeon, the $70,000 Harrisburg yearling broke in three of his last four starts, and Benoit noted he’s an aggressive colt that needs to leave the gate his way and then settles down. He did hit the board in nine of 14, earned $418,955 and took a mark of 1:55.2, while racing exclusively in Canada for Quebec owner Richard Berthiaume.
5-Donyouforgetit – Here’s another Cantab Hall colt out of 2004 two-year-old filly champion Solveig for Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter, and whatever he lacked in size, he more than made up for in speed, versatility and determination. After receiving a bye into the Breeders Crown, he challenged first over, broke and finished eighth. However, his six wins in ten starts included the PASS Championship in 1:55.2 at The Meadows and a world record of 1:55.3 in the Standardbred at Delaware. He also finished second to Royalty For Life at The Red Mile and piled up $337,837. Takter had three solid shots heading into the 2012 Hambletonian, he just missed driving his first Hambo winner when Guccio finished a close second, plus he had the favorite, Uncle Peter, who broke stride. Little Brown Fox faltered in his elimination, yet still pushed past the $1 million mark in career earnings.
6-Aperfectyankee – There have only been two Peter Haughton Memorial winners to come back to win the Hambletonian, and they were both voted Horse of the Year, Donato Hanover and Muscle Hill. Hence, 2012 Haughton upsetter Aperfectyankee has some big shoes to fill. The son of Yankee Glide, who sold for $55,000 as a yearling in Lexington, came up with the fastest mile in his division (1:54.1) on Hambletonian Day. Swedish owner/trainer/driver Jim Oscarsson, who now resides in Florida, shut him down after he faded to sixth as the heavy favorite in an elimination for William Wellwood Memorial. So, we’ll see if the lightly raced Aperfectyankee can resurface at the top level a year after his dramatic score.
7-Major Athens – This Andover Hall colt won his Peter Haughton Memorial elimination in 1:56, then brushed to the lead and faded to sixth as the beaten favorite in that final for Brian Sears and trainer Rich Gillock. The Pennsylvania-based colt did rally to win a division of the Bluegrass in 1:56.3, and finished second in the PASS Championship. He received a bye into the Breeders Crown, broke and finished seventh. Gillock did note his best asset is his manners. The homebred for Thomas Brice and Charles Receski took a mark of 1:55, won seven of 13, hit the board in 10 of 13 and banked $309,786.
8-Corky – Here’s another Jimmy Takter trainee who had three wins and four seconds in seven starts, and earned $227,297. The son of Muscles Yankee colt romped in the NJSS Final in 1:57 with Dave Miller on August 17, and that was the last time he raced. He also finished second by a neck in the Peter Haughton Memorial. The $100,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling is co-owned by brothers John and Jim Fielding, who finished second in 2012 with Guccio and had the beaten favorite, Uncle Peter.
9-Pine Credit – This son of Credit Winner, a product of the NYSS circuit, served notice when he romped in a 1:54.3 division of the International Stallion Stake at The Red Mile with 25-year-old Laverne Miller driving for trainer Erv Miller (no relation). The $19,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling won five of 13 starts and $153,082.
10-Your So Vain – This Donato Hanover colt only made five starts and his lone win came in a division of the International Stallion Stake at The Red Mile in 1:55 with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Brad Maxwell. The $60,000 Harrisburg yearling banked $55,995 and finished third to Wheeling N Dealin in his Breeders Crown elimination, then broke and finished ninth in that final. Maxwell also has $277,003 winner Creampuff Macdaddy; the bulk of his earnings coming when he was second, placed first in the $300,000 OSS Super Final.
Also: My Man Can, Caveat Emptor, Majestized, Creampuff Macdaddy, Text Winner, Dewycolorintheline, All Laid Out, Creatine, Hall Of Muscles, Possessed Fashion
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Johnny Longshot
In late October, actor-director Emilio Estevez announced plans to spend five weeks filming a feature-length movie about harness racing in Cincinnati, around Ohio, and also in the Tri-State area starting in January.
The son of Dayton, Ohio native Martin Sheen, and brother of Charlie Sheen, has spent ten years developing the screenplay for “Johnny Longshot”.
Estevez will direct and star in the film, which has a $12 million budget.
Shortly, after the news release, I fired off a letter via snail mail to the Gersh Agency in California, which represents Estevez.
My first thought was this might be the only movie about harness racing in my lifetime and I want to somehow be a part of it.
Much to my surprise, a few weeks later, the former “Gordon Bombay” of Mighty Ducks fame contacted me to not only do some race announcing for the production, but also to look over the script.
At first, I thought the call was a prank, until he read my letter over the phone. From there it was a delightful conversation about an exciting project. He made a point to say I didn’t have to write the letter since he had intended on calling me anyway, and I was duly flattered.
Estevez was quite adamant about being true to the sport, he wants to get several insiders involved to make sure any sensitive issues are handled right, and he also wants to give harness racing a grand publicity tool.
Moreover, Estevez fully intends on making a family movie about comebacks and second chances, which he describes as “inspirational”.
Along the lines of the Secretariat and Sea Biscuit movies, Estevez wants to create another family franchise that shows the unique familial culture and international flavor of harness racing.
Estevez also intends to make a film about the down-to-earth people in the sport, as well as highlight the Standardbred as a kind of unsung hero of the horse world, and use modern technology to capture the excitement of harness races.
The story is about a retired jockey from Cincinnati who tries other “regular” jobs and becomes miserable until he heads back to the track and revives or reinvents his career as a harness racing driver.
Estevez will play “John West” in a script he wrote several years ago, but got sidetracked recently shooting “The Way” with his father in Spain.
Estevez told me he’s already been out on the track jogging horses with trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr., but will reportedly have a stunt double.
Estevez has his own production company, Estevez Sheen Productions, a Warner Brothers affiliated company, and with favorable tax incentives in Ohio, he will employ some 1,500 local acting talents and technicians in his home state, where he will possibly use Lebanon Raceway, Scioto Downs, Northfield Park, Turfway Park and River Downs.
His other options for the shoot are The Red Mile and The Meadowlands.
The Estevez credits also include The Outsiders, The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, Men At Work, The War at Home, Rated X, Repo Man, Stakeout, Young Guns, Young Guns II, Mission Impossible, The Mighty Ducks and Bobby.
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Dan Patch Award Picks
The 2012 Dan Patch Awards for the top equine stars in harness racing had a couple of common denominators, Tim Tetrick and Linda Toscano.
The Bionic Man drove no less than six serious candidates, and hence, is a favorite for Driver of the Year.
Toscano, a virtual slam dunk to become the first female Trainer of the Year, sent out three division standouts, plus a no-brainer for Trotter of the Year and likely Horse of the Year.
New Jersey owned, trained, driven and bred stock figure prominently among this year’s honorees.
The Two Year Old Filly Trotter category boiled down to a pair of New Jersey-breds from both sides of the border. The Ontario-based Bee A Magician handed To Dream On her only career loss in the Peaceful Way, yet somehow got off to a slow start as the favorite in the Breeders Crown and had to settle for third behind her rival. To Dream On was able to gain a measure of revenge and seal her division title with a stakes record equaling 1:54.4 at Woodbine. The daughter of Credit Winner, bred by New Jersey’s Valley High Stables, was one of three Crown trophies for Yannick Gingras, and was part of a grand slam for trainer Jimmy Takter. The $200,000 yearling has banked $727,320 for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. To Dream On won her first five starts, including a 1:54 Meadowlands track record in the Merrie Annabelle. Takter won this division three years in a row with Solvieg, Passionate Glide and Pampered Princess.
There have been three undefeated freshman trotters in the past 11 years, Broadway Hall, Cantab Hall and Deweycheatumnhowe, and only the latter managed to keep the string alive while winning the Hambletonian. Like Broadway Hall, Ontario sensation Wheeling N Dealin went nine-for-nine, albeit with a less-than-dominant win in the Breeders Crown. After Sylvain Filion got away with a :57.4 half, the son of Cantab Hall held on in 1:56. The victory gave breeder William Weaver (Valley High Stable of Freehold, NJ) a Crown double. The $100,000 yearling, trained by Justin Jones and owned by Ecurie Synergie of Montreal, Quebec, also notched major wins in the Champlain and William Wellwood Memorial. Filion and Jones teamed up to send out a 2012 Hambletonian finalist Prestidigitator, and now have the 2013 Winterbook favorite.
The Two Year Filly Pace division shaped up as a late-season tussle between I Luv The Nitelife and L Dees Lioness before the regally bred Somwherovrarainbow crushed them in the Breeders Crown. However, I Luv The Nitelife did finish a solid second after a 22-day layoff and led her colleagues with $689,530. The $60,000 yearling stablemate to Put On A Show, trained by Chris Ryder, and owned by Richard and Joanne Young, set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination with Jack Moiseyev in the bike, then beat L Dees Lioness in that final in 1:51. The daughter of Rocknroll Hanover also won a Bluegrass division in 1:52.4. Her dam Lisjune is out of a half-sister to double millionaire Lis Mara.
The top Two Year Old Colt Pacer always seems to shoulder the heaviest load going into the glamour boy season, yet Captaintreacherous is well deserving of the pressure in 2013. Even though the biggest freshman star of 2012 could not hold on in a thrilling three-horse Breeders Crown photo finish, the outstanding colt from the impressive first crop of Somebeachsomewhere did win eight of ten starts, including stakes records in the Woodrow Wilson (1:49.3) and Metro (1:49.2). The $250,000 yearling will give trainer Tony Alagna his first Dan Patch Award in a break-out year. With a bankroll of $918,253, Captaintreacherous became the first two-year-old to rack up three sub 1:50 miles, and never missed the board with Tim Tetrick in the bike.
Up until the Breeders Crown, Check Me Out was in the Horse of the Year mix, despite her unfortunate miscue in the Hambletonian Oaks. After a 20-day layoff she finished third, yet still won 11 of 15 and didn’t miss the board in a $955,326 season. The richest trotting filly in history at $1,855,945 lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in the Bluegrass, won the Elegantimage in a Mohawk track record of 1:52.2, the Hudson Filly Trot, set a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial, equaled that mark in the Zweig and PASS Final, and set a Tioga Downs track record of 1:54 against older horses. From the first crop of Donato Hanover, Tim Tetrick drove for trainer Ray Schnittker. Check Me Out is the first filly to repeat as division champion since Pampered Princess (2006) and Passionate Glide (2007).
American Jewel locked down her division when she won a hard-fought stretch drive in the Breeders Crown Three Year Old Filly Pace in 1:52.1. After her stellar freshman season was cut short by injury, the daughter of American Ideal bounced back with a million dollar season, clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover, and also won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 and cruised in a Bluegrass division in 1:50.1. She also finished second in the Mistletoe Shalee and Valley Forge. American Jewel increased her career earnings to $1,771,773 for Brittany Farms, Tim Tetrick and trainer Jimmy Takter. Takter won this division last year with See You At Peelers and in 2005 with Cabrini Hanover.
There’s no doubt the Three Year Old Colt and Gelding Pace division was the toughest to sort out with no less than five sophomores putting up $1 million seasons. I will admit even after casting my vote for A Rocknroll Dance, I should have waited for the Matron Final, which stamped late-season hero Heston Blue Chip a winner in many corners. Could Tim Tetrick and Linda Toscano score yet another Dan Patch trophy here? Yes, I kept looking at only four wins for A Rocknroll Dance, but three were big, the Hempt in 1:48.3, the Meadowlands Pace in 1:48.1 and the Battle of Brandywine in 1:48.1 with Yannick Gingras driving for trainer Jim Mulinix. Delving a little deeper, the son of Rocknroll Hanover got parked from post six through a 1:21.3 three quarters in his North America Cup elimination, then got boxed in from post seven in that final. He lost by a nose from post eight in the NJSS Final, and won the Hempt from post eight at Pocono Downs, no small task. After leaving from post six in the Adios Final, he rolled through a blazing 1:19.2 three quarters, and Bolt The Duer tripped out to beat him in a world record of 1:47.4. In the Cane Pace, he carved out bruising fractions of :53 and 1:20.3 from post six and finished fourth. He followed that with a second from post 12 in the Simcoe. Clearly not himself in Lexington, he underwent throat surgery, and bounced back with a parked out fourth in the Messenger and a third in the Windy City Pace. Week-in and week-out, spanning the entire calendar year, A Rocknroll Dance was a speedy, gutsy major player with $1 million to show for it. By the way, he drew post six in the Cleveland Classic on December 8.
Market Share was a major contender for Horse of the Year going into the Breeders Crown, fresh from a sparkling new mark of 1:50.3 at The Red Mile with Tim Tetrick in the bike. The $16,000 bargain yearling by Revenue S had to settle for third from post eight, yet still owns a pair of $1 million victories in the Hambletonian and the Canadian Trotting Classic. The Linda Toscano trainee also set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig, finished second by a neck in the Colonial, and polished off his season with blowouts in the American National and the Galt, which pushed him past the $2 million career mark. Market Share won 10 of 20 starts in 2012.
In the Older Trotting Mares division, Frenchfrysnvinegar came up just a half-length shy of repeating in the Breeders Crown, but the seven-year-old Angus Hall mare fashioned her best season ever at $429,650, and pushed past the $1 million mark. Trained by Jeff Gillis and driven by Jody Jamieson, she found her best stride late in 2012, winning eight of 25, going all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off a world record, and trotted a career best of 1:52 in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile.
The Breeders Crown Trot was a classic Horse of the Year coronation for Chapter Seven, as well as a Crown repeat at Woodbine. Despite being parked out by European invitee Commander Crowe, the four-year-old son of the late Windsong’s Legacy gallantly prevailed in 1:52.3. After completing his career with a 1:54.4 romp in the American National, Chapter Seven was looking to become the first Horse of the Year to make less than 12 starts in their award-winning season. He went eight for ten with two seconds, banked $1,023,025 in 2012, and finished with $1,954,966. Once again, the prolific team of Tim Tetrick and Linda Toscano were front and center. Chapter Seven kicked off his four-year-old season with unprecedented back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 in Titan Cup Prep and Final. He lowered his own world mark to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray, which tied the fastest trotting mile in Meadowlands history, won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52 and the Allerage Farm in 1:50.2.
Even though she was second on the money list behind Rocklamation, Anndrovette likely sealed her second straight division title when she rallied to repeat in the Breeders Crown Open Mare Pace in 1:50.1, just as she had done in 2011. The five-year-old daughter of Riverboat King, owned by Jeff Bamond and Joseph Davino, and bred in New Jersey by Golden Touch Stable, vaulted past the $2 million mark. Tim Tetrick also made history as the first driver to win four Crown trophies on the same program. Trained by Paul Fraley, Anndrovette set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk. She won the Overbid
Final and several legs of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers, before finishing a second in that final. Anndrovette also set a fast pace and finished a third in the 1:47.3 world record Lady Liberty.
Not too many free for all pacers can dig down as deep and come up with a career season like Golden Receiver did in 2012. The iron-tough son of Village Jove was there at the beginning and still around at the end. He paced the fastest January mile ever, 1:48, when he was voted Horse of the Month and won the Presidential for trainer Mark Harder. The Golden One went on to post major victories in the Spring Championship, the Graduate, US pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. He capped his sensational campaign finishing second in the Breeders Crown and American National with Tim Tetrick in the bike. Tetrick shared seat time with eight other drivers, including Brian Sears and Andy Miller. Golden Receiver won 13 of 25, hit the board in 20 starts, banked $941,025 and lowered his lifetime best to 1:48. He was bred in New York by co-owner Nina Simmonds, who set up a fund to donate a portion of the horse’s earnings to the Equatarian Initiative charity. Golden Receiver also gets the nod for Pacer of the Year.
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Mare Trot
The Breeders Crown Mare Trot produced its second straight upset when the Swedish import and European champion Tamla Celeber S stormed home from post ten past the 4-5 favorite Frenchfrysnvinegar, who had pulled a 4-1 upset from post ten in 2011. Trainer Roger Walmann, whose Giant Diablo set a world record of 1:50.1 at The Red Mile in 2007, made a late driver change to Brian Sears, and The White Knight rallied the millionaire five-year-old by Cantab Hall to his 23rd Crown victory. The second-place finish by Frenchfrysnvinegar pushed her past the million mark for the team of Jody Jamieson and Jeff Gillis. The leading money winner in her division is capping off a career season with a late surge, which included a world record of 1:54 in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware and a 1:52 lifetime mark in the Allerage Farm in Lexington.
Two Year Old Filly Pace
When you’ve got a Horse of the Year on both sides of your pedigree, you’ve got Breeders Crown championship written all over you. Fresh off a sharp 1:51.2 upset at 11-1 in her elimination, Somwherovrarainbow followed up with a convincing first over crush as the 6-5 favorite in the Two Year Old Filly Pace with a convincing 1:52.2 mile. Andy Miller, who won the 2004 edition with Restive Hanover, guided the homebred daughter of Somebeachsomewhere and Rainbow Blue past late-season rivals I Luv The Nitelife and L Dees Lioness for George Teague, Jr., K and R Racing and Ted Gewertz. I Luv The Nitelife maintains the edge in her division with a near $700,000 bankroll, consistency and major victories in the She’s A Great Lady, Eternal Camnation and Bluegrass. The $60,000 yearling is trained by Chris Ryder for Richard and Joanne Young.
Open Trot
The Breeders Crown Open Trot looked like a Horse of the Year moment for Chapter Seven. The four-year-old son of Windsongs Legacy got stuck outside and uncovered when European invitee Commander Crowe left hard for command. However, Tim Tetrick was actually able to rate his 3-5 favorite through a :57.1 middle half and eventually prevailed in 1:52.3 over Mister Herbie and Commander Crowe. With his seventh win in nine starts this season, Chapter Seven is looking to become the first Horse of the Year to make less than 12 starts in their award-winning season. Bred in New Jersey by Richard T. Banca, Chapter Seven set a world record of 1:50.1 in the Nat ray at the Meadowlands. He also sealed divisional honors and Trotter of the Year. Linda Toscano becomes the first female to be named Trainer of the Year, train a Horse of the Year and the leading money winner of the season (Market Share).
Three Year Filly Pace
Tim Tetrick came right back with American Jewel, who locked down her division with a hard-fought stretch drive as the 8-5 favorite in the Breeders Crown Three Year Old Filly Pace. After winning her elimination in 1:52.3, the daughter of American Ideal notched her eighth win in 15 starts this season with a 1:52.1 decision over Shelliscape and Big McDeal. Her Jimmy Takter stablemate, Romantic Moment finished fourth. After her stellar freshman campaign was cut short by injury, American Jewel bounced back with a million dollar season, clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover at Mohawk, and pushed her career earnings to $1,771,773. She also won the James Lynch Memorial Pocono Downs and a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile. Her breeder, Brittany Farms are the leading the owners in series history with 16 wins and well over $6 million. Tetrick won the 2010 edition with Put On A Show.
Two Year Old Filly Trot
To Dream On was able to gain a measure of revenge on Bee A Magician and seal her division title with a stakes record equaling 1:54.4 in the Breeders Crown Two Year Old Filly Trot. The daughter of Credit Winner, bred in New Jersey by Valley High Stables, powered past at the three quarters and cruised for Yannick Gingras as the 8-5 second choice. Long shot Time To Kill outhustled 6-5 favorite Bee A Magician for the place spot. With his fifth win in this division, newly-minted Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter added to his lead in series history with over $6 million and his 13th Crown trophy. The $200,000 yearling made it eight wins in nine starts as the leading money winning freshman trotter in 2012 at $722,940 for owners Marvin Katz and Al LIbfeld. Her lone loss came when she finished second by a neck to Bee A Magician in the Peaceful Way Final at Mohawk.
Three Year Old Filly Trot
Yannick Gingras made it back-to-back Breeders Crowns when he steered Maven to a 1:54 upset at 7-2 in the Three Year Old Filly Trot. Coming into the night, Gingras’ lone Crown win came in this division with longshot Southwind Serena ($102.80) in 2007. Persistence paid for the consistent daughter of Glidemaster, who wore down 4-5 favorite Check Me Out and held off Win Missy B. Trainer Jonas Czeryson broke an 0 for 18 Crown drought. The $37,000 yearling bred in Florida by All La Nuova Sbarra and owned by W. J. Donovan, pushed her career bankroll to $843,499. She was a Hambletonian Oaks elimination winner and won the Moni Maker Final at the Meadowlands. Despite her rare loss, Check Me Out clearly remains the top filly in her division and the richest trotting filly in history moved to $1,855,069.
Two Year Old Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous was one of the biggest standouts of the night, but despite clearing the lead past the half in :55.2, the 1:50.4 elimination winner could not hold off 17-1 shocker Rockin Amadeus and Wake Up Peter in a thrilling three-horse photo finish. Yannick Gingras and Jimmy Takter notched a Crown Night hattrick with the son of Rocknroll Hanover, who equaled his lifetime mark of 1:51.2. Ontario owner and breeder Susan Grange’s Lothlorien has kept all four foals of his dam Kikikatie, Rockin Image ($901,756), Gram’s Legacy ($122,430), Time To Roll ($544,595) and Rockin Amadeus ($451,046). All four sons of Rocknroll Hanover have been trained by Takter. Trainer Tony Alagna finished second and third with his two elimination winners. Captaintreacherous will give Alagna his first Dan Patch Award with stakes records in the Woodrow Wilson (1:49.3) and Metro Final (1:49.2). The $250,000 yearling is from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere.
Two Year Old Colt Trot
It wasn’t a dominant win and he got away with a :57.3 half, yet the fourth of seven favorites on the card came in the form of the undefeated Wheeling N Dealin, who extended his streak to nine with a 1:56 victory over Royalty For Life and Murmur Hanover in the Breeders Crown Two Year Old Colt Trot. It was a double for breeder William Weaver (Valley High Stable of NJ) and sire Cantab Hall. Sylvain Filion scored his only other Breeders Crown back in 2001 with Goliath Bayama. Trainer Dustin Jones’ lone Crown came in 2010 with Martiniontherocks. The $100,000 yearling, owned by Ecurie Synergie of Montreal, Quebec, notched major wins in the Champlain and William Wellwood Memorial. Filion and Jones campaigned Hambletonian finalist Prestidigitator and hope to return to the same venue in 2013.
Three Year Old Colt Pace
When Heston Blue Chip scored as the 9-5 favorite in the Breeders Crown Three Year Old Colt Pace it only served to scramble a wide-open division even further. It was a double for trainer Linda Toscano and winning sire American Ideal, and a triple for Tim Tetrick, who followed Sweet Lou into the stretch and edged that rival in 1:49.2. Toscano’s other elimination winner, Bettors Edge, finished third. Heston Blue Chip is a New York Sires Stakes star who won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4. The $30,000 yearling, bred in New York by Blue Chip Bloodstock, made it 12 wins in 14 starts in 2012, and vaulted past the $1 million career mark for owner Ken Jacobs. Sweet Lou, Michael’s Power (tenth) and A Rocknroll Dance, all three with $1 million sophomore seasons, will vie for divisional honors.
Open Mare Pace
Tim Tetrick made history by being the first driver to win four Breeders Crowns on the program, and the first of two Breeders Crown repeaters came in the Mare Pace when Anndrovette squeezed out and outhustled the 2-1 favorite Drop The Ball and Rebeka Bayama. The five-year-old daughter of Riverboat King capped her Dan Patch Award winning season when she won at Woodbine in 1:49.2 in 2011. Owned by Jeff Bamond and Joseph Davino, and bred in New Jersey by Golden Touch Stable, Androvette became a double millionaire with her 6-1 upset. Trainer Paul Fraley notched his first Crown win. Anndrovette set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk, and will battle Put On A Show, Drop The Ball and Rebeka Bayama for divisional honors. Tetrick joined John Campbell, Mike Lachance, Brian Sears and Ron Pierce as the only drivers to win four Crowns in one season.
Three Year Old Colt Trot
Intimidate unleashed what was likely the most impressive win on the card in the Breeders Crown Three Year Old Colt Trot when he stormed home in 1:52.4 as the 3-2 favorite. The gelding by Justice Hall was a $62,500 supplement, and emerged from relative obscurity to reel off his fifth straight win for trainer/co-owner Luc Blais, who bred Intimidate with co-owner Judith Farrow of Quebec. Sylvain Filion opted to stick with Prestidigitator, who finished fourth, so Hall of Famer Ron Pierce picked up his 26th Crown trophy. Intimidate had won his elimination with a :26.3 swoop, and posted his 13th win in 17 starts in 2012, blowing by Little Brown Fox and division leader Market Share.
Open Pace
Most of the talk going into the Breeders Crown Open Pace was about how Put On A Show was making history by being the first female pacer to take on the boys in a Crown event. Unfortunately, the fastest female of all-time finished tenth. When the dust settled, 7-5 favorite Bettor Sweet and Dave Miller went down the road as the second Crown repeater on the card, trouncing Golden Receiver and Foiled Again. It was simply a case of the seven-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight getting hot at the right time, posting his third win in a row. The $175,000 purchase by brothers John and Tom Cancelliere in 2008 cranked his career earnings up to $2,775,103. The brother to Sweet Lou was bred in California by Seth Rosenfeld’s Uptown Stable. Bettor Sweet was making his fourth consecutive Crown appearance after a third, a fourth and a sixth. Foiled Again is looking for back-to-back Dan Patch Awards and will face off with Golden Receiver.
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8-Frenchfrysnvinegar – The defending champion won it from post 10 as a supplement and has posted a carbon copy season. Jeff Gillis has had her on her toes winning three of four, including the Miss Versatility Final, she cruised to a new mark in the Allerage Farm and the $1 million mark is well within her sights.
2-Beatgoeson Hanover – This four-year-old continued to blossom this Fall with a handy elimination score with Sears. A runner-up to Frenchfrysnvinegar draws inside that rival where she can work out an ideal stalking trip, utilize her big finishing kick and vault past $1 million.
6-Cedar Dove – 2011 Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner on the verge of $1 million hasn’t been the same since she won a leg of the Miss Versatility back on August 17. Freshened up, she had more snap on the end of her qualifier than when she finished third in the Allerage Farm.
7-Autumn Escapade – Third from post nine in last year’s final, and finished an inspiring second to Beatgoeson Hanover fresh off the bench. Has struggled this year and was a recent vet scratch, but has the class and now the form to be a serious contender.
Race 2 – 2YO Filly Pace – Selections: 1 – 5 – 2 – 7
1-L Dees Lioness – One of four by Somebeachsomewhere in here, she slugged it out with I Luv The Nightlife in early September. She was used a bit too hard in a quickening pace last Friday. Casie Coleman has her primed to stalk n pop, and WEG kingpin Scott Zeron has a big chance to push off from the pole and score his first Crown trophy.
5-I Luv The Nitelife – The stablemate to Put On A Show set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination, and note her super effort from post 11 in the Champlain. She’s out of a half sister to 2006 Crown champion Lis Mara, hasn’t raced in 22 days, but she’s always ready to rock n roll.
2-Somwhereovrarainbow – It doesn’t get any better than Horses of the Year on both sides of the pedigree, and that was an eye-catching explosion once she angled out. Team Teague had her in peak form fresh off the bench and she’s a logical threat after earning another inside draw. Andy Miller won this in 2004 with Restive Hanover, the same night Rainbow Blue won the Three Year Old Filly Pace.
7-Love Canal – Lightly-raced filly closed from the clouds in her elimination, figures to move forward after two months off and Jamieson looks for a fast pace target. Badlands Hanover seeks his first Crown siring credit. Her dam, A Votre Pante won a 1999 Crown elimination.
Race 3 – Open Trot – Selections: 2 – 6 – 5 – 4
2-Mister Herbie – The King of Ontario has carved out a career season, upsetting the great San Pail in the Glorys Comet, and also winning the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in 1:51.3, the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:50.4 and the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54. Well rested and training well, he has the talent, courage and desire, plus an inside draw where he can leave, settle and stalk.
6-Chapter Seven – This 2011 Three Year Old Trot champion and Horse of the Year favorite kicked off his four-year-old with back-to-back world records, then lowered it to 1:50.1 while rebuffing Mister Herbie in the Nat Ray. He continued on a roll at The Red Mile, controlling the Allerage Farm in a nifty 1:50.2. Clearly the one to beat.
5-Arch Madness – This warhorse is the richest son of the late, great Canadian sire Balanced Image and makes his fifth Crown appearance. He upset Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in 2007 and has sharpened his sword on the comeback trail. He’s looking to join Fool’s Goal as the oldest to win a Crown at age 8.
4-Commander Crowe – The nine-year-old “Le Grand Blonde” finished with a perfect trip in 2011. Ships back in stellar form, winning nine of 13, including the Elitlopp and $1.6 million. Took a mile mark of 1:50.4 on July 31 in Sweden. His connections believe he’s 20 to 30 meters better than last year.
Race 4 – 3YO Filly Pace – Selections: 4 – 3 – 1 – 7
4-American Jewel – Came right and turned the tables on Economy Terror with that nose elimination score. Her two-year-old campaign cut short by injury, she’s enjoyed steller sophomore season, highlighted by a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover. Heads the strong one-two punch for Jimmy Takter and Brittany Farms
3-Romantic Moment – The other Brittany Farms American Ideal filly completed the Takter elimination sweep, and has also passed $800,000 this year. She’s the New York Sires Stakes champion, was a runner-up to her stablemate in the Fan Hanover and won her last two with controlling speed.
1-Economy Terror – 2011 Two Year Old Filly Pace winner upset American Jewel at The Red Mile with a perfect trip in 1:50 and almost stole her elimination. The Pennsylvania Sires Stakes champion lands the pole in peak form. She’s a full sister to 2009 Crown champion and fellow millionaire Yellow Diamond.
7-Rockaround Sue – A steady daughter of Rocknroll Hanover seems to have cranked up her game, hitting the board in her last three. A strong runner-up to Romantic Moment, trainer Tony Alagna has another live item at a nice price.
Race 5 – 2YO Filly Trot – Selections: 6 – 8 – 3 – 10
6-Bee A Magician – You had to be impressed with the way she gunned down To Dream On with a relentless rally in the Peaceful Way Final. She kept it going in track record style at Georgian Downs, and she gives Rick Zeron a big shot at his first Crown trophy. Nifty Norman has already done it in this division with Poof She’s Gone in 2009.
8-To Dream On – Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter, the Crown money leader among trainers, shoots for his fifth win in this division with a potential super filly. She equaled a Big M track record of 1:54 in the Merrie Annabelle, and streaked to a season’s best of 1:53.2 at The Red Mile. This special lass owns dangerous, controlling speed.
3-Mistery Woman – Dave Miller has his share of success with 2YO trotting fillies like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and 2009 Crown champ Poof She’s Gone. This Donato Hanover filly sold for $102,000 and has been a gem since Day One. She dominated some strong fillies at the Red Mile in 1:53.3.
10-Frau Blucher – Pennsylvania ace trainer Chris Oakes won his first Crown last year with Economy Terror, and he’s set up for a solid shot with this filly. She romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4, enjoyed a strong run in Lexington, yet seems just a tad behind the top guns and the draw wasn’t kind.
Race 6 – 3YO Filly Trot – Selections: 1 – 6 – 2 – 5
1-Check Me Out – The richest trotting filly in history with Horse of the Year aspirations lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in the Bluegrass. She set a Crown stakes record of 1:54.4 last year at Woodbine, and has been almost flawless this season. If she stays on her game she’s simply the best. Bionic Man time.
6-Maven – This very consistent filly finished a close second to Check Me Out in the world record Bluegrass division. I like the way she bounced back off a break in the Hambletonian Oaks with an emphatic score in the Moni Maker. She was also just a nose back of Check Me Out in the Elegantimage at Mohawk. If the current queen falters, count on Yannick Gingras to be looming large.
2-Win Missy B – The runner-up to Check Me Out in last year’s 2YO Crown held off that rival when she was allowed to steal away in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, then came right back to win that final. She was also a game runner-up in the Hambletonian Oaks. The millionaire homebred is on her game for Bob Key, who had 2010 Crown champion Break The Bank K.
5-Personal Style – The Hambletonian Oaks upsetter seems to have cycled out of her recent slump. She was a strong runner-up in the Kentucky Filly Futurity and has the late kick to take advantage of a fast pace. Nifty Norman is polishing off his first $3 million season.
Race 7 – 2YO Colt Pace – Selections: 3 – 4 – 6 – 7
3-Captaintreacherous – This budding superstar won his elimination in a vicious, wrapped up 1:50 after fighting off some sickness in Lexington. He held on by a nose to go two-for-two at The Red Mile and has posted three sub 1:50 miles. He equaled the stakes record of 1:49.2 in the Metro Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.3, and set a stakes record of 1:49.3 in the Woodrow Wilson.
4-Wake Up Peter – In only his eighth lifetime start the son of Rocknroll Hanover rallied stoutly to complete the Tony Alagna eliminations sweep. Alagna has been high on him all along and he has alleviated a breathing problem. A $20,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling bred in New Jersey by White Birch Farm, his dam Lovely Lady is a half sister to Worldly Beauty ($1.9 million).
6-Vegas Vacation – This Bettor’s Delight gelding came first over into a torrid :54.2 back half chasing Captaintreacherous. He finished second to Captive Audience with a :26.2 final quarter in an overnight at Woodbine on Oct. 8, so now he figures to be ready for Scott Zeron and Casie Coleman.
7-Apprentice Hanover – Ben Wallace won this in 2002 with Totally Western and Jody Jamieson took the 2007 edition with Santanna Blue Chip. This colt rated well and was still nailed by Wake Up Peter in a 1:51.1 elimination. He rallied to pull a 12-1 upset in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3, was Metro elimination winner in 1:49.4 and finished third in the final.
Race 8 – 2YO Colt Trot – Selections: 2 – 8 – 1 – 4
2-Wheeling N Dealin – Sylvain Filion called this undefeated colt an amazing animal with all the right qualities, and the way he dominated the William Wellwood is ample evidence. He beat Peter Haughton Memorial winner Aperfectyankee in the Champlain and needed that hard-fought elimination score after missing a month.
8-Royalty For Life – This NYSS standout served notice with a sharp 1:54.2 score with a :27.1 kicker at The Red Mile, beating world champion Dontyouforgetit. That was an impressive first over effort in the elimination as he acclimated quickly with the Bionic Man, and now has to overcome a slightly tougher post.
1-Dontyouforgetit – Diminutive colt is the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes champion, and set a world record in the Standardbred at Delaware. A strong second to Royalty For Life in Lexington, freshened with a Pocono qualifier and gets an inside draw for Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter. Yannick Gingras has a number of live drives on the card.
4-Your So Vain – This lightly-raced son of Donato Hanover chased Wheeling N Dealin quite willing while uncovered into a quickening pace. $60,000 Harrisburg yearling out a half sister to Credit Winner certainly proved he belonged with his big rally to score at The Red Mile on Oct. 5.
Race 9 – 3YO Colt Pace - Selections: 5 – 1 – 7 – 2
5-Panther Hanover – This late-blooming son of 2005 sophomore Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover pulled a 9-1 upset in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1
and had not raced since Sept. 13 before getting some much needed speed tightening. He set a NJ Classic stakes record of 1:47.2. James Carr and trainer James “Friday” Dean had 2010 freshman Crown champion Big Jim.
1-Michaels’ Power – $62,500 supplemental gamble has come up a bit short in his last two, yet with the rail he has a chance to employ a stalking style. This $1.3 million winning gelding by Crown champion Camluck owns a pair of two-heat wins in the Little Brown Jug and Confederation Cup, plus the Upper Canada Final and three OSS Gold Finals.
7-Sweet Lou – The son of 2003 North American Cup winner Yankee Cruiser romped to a world record of 1:49 in last year’s 2YO Crown Pace enroute to divisional honors. The Jug runner-up posted a gutsy first over score over stablemate Hillbilly Hanover in the Tattersalls Pace and sports a mark of 1:47.4 taken in a North America Cup elimination.
2-Bettors’ Edge – Kicked off the Linda Toscano eliminations sweep with a crushing first over upset in 1:49.4. The third-place finisher in the Jug Final remained in strong form at The Red Mile, and earned a precious inside post here along with his stellar stablemate in one of the most wide open events of the night.
Race 10 – Mare Pace – Selections: 9 – 11 – 2 – 4
9-Rebeka Bayama – Pulled out all the stops in a blowout track record equaling 1:48.4, a race she needed. She looked home free before finishing second in the 1:47.3 world record Lady Liberty, then took a mark of 1:48.3, won the Golden Girls in 1:49, and had road trouble from post 10 in the Milton.
11-Drop The Ball – Shooting home in an explosive :25.3 to win the Allerage Farm is enough to indicate readiness, and also won the Green With Envy Final at the Big M with a :25.4 kicker. Second from post 11 in the Golden Girls, then she set a world record of 1:48.3 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. A 2011 Crown runner-up.
2-Rocklamation – The daughter of Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover took full advantage of a wicked pace to upset the Milton Final, and then was a solid runner-up to Drop The Ball in Lexington. She’s part of a strong three-ply contingent for Ron Burke.
4-Anndrovette – The defending champion set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red, and was blocked too long behind a tiring Drop The Ball in the Milton Final. First over and rebuffed by a raging Rebeka Bayama in the prep. Tetrick figures to use her speed earlier to gain a stalking position, which could spell Crown repeat.
Race 11 – 3YO Colt Trot – Selections: 4 – 8 – 3 – 6
4-Little Brown Fox – Unleashed an emphatic wire-to-wire act in his elimination and could give Jimmy Takter his fourth win in this division. He was second by a neck to Market Share in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53,
set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe, romped in the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52, took a mark of 1:51.2 in the Stanley Dancer Memorial and won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3.
8-Market Share – A major contender for Horse of the Year was nailed by the surprisingly good Intimidate in his elimination. He cruised to a new mark of 1:50.3 at The Red Mile with a final quarter of :26.3. He also won the Hambletonian in 1:52.1 and Canadian Trotting Classic in 1:52.2, set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig and was second by a neck to Googoo Gaagaa in the $500,000 Colonial.
3-Intimidate – The supplemental gamble looked like money in the bank after his eye-popping elimination upset with a wicked :26.3 kicker. The Quebec bred from the first crop of Hambletonian finalist Justice Hall is the new kid on the scene, who looks for five in a row and his 12th win in 16 starts this season.
6-Knows Nothing – This Ontario hope flashed solid speed off the wings, yet needed his last two races after a sick scratch. He was second to Prestidigitator as the beaten favorite in an OSS Gold Final at Woodbine on Oct. 8, and won eliminations for the Canadian Trotting Classic and Hambletonian. A stalker who needs the front end to collapse and the favorites to falter.
Race 12 – Open Pace – Selections: 7 – 8 – 5 – 10
7-Bettor Sweet – The $18.90 upsetter in last year’s Open Pace in 1:48.4 is making his fifth straight Crown appearance. He posted his first win in 15 starts this season with a brave, first over mile in 1:48.1 in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile, and was an equally game winner from post nine in last Saturday’s Open. Once again, the Cancelliere brothers have him hitting on all cylinders at Crown time.
8-Foiled Again – The son of Dragon Again is looking to become the oldest pacer at age eight to win a Breeders Crown. His upset in the Canadian Pacing Derby was the biggest win of his career and made him the richest pacer in history. 2011 Dan Patch Award winner as Pacer of the Year and Older Pacer of the Year. The runner-up in the last two editions of the Breeders Crown Open Pace, his best clockings at ages six, seven and eight have all come in Canada.
5-Golden Receiver – At age seven, the son of Village Jove is polishing off a career season. The iron-tough gelding has major wins in the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. The January Horse of the Month still going strong and looked good in his return to Woodbine.
10-Foreclosure N - Recent private purchase made his first start for the Ron Burke stable finishing fifth in the $155,000 Allerage Farm at The Red Mile on Oct. 7, pacing a final quarter of :25.4. Then, he went down the road in a career best of 1:48.4. He was twice a winner at the Preferred level at Mohawk and might be ready to prove himself at this level despite post 10.
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2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On
>made it two-for-two at The Red Mile with a season’s best and career mark of 1:53.2 in a division of ISS with Yannick Gingras driving, one week after romping in the fastest division of the Bluegrass (1:54.3)
>$200,000 yearling by Credit Winner filly won her first five starts, including a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle
>trainer Jimmy Takter, who won this back-to-back with Flirtin Miss and Passionate Glide, and drove his two other winners in the division, Gleam and Armbro Prowess
>Takter is the leading money winning trainer in Breeders Crown history with over $6 million (12 wins)
Bee A Magician
>romped to her second OSS Gold Final with a 1:55.3 mile at Georgian Downs after a track record of 1:55 in a relentless first over elimination
>handed To Dream On her first career loss with a powerful rally in the Peaceful Way Final in 1:53.4
>$90,000 Harrisburg yearling has won seven of nine, including an OSS Gold Final and a Champlain Stakes division
>Rick Zeron drives the Kadabra filly for trainer Nifty Norman, who won this in 2009 with Poof She’s Gone
Mistery Woman
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:53.3 following a third behind To Dream On in a Bluegrass division
>Donato Hanover filly also took a division of the Standardbred at Delaware in 1:57.2
>Dave Miller has had his share of success with trotting filly stars like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and Poof She’s Gone
>$102,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling co-owned by Dave and his wife, Misty Miller
Frau Blucher
>went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:55
>second Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4
>sports six wins in nine starts
>Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, who won his first Breeders Crown last year with Economy Terror
True Day Dream
>bounced back from a loss in Lexington with a career best of 1:54.1 at Colonial Downs
>reeled off six in a row before a third in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara
>$3,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling, Ontario bred by Infinitif
Fashion Athena
>went wire-to-wire in the NJ Futurity at Freehold in 2:03.1 on Oct. 12
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in a season’s best and a career best of 1:53.2 with Brian Sears driving for trainer Jim Campbell
>Fashion Farms owned and bred daughter of 2002 undefeated Crown champion Broadway Hall
Royal Assets
>second to Frau Blucher in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>fourth from post nine behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>second in the Merrie Annabelle, third in the NJSS Final, a force in PASS
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling by Donato Hanover trained by Ray Schnittker, who won this last year with Check Me Out in a stakes record of 1:54.4
Time To Kill
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Ross Croghan won a division of the Bluegrass at The Red Mile in 1:55.1 with John Campbell
>second to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>second by a nose to Southwind Cocoa in the NJSS Final
>romped in the Marion Dancer at Freehold in 1:59.3
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Shared Past
>second to Time To Kill in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>third in the NJSS Final and fifth in the Peaceful Way
>Chocolatier filly – half sister to millionaire Dejarmbro, sold for $130,000 at Harrisburg, trained by Jonas Czernyson
Aspidistra Hanover
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Paul Kelley finished first in a dead heat with Upfrontluckycarol in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Brian Sears
>third to Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling was a runner-up to Frau Blucher in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:55.1
Upfrontluckycarol
>Andover Hall filly trained by Kelly O’Donnell finished first in a dead heat with Aspidistra Hanover in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Dave Miller
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling finished third in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:56
Handover Belle
>second to To Dream On in the fastest Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall filly finished a distant third in the Peaceful Way Final
>a mark of 1:56 taken in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>homebred trained by Tony Alagna
Southwind Cocoa
>qualified at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 2:00.2 on Oct. 13
>broke at the start of two consecutive divisions of the Kindergarten Series at The Red Mile
>won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 set by Act Of Grace
>$6,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Chocolatier trained by Linda Toscano also won the Marion Dancer at Freehold
Andie Sophia
>rallied to win the KYSS Final at the Red Mile in 1:55.4
>Peter Wrenn drives for trainer Rob Harmon
>$5,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling by Like A Prayer
Simone Hall
>won two divisions of KYSS and finished a close second in the final at The Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.4
>half sister to millionaire Snazzy Millie, from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe, trained by Bob Horowitz, $15,000 Lexington-Selected yearling
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin
>extended his undefeated streak to seven by dominating the William Wellwood Memorial at Mohawk in 1:55.3
>Cantab Hall colt took a mark of 1:55 in the Champlain Stakes and swept the Bridger Series at Mohawk
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer Dustin Jones, they had a Hambletonian finalist in Prestidigitator
>Filion called this colt an amazing animal with all the qualities and he’s getting better and better
>$100,000 Harrisburg yearling
Murmur Hanover
>wire-to-wire in an OSS Gold elimination in 1:56.3 at Georgian Downs, broke and finished fourth in the final on Oct. 2
>winner of two OSS Gold Finals, runner-up to Wheeling N Dealin in his elimination and final of the William Wellwood Memorial
>colt by Majestic Son sold for $70,000 at Harrisburg
>handled by brothers Mario and Benoit Baillergeon
Fashion Blizzard
>Fashion farms homebred son of Credit Winner won a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Jim Campbell
>won the NYSS final at Yonkers and finished third in the Peter Haughton Memorial Final
My Man Can
>second to All Laid Out in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>broke as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Cantab Hall colt pulled a 10-1 upset in his Wellwood elimination in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller
>a big colt who had some early-season foot issues
Aperfectyankee
>4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:54.1 for Jim Oscarsson
>got parked in his Wellwood elimination and didn’t make the final
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Yankee Glide
Corky
>three-ply sweep of the NJSS series, 1:57.3 in the final, second by a neck in the Peter Haughton Memorial
>$100,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Muscles Yankee colt trained by Jimmy Takter, who pulled an upset in this last year with Uncle Peter
Dontyouforgetit
>diminutive colt made it six wins in seven starts with a 1:54 world record in the Standardbred at Delaware
>second to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Jimmy Takter, who’s won this division three times
>PASS champion finished first in seven of eight starts (one disqualification)
>his dam Solveig banked over $800,000 for Takter and finished second in her 2YO Crown back in 2004
Mystical Dew
>suffered his first defeat at the hands of Major Athens in a Bluegrass division
>won his first four starts, including a KYSS Final at The Red Mile in 1:55.2 for Tyler and Jeff Smith
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected yearling from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe
Major Athens
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.3 over Mystical Dew
>third to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall colt trained by Rich Gillock starred in PASS, owns a mark of 1:55, second to Dontyouforgetit in the PASS Final
Royalty For Life
>son of RC Royalty took a new mark of 1:54.2 in a division of ISS at The Red Mile for Tim Tetrick and trainer George Ducharme
Pine Credit
>Credit Winner colt romped in a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for LeWayne Miller and his father, trainer Erv Miller
>$19,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Your So Vain
>Donato Hanover colt rallied to win a division of ISS in 1:55 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Brad Maxwell
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to Credit Winner
All Laid Out
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Noel Daley upset My Man Can in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with James Rattray
>made a break at the start and finished fourth in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Creatine
>Andover Hall colt trained by Bob Stewart won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with Mike Lachance
>fourth in a division of the ISS
Punxsutawney
>Glidemaster colt trained by John Butenschoen won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.2 with Tim Tetrick
>broke in a division of the ISS
>$16,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Filly Pace
L Dees Lioness
>freshened up with a month off and rallied to win fresh off the bench in 1:53 at Woodbine on Oct. 12
>beat I Luv The Nitelife in the Champlain Stakes in 1:51.4 after finishing a close second to L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final
>took a mark of 1:50.2 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>romped in her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.2 from post 10
>first crop of Somebeachsomewhere
>driven by Scott Zeron and trained by Casie Coleman
I Luv The Nitelife
>won a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52.4
>second to Authorize in a division of the ISS
>beat L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final in 1:51 before finishing a close second to that rival in the Champlain Stakes
>set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>won her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.4
>Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder & driven by Jack Moiseyev
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected yearling owned by Richard & Joanne Young, who co-own Put On A Show, also trained by Chris Ryder
Authorize
>upset I Luv The Nitelife in a division of the ISS in a career best of 1:51.1
with Dave Palone driving
>won the NJSS Final in 1:52.3 with a :25.4 final quarter
>set the pace and finished a close third as the beaten favorite in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>Western Ideal filly trained by Tony Alagna
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms
Nikki Beach
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.2
>second by a nose to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck as the beaten favorite in the Sweetheart after winning the Prep in 1:52
>won a division of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs in 1:52.1
>$90,000 Lexington-selected yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, stablemate to Authorize trained by Tony Alagna and owned by Brittany Farms
Parlee Beach
>Somebeachsomewhere filly upset Nikki Beach in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51 for Ron Pierce and trainer Bob McIntosh
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling is a half sister to millionaire Western Graduate
Hit The Curb
>Art Major filly pulled a big upset in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51.2 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Mark Harder
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Jerseylicious
>Western Ideal filly broke her maiden when she rallied for a 9-1 upset in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 for Corey Callahan
>a close second to Nikki Beach in the NJSS Final
>trained by Wayne Givens
Handsoffmycupcake
>second to Somwhereovrarainbow in the Keystone Classic
>won the PASS Final by a nose in 1:52.1 at The Meadows with Daniel Dube
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling filly by Christian Cullen trained by Scott Di Domenico, who was second in this Crown last year with Handsoffmycookie
Champagne Tonight
>Western Terror filly was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite
>$8,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Clair Umholtz
Ritascape
>daughter Artiscape trained by Homer Hochstetler won a Bluegrass division in 1:52.2 with Jody Jamieson, then finished fourth to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>$12,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous
>held on by a nose to go two-for-two at The Red Mile with a 1:50.3 mile in a division of the ISS after winning a Bluegrass division in 1:51.3
>has posted three sub 1:50 miles
>equaled the stakes record of 1:49.2 in the Metro Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.3, and won the Nassagawaya in 1:51.3
>set a stakes record of 1:49.3 in the Woodrow Wilson
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Tony Alagna
>$250,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling from first crop of Somebeachsomewhere, out of a full sister to Worldly Beauty, $1,900,255
Apprentice Hanover
>rallied to pull a 12-1 upset in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 after making a break in a Bluegrass division
>Jody Jamieson won this Crown division in 2007 with Santanna Blue Chip
>Metro elimination winner in 1:49.4 and third in the final off a nine-length romp in a Nassagawaya division in 1:51.1
>$90,000 Lexington-Selected Sale Yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, trained by Ben Wallace
Good Day Mate
>second to Captaintreacherous in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then fourth behind Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
>won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53 paying $25.20, and owns a mark of 1:52.2
>$170,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling, half brother to world champion Put On A Show
>a son of Christian Cullen out of 1997 Breeders Crown champion Stienam’s Place trained by Chris Oakes
Dovuto Hanover
>Dragon Again colt won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Ryan Maxwell
>$40,000 Harrisburg yearling owned by Martin Sharf
Fool Me Once
>Art Major colt went two-for-two at The Red Mile winning a division of the ISS in 1:51.3, then a Bluegrass division also in 1:51.3 for Ron Pierce and trainer Mark Austin
Dedi’s Dragon
>Dragon Again colt trained by Ron Burke finished second by a neck to Dovuto Hanover in the Bluegrass, then second by a nose to Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
Doctor Butch
>son of Art Major sports a career best of 1:52 in NYSS at Vernon Downs
>second by half a length in a division of the ISS (1:50)
>won five NYSS events in a row and romped wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers in 1:53.1 with Tim Tetrick
>$55,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Linda Toscano
Bet The Moon
>Bettor’s Delight colt trained by Ron Burke has been very consistent in NYSS, finished second the NYSS Final at Yonkers and took a mark of 1:53.3 at Vernon Downs
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling
Captive Audience
>bounced back from a ninth in the Metro Final with a 44-1 maiden-breaking shocker in the Champlain Stakes in 1:50.2 – followed up a month later with a wire-to-wire score from post 8 in 1:53.1 at Woodbine on Oct. 8
>$95,000 Harrisburg yearling by Art Major trained by Colin Johnson
Rockin Amadeus
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.3 thru a disqualification
>fourth as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck to longshot Captive Audience in the Champlain Stakes
>his only win came in a NJSS division in 1:52 at the Meadowlands
>son of Rocknroll Hanover trained by Jimmy Takter, his dam is Kikikatie, Takter trained her three previous foals: Rockin Image, Grams Legacy and Time To Roll
Vegas Vacation
>finished second to Captive Audience with a :26.2 final quarter in an overnight at Woodbine on Oct. 8
>Bettor’s Delight colt finished second in his Metro elimination, parked from post 10 in the final and finished eighth, then sixth in a Simcoe division
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Casie Coleman
Johny Rock
>set the pace and faded to seventh in a division of the ISS
>second to Rockin Amadeus in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1
>second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, parked through a fast pace in the final
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Rocknroll Hanover trained by John Butenschoen
Tarpon Hanover
>fourth in an OSS Gold Final at Georgian Downs on Oct. 13
>won an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 at Mohawk and the Battle of Waterloo in 1:53 at Grand River
>$82,000 Harrisburg yearling by Badlands Hanover trained by Dave Menary
>went wire-to-wire in the Elevation at Indiana Downs in 1:52.2 with a :26.3 final quarter
>$15,000 purchase at the Indiana Premier Yearling Sale
John’s Polyview
>set the pace and finished second by a neck to Good Day Mate in the PASS Final after winning two PASS divisions in a row in 1:51.1 and 1:52.4
>McArdle colt trained by Donna Marshall
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out
>lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile defeating arch rival Maven
>a close second to Win Missy B in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity and scratched from the final
>set a 2YO Breeders Crown stakes record of 1:54.4 at Woodbine last year
>leading candidate for Horse of the Year was considered a top prospect to take on the colts in the Hambletonian right up until setting a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial, making it six in a row
>equaled that 1:51.3 world mark in the Zweig at Vernon Downs and PASS Final at Pocono Downs, which made her the richest trotting filly in history
>also set a track record of 1:54 at Tioga Downs against older horses
>won the Elegantimage at Mohawk and Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers
>after cruising in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination, she took a rare bad step in the final
>from the first crop of 2YO Crown champion Donato Hanover, her second dam is 1997 Crown champion No Nonsense Woman
Maven
>second to Check Me Out in a world record Bluegrass division, followed by another close second as the beaten heavy favorite at The Red Mile on Oct. 7
>Hambletonian Oaks elimination winner in 1:52.4 broke in the final, bounced back to win the Moni Maker in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands
>$37,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Glidemaster trained by Jonas Czernyson beat Check Me Out in her first start of the season and finished second by a nose to that rival in the Elegantimage Final
>second to Check Me Out in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs, then second at 1-5 in a Buckette division at Delaware
Win Missy B
>held off Check Me Out in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in 1:52 and won the final in 1:52.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Charlie Norris
>runner-up to Check Me Out in last year’s 2YO Crown, and second by a neck to Personal Style in the Hambletonian Oaks
>prominent in NYSS, yet broke as the heavy favorite in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>a millionaire Bob Key homebred by American Winner, half sister to his millionaire Winning Mister, Key owned/bred 2010 Crown champion Break The Bank K
Personal Style
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, a close second to Win Missy B in the final
>pulled a shocking 57-1 upset in the Hambletonian Oaks when the two heavy favorites broke
>$92,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Yankee Glide filly trained by Nifty Norman
Bluff
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Ron Burke set a world record of 1:54 in the Buckette at Delaware
>fourth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, seventh in the final
>third foal out of 2005 Crown champion and millionaire Blur, trained by Trond Smedshammer, who also had Bluff until she made her first start for Ron Burke on July18
Valdonna
>finished sixth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
>won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, romped in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:52.4, and second to Maven in the Moni Maker
>$120,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Andover Hall, trained by Jimmy Takter
Chilitodayhotamale
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Trond Smedshammer romped in a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52 with Yannick Gingras
>second by a head to Oasis Dream in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, sixth in the final
>Trond Smedshammer won this Crown division three years in a row with Stroke Play, Housethatruthbuilt and Blur
Oasis Dream
>Cantab Hall filly won a heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in a career best of 1:53.4, finished fifth in the final for Tim Tetrick and trainer Bob Stewart
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling
On The Bright Side
>Cantab Hall filly went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.4 for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jimmy Takter
>broke and finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
Superstar Hanover
>Cantab Hall filly won a couple of PASS divisions and finished third in the PASS Final, owns a mark of 1:53.2
>third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, fourth in the final
>$75,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Jimmy Takter
Miss Paris
>recovered from an early miscue to finish a close second as the beaten favorite in an OSS Gold Final at Georgian Downs on Oct. 10
>stablemate to Personal Style finished fourth in last year’s 2YO Crown final
>$210,000 Harrisburg yearling by Kadabra past $800,000 for trainer Nifty Norman
>a star in OSS, winning three Gold Finals this season and owns a mark of 1:54.2
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share
>major contender for Horse of the Year cruised to a new mark of 1:50.3 in a late closer at The Red Mile on Oct. 6 with a final quarter of :26.3
>won the Hambletonian in 1:52.1 and Canadian Trotting Classic in 1:52.2 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano
>set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig
>second by a neck to Googoo Gaagaa in the $500,000 Colonial
>$16,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling with sights set on $2 million, co-owner Richard Gutnik sold shares to TLP Stable and William Augustine during Hambletonian Week
>his sire Revenue S sent out 2010 winner Break The Bank K, who set a stakes record of 1:52.2 at Pocono Downs
>Tetrick was scheduled to drive last year’s winner in this division, Chapter Seven, but couldn’t make it due to travel issues
>Muscle Hill in 2009 was the last Hambletonian winner to also win a Breeders Crown in the same season, then you’ve got to go back to his sire Muscles Yankee in 1998
Little Brown Fox
>second to Archangel in a heat of the Kentucky Futurity, fourth in the final
>second by a neck to Market Share in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53
>set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk
>third in the $500,000 Colonial
>romped in the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52
>took a mark of 1:51.2 in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial
>third in the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial
>won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling by Muscles Yankee, trained by Jimmy Takter, who has won this with Malabar Man, Kadabra and In Focus
My MVP
>rallied to upset in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity in a career best of 1:52, beat Appomattox again with a gutsy first over effort in the 1:53 final for Mike Lachance and trainer Tony Alagna
>a close third in the Hambletonian, second by a neck in the PASS Final
>$85,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall with over $700,000 banked this season
>Mike Lachance owns three wins in this Crown division with Embassy Lobell, Baltic Striker and Fast Photo
Archangel
>pulled a 25-1 wire-to-wire shocker in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity with a driver change to Tim Tetrick, set the pace and faded to seventh as the beaten favorite in the final
>set a world record of 1:54.1 in the Yonkers Trot
>fourth in the Hambletonian
>dominant in NYSS, yet broke in the NYSS Final
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner with over $900,000 on his card, trained by Peter Arrigenna
Guccio
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.1 (:26.1)
>fifth as the beaten favorite in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, scratched from the final
>banked over $600,000 this season, second to stablemate Little Brown Fox in the Stanley Dancer Memorial, second by a neck to Market Share in the Hambletonian, a close third in the Canadian Trotting Classic
>$50,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Jimmy Takter
Knows Nothing
>finished second to Prestidigitator as the beaten favorite in an OSS Gold Final at Woodbine on Oct. 8
>Canadian Trotting Classic elimination winner in 1:52.4, fourth in the final
>Hambletonian elimination winner in 1:53.1, fifth in the final
>unraced at two, won the Canadian Breeders in 1:54.3
>winner of almost $500,000, son of Kadabra, trained by Jeff Gillis
Appomattox
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Frank Antonacci won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 with Scott Zeron
>second by head to My MVP in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, rallied for second to that same rival in the final
Money On My Mind
>Cantab Hall colt upset Little Brown Fox in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 for Andy and Julie Miller
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, sixth in the final
Prestidigitator
>Ontario bred son of Kadabra with a mark of 1:52.2 closing in on $700,000
>won his third OSS Gold Final of the season in 1:53.3 at Woodbine on Oct. 8 for Sylvain Filion and trainer Dustin Jones
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling was a Hambletonian finalist and finished fourth in last year’s 3YO Crown final
Gym Tan Laundry
>fourth with broken equipment in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, broke and finished sixth in the final
>lost by a nose to Knows Nothing in his Canadian Trotting Classic elimination, then broke in the final
>lone win in 2012 came in the Zweig consolation at Vernon Downs in 1:52.3
>Hambletonian finalist finished sixth from post 10
>almost went all the way at 99-1 in the Goodtimes Final at Mohawk
>$35,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Noel Daley, who won this Crown division in 2003 with Mr Muscleman
Magic Tonight
>finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity off a sick scratch
>Andover Hall colt won the PASS Championship in 1:54
>stablemate to Gym Tan Laundry trained by Noel Daley
>shattered the track record at The Meadows in PASS with a 1:52.4 mile back on May 30
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling has banked well over $400,000
Uncle Peter
>last year’s freshman Crown upsetter in 1:55 qualified at Pocono in 1:55.2 on October 11
>Hambletonian favorite set a fast pace and broke after winning his elimination in 1:53.3
>won a Stanley Dancer Memorial division in 1:53.1 at the Meadowlands
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall, stablemate to Little Brown Fox and Guccio trained by Jimmy Takter
Googoo Gaagaa
>won the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia shortly after coming back from a splint bone injury
>set a world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial at Pocono Downs
>pacing bred trotting sensation went undefeated six-for-six as a freshman
>owned/trained and bred by Richard Hans, and driven by Corey Callahan
>son of Cam’s Rocket would have to be supplemented
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel
>cruised in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:50.1, then finished second by a head to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>American Ideal filly finished fourth in the Jugette
>set a stakes record in the Simcoe of 1:49.4 at Mohawk
>won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs
>clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk
>second in the Mistletoe Shalee and Valley Forge
>stellar 2yo campaign was cut short last Fall by injury
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms, leading owners in Breeders Crown history with 15 wins and well over $6 million
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Jimmy Takter
>Tetrick won this in 2010 with Put On A Show
Darena Hanover
>finished fifth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>went all the way to upset the Jugette Final in 1:51, beating stablemate Bettor B Lucky and Shelliscape
>second to American Jewel in the James Lynch Memorial after winning her elimination in 1:50.1
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling by Yankee Cruiser (Sweet Lou)
Economy Terror
>pulled a perfect trip upset over American Jewel in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:50 (final quarter :26.3) with Dave Palone driving
>daughter of Western Terror was the 2YO Breeders Crown champion, sealing her division with a stakes and Woodbine track record of 1:51
>two-time PASS champion, won this year’s final in a world record of 1:49 at Pocono Downs
>set a fast pace and finished third in her Jugette elimination as the beaten favorite – scratched from that final
>full sister to 2009 Crown champion and millionaire Yellow Diamond
Bettor B Lucky
>qualified at Freehold in 1:54 on Oct. 11
>Bettor’s Delight filly trained by Ron Burke finished second to stablemate Darena Hanover in the Jugette after winning her elimination in 1:51.4
>romped in the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:54.2 with Jim Morrill, Jr.
>$70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling pulled a 19-1 upset in the Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs in 1:50
Romantic Moment
>second to Shelliscape in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then went wire-to-wire in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 (final quarter :26.3)
>American Ideal filly went wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers for Brian Sears and Jimmy Takter
>upset stablemate American Jewel in the Valley Forge in a career best of 1:50.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>runner-up to American Jewel in the Fan Hanover at Mohawk
>second by a nose to Bettor B Lucky in the Empire Breeders Classic
>$75,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
>Sears won this back-to-back with My Little Dragon and Artcotic
Shelliscape
>rallied to win a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.1, then finished a close third to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>Jugette elimination winner in 1:50.3 at 24-1, parked out third in the final
>finished fourth in last year’s 2YO crown
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by two-time Crown champion Artiscape, who was trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh – leads all Breeders Crown trainers with 15 wins and won this in 1993 with Electric Slide ($47.40)
Major Look
>daughter of two-time Crown champion Art Major pulled a 10-1 upset over American Jewel in the Mistletoe Shalee in 1:49.3, has equaled that mark twice on the Grand Circuit
>third in the NYSS Final for trainer Kevin McDermott, who took over for an injured Robert Riddle this summer
Sarandon Blue Chip
>unraced at two, won the NJSS Final and took a mark of 1:50.1 in the Miss New Jersey for trainer Casie Coleman
>continued to fall off form in Lexington, finishing out of the money in both Grand Circuit stakes
>$92,000 Harrisburg yearling by 2000 Breeders Crown champion Western Ideal out of 2002 Crown winner Molly Can Do It
Big McDeal
>daughter of McArdle, $70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling sold to current connections earlier this year, now trained by Ben Wallace
>a well beaten sixth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>back-to-back $300,000 seasons
>PASS winner in 1:49.1 at The Meadows
>second in the PASS Championship at Pocono Downs
>upset American Jewel as a 2yo at The Red Mile in a world record equaling 1:50.2
>second dam is Before Sunrise, a 1996 Breeders Crown champion
Handsoffmycookie
>second to Romantic Moment in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>closing in $1 million, NYSS champion at two, second in the 2YO Breeders Crown and the Sweetheart
>$25,000 Harrisburg yearling by two-time Crown champion Art Major, trained by Scott Di Domenico
3YO Colt Pace
Michael’s Power
>$62,500 supplemental gamble set the pace and finished second to Mel Mara in an OSS Gold Final at Flamboro Downs on Oct. 12
>$1.3 million winning gelding by 1991 Open Pace Crown champion Camluck won the Little Brown Jug in straight heats of 1:52.3 and a world record of 1:50 in the final
>captured the Confederation Cup with a second in the first heat and a 1:52.4 upset in the final
>won the Upper Canada Final at Georgian Downs and three OSS Gold Finals
>Scott Zeron is the WEG Circuit’s leading driver
>trained by Casie Coleman, who won this last year with Betterthancheddar
>owned and bred by Jeff Snyder, the dam is the millionaire Michelle’s Jackpot, a half sister to Cam’s Card Shark
Panther Hanover
>unraced at two, late-blooming son of 2005 sophomore Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover pulled a 9-1 upset in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1 and has not raced since Sept. 13
>set a NJ Classic stakes record of 1:47.2 at the Meadowlands
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer James “Friday” Dean, who had 2010 freshman Crown champion Big Jim
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling
Sweet Lou
>posted a gutsy first over score over stablemate Hillbilly Hanover in the Tattersalls Pace in 1:48.1
>second to Mel Mara (1:49.4) in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>son of 2003 North American Cup winner Yankee Cruiser romped to a world record of 1:49 in last year’s 2YO Crown Pace enroute to divisional honors for trainer Ron Burke
>$38,000 Harrisburg yearling has banked $1.6 million and sports a mark of 1:47.4 taken in a North America Cup elimination
>second in the Little Brown Jug final after winning his elimination in 1:51
>won eliminations for the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace and Adios, yet finished out of the money in all three
>multiple PASS winner finished second in the PASS Final
A Rocknroll Dance
>Meadowlands Pace winner in 1:48.1 has carved out a million dollar season and now recovering from throat surgery
>failed to get involved in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>a distant second to Sweet Lou in last year’s world record freshman Crown final of 1:49
>won the Hempt Final at Pocono Downs in 1:48.3
>set a track record at Harrah’s Philadelphia of 1:48.1 in the Battlle of Brandywine
>set a fast pace and finished second in the Adios
>his sire 2005 Crown winner Rocknroll Hanover produced 2010 champion Rock N Roll Heaven
>$15,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to the late, great Western Hanover, who sired 2004 Crown champion Western Terror
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer by Jim Mulinix
Pet Rock
>beat mostly older foes in a Preferred at Woodbine on Oct. 13 in 1:50, final quarter of :25.4 with Doug McNair driving
>third in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>second by a nose in the Cane Pace Final
>runner-up in the Battle of Brandywine
>won a heat of the Confederation Cup and finished a close third in the final as the beaten favorite
>second in the Meadowlands Pace
>won the Art Rooney Final in 1:51 at Yonkers
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling by Rocknroll Hanover past $700,000, trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr., who had 2008 Open Pace Crown champion Mister Big
Bolt The Duer
>set a fast half of :52.4 and faded to 12th in the Tattersalls Pace and trainer Peter Foley said something was not right and he could be doubtful
>romped in the KYSS Final in 1:48.2
>set a world record of 1:47.4 in the Adios at The Meadows
>second in his Jug elimination and scratched from the final
>$70,000 Harrisburg yearling by Ponder
>Mark MacDonald drove last year’s sophomore Crown champion Betterthancheddar
Thinking Out Loud
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51 (:25) with John Campbell
>fifth from post 11 as the beaten favorite in the Tattersalls Pace
>rallied for a North America Cup upset in 1:47.4
>stablemate to Dapper Dude and a son of Ponder trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh
>runner-up to Bolt The Duer in the KYSS Final
>fourth in the Little Brown Jug Final
>regular driver Randy Waples drove last year’s Open Trot winner and Horse of the Year San Pail
Dapper Dude
>finished eighth at 50-1 in the Tattersalls Pace
>son of The Panderosa romped away from the favorite Sweet Lou in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs in 1:49
>North America Cup elimination winner in 1:49.3, finished a close third in the final for John Campbell and Bob McIntosh
Warrawee Needy
>third to Mel Mara in an OSS Gold Final at Flamboro Downs on Oct. 12 for Jody Jamieson, who said he’s over some sickness issues and he’s a different horse than he was earlier in the season when set the record :52.4 half in the North American Cup final
>Canada’s top freshman pacer in 2011 and OSS star by E Dee’s Cam with over $700,000 for Jody and Carl Jamieson
>romped in a Gold Final at Mohawk in 1:48.4 becoming the fastest performer in OSS history on Sept. 22
>$20,000 Canadian Yearling Sale purchase
Heston Blue Chip
>qualified at The Red Mile in 1:49.1 on Oct. 5
>NYSS star finished third in the NYSS Final
>won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4
>$30,000 Harrisburg yearling by American Ideal well past $800,000 for trainer Linda Toscano
Hurrikane Kingcole
>won an overnight at Pocono Downs on Oct. 13 in 1:49
>John McDermott trainee finished third in last year’s 2YO Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the NJ Classic after blazing through a record 1:18.2 three quarters, won his elimination 1:48.3
>Meadowlands Pace consolation winner in 1:47.4
>$10,000 Harrisburg yearling by Cam’s Card Shark, who sired 2006 Crown champion Shark Gesture
Mel Mara
>capitalized on a perfect drive by Tim Tetrick to win an OSS Gold Final at Flamboro Downs in 1:51.4 on Oct. 12
>fourth from post 10 in the Tattersalls Pace at The Red Mile
>son of Lis Mara trained by Tony Alagna won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.4 with Tim Tetrick
Dynamic Youth
>will not supplement to the Breeders Crown
>won a division of the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:52.2
>rallied to win the Cane Pace Final by a nose in 1:48.4
>runner-up in the Confederation Cup Final
>$85,000 Harrisburg yearling by Bettor’s Delight trained by Aaron Lambert
Older Trotting Mares
Frenchfrysnvinegar
>took a new mark of 1:52 going wire-to-wire in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile, putting her on the verge of millionaire status
>went all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off the world record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Jeff Gillis
>last year’s Breeders Crown champion from post 10 in 1:53.3 as a supplemental gamble paid off
>7yo Angus Hall mare also won the Ontario Masters
>owner David Smith trained 2002 Crown champion Armbro Amoretto
Cedar Dove
>last year’s 3YO Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner won the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and three legs of the Miss Versatility Series
>third behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ron Pierce drives the daughter of Andover Hall for trainer Noel Daley
>Kentucky Filly Futurity winner at three closing on $1 million
Beatgoeson Hanover
>4yo daughter of Andover Hall won the Muscle Hill at Vernon Downs in 1:54 and a leg of the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs for trainer Nifty Norman
>runner-up to Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with $1 million well in her sights
Action-Broadway
>last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up is a 5yo daughter of 2002 freshman Crown champion Broadway Hall and well past $900,000
>won an Armbro Flight elimination in 1:56.1 and paid $139.00
>second in a couple of Miss Versatility legs
Pembroke Heat Wave
>6yo daughter of Like A Prayer completing a career season at $300,000 for trainer Mark Ford
>won the Armbro Flight Final at Mohawk in 1:54
>no factor finishing seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Tamla Celeber S
>millionaire daughter of 2003 freshman Crown champion Cantab Hall trained by Roger Walmann, who set a world record of 1:50.1 at The Red Mile with Giant Diablo in 2007
>a well beaten sixth behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Firstclassprincess
>4yo daughter of Classic Photo trained by Ron Burke, who won this Crown division back-to-back with Buck I St Pat
>finished a close second to Cedar Dove in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M
Older Pacing Mares
Put On A Show
>set a track record of 1:49 at Pocono Downs on Oct. 9
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover well past $2 million became the fastest female of all -time with a 1:47.3 world record in the Lady Liberty at the Big M
>won the Spring of Hope Invitational in 1:48.3 at Mohawk
>2010 Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner missed all of 2011 due to injury
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Chris Ryder
Rebeka Bayama
>5yo by Leader Bayama, who is a brother to 2001 Crown champion Goliath Bayama, a $1.5 million winner for Sylvain and Yves Filion
>second by half a length in the world record 1:47.3 Lady Liberty
>won the Golden Girls at the Big M in 1:49
>fourth with road trouble in the Milton Final
>driven by Sylvain Filion for his nephew Justin Filion
Anndrovette
>set the pace and finished third in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>5yo daughter of Riverboat King closing in on $2 million
>last year’s Crown winner in 1:49.2 enroute to the division championship
>posted a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk
>set a fast pace and finished a close third in the world record Lady Liberty
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer P.J. Fraley
Drop The Ball
>shot home in :25.3 to win the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile in 1:49.2
>4yo daughter of Western Terror was a second as the beaten favorite in last year’s 3YO Crown Final
>set a world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia after a close second in the Golden Girls
>set a pressured pace and faded to sixth as the beaten favorite in the Milton Final
>won the Green With Envy Final at the Big M in 1:51.1 (:25.4)
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Tony O’Sullivan
Monkey On My Wheel
>millionaire 4yo by Mach Three upset Drop The Ball in the 2011 Crown in a 1:49.3 stakes record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Travis Umphrey
>won a Fillies & Mares Open at Woodbine in 1:51.2 on Oct. 6
Rocklamation
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover has carved out a career season with well over $600,000 in 2012 and passed the $1 million mark by upsetting in the Milton Final in 1:49.4 for trainer Ron Burke
>second to Drop The Ball in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Ginger And Fred
>Ron Burke trained stablemate to Rocklamation is a 6yo by 2002 Crown champion Real Artist just past $1.8 million
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>third in the Golden Girls and the Milton Final
>would be making her fifth straight Breeders Crown appearance
Swinging Beauty
>4yo by Art Major caught fire in the Mares Open this summer at Mohawk
>stormed home to finish second by a neck in the Milton Final at 72-1 for Doug and Greg McNair
>a nonthreatening fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Older Trotting Horse
Chapter Seven
>Horse of the Year candidate went all the way to beat Mister Herbie and Arch Madness in the Allerage Farm in 1:50.2
>won an Open at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 on September 30
>last year’s 3YO Breeders Crown champion, romped by 7 lengths in 1:53
>son of Windsong’s Legacy at $1.5 million kicked off his 4yo season with back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 at the Meadowlands
>lowered his own world record to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray
>won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>second to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs
>second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Linda Toscano
Mister Herbie
>finished second to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ontario bred by Here Comes Herbie past the $1.1 million mark
>upset San Pail in the Glorys Comet Final at Woodbine
>won the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in 1:51.3 at the Big M, the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:50.4 at Mohawk and the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 at Rideau Carlton
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Jeff Gillis
Arch Madness
>strong on the comeback trail this Fall, finished third to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>looking to join Fool’s Goal as the oldest to win a Crown at age 8
>would be making his fifth Crown appearance, upset Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in 2007, second in 2008, second in 2009, missed 2010 due to injury, fifth in last year’s Crown
>at $3.6 million he’s the richest son of the late Canadian sire Balanced Image, who retired prior to the first Breeders Crown in 1984
>second in this year’s Elitlopp and Titan Cup Final
>runner-up to Chapter Seven at The Red Mile on September 30
>Trond Smedshammer won this in 2006 with Sand Vic
Daylon Magician
>qualified in 1:56.2 at Mohawk after a fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial
>Ontario bred 4yo by 2002 Crown champion Kadabra posted a $1 million 3YO season in 2011
>won the Ontario Masters in Georgian Downs track record of 1:52
>owns a mark of 1:51.1 at Mohawk and finished third in the Nat Ray
>2011 O’Brien Award winner, Jack Moiseyev drives for trainer David Lemon
Commander Crowe
>son of French sire Juliano Star, they call him “Le Grand Blonde”
>9yo just shy of $4 million accepted another invitation after finishing third with a perfect trip at 16-1 in last year’s Crown
>arrives in stellar form and considered the best in Europe, winning 9 of 12 starts, including the Elitlopp and banked more than $1.5 million
>trainer Fabrice Souloy took over two years ago, backed off on his training,and his connections believe he’s 20 to 30 meters better than last year
>second fastest Swedish born trotter in history at 1:50.4
>grandson of Mack Lobell – three-time Crown champion
>won a Swedish record 23 races in a row earlier in his career
>Varenne was the last foreign horse to win this in 2001 in a stakes record of 1:51.1 at the Meadowlands
Hot Shot Blue Chip
>finished a well beaten fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>6yo son of Revenue vaulted past the million mark in 2012 for trainer Jonas Czernyson
>got on a roll late this season upsetting Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs in 1:51.2, then won the Pride In Progress at Indiana Downs in 1:54.4
Anders Bluestone
>consistent Yankee Glide 6yo with a mark of 1:52
>rallied to win at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 1:53.2 on Oct. 11
>Invitational winner at the Meadowlands in 1:52.1
>runner-up to Chapter Seven in the Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>Ron Pierce drives for trainer Eric Ell
Windsong Geant
>5yo son of Kadabra capping a career season
>a consistent winner in the Preferred ranks on the WEG circuit, sports a mark of 1:52 for trainer/drive Rick Zeron
Andover America
>7yo by Andover Hall has gone past $600,000 this season for Mario and Benoit Baillargeon, taking a mark of 1:51.4 in an Open at Mohawk
>won a Preferred at Woodbine in 1:54.1 on October 1
Coco Lindy
>Cantab Hall 5yo trained by Frank Antonacci took the Vincennes Trot at the Meadowlands in 1:52.4 and has won at the Preferred level at Mohawk
>won a qualifier at Mohawk in 1:55.4 on Oct. 8
Older Pacing Horses
Betterthancheddar
>has been shut down for the season
>4yo son of Bettor’s Delight, who sired last year’s winner Bettor Sweet
>past $1.5 million in career earnings, recently sidelined by a foot abscess, so missed the Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile
>won the Ben Franklin in world record of 1:48 and the Des Smith Classic in 1:49.4 at Rideau Carlton
>set a track record and equaled a world record of 1:49.2 at Harrington in the Bobby Quillen Memorial
>second by a neck to Foiled Again in the Canadian Pacing Derby at Mohawk
>pulled a mild upset in last year’s 3YO Crown Final in 1:49.2
>George Brennan drives for trainer Casie Coleman
Foiled Again
>finished third as the beaten favorite in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>8yo son of Dragon Again is the richest pacer in history at $4.4 million,
making it the third time the richest pacer in history has raced in the Breeders Crown – Nihilator and Gallo Blue Chip were the first two
>looking to become the oldest pacer to win a Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the last two Open Pace Crowns
>upset Betterthancheddar in the Canadian Pacing Derby in 1:48.3
>2011 Dan Patch Award winner and Pacer of the Year, became the oldest pacer at age 7 to post a million dollar season
>his best clockings at ages 6-7-8 have come in Canada
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Ron Burke, who won this back-to-back with Won The West, the fastest Crown performer in his history at 1:47
>Gingras’ lone Crown win came with longshot Southwind Serena in 2007, paying $102.80 in the 3YO Filly Trot
Golden Receiver
>set the pace and faded to seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>7yo by Village Jove capping a career season with major wins in the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial
>owns a mark of 1:48 for trainer Mark Harder, who’s looking for his first Breeders Crown
Bettor Sweet
>posted his first win in 15 starts this season with a brave first over mile in 1:48.1 in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with Dave Miller
>7yo son of Bettor’s Delight at $2.5 million won last year’s Open Crown in 1:48.4, giving John Campbell his series leading 45th Crown trophy and vaulting him past the $20 million mark in Crown earnings
>looks to make his fifth Crown appearance for John and Tom Cancelliere
We Will See
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile off a sick scratch
>5yo son of Western Hanover finished third in last year’s Open Crown and banked $1.2 million in 2011
>a close second to Golden Receiver in the William Haughton Memorial at the Meadowlands
>Ron Pierce drives this 1:47.2 performer with $2.5 million for trainer Sam De Pinto
Aracache Hanover
>second to Bettor Sweet in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with a :25.4 final quarter
>consistent 5yo by Dragon Again was a close second to Golden Receiver in the US Pacing Championship
>also third in the Ben Franklin at Harrah’s Philadelphia, the William Haughton Memorial at the Big M and Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park
>has banked $1.5 million with a mark of 1:48.1 for Doug and Greg McNair
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Race 1
5-Cocodimama – Derek Ryan claim in late July took a few starts to get going, just missed at a mile two starts back, then hit the ticket with a five-wide rally
8-Certain Appeal – consistent closer rallied for the runner-up spot again in his second try off the bench at a lesser tag, needs a strong speed target to finish it off here
4-Raging Lion – steady & improved this past summer at Monmouth, 3YO looms as a stalking threat & will look to make serious surge
3-Restructuring Plan – a 3YO with some upside, broke his maiden fresh off the Terri Pompay acquisition, got away slowly fresh off the bench, back on turf & stretching out
Race 2
3-Celtic Blessing – did alright making some wide, belated moves in both turf starts, badly beaten favorite last out was bumped at the start
10-Kisses Required – understandably took money in her second start, had the lead & ducked into the rail, trying to rebound from an outside post for Monmouth’s leading trainer Jane Cibelli
6-Ana’s Affair – offered an improved rally with an inside trip at Monmouth, looking for more at a price here
1-Porvoo – came up second best with a three-wide bid when he was claimed by Kevin Nichol, stretches out & tries turf
Race 3
3-USMC Semper Fi – chased first level Allowance foes at Monmouth & needed a bit more, just missed with a game, stalking trying back on June 16
9-Golden Weekend – pretty popular item at the claim box, fresh off a much needed race at Penn National after working a bullet there & owns a win here
7-Bless The Soldier – flashed solid speed off the claim before the recent break, trying turf & faces a field riddled with question marks
2-Quiescent Hit – didn’t earn Beyer in his last two, returns from a five-and-a-half month layoff at a greatly reduced price for Bruce Levine with some speed on view
Race 4
6-Fufty Too – pretty consistent shipper shortens up off a decent third on the turf at Canterbury Park, figures to be forwardly placed
9-Car Thief – was almost a stakes winner at Penn National with a game effort from post 10 & tried a Grade 3 event at Parx
7-Luckysdream – set the pace, fought off pressure & drew clear of Scallion two starts back, his lone turf try was okay
4-Sydney Road – was forcing the issue against Allowance foes at Belmont, shortens up debuting for trainer Rudy Rodriquez
Race 5
7-Richiefromshoprite – sprinted consistently well at Monmouth this summer, off a solid third in the NJ Breeders Handicap, stretching out, worth a swing
1-Alke John – very steady customer shortens, twice beaten favorite shortens up a sixteenth for Ed Broome & looms as a short price
4-Osceola Prince – pulled off the class drop n pop last out for leading trainer Jane Cibelli, part of the speed equation again
8-Dear John – maximized his three starts this season with a rousing score & was nosed out at this distance, fresh off the bench for Greg Sacco
Race 6
2-Mustang Island – set the pace on a yielding course at Penn National, lands in a softer spot here, cutting back & reunited with Pedro Cotto, Jr.
4-No Attraction – speedball from Maryland on a roll since the switch to Dale Capuano, could be the one to catch
7-Code Purple – fresh claim by Juan Serey has thrived in the slop & broke his maiden on turf, could present some value
8-Johnny Two By Four – beaten heavy favorite off a game speed try, claimed by Yvon Belsoeur & tries the turf again
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2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On
>made it two-for-two at The Red Mile with a season’s best and career mark of 1:53.2 in a division of ISS with Yannick Gingras driving, one week after romping in the fastest division of the Bluegrass (1:54.3)
>$200,000 yearling by Credit Winner filly won her first five starts, including a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle
>trainer Jimmy Takter, who won this back-to-back with Flirtin Miss and Passionate Glide, and drove his two other winners in the division, Gleam and Armbro Prowess
>Takter is the leading money winning trainer in Breeders Crown history with over $6 million (12 wins)
Bee A Magician
>won an OSS Gold elimination at Georgian Downs with a track record of 1:55 in a relentless first over effort
>handed To Dream On her first career loss with a powerful rally in the Peaceful Way Final in 1:53.4
>$90,000 Harrisburg yearling has won seven of nine, including an OSS Gold Final and a Champlain Stakes division
>Rick Zeron drives the Kadabra filly for trainer Nifty Norman, who won this in 2009 with Poof She’s Gone
Mistery Woman
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:53.3 following a third behind To Dream On in a Bluegrass division
>Donato Hanover filly also took a division of the Standardbred at Delaware in 1:57.2
>Dave Miller has had his share of success with trotting filly stars like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and Poof She’s Gone
>$102,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling co-owned by Dave and his wife, Misty Miller
Frau Blucher
>went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:55
>second Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4
>sports six wins in nine starts
>Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, who won his first Breeders Crown last year with Economy Terror
True Day Dream
>bounced back from a loss in Lexington with a career best of 1:54.1 at Colonial Downs
>reeled off six in a row before a third in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara
>$3,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling, Ontario bred by Infinitif
Fashion Athena
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in a season’s best and a career best of 1:53.2 with Brian Sears driving for trainer Jim Campbell
>Fashion Farms owned and bred daughter of 2002 undefeated Crown champion Broadway Hall
Royal Assets
>second to Frau Blucher in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>fourth from post nine behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>second in the Merrie Annabelle, third in the NJSS Final, a force in PASS
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling by Donato Hanover trained by Ray Schnittker, who won this last year with Check Me Out in a stakes record of 1:54.4
Time To Kill
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Ross Croghan won a division of the Bluegrass at The Red Mile in 1:55.1 with John Campbell
>second to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>second by a nose to Southwind Cocoa in the NJSS Final
>romped in the Marion Dancer at Freehold in 1:59.3
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Shared Past
>second to Time To Kill in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>third in the NJSS Final and fifth in the Peaceful Way
>Chocolatier filly – half sister to millionaire Dejarmbro, sold for $130,000 at Harrisburg, trained by Jonas Czernyson
Aspidistra Hanover
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Paul Kelley finished first in a dead heat with Upfrontluckycarol in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Brian Sears
>third to Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling was a runner-up to Frau Blucher in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:55.1
Upfrontluckycarol
>Andover Hall filly trained by Kelly O’Donnell finished first in a dead heat with Aspidistra Hanover in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Dave Miller
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling finished third in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:56
Handover Belle
>second to To Dream On in the fastest Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall filly finished a distant third in the Peaceful Way Final
>a mark of 1:56 taken in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>homebred trained by Tony Alagna
Southwind Cocoa
>broke at the start of two consecutive divisions of the Kindergarten Series at The Red Mile
>won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 set by Act Of Grace
>$6,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Chocolatier trained by Linda Toscano also won the Marion Dancer at Freehold
Andie Sophia
>rallied to win the KYSS Final at the Red Mile in 1:55.4
>Peter Wrenn drives for trainer Rob Harmon
>$5,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling by Like A Prayer
Simone Hall
>won two divisions of KYSS and finished a close second in the final at The Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.4
>half sister to millionaire Snazzy Millie, from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe, trained by Bob Horowitz, $15,000 Lexington-Selected yearling
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin
>extended his undefeated streak to seven by dominating the William Wellwood Memorial at Mohawk in 1:55.3
>Cantab Hall colt took a mark of 1:55 in the Champlain Stakes and swept the Bridger Series at Mohawk
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer Dustin Jones, they had a Hambletonian finalist in Prestidigitator
>Filion called this colt an amazing animal with all the qualities and he’s getting better and better
>$100,000 Harrisburg yearling
Murmur Hanover
>winner of two OSS Gold Finals, runner-up to Wheeling N Dealin in his elimination and final of the William Wellwood Memorial
>colt by Majestic Son sold for $70,000 at Harrisburg
>handled by brothers Mario and Benoit Baillergeon
Fashion Blizzard
>Fashion farms homebred son of Credit Winner won a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Jim Campbell
>won the NYSS final at Yonkers and finished third in the Peter Haughton Memorial Final
My Man Can
>second to All Laid Out in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>broke as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Cantab Hall colt pulled a 10-1 upset in his Wellwood elimination in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller
>a big colt who had some early-season foot issues
Aperfectyankee
>4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:54.1 for Jim Oscarsson
>got parked in his Wellwood elimination and didn’t make the final
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Yankee Glide
Corky
>three-ply sweep of the NJSS series, 1:57.3 in the final, second by a neck in the Peter Haughton Memorial
>$100,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Muscles Yankee colt trained by Jimmy Takter, who pulled an upset in this last year with Uncle Peter
Dontyouforgetit
>diminutive colt made it six wins in seven starts with a 1:54 world record in the Standardbred at Delaware
>second to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Jimmy Takter, who’s won this division three times
>PASS champion finished first in seven of eight starts (one disqualification)
>his dam Solveig banked over $800,000 for Takter and finished second in her 2YO Crown back in 2004
Mystical Dew
>suffered his first defeat at the hands of Major Athens in a Bluegrass division
>won his first four starts, including a KYSS Final at The Red Mile in 1:55.2 for Tyler and Jeff Smith
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected yearling from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe
Major Athens
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.3 over Mystical Dew
>third to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall colt trained by Rich Gillock starred in PASS, owns a mark of 1:55, second to Dontyouforgetit in the PASS Final
Royalty For Life
>son of RC Royalty took a new mark of 1:54.2 in a division of ISS at The Red Mile for Tim Tetrick and trainer George Ducharme
Pine Credit
>Credit Winner colt romped in a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for LeWayne Miller and his father, trainer Erv Miller
>$19,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Your So Vain
>Donato Hanover colt rallied to win a division of ISS in 1:55 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Brad Maxwell
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to Credit Winner
All Laid Out
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Noel Daley upset My Man Can in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with James Rattray
>made a break at the start and finished fourth in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Creatine
>Andover Hall colt trained by Bob Stewart won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with Mike Lachance
>fourth in a division of the ISS
Punxsutawney
>Glidemaster colt trained by John Butenschoen won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.2 with Tim Tetrick
>broke in a division of the ISS
>$16,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Filly Pace
L Dees Lioness
>beat I Luv The Nitelife in the Champlain Stakes in 1:51.4 after finishing a close second to L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final
>took a mark of 1:50.2 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>romped in her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.2 from post 10
>first crop of Somebeachsomewhere
>driven by Scott Zeron and trained by Casie Coleman
I Luv The Nitelife
>won a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52.4
>second to Authorize in a division of the ISS
>beat L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final in 1:51 before finishing a close second to that rival in the Champlain Stakes
>set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>won her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.4
>Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder & driven by Jack Moiseyev
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected yearling owned by Richard & Joanne Young, who co-own Put On A Show, also trained by Chris Ryder
Authorize
>upset I Luv The Nitelife in a division of the ISS in a career best of 1:51.1 with Dave Palone driving
>won the NJSS Final in 1:52.3 with a :25.4 final quarter
>set the pace and finished a close third as the beaten favorite in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>Western Ideal filly trained by Tony Alagna
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms
Nikki Beach
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.2
>second by a nose to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck as the beaten favorite in the Sweetheart after winning the Prep in 1:52
>won a division of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs in 1:52.1
>$90,000 Lexington-selected yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, stablemate to Authorize trained by Tony Alagna and owned by Brittany Farms
Parlee Beach
>Somebeachsomewhere filly upset Nikki Beach in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51 for Ron Pierce and trainer Bob McIntosh
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling is a half sister to millionaire Western Graduate
Hit The Curb
>Art Major filly pulled a big upset in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51.2 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Mark Harder
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Jerseylicious
>Western Ideal filly broke her maiden when she rallied for a 9-1 upset in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 for Corey Callahan
>a close second to Nikki Beach in the NJSS Final
>trained by Wayne Givens
Handsoffmycupcake
>won the PASS Final by a nose in 1:52.1 at The Meadows with Daniel Dube
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling filly by Christian Cullen trained by Scott Di Domenico, who was second in this Crown last year with Handsoffmycookie
Champagne Tonight
>Western Terror filly was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite
>$8,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Clair Umholtz
Ritascape
>daughter Artiscape trained by Homer Hochstetler won a Bluegrass division in 1:52.2 with Jody Jamieson, then finished fourth to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>$12,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous
>held on by a nose to go two-for-two at The Red Mile with a 1:50.3 mile in a division of the ISS after winning a Bluegrass division in 1:51.3
>has posted three sub 1:50 miles
>equaled the stakes record of 1:49.2 in the Metro Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.3, and won the Nassagawaya in 1:51.3
>set a stakes record of 1:49.3 in the Woodrow Wilson
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Tony Alagna
>$250,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling from first crop of Somebeachsomewhere, out of a full sister to Worldly Beauty, $1,900,255
Apprentice Hanover
>rallied to pull a 12-1 upset in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 after making a break in a Bluegrass division
>Jody Jamieson won this Crown division in 2007 with Santanna Blue Chip
>Metro elimination winner in 1:49.4 and third in the final off a nine-length romp in a Nassagawaya division in 1:51.1
>$90,000 Lexington-Selected Sale Yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, trained by Ben Wallace
Good Day Mate
>second to Captaintreacherous in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then fourth behind Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
>won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53 paying $25.20, and owns a mark of 1:52.2
>$170,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling, half brother to world champion Put On A Show
>a son of Christian Cullen out of 1997 Breeders Crown champion Stienam’s Place trained by Chris Oakes
Dovuto Hanover
>Dragon Again colt won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Ryan Maxwell
>$40,000 Harrisburg yearling owned by Martin Sharf
Fool Me Once
>Art Major colt went two-for-two at The Red Mile winning a division of the ISS in 1:51.3, then a Bluegrass division also in 1:51.3 for Ron Pierce and trainer Mark Austin
Dedi’s Dragon
>Dragon Again colt trained by Ron Burke finished second by a neck to Dovuto Hanover in the Bluegrass, then second by a nose to Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
Doctor Butch
>son of Art Major sports a career best of 1:52 in NYSS at Vernon Downs
>second by half a length in a division of the ISS (1:50)
>won five NYSS events in a row and romped wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers in 1:53.1 with Tim Tetrick
>$55,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Linda Toscano
Bet The Moon
>Bettor’s Delight colt trained by Ron Burke has been very consistent in NYSS, finished second the NYSS Final at Yonkers and took a mark of 1:53.3 at Vernon Downs
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling
Captive Audience
>bounced back from a ninth in the Metro Final with a 44-1 maiden-breaking shocker in the Champlain Stakes in 1:50.2
>$95,000 Harrisburg yearling by Art Major trained by Colin Johnson
Rockin Amadeus
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.3 thru a disqualification
>fourth as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck to longshot Captive Audience in the Champlain Stakes
>his only win came in a NJSS division in 1:52 at the Meadowlands
>son of Rocknroll Hanover trained by Jimmy Takter, his dam is Kikikatie, Takter trained her three previous foals: Rockin Image, Grams Legacy and Time To Roll
Vegas Vacation
>Bettor’s Delight colt finished second in his Metro elimination, parked from post 10 in the final and finished eighth, then sixth in a Simcoe division
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Casie Coleman
Johny Rock
>set the pace and faded to seventh in a division of the ISS
>second to Rockin Amadeus in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1
>second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, parked through a fast pace in the final
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Rocknroll Hanover trained by John Butenschoen
Tarpon Hanover
>won an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 at Mohawk and the Battle of Waterloo in 1:53 at Grand River
>$82,000 Harrisburg yearling by Badlands Hanover trained by Dave Menary
>went wire-to-wire in the Elevation at Indiana Downs in 1:52.2 with a :26.3 final quarter
>$15,000 purchase at the Indiana Premier Yearling Sale
John’s Polyview
>set the pace and finished second by a neck to Good Day Mate in the PASS Final after winning two PASS divisions in a row in 1:51.1 and 1:52.4
>McArdle colt trained by Donna Marshall
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out
>lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile defeating arch rival Maven
>a close second to Win Missy B in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
and scratched from the final
>set a 2YO Breeders Crown stakes record of 1:54.4 at Woodbine last year
>leading candidate for Horse of the Year was considered a top prospect to take on the colts in the Hambletonian right up until setting a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial, making it six in a row
>equaled that 1:51.3 world mark in the Zweig at Vernon Downs and PASS Final at Pocono Downs, which made her the richest trotting filly in history
>also set a track record of 1:54 at Tioga Downs against older horses
>won the Elegantimage at Mohawk and Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers
>after cruising in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination, she took a rare bad step in the final
>from the first crop of 2YO Crown champion Donato Hanover, her second dam is 1997 Crown champion No Nonsense Woman
Maven
>second to Check Me Out in a world record Bluegrass division
>Hambletonian Oaks elimination winner in 1:52.4 broke in the final, bounced back to win the Moni Maker in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands
>$37,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Glidemaster trained by Jonas Czernyson beat Check Me Out in her first start of the season and finished second by a nose to that rival in the Elegantimage Final
>second to Check Me Out in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs, then second at 1-5 in a Buckette division at Delaware
Win Missy B
>held off Check Me Out in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in 1:52 and won the final in 1:52.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Charlie Norris
>runner-up to Check Me Out in last year’s 2YO Crown, and second by a neck to Personal Style in the Hambletonian Oaks
>prominent in NYSS, yet broke as the heavy favorite in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>a millionaire Bob Key homebred by American Winner, half sister to his millionaire Winning Mister, Key owned/bred 2010 Crown champion Break The Bank K
Personal Style
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, a close second to Win Missy B in the final
>pulled a shocking 57-1 upset in the Hambletonian Oaks when the two heavy favorites broke
>$92,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Yankee Glide filly trained by Nifty Norman
Bluff
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Ron Burke set a world record of 1:54 in the Buckette at Delaware
>fourth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, seventh in the final
>third foal out of 2005 Crown champion and millionaire Blur, trained by Trond Smedshammer, who also had Bluff until she made her first start for Ron Burke on July18
Valdonna
>finished sixth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
>won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, romped in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:52.4, and second to Maven in the Moni Maker
>$120,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Andover Hall, trained by Jimmy Takter
Chilitodayhotamale
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Trond Smedshammer romped in a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52 with Yannick Gingras
>second by a head to Oasis Dream in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, sixth in the final
>Trond Smedshammer won this Crown division three years in a row with Stroke Play, Housethatruthbuilt and Blur
Oasis Dream
>Cantab Hall filly won a heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in a career best of 1:53.4, finished fifth in the final for Tim Tetrick and trainer Bob Stewart
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling
On The Bright Side
>Cantab Hall filly went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.4 for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jimmy Takter
>broke and finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
Superstar Hanover
>Cantab Hall filly won a couple of PASS divisions and finished third in the PASS Final, owns a mark of 1:53.2
>third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, fourth in the final
>$75,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Jimmy Takter
Miss Paris
>stablemate to Personal Style finished fourth in last year’s 2YO Crown final
>$210,000 Harrisburg yearling by Kadabra past $800,000 for trainer Nifty Norman
>a star in OSS, winning three Gold Finals this season and owns a mark of 1:54.2
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share
>major contender for Horse of the Year cruised to a new mark of 1:50.3 in a late closer at The Red Mile on Oct. 6 with a final quarter of :26.3
>won the Hambletonian in 1:52.1 and Canadian Trotting Classic in 1:52.2 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano
>set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig
>second by a neck to Googoo Gaagaa in the $500,000 Colonial
>$16,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling with sights set on $2 million, co-owner Richard Gutnik sold shares to TLP Stable and William Augustine during Hambletonian Week
>his sire Revenue S sent out 2010 winner Break The Bank K, who set a stakes record of 1:52.2 at Pocono Downs
>Tetrick was scheduled to drive last year’s winner in this division, Chapter Seven, but couldn’t make it due to travel issues
>Muscle Hill in 2009 was the last Hambletonian winner to also win a Breeders Crown in the same season, then you’ve got to go back to his sire Muscles Yankee in 1998
Little Brown Fox
>second to Archangel in a heat of the Kentucky Futurity, fourth in the final
>second by a neck to Market Share in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53
>set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk
>third in the $500,000 Colonial
>romped in the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52
>took a mark of 1:51.2 in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial
>third in the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial
>won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling by Muscles Yankee, trained by Jimmy Takter, who has won this with Malabar Man, Kadabra and In Focus
My MVP
>rallied to upset in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity in a career best of 1:52, beat Appomattox again with a gutsy first over effort in the 1:53 final for Mike Lachance and trainer Tony Alagna
>a close third in the Hambletonian, second by a neck in the PASS Final
>$85,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall with over $700,000 banked this season
>Mike Lachance owns three wins in this Crown division with Embassy Lobell, Baltic Striker and Fast Photo
Archangel
>pulled a 25-1 wire-to-wire shocker in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity with a driver change to Tim Tetrick, set the pace and faded to seventh as the beaten favorite in the final
>set a world record of 1:54.1 in the Yonkers Trot
>fourth in the Hambletonian
>dominant in NYSS, yet broke in the NYSS Final
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner with over $900,000 on his card, trained by Peter Arrigenna
Guccio
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.1 (:26.1)
>fifth as the beaten favorite in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, scratched from the final
>banked over $600,000 this season, second to stablemate Little Brown Fox in the Stanley Dancer Memorial, second by a neck to Market Share in the Hambletonian, a close third in the Canadian Trotting Classic
>$50,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Jimmy Takter
Knows Nothing
>Canadian Trotting Classic elimination winner in 1:52.4, fourth in the final
>Hambletonian elimination winner in 1:53.1, fifth in the final
>unraced at two, won the Canadian Breeders in 1:54.3
>winner of almost $500,000, son of Kadabra, trained by Jeff Gillis
Appomattox
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Frank Antonacci won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 with Scott Zeron
>second by head to My MVP in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, rallied for second to that same rival in the final
Money On My Mind
>Cantab Hall colt upset Little Brown Fox in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 for Andy and Julie Miller
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, sixth in the final
Prestidigitator
>Ontario bred son of Kadabra with a mark of 1:52.2 closing in on $700,000, won his third OSS Gold Final of the season in 1:53.3 at Woodbine on Oct. 8 for Sylvain Filion and trainer Dustin Jones
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling was a Hambletonian finalist and finished fourth in last year’s Crown final
Gym Tan Laundry
>fourth with broken equipment in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, broke and finished sixth in the final
>lost by a nose to Knows Nothing in his Canadian Trotting Classic elimination, then broke in the final
>lone win in 2012 came in the Zweig consolation at Vernon Downs in 1:52.3
>Hambletonian finalist finished sixth from post 10
>almost went all the way at 99-1 in the Goodtimes Final at Mohawk
>$35,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Noel Daley, who won this Crown division in 2003 with Mr Muscleman
Magic Tonight
>finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity off a sick scratch
>Andover Hall colt won the PASS Championship in 1:54
>stablemate to Gym Tan Laundry trained by Noel Daley
>shattered the track record at The Meadows in PASS with a 1:52.4 mile back on May 30
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling has banked well over $400,000
Uncle Peter
>last year’s freshman Crown upsetter in 1:55
>Hambletonian favorite set a fast pace and broke after winning his elimination in 1:53.3
>won a Stanley Dancer Memorial division in 1:53.1 at the Meadowlands
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall, stablemate to Little Brown Fox and Guccio trained by Jimmy Takter
Googoo Gaagaa
>won the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia shortly after coming back from a splint bone injury
>set a world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial at Pocono Downs
>pacing bred trotting sensation went undefeated six-for-six as a freshman
>owned/trained and bred by Richard Hans, and driven by Corey Callahan
>son of Cam’s Rocket would have to be supplemented
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel
>cruised in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:50.1, then finished second by a head to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>American Ideal filly finished fourth in the Jugette
>set a stakes record in the Simcoe of 1:49.4 at Mohawk
>won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs
>clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk
>second in the Mistletoe Shalee and Valley Forge
>stellar 2yo campaign was cut short last Fall by injury
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms, leading owners in Breeders Crown history with 15 wins and well over $6 million
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Jimmy Takter
>Tetrick won this in 2010 with Put On A Show
Darena Hanover
>finished fifth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>went all the way to upset the Jugette Final in 1:51, beating stablemate Bettor B Lucky and Shelliscape
>second to American Jewel in the James Lynch Memorial after winning her elimination in 1:50.1
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling by Yankee Cruiser (Sweet Lou)
Economy Terror
>pulled a perfect trip upset over American Jewel in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:50 (final quarter :26.3) with Dave Palone driving
>daughter of Western Terror was the 2YO Breeders Crown champion, sealing her division with a stakes and Woodbine track record of 1:51
>two-time PASS champion, won this year’s final in a world record of 1:49 at Pocono Downs
>set a fast pace and finished third in her Jugette elimination as the beaten favorite – scratched from that final
>full sister to 2009 Crown champion and millionaire Yellow Diamond
Bettor B Lucky
>Bettor’s Delight filly trained by Ron Burke finished second to stablemate Darena Hanover in the Jugette after winning her elimination in 1:51.4
>romped in the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:54.2 with Jim Morrill, Jr.
>$70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling pulled a 19-1 upset in the Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs in 1:50
Romantic Moment
>second to Shelliscape in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then went wire-to-wire in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 (final quarter :26.3)
>American Ideal filly went wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers for Brian Sears and Jimmy Takter
>upset stablemate American Jewel in the Valley Forge in a career best of 1:50.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>runner-up to American Jewel in the Fan Hanover at Mohawk
>second by a nose to Bettor B Lucky in the Empire Breeders Classic
>$75,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
>Sears won this back-to-back with My Little Dragon and Artcotic
Shelliscape
>rallied to win a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.1, then finished a close third to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>Jugette elimination winner in 1:50.3 at 24-1, parked out third in the final
>finished fourth in last year’s 2YO crown
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by two-time Crown champion Artiscape, who was trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh – leads all Breeders Crown trainers with 15 wins and won this in 1993 with Electric Slide ($47.40)
Major Look
>daughter of two-time Crown champion Art Major pulled a 10-1 upset over American Jewel in the Mistletoe Shalee in 1:49.3, has equaled that mark twice on the Grand Circuit
>third in the NYSS Final for trainer Kevin McDermott, who took over for an injured Robert Riddle this summer
Sarandon Blue Chip
>unraced at two, won the NJSS Final and took a mark of 1:50.1 in the Miss New Jersey for trainer Casie Coleman
>continued to fall off form in Lexington, finishing out of the money in both Grand Circuit stakes
>$92,000 Harrisburg yearling by 2000 Breeders Crown champion Western Ideal out of 2002 Crown winner Molly Can Do It
Big McDeal
>daughter of McArdle, $70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling sold to current connections earlier this year, now trained by Ben Wallace
>a well beaten sixth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>back-to-back $300,000 seasons
>PASS winner in 1:49.1 at The Meadows
>second in the PASS Championship at Pocono Downs
>upset American Jewel as a 2yo at The Red Mile in a world record equaling 1:50.2
>second dam is Before Sunrise, a 1996 Breeders Crown champion
Handsoffmycookie
>second to Romantic Moment in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>closing in $1 million, NYSS champion at two, second in the 2YO Breeders Crown and the Sweetheart
>$25,000 Harrisburg yearling by two-time Crown champion Art Major, trained by Scott Di Domenico
3YO Colt Pace
Michael’s Power
>$1.3 million winning gelding by 1991 Open Pace Crown champion Camluck won the Little Brown Jug in straight heats of 1:52.3 and a world record of 1:50 in the final
>captured the Confederation Cup with a second in the first heat and a 1:52.4 upset in the final
>won the Upper Canada Final at Georgian Downs and three OSS Gold Finals
>Scott Zeron is the WEG Circuit’s leading driver
>trained by Casie Coleman, who won this last year with Betterthancheddar
>owned and bred by Jeff Snyder, the dam is the millionaire Michelle’s Jackpot, a half sister to Cam’s Card Shark
>not eligible, so would have to be supplemented
Panther Hanover
>unraced at two, late-blooming son of 2005 sophomore Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover pulled a 9-1 upset in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1
>set a NJ Classic stakes record of 1:47.2 at the Meadowlands
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer James “Friday” Dean, who had 2010 freshman Crown champion Big Jim
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling
Sweet Lou
>posted a gutsy first over score over stablemate Hillbilly Hanover in the Tattersalls Pace in 1:48.1
>second to Mel Mara (1:49.4) in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>son of 2003 North American Cup winner Yankee Cruiser romped to a world record of 1:49 in last year’s 2YO Crown Pace enroute to divisional honors for trainer Ron Burke
>$38,000 Harrisburg yearling has banked $1.6 million and sports a mark of 1:47.4 taken in a North America Cup elimination
>second in the Little Brown Jug final after winning his elimination in 1:51
>won eliminations for the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace and Adios, yet finished out of the money in all three
>multiple PASS winner finished second in the PASS Final
A Rocknroll Dance
>Meadowlands Pace winner in 1:48.1 has carved out a million dollar season
>failed to get involved in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>a distant second to Sweet Lou in last year’s world record freshman Crown final of 1:49
>won the Hempt Final at Pocono Downs in 1:48.3
>set a track record at Harrah’s Philadelphia of 1:48.1 in the Battlle of Brandywine
>set a fast pace and finished second in the Adios
>his sire 2005 Crown winner Rocknroll Hanover produced 2010 champion Rock N Roll Heaven
>$15,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to the late, great Western Hanover, who sired 2004 Crown champion Western Terror
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer by Jim Mulinix
Pet Rock
>third in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>second by a nose in the Cane Pace Final
>runner-up in the Battle of Brandywine
>won a heat of the Confederation Cup and finished a close third in the final as the beaten favorite
>second in the Meadowlands Pace
>won the Art Rooney Final in 1:51 at Yonkers
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling by Rocknroll Hanover past $700,000, trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr., who had 2008 Open Pace Crown champion Mister Big
Bolt The Duer
>set a fast half of :52.4 and faded to 12th in the Tattersalls Pace
>romped in the KYSS Final in 1:48.2
>set a world record of 1:47.4 in the Adios at The Meadows
>second in his Jug elimination and scratched from the final
>$70,000 Harrisburg yearling by Ponder trained by Peter Foley
>Mark MacDonald drove last year’s sophomore Crown champion Betterthancheddar
Thinking Out Loud
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51 (:25) with John Campbell
>fifth from post 11 as the beaten favorite in the Tattersalls Pace
>rallied for a North America Cup upset in 1:47.4
>stablemate to Dapper Dude and a son of Ponder trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh
>runner-up to Bolt The Duer in the KYSS Final
>fourth in the Little Brown Jug Final
>regular driver Randy Waples drove last year’s Open Trot winner and Horse of the Year San Pail
Dapper Dude
>finished eighth at 50-1 in the Tattersalls Pace
>son of The Panderosa romped away from the favorite Sweet Lou in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs in 1:49
>North America Cup elimination winner in 1:49.3, finished a close third in the final for John Campbell and Bob McIntosh
Warrawee Needy
>Canada’s top freshman pacer in 2011 and OSS star by E Dee’s Cam with over $700,000 for Jody and Carl Jamieson
>romped in a Gold Final at Mohawk in 1:48.4 becoming the fastest performer in OSS history
>$20,000 Canadian Yearling Sale purchase
Heston Blue Chip
>qualified at The Red Mile in 1:49.1 on Oct. 5
>NYSS star finished third in the NYSS Final
>won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4
>$30,000 Harrisburg yearling by American Ideal well past $800,000 for trainer Linda Toscano
Hurrikane Kingcole
>John McDermott trainee finished third in last year’s 2YO Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the NJ Classic after blazing through a record 1:18.2 three quarters, won his elimination 1:48.3
>Meadowlands Pace consolation winner in 1:47.4
>$10,000 Harrisburg yearling by Cam’s Card Shark, who sired 2006 Crown champion Shark Gesture
Dynamic Youth
>won a division of the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:52.2
>rallied to win the Cane Pace Final by a nose in 1:48.4
>runner-up in the Confederation Cup Final
>$85,000 Harrisburg yearling by Bettor’s Delight trained by Aaron Lambert
Mel Mara
>fourth from post 10 in the Tattersalls Pace at The Red mile
>son of Lis Mara trained by Tony Alagna won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.4 with Tim Tetrick
Older Trotting Mares
Frenchfrysnvinegar
>took a new mark of 1:52 going wire-to-wire in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile, putting her on the verge of millionaire status
>went all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off the world record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Jeff Gillis
>last year’s Breeders Crown champion from post 10 in 1:53.3 as a supplemental gamble paid off
>7yo Angus Hall mare also won the Ontario Masters
>owner David Smith trained 2002 Crown champion Armbro Amoretto
Cedar Dove
>last year’s 3YO Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner won the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and three legs of the Miss Versatility Series
>third behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ron Pierce drives the daughter of Andover Hall for trainer Noel Daley
>Kentucky Filly Futurity winner at three closing on $1 million
Beatgoeson Hanover
>4yo daughter of Andover Hall won the Muscle Hill at Vernon Downs in 1:54 and a leg of the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs for trainer Nifty Norman
>runner-up to Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with $1 million well in her sights
Action-Broadway
>last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up is a 5yo daughter of 2002 freshman Crown champion Broadway Hall and well past $900,000
>won an Armbro Flight elimination in 1:56.1 and paid $139.00
>second in a couple of Miss Versatility legs
Pembroke Heat Wave
>6yo daughter of Like A Prayer completing a career season at $300,000 for trainer Mark Ford
>won the Armbro Flight Final at Mohawk in 1:54
>no factor finishing seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Tamla Celeber S
>millionaire daughter of 2003 freshman Crown champion Cantab Hall trained by Roger Walmann, who set a world record of 1:50.1 at The Red Mile with Giant Diablo in 2007
>a well beaten sixth behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Firstclassprincess
>4yo daughter of Classic Photo trained by Ron Burke, who won this Crown division back-to-back with Buck I St Pat
>a close second to Cedar Dove in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M
Older Pacing Mares
Put On A Show
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover well past $2 million became the fastest female of all -time with a 1:47.3 world record in the Lady Liberty at the Big M
>won the Spring of Hope Invitational in 1:48.3 at Mohawk
>2010 Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner missed all of 2011 due to injury
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Chris Ryder
Rebeka Bayama
>5yo by Leader Bayama, who is a brother to 2001 Crown champion Goliath Bayama, a $1.5 million winner for Sylvain and Yves Filion
>second by half a length in the world record 1:47.3 Lady Liberty
>won the Golden Girls at the Big M in 1:49
>fourth with road trouble in the Milton Final
>driven by Sylvain Filion for his nephew Justin Filion
Anndrovette
>set the pace and finished third in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>5yo daughter of Riverboat King closing in on $2 million
>last year’s Crown winner in 1:49.2 enroute to the division championship
>posted a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk
>set a fast pace and finished a close third in the world record Lady Liberty
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer P.J. Fraley
Drop The Ball
>shot home in :25.3 to win the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile in 1:49.2
>4yo daughter of Western Terror was a second as the beaten favorite in last year’s 3YO Crown Final
>set a world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia after a close second in the Golden Girls
>set a pressured pace and faded to sixth as the beaten favorite in the Milton Final
>won the Green With Envy Final at the Big M in 1:51.1 (:25.4)
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Tony O’Sullivan
Monkey On My Wheel
>millionaire 4yo by Mach Three upset Drop The Ball in the 2011 Crown in a 1:49.3 stakes record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Travis Umphrey
>won a Fillies & Mares Open at Woodbine in 1:51.2 on Oct. 6
Rocklamation
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover has carved out a career season with well over $600,000 in 2012 and passed the $1 million mark by upsetting in the Milton Final in 1:49.4 for trainer Ron Burke
>second to Drop The Ball in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Ginger And Fred
>Ron Burke trained stablemate to Rocklamation is a 6yo by 2002 Crown champion Real Artist just past $1.8 million
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>third in the Golden Girls and the Milton Final
>would be making her fifth straight Breeders Crown appearance
Swinging Beauty
>4yo by Art Major caught fire in the Mares Open this summer at Mohawk
>stormed home to finish second by a neck in the Milton Final at 72-1 for Doug and Greg McNair
>a nonthreatening fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Older Trotting Horse
Chapter Seven
>Horse of the Year candidate went all the way to beat Mister Herbie and Arch Madness in the Allerage Farm in 1:50.2
>won an Open at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 on September 30
>last year’s 3YO Breeders Crown champion, romped by 7 lengths in 1:53
>son of Windsong’s Legacy at $1.5 million kicked off his 4yo season with back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 at the Meadowlands
>lowered his own world record to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray
>won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>second to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs
>second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Linda Toscano
Mister Herbie
>finished second to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ontario bred by Here Comes Herbie past the $1.1 million mark
>upset San Pail in the Glorys Comet Final at Woodbine
>won the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in 1:51.3 at the Big M, the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:50.4 at Mohawk and the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 at Rideau Carlton
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Jeff Gillis
Arch Madness
>strong on the comeback trail this Fall, finished third to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>looking to join Fool’s Goal as the oldest to win a Crown at age 8
>would be making his fifth Crown appearance, upset Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in 2007, second in 2008, second in 2009, missed 2010 due to injury, fifth in last year’s Crown
>at $3.6 million he’s the richest son of the late Canadian sire Balanced Image, who retired prior to the first Breeders Crown in 1984
>second in this year’s Elitlopp and Titan Cup Final
>runner-up to Chapter Seven at The Red Mile on September 30
>Trond Smedshammer won this in 2006 with Sand Vic
Daylon Magician
>qualified in 1:56.2 at Mohawk after a fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial
>Ontario bred 4yo by 2002 Crown champion Kadabra posted a $1 million 3YO season in 2011
>won the Ontario Masters in Georgian Downs track record of 1:52
>owns a mark of 1:51.1 at Mohawk and finished third in the Nat Ray
>2011 O’Brien Award winner, Jack Moiseyev drives for trainer David Lemon
Hot Shot Blue Chip
>finished a well beaten fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>6yo son of Revenue vaulted past the million mark in 2012 for trainer Jonas Czernyson
>got on a roll late this season upsetting Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs in 1:51.2, then won the Pride In Progress at Indiana Downs in 1:54.4
Anders Bluestone
>consistent Yankee Glide 6yo with a mark of 1:52
>Invitational winner at the Meadowlands in 1:52.1
>runner-up to Chapter Seven in the Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>Ron Pierce drives for trainer Eric Ell
Windsong Geant
>5yo son of Kadabra capping a career season
>a consistent winner in the Preferred ranks on the WEG circuit, sports a mark of 1:52 for trainer/drive Rick Zeron
Andover America
>7yo by Andover Hall has gone past $600,000 this season for Mario and Benoit Baillargeon, taking a mark of 1:51.4 in an Open at Mohawk
>won a Preferred at Woodbine in 1:54.1 on October 1
Coco Lindy
>Cantab Hall 5yo trained by Frank Antonacci took the Vincennes Trot at the Meadowlands in 1:52.4 and has won at the Preferred level at Mohawk
Older Pacing Horses
Betterthancheddar
>4yo son of Bettor’s Delight, who sired last year’s winner Bettor Sweet
>past $1.5 million in career earnings, recently sidelined by a foot abscess, so missed the Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile
>won the Ben Franklin in world record of 1:48 and the Des Smith Classic in 1:49.4 at Rideau Carlton
>set a track record and equaled a world record of 1:49.2 at Harrington in the Bobby Quillen Memorial
>second by a neck to Foiled Again in the Canadian Pacing Derby at Mohawk
>pulled a mild upset in last year’s 3YO Crown Final in 1:49.2
>George Brennan drives for trainer Casie Coleman
Foiled Again
>finished third as the beaten favorite in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>8yo son of Dragon Again is the richest pacer in history at $4.4 million, making it the third time the richest pacer in history has raced in the Breeders Crown – Nihilator and Gallo Blue Chip were the first two
>looking to become the oldest pacer to win a Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the last two Open Pace Crowns
>upset Betterthancheddar in the Canadian Pacing Derby in 1:48.3
>2011 Dan Patch Award winner and Pacer of the Year, became the oldest pacer at age 7 to post a million dollar season
>his best clockings at ages 6-7-8 have come in Canada
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Ron Burke, who won this back-to-back with Won The West, the fastest Crown performer in his history at 1:47
>Gingras’ lone Crown win came with longshot Southwind Serena in 2007, paying $102.80 in the 3YO Filly Trot
Golden Receiver
>set the pace and faded to seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>7yo by Village Jove capping a career season with major wins in the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial
>owns a mark of 1:48 for trainer Mark Harder, who’s looking for his first Breeders Crown
Bettor Sweet
>posted his first win in 15 starts this season with a brave first over mile in 1:48.1 in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with Dave Miller
>7yo son of Bettor’s Delight at $2.5 million won last year’s Open Crown in 1:48.4, giving John Campbell his series leading 45th Crown trophy and vaulting him past the $20 million mark in Crown earnings
>looks to make his fifth Crown appearance for John and Tom Cancelliere
We Will See
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile off a sick scratch
>5yo son of Western Hanover finished third in last year’s Open Crown
and banked $1.2 million in 2011
>a close second to Golden Receiver in the William Haughton Memorial at the Meadowlands
>Ron Pierce drives this 1:47.2 performer with $2.5 million for trainer Sam De Pinto
Aracache Hanover
>second to Bettor Sweet in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with a :25.4 final quarter
>consistent 5yo by Dragon Again was a close second to Golden Receiver in the US Pacing Championship
>also third in the Ben Franklin at Harrah’s Philadelphia, the William Haughton Memorial at the Big M and Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park
>has banked $1.5 million with a mark of 1:48.1 for Doug and Greg McNair
]]>
The competition is fierce with big money on the line, the prestige of winning a Breeders Crown event, and the major impact on voting for year-end honors and Horse of the Year.
That’s why it all comes down to the Breeders Crown!
This year, we are typically looking forward to several marquee match-ups and lucrative showdowns between top division rivals.
Division leaders have a chance to lock down division honors, and Horse of the Year favorites can solidify their candidacy.
In its 28-year history, more than a third of all Breeders Crown events [119 of 322] have been held in Canada.
The Kings of the Crown will all be at Woodbine for the second straight year: John Campbell, Jimmy Takter, Brittany Farms and Hanover Shoe Farms.
As always, we will see strength in numbers from trainers Ron Burke, Jimmy Takter, Linda Toscano, Chris Ryder, Casie Coleman and Tony Alagna.
Can Linda Toscano seal the deal for Trainer of the Year?
Toscano has two of the trotting triple threat for Horse of the Year, Market Share and Chapter Seven, yet Check Me Out leads the polls and that filly is among several going for a Breeders Crown repeat.
Driver of the Year favorite Tim Tetrick could be sitting on the biggest night in Crown history with several favorites, and The Bionic Man is looking to pass the $15 million mark for the sixth straight season.
Tetrick could join Dave Miller, Ron Pierce and Brian Sears as the only drivers to be the season’s leading money winner and also drive the Horse of the Year to a Breeders Crown victory.
Since 2003, 51 of 107 Breeders Crowns have gone to Brian Sears [22], Ron Pierce [22] and Dave Miller [9].
Among the two year olds, will Captaintreacherous continue his quest to be the sport’s next super pacer?
How about a rematch between division standout To Dream On and Ontario star Bee A Magician in the 2YO Filly Trot?
Will the I Luv The Nitelife and L Dees Lioness renew their rivalry in the 2YO Filly Pace?
Wheeling N Dealin could have an undefeated string on the line in the 2YO Colt Trot and stamp himself as the Winterbook Hambletonian favorite.
Market Share, the winner of the two $1 million races this season, the Hambletonian & Canadian Trotting Classic, can cap an epic season.
Multiple world champion, Check Me Out has her date with destiny as a leading contender for Horse of the Year.
Can Sweet Lou score a Breeders Crown repeat in the 3YO Colt Pace, which may finally sort out one of the most competitive divisions in years.
Can American Jewel continue her lucrative run in Ontario and lock down her division?
Put On A Show, the fastest female of all-time, headlines a fiercely competitive Older Pacing Mares division that includes last year’s winner, Anndrovette, Rebeka Bayama and Drop The Ball.
Chapter Seven, one of the fastest trotters in history, looks to turn the tables on Maple Leaf Trot winner, Mister Herbie.
Foiled Again, the richest pacer in history, tries to become the oldest pacer to win a Breeders Crown at age eight.
The Canadian equine home team contenders include: Wheeling N Dealin, L Dees Lioness, Apprentice Hanover, Knows Nothing, Michael’s Power, Panther Hanover, Rebeka Bayama, Frenchfrysnvinegar, Mister Herbie and Betterthancheddar.
Canadian-based horsemen with a homefield advantage include: Sylvain Filion, Casie Coleman, Scott Zeron, Jody Jamieson and Jeff Gillis.
Breeders Crown Night, Saturday, October 27 at Woodbine will surely provide most of the answers, as well as lasting moments and memories.
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2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On
>made it two-for-two at The Red Mile with a season’s best and career mark of 1:53.2 in a division of ISS with Yannick Gingras driving, one week after romping in the fastest division of the Bluegrass (1:54.3)
>$200,000 yearling by Credit Winner filly won her first five starts, including a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle
>trainer Jimmy Takter, who won this back-to-back with Flirtin Miss and Passionate Glide, and drove his two other winners in the division, Gleam and Armbro Prowess
>Takter is the leading money winning trainer in Breeders Crown history with over $6 million (12 wins)
Bee A Magician
>won an OSS Gold elimination at Georgian Downs with a track record of 1:55 in a relentless first over effort
>handed To Dream On her first career loss with a powerful rally in the Peaceful Way Final in 1:53.4
>$90,000 Harrisburg yearling has won seven of nine, including an OSS Gold Final and a Champlain Stakes division
>Rick Zeron drives the Kadabra filly for trainer Nifty Norman, who won this in 2009 with Poof She’s Gone
Mistery Woman
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:53.3 following a third behind To Dream On in a Bluegrass division
>Donato Hanover filly also took a division of the Standardbred at Delaware in 1:57.2
>Dave Miller has had his share of success with trotting filly stars like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and Poof She’s Gone
>$102,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling co-owned by Dave and his wife, Misty Miller
Frau Blucher
>went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:55
>second Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4
>sports six wins in nine starts
>Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, who won his first Breeders Crown last year with Economy Terror
True Day Dream
>bounced back from a loss in Lexington with a career best of 1:54.1 at Colonial Downs
>reeled off six in a row before a third in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara
>$3,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling, Ontario bred by Infinitif
Fashion Athena
>won a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in a season’s best and a career best of 1:53.2 with Brian Sears driving for trainer Jim Campbell
>Fashion Farms owned and bred daughter of 2002 undefeated Crown champion Broadway Hall
Royal Assets
>second to Frau Blucher in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>fourth from post nine behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>second in the Merrie Annabelle, third in the NJSS Final, a force in PASS
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling by Donato Hanover trained by Ray Schnittker, who won this last year with Check Me Out in a stakes record of 1:54.4
Time To Kill
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Ross Croghan won a division of the Bluegrass at The Red Mile in 1:55.1 with John Campbell
>second to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>second by a nose to Southwind Cocoa in the NJSS Final
>romped in the Marion Dancer at Freehold in 1:59.3
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Shared Past
>second to Time To Kill in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third to Fashion Athena in a division of the ISS
>third in the NJSS Final and fifth in the Peaceful Way
>Chocolatier filly – half sister to millionaire Dejarmbro, sold for $130,000 at Harrisburg, trained by Jonas Czernyson
Aspidistra Hanover
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Paul Kelley finished first in a dead heat with Upfrontluckycarol in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Brian Sears
>third to Mistery Woman in a division of the ISS
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling was a runner-up to Frau Blucher in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:55.1
Upfrontluckycarol
>Andover Hall filly trained by Kelly O’Donnell finished first in a dead heat with Aspidistra Hanover in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Dave Miller
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling finished third in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:56
Handover Belle
>second to To Dream On in the fastest Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third behind To Dream On in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall filly finished a distant third in the Peaceful Way Final
>a mark of 1:56 taken in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>homebred trained by Tony Alagna
Southwind Cocoa
>broke at the start of two consecutive divisions of the Kindergarten Series at The Red Mile
>won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 set by Act Of Grace
>$6,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Chocolatier trained by Linda Toscano also won the Marion Dancer at Freehold
Andie Sophia
>rallied to win the KYSS Final at the Red Mile in 1:55.4
>Peter Wrenn drives for trainer Rob Harmon
>$5,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling by Like A Prayer
Simone Hall
>won two divisions of KYSS and finished a close second in the final at The Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.4
>half sister to millionaire Snazzy Millie, from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe, trained by Bob Horowitz, $15,000 Lexington-Selected yearling
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin
>extended his undefeated streak to seven by dominating the William Wellwood Memorial at Mohawk in 1:55.3
>Cantab Hall colt took a mark of 1:55 in the Champlain Stakes and swept the Bridger Series at Mohawk
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer Dustin Jones, they had a Hambletonian finalist in Prestidigitator
>Filion called this colt an amazing animal with all the qualities and he’s getting better and better
>$100,000 Harrisburg yearling
Murmur Hanover
>winner of two OSS Gold Finals, runner-up to Wheeling N Dealin in his elimination and final of the William Wellwood Memorial
>colt by Majestic Son sold for $70,000 at Harrisburg
>handled by brothers Mario and Benoit Baillergeon
Fashion Blizzard
>Fashion farms homebred son of Credit Winner won a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Jim Campbell
>won the NYSS final at Yonkers and finished third in the Peter Haughton Memorial Final
My Man Can
>second to All Laid Out in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>broke as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Cantab Hall colt pulled a 10-1 upset in his Wellwood elimination in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller
>a big colt who had some early-season foot issues
Aperfectyankee
>4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:54.1 for Jim Oscarsson
>got parked in his Wellwood elimination and didn’t make the final
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Yankee Glide
Corky
>three-ply sweep of the NJSS series, 1:57.3 in the final, second by a neck in the Peter Haughton Memorial
>$100,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Muscles Yankee colt trained by Jimmy Takter, who pulled an upset in this last year with Uncle Peter
Dontyouforgetit
>diminutive colt made it six wins in seven starts with a 1:54 world record in the Standardbred at Delaware
>second to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Jimmy Takter, who’s won this division three times
>PASS champion finished first in seven of eight starts (one disqualification)
>his dam Solveig banked over $800,000 for Takter and finished second in her 2YO Crown back in 2004
Mystical Dew
>suffered his first defeat at the hands of Major Athens in a Bluegrass division
>won his first four starts, including a KYSS Final at The Red Mile in 1:55.2 for Tyler and Jeff Smith
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected yearling from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe
Major Athens
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.3 over Mystical Dew
>third to Royalty For Life in a division of the ISS
>Andover Hall colt trained by Rich Gillock starred in PASS, owns a mark of 1:55, second to Dontyouforgetit in the PASS Final
Royalty For Life
>son of RC Royalty took a new mark of 1:54.2 in a division of ISS at The Red Mile for Tim Tetrick and trainer George Ducharme
Pine Credit
>Credit Winner colt romped in a division of ISS in 1:54.3 for LeWayne Miller and his father, trainer Erv Miller
>$19,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Your So Vain
>Donato Hanover colt rallied to win a division of ISS in 1:55 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Brad Maxwell
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to Credit Winner
All Laid Out
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Noel Daley upset My Man Can in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with James Rattray
>made a break at the start and finished fourth in a division of the ISS
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Creatine
>Andover Hall colt trained by Bob Stewart won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with Mike Lachance
>fourth in a division of the ISS
Punxsutawney
>Glidemaster colt trained by John Butenschoen won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.2 with Tim Tetrick
>broke in a division of the ISS
>$16,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Filly Pace
L Dees Lioness
>beat I Luv The Nitelife in the Champlain Stakes in 1:51.4 after finishing a close second to L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final
>took a mark of 1:50.2 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>romped in her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.2 from post 10
>first crop of Somebeachsomewhere
>driven by Scott Zeron and trained by Casie Coleman
I Luv The Nitelife
>won a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52.4
>second to Authorize in a division of the ISS
>beat L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final in 1:51 before finishing a close second to that rival in the Champlain Stakes
>set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>won her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.4
>Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder & driven by Jack Moiseyev
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected yearling owned by Richard & Joanne Young, who co-own Put On A Show, also trained by Chris Ryder
Authorize
>upset I Luv The Nitelife in a division of the ISS in a career best of 1:51.1 with Dave Palone driving
>won the NJSS Final in 1:52.3 with a :25.4 final quarter
>set the pace and finished a close third as the beaten favorite in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>Western Ideal filly trained by Tony Alagna
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms
Nikki Beach
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.2
>second by a nose to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck as the beaten favorite in the Sweetheart after winning the Prep in 1:52
>won a division of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs in 1:52.1
>$90,000 Lexington-selected yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, stablemate to Authorize trained by Tony Alagna and owned by Brittany Farms
Parlee Beach
>Somebeachsomewhere filly upset Nikki Beach in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51 for Ron Pierce and trainer Bob McIntosh
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling is a half sister to millionaire Western Graduate
Hit The Curb
>Art Major filly pulled a big upset in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:51.2 for Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer Mark Harder
>$80,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Jerseylicious
>Western Ideal filly broke her maiden when she rallied for a 9-1 upset in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 for Corey Callahan
>a close second to Nikki Beach in the NJSS Final
>trained by Wayne Givens
Handsoffmycupcake
>won the PASS Final by a nose in 1:52.1 at The Meadows with Daniel Dube
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling filly by Christian Cullen trained by Scott Di Domenico, who was second in this Crown last year with Handsoffmycookie
Champagne Tonight
>Western Terror filly was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite
>$8,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Clair Umholtz
Ritascape
>daughter Artiscape trained by Homer Hochstetler won a Bluegrass division in 1:52.2 with Jody Jamieson, then finished fourth to Parlee Beach in a division of the ISS
>$12,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous
>held on by a nose to go two-for-two at The Red Mile with a 1:50.3 mile in a division of the ISS after winning a Bluegrass division in 1:51.3
>has posted three sub 1:50 miles
>equaled the stakes record of 1:49.2 in the Metro Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.3, and won the Nassagawaya in 1:51.3
>set a stakes record of 1:49.3 in the Woodrow Wilson
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Tony Alagna
>$250,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling from first crop of Somebeachsomewhere, out of a full sister to Worldly Beauty, $1,900,255
Apprentice Hanover
>rallied to pull a 12-1 upset in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 after making a break in a Bluegrass division
>Jody Jamieson won this Crown division in 2007 with Santanna Blue Chip
>Metro elimination winner in 1:49.4 and third in the final off a nine-length romp in a Nassagawaya division in 1:51.1
>$90,000 Lexington-Selected Sale Yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, trained by Ben Wallace
Good Day Mate
>second to Captaintreacherous in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then fourth behind Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
>won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53 paying $25.20, and owns a mark of 1:52.2
>$170,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling, half brother to world champion Put On A Show
>a son of Christian Cullen out of 1997 Breeders Crown champion Stienam’s Place trained by Chris Oakes
Dovuto Hanover
>Dragon Again colt won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Ryan Maxwell
>$40,000 Harrisburg yearling owned by Martin Sharf
Fool Me Once
>Art Major colt went two-for-two at The Red Mile winning a division of the ISS in 1:51.3, then a Bluegrass division also in 1:51.3 for Ron Pierce and trainer Mark Austin
Dedi’s Dragon
>Dragon Again colt trained by Ron Burke finished second by a neck to Dovuto Hanover in the Bluegrass, then second by a nose to Captaintreacherous in a division of the ISS
Doctor Butch
>son of Art Major sports a career best of 1:52 in NYSS at Vernon Downs
>second by half a length in a division of the ISS (1:50)
>won five NYSS events in a row and romped wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers in 1:53.1 with Tim Tetrick
>$55,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Linda Toscano
Bet The Moon
>Bettor’s Delight colt trained by Ron Burke has been very consistent in NYSS, finished second the NYSS Final at Yonkers and took a mark of 1:53.3 at Vernon Downs
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling
Captive Audience
>bounced back from a ninth in the Metro Final with a 44-1 maiden-breaking shocker in the Champlain Stakes in 1:50.2
>$95,000 Harrisburg yearling by Art Major trained by Colin Johnson
Rockin Amadeus
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.3 thru a disqualification
>fourth as the beaten favorite in a division of the ISS
>second by a neck to longshot Captive Audience in the Champlain Stakes
>his only win came in a NJSS division in 1:52 at the Meadowlands
>son of Rocknroll Hanover trained by Jimmy Takter, his dam is Kikikatie, Takter trained her three previous foals: Rockin Image, Grams Legacy and Time To Roll
Vegas Vacation
>Bettor’s Delight colt finished second in his Metro elimination, parked from post 10 in the final and finished eighth, then sixth in a Simcoe division
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Casie Coleman
Johny Rock
>set the pace and faded to seventh in a division of the ISS
>second to Rockin Amadeus in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1
>second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, parked through a fast pace in the final
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Rocknroll Hanover trained by John Butenschoen
Tarpon Hanover
>won an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 at Mohawk and the Battle of Waterloo in 1:53 at Grand River
>$82,000 Harrisburg yearling by Badlands Hanover trained by Dave Menary
>went wire-to-wire in the Elevation at Indiana Downs in 1:52.2 with a :26.3 final quarter
>$15,000 purchase at the Indiana Premier Yearling Sale
John’s Polyview
>set the pace and finished second by a neck to Good Day Mate in the PASS Final after winning two PASS divisions in a row in 1:51.1 and 1:52.4
>McArdle colt trained by Donna Marshall
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out
>lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile defeating arch rival Maven
>a close second to Win Missy B in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
and scratched from the final
>set a 2YO Breeders Crown stakes record of 1:54.4 at Woodbine last year
>leading candidate for Horse of the Year was considered a top prospect to take on the colts in the Hambletonian right up until setting a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial, making it six in a row
>equaled that 1:51.3 world mark in the Zweig at Vernon Downs and PASS Final at Pocono Downs, which made her the richest trotting filly in history
>also set a track record of 1:54 at Tioga Downs against older horses
>won the Elegantimage at Mohawk and Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers
>after cruising in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination, she took a rare bad step in the final
>from the first crop of 2YO Crown champion Donato Hanover, her second dam is 1997 Crown champion No Nonsense Woman
Maven
>second to Check Me Out in a world record Bluegrass division
>Hambletonian Oaks elimination winner in 1:52.4 broke in the final, bounced back to win the Moni Maker in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands
>$37,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Glidemaster trained by Jonas Czernyson beat Check Me Out in her first start of the season and finished second by a nose to that rival in the Elegantimage Final
>second to Check Me Out in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs, then second at 1-5 in a Buckette division at Delaware
Win Missy B
>held off Check Me Out in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in 1:52 and won the final in 1:52.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Charlie Norris
>runner-up to Check Me Out in last year’s 2YO Crown, and second by a neck to Personal Style in the Hambletonian Oaks
>prominent in NYSS, yet broke as the heavy favorite in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>a millionaire Bob Key homebred by American Winner, half sister to his millionaire Winning Mister, Key owned/bred 2010 Crown champion Break The Bank K
Personal Style
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, a close second to Win Missy B in the final
>pulled a shocking 57-1 upset in the Hambletonian Oaks when the two heavy favorites broke
>$92,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Yankee Glide filly trained by Nifty Norman
Bluff
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Ron Burke set a world record of 1:54 in the Buckette at Delaware
>fourth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, seventh in the final
>third foal out of 2005 Crown champion and millionaire Blur, trained by Trond Smedshammer, who also had Bluff until she made her first start for Ron Burke on July18
Valdonna
>finished sixth in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
>won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, romped in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:52.4, and second to Maven in the Moni Maker
>$120,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Andover Hall, trained by Jimmy Takter
Chilitodayhotamale
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Trond Smedshammer romped in a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52 with Yannick Gingras
>second by a head to Oasis Dream in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, sixth in the final
>Trond Smedshammer won this Crown division three years in a row with Stroke Play, Housethatruthbuilt and Blur
Oasis Dream
>Cantab Hall filly won a heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity in a career best of 1:53.4, finished fifth in the final for Tim Tetrick and trainer Bob Stewart
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling
On The Bright Side
>Cantab Hall filly went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.4 for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jimmy Takter
>broke and finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity
Superstar Hanover
>Cantab Hall filly won a couple of PASS divisions and finished third in the PASS Final, owns a mark of 1:53.2
>third in the first heat of the Kentucky Filly Futurity, fourth in the final
>$75,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Jimmy Takter
Miss Paris
>stablemate to Personal Style finished fourth in last year’s 2YO Crown final
>$210,000 Harrisburg yearling by Kadabra past $800,000 for trainer Nifty Norman
>a star in OSS, winning three Gold Finals this season and owns a mark of 1:54.2
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share
>major contender for Horse of the Year cruised to a new mark of 1:50.3 in a late closer at The Red Mile on Oct. 6 with a final quarter of :26.3
>won the Hambletonian in 1:52.1 and Canadian Trotting Classic in 1:52.2 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano
>set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig
>second by a neck to Googoo Gaagaa in the $500,000 Colonial
>$16,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling with sights set on $2 million, co-owner Richard Gutnik sold shares to TLP Stable and William Augustine during Hambletonian Week
>his sire Revenue S sent out 2010 winner Break The Bank K, who set a stakes record of 1:52.2 at Pocono Downs
>Tetrick was scheduled to drive last year’s winner in this division, Chapter Seven, but couldn’t make it due to travel issues
>Muscle Hill in 2009 was the last Hambletonian winner to also win a Breeders Crown in the same season, then you’ve got to go back to his sire Muscles Yankee in 1998
Little Brown Fox
>second to Archangel in a heat of the Kentucky Futurity, fourth in the final
>second by a neck to Market Share in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53
>set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk
>third in the $500,000 Colonial
>romped in the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52
>took a mark of 1:51.2 in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial
>third in the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial
>won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling by Muscles Yankee, trained by Jimmy Takter, who has won this with Malabar Man, Kadabra and In Focus
My MVP
>rallied to upset in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity in a career best of 1:52, beat Appomattox again with a gutsy first over effort in the 1:53 final for Mike Lachance and trainer Tony Alagna
>a close third in the Hambletonian, second by a neck in the PASS Final
>$85,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall with over $700,000 banked this season
>Mike Lachance owns three wins in this Crown division with Embassy Lobell, Baltic Striker and Fast Photo
Archangel
>pulled a 25-1 wire-to-wire shocker in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity with a driver change to Tim Tetrick, set the pace and faded to seventh as the beaten favorite in the final
>set a world record of 1:54.1 in the Yonkers Trot
>fourth in the Hambletonian
>dominant in NYSS, yet broke in the NYSS Final
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner with over $900,000 on his card, trained by Peter Arrigenna
Guccio
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.1 (:26.1)
>fifth as the beaten favorite in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, scratched from the final
>banked over $600,000 this season, second to stablemate Little Brown Fox in the Stanley Dancer Memorial, second by a neck to Market Share in the Hambletonian, a close third in the Canadian Trotting Classic
>$50,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Jimmy Takter
Knows Nothing
>Canadian Trotting Classic elimination winner in 1:52.4, fourth in the final
>Hambletonian elimination winner in 1:53.1, fifth in the final
>unraced at two, won the Canadian Breeders in 1:54.3
>winner of almost $500,000, son of Kadabra, trained by Jeff Gillis
Appomattox
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Frank Antonacci won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 with Scott Zeron
>second by head to My MVP in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, rallied for second to that same rival in the final
Money On My Mind
>Cantab Hall colt upset Little Brown Fox in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 for Andy and Julie Miller
>finished third in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, sixth in the final
Gym Tan Laundry
>fourth with broken equipment in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity, broke and finished sixth in the final
>lost by a nose to Knows Nothing in his Canadian Trotting Classic elimination, then broke in the final
>lone win in 2012 came in the Zweig consolation at Vernon Downs in 1:52.3
>Hambletonian finalist finished sixth from post 10
>almost went all the way at 99-1 in the Goodtimes Final at Mohawk
>$35,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Noel Daley, who won this Crown division in 2003 with Mr Muscleman
Magic Tonight
>finished seventh in the first heat of the Kentucky Futurity off a sick scratch
>Andover Hall colt won the PASS Championship in 1:54
>stablemate to Gym Tan Laundry trained by Noel Daley
>shattered the track record at The Meadows in PASS with a 1:52.4 mile back on May 30
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling has banked well over $400,000
Uncle Peter
>last year’s freshman Crown upsetter in 1:55
>Hambletonian favorite set a fast pace and broke after winning his elimination in 1:53.3
>won a Stanley Dancer Memorial division in 1:53.1 at the Meadowlands
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall, stablemate to Little Brown Fox and Guccio trained by Jimmy Takter
Googoo Gaagaa
>won the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia shortly after coming back from a splint bone injury
>set a world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial at Pocono Downs
>pacing bred trotting sensation went undefeated six-for-six as a freshman
>owned/trained and bred by Richard Hans, and driven by Corey Callahan
>son of Cam’s Rocket would have to be supplemented
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel
>cruised in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:50.1, then finished second by a head to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>American Ideal filly finished fourth in the Jugette
>set a stakes record in the Simcoe of 1:49.4 at Mohawk
>won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs
>clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk
>second in the Mistletoe Shalee and Valley Forge
>stellar 2yo campaign was cut short last Fall by injury
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms, leading owners in Breeders Crown history with 15 wins and well over $6 million
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Jimmy Takter
>Tetrick won this in 2010 with Put On A Show
Darena Hanover
>finished fifth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>went all the way to upset the Jugette Final in 1:51, beating stablemate Bettor B Lucky and Shelliscape
>second to American Jewel in the James Lynch Memorial after winning her elimination in 1:50.1
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling by Yankee Cruiser (Sweet Lou)
Economy Terror
>pulled a perfect trip upset over American Jewel in a division of the ISS at The Red Mile in 1:50 (final quarter :26.3) with Dave Palone driving
>daughter of Western Terror was the 2YO Breeders Crown champion, sealing her division with a stakes and Woodbine track record of 1:51
>two-time PASS champion, won this year’s final in a world record of 1:49 at Pocono Downs
>set a fast pace and finished third in her Jugette elimination as the beaten favorite – scratched from that final
>full sister to 2009 Crown champion and millionaire Yellow Diamond
Bettor B Lucky
>Bettor’s Delight filly trained by Ron Burke finished second to stablemate Darena Hanover in the Jugette after winning her elimination in 1:51.4
>romped in the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:54.2 with Jim Morrill, Jr.
>$70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling pulled a 19-1 upset in the Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs in 1:50
Romantic Moment
>second to Shelliscape in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile, then went wire-to-wire in a division of the ISS in 1:50.3 (final quarter :26.3)
>American Ideal filly went wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers for Brian Sears and Jimmy Takter
>upset stablemate American Jewel in the Valley Forge in a career best of 1:50.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>runner-up to American Jewel in the Fan Hanover at Mohawk
>second by a nose to Bettor B Lucky in the Empire Breeders Classic
>$75,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
>Sears won this back-to-back with My Little Dragon and Artcotic
Shelliscape
>rallied to win a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.1, then finished a close third to Economy Terror in a division of the ISS
>Jugette elimination winner in 1:50.3 at 24-1, parked out third in the final
>finished fourth in last year’s 2YO crown
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by two-time Crown champion Artiscape, who was trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh – leads all Breeders Crown trainers with 15 wins and won this in 1993 with Electric Slide ($47.40)
Major Look
>daughter of two-time Crown champion Art Major pulled a 10-1 upset over American Jewel in the Mistletoe Shalee in 1:49.3, has equaled that mark twice on the Grand Circuit
>third in the NYSS Final for trainer Kevin McDermott, who took over for an injured Robert Riddle this summer
Sarandon Blue Chip
>unraced at two, won the NJSS Final and took a mark of 1:50.1 in the Miss New Jersey for trainer Casie Coleman
>continued to fall off form in Lexington, finishing out of the money in both Grand Circuit stakes
>$92,000 Harrisburg yearling by 2000 Breeders Crown champion Western Ideal out of 2002 Crown winner Molly Can Do It
Big McDeal
>daughter of McArdle, $70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling sold to current connections earlier this year, now trained by Ben Wallace
>a well beaten sixth in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>back-to-back $300,000 seasons
>PASS winner in 1:49.1 at The Meadows
>second in the PASS Championship at Pocono Downs
>upset American Jewel as a 2yo at The Red Mile in a world record equaling 1:50.2
>second dam is Before Sunrise, a 1996 Breeders Crown champion
Handsoffmycookie
>second to Romantic Moment in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>closing in $1 million, NYSS champion at two, second in the 2YO Breeders Crown and the Sweetheart
>$25,000 Harrisburg yearling by two-time Crown champion Art Major, trained by Scott Di Domenico
3YO Colt Pace
Michael’s Power
>$1.3 million winning gelding by 1991 Open Pace Crown champion Camluck won the Little Brown Jug in straight heats of 1:52.3 and a world record of 1:50 in the final
>captured the Confederation Cup with a second in the first heat and a 1:52.4 upset in the final
>won the Upper Canada Final at Georgian Downs and three OSS Gold Finals
>Scott Zeron is the WEG Circuit’s leading driver
>trained by Casie Coleman, who won this last year with Betterthancheddar
>owned and bred by Jeff Snyder, the dam is the millionaire Michelle’s Jackpot, a half sister to Cam’s Card Shark
>not eligible, so would have to be supplemented
Panther Hanover
>unraced at two, late-blooming son of 2005 sophomore Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover pulled a 9-1 upset in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1
>set a NJ Classic stakes record of 1:47.2 at the Meadowlands
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer James “Friday” Dean, who had 2010 freshman Crown champion Big Jim
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling
Sweet Lou
>posted a gutsy first over score over stablemate Hillbilly Hanover in the Tattersalls Pace in 1:48.1
>second to Mel Mara (1:49.4) in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>son of 2003 North American Cup winner Yankee Cruiser romped to a world record of 1:49 in last year’s 2YO Crown Pace enroute to divisional honors for trainer Ron Burke
>$38,000 Harrisburg yearling has banked $1.6 million and sports a mark of 1:47.4 taken in a North America Cup elimination
>second in the Little Brown Jug final after winning his elimination in 1:51
>won eliminations for the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace and Adios, yet finished out of the money in all three
>multiple PASS winner finished second in the PASS Final
A Rocknroll Dance
>Meadowlands Pace winner in 1:48.1 has carved out a million dollar season
>failed to get involved in both Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile
>a distant second to Sweet Lou in last year’s world record freshman Crown final of 1:49
>won the Hempt Final at Pocono Downs in 1:48.3
>set a track record at Harrah’s Philadelphia of 1:48.1 in the Battlle of Brandywine
>set a fast pace and finished second in the Adios
>his sire 2005 Crown winner Rocknroll Hanover produced 2010 champion Rock N Roll Heaven
>$15,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to the late, great Western Hanover, who sired 2004 Crown champion Western Terror
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer by Jim Mulinix
Pet Rock
>third in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>second by a nose in the Cane Pace Final
>runner-up in the Battle of Brandywine
>won a heat of the Confederation Cup and finished a close third in the final as the beaten favorite
>second in the Meadowlands Pace
>won the Art Rooney Final in 1:51 at Yonkers
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling by Rocknroll Hanover past $700,000, trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr., who had 2008 Open Pace Crown champion Mister Big
Bolt The Duer
>set a fast half of :52.4 and faded to 12th in the Tattersalls Pace
>romped in the KYSS Final in 1:48.2
>set a world record of 1:47.4 in the Adios at The Meadows
>second in his Jug elimination and scratched from the final
>$70,000 Harrisburg yearling by Ponder trained by Peter Foley
>Mark MacDonald drove last year’s sophomore Crown champion Betterthancheddar
Thinking Out Loud
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51 (:25) with John Campbell
>fifth from post 11 as the beaten favorite in the Tattersalls Pace
>rallied for a North America Cup upset in 1:47.4
>stablemate to Dapper Dude and a son of Ponder trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh
>runner-up to Bolt The Duer in the KYSS Final
>fourth in the Little Brown Jug Final
>regular driver Randy Waples drove last year’s Open Trot winner and Horse of the Year San Pail
Dapper Dude
>finished eighth at 50-1 in the Tattersalls Pace
>son of The Panderosa romped away from the favorite Sweet Lou in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs in 1:49
>North America Cup elimination winner in 1:49.3, finished a close third in the final for John Campbell and Bob McIntosh
Warrawee Needy
>Canada’s top freshman pacer in 2011 and OSS star by E Dee’s Cam with over $700,000 for Jody and Carl Jamieson
>romped in a Gold Final at Mohawk in 1:48.4 becoming the fastest performer in OSS history
>$20,000 Canadian Yearling Sale purchase
Heston Blue Chip
>qualified at The Red Mile in 1:49.1 on Oct. 5
>NYSS star finished third in the NYSS Final
>won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4
>$30,000 Harrisburg yearling by American Ideal well past $800,000 for trainer Linda Toscano
Hurrikane Kingcole
>John McDermott trainee finished third in last year’s 2YO Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the NJ Classic after blazing through a record 1:18.2 three quarters, won his elimination 1:48.3
>Meadowlands Pace consolation winner in 1:47.4
>$10,000 Harrisburg yearling by Cam’s Card Shark, who sired 2006 Crown champion Shark Gesture
Dynamic Youth
>won a division of the Fall Harvest at Yonkers in 1:52.2
>rallied to win the Cane Pace Final by a nose in 1:48.4
>runner-up in the Confederation Cup Final
>$85,000 Harrisburg yearling by Bettor’s Delight trained by Aaron Lambert
Mel Mara
>fourth from post 10 in the Tattersalls Pace at The Red mile
>son of Lis Mara trained by Tony Alagna won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.4 with Tim Tetrick
Older Trotting Mares
Frenchfrysnvinegar
>took a new mark of 1:52 going wire-to-wire in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile, putting her on the verge of millionaire status
>went all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off the world record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Jeff Gillis
>last year’s Breeders Crown champion from post 10 in 1:53.3 as a supplemental gamble paid off
>7yo Angus Hall mare also won the Ontario Masters
>owner David Smith trained 2002 Crown champion Armbro Amoretto
Cedar Dove
>last year’s 3YO Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner won the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and three legs of the Miss Versatility Series
>third behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ron Pierce drives the daughter of Andover Hall for trainer Noel Daley
>Kentucky Filly Futurity winner at three closing on $1 million
Beatgoeson Hanover
>4yo daughter of Andover Hall won the Muscle Hill at Vernon Downs in 1:54 and a leg of the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs for trainer Nifty Norman
>runner-up to Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with $1 million well in her sights
Action-Broadway
>last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up is a 5yo daughter of 2002 freshman Crown champion Broadway Hall and well past $900,000
>won an Armbro Flight elimination in 1:56.1 and paid $139.00
>second in a couple of Miss Versatility legs
Pembroke Heat Wave
>6yo daughter of Like A Prayer completing a career season at $300,000 for trainer Mark Ford
>won the Armbro Flight Final at Mohawk in 1:54
>no factor finishing seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Tamla Celeber S
>millionaire daughter of 2003 freshman Crown champion Cantab Hall trained by Roger Walmann, who set a world record of 1:50.1 at The Red Mile with Giant Diablo in 2007
>a well beaten sixth behind Frenchfrysnvinegar in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Firstclassprincess
>4yo daughter of Classic Photo trained by Ron Burke, who won this Crown division back-to-back with Buck I St Pat
>finished a close second to Cedar Dove in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M
Older Pacing Mares
Put On A Show
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover well past $2 million became the fastest female of all -time with a 1:47.3 world record in the Lady Liberty at the Big M
>won the Spring of Hope Invitational in 1:48.3 at Mohawk
>2010 Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner missed all of 2011 due to injury
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Chris Ryder
Rebeka Bayama
>5yo by Leader Bayama, who is a brother to 2001 Crown champion Goliath Bayama, a $1.5 million winner for Sylvain and Yves Filion
>second by half a length in the world record 1:47.3 Lady Liberty
>won the Golden Girls at the Big M in 1:49
>fourth with road trouble in the Milton Final
>driven by Sylvain Filion for his nephew Justin Filion
Anndrovette
>set the pace and finished third in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>5yo daughter of Riverboat King closing in on $2 million
>last year’s Crown winner in 1:49.2 enroute to the division championship
>posted a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk
>set a fast pace and finished a close third in the world record Lady Liberty
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer P.J. Fraley
Drop The Ball
>shot home in :25.3 to win the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile in 1:49.2
>4yo daughter of Western Terror was a second as the beaten favorite in last year’s 3YO Crown Final
>set a world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia after a close second in the Golden Girls
>set a pressured pace and faded to sixth as the beaten favorite in the Milton Final
>won the Green With Envy Final at the Big M in 1:51.1 (:25.4)
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Tony O’Sullivan
Monkey On My Wheel
>millionaire 4yo by Mach Three upset Drop The Ball in the 2011 Crown in a 1:49.3 stakes record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Travis Umphrey
>won a Fillies & Mares Open at Woodbine in 1:51.2 on Oct. 6
Rocklamation
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover has carved out a career season with well over $600,000 in 2012 and passed the $1 million mark by upsetting in the Milton Final in 1:49.4 for trainer Ron Burke
>second to Drop The Ball in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Ginger And Fred
>Ron Burke trained stablemate to Rocklamation is a 6yo by 2002 Crown champion Real Artist just past $1.8 million
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>third in the Golden Girls and the Milton Final
>would be making her fifth straight Breeders Crown appearance
Swinging Beauty
>4yo by Art Major caught fire in the Mares Open this summer at Mohawk
>stormed home to finish second by a neck in the Milton Final at 72-1 for Doug and Greg McNair
>a nonthreatening fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
Older Trotting Horse
Chapter Seven
>Horse of the Year candidate went all the way to beat Mister Herbie and Arch Madness in the Allerage Farm in 1:50.2
>won an Open at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 on September 30
>last year’s 3YO Breeders Crown champion, romped by 7 lengths in 1:53
>son of Windsong’s Legacy at $1.5 million kicked off his 4yo season with back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 at the Meadowlands
>lowered his own world record to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray
>won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>second to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs
>second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Linda Toscano
Mister Herbie
>finished second to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>Ontario bred by Here Comes Herbie past the $1.1 million mark
>upset San Pail in the Glorys Comet Final at Woodbine
>won the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in 1:51.3 at the Big M, the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:50.4 at Mohawk and the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 at Rideau Carlton
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Jeff Gillis
Arch Madness
>strong on the comeback trail this Fall, finished third to Chapter Seven in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>looking to join Fool’s Goal as the oldest to win a Crown at age 8
>would be making his fifth Crown appearance, upset Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in 2007, second in 2008, second in 2009, missed 2010 due to injury, fifth in last year’s Crown
>at $3.6 million he’s the richest son of the late Canadian sire Balanced Image, who retired prior to the first Breeders Crown in 1984
>second in this year’s Elitlopp and Titan Cup Final
>runner-up to Chapter Seven at The Red Mile on September 30
>Trond Smedshammer won this in 2006 with Sand Vic
Daylon Magician
>qualified in 1:56.2 at Mohawk after a fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial
>Ontario bred 4yo by 2002 Crown champion Kadabra posted a $1 million 3YO season in 2011
>won the Ontario Masters in Georgian Downs track record of 1:52
>owns a mark of 1:51.1 at Mohawk and finished third in the Nat Ray
>2011 O’Brien Award winner, Jack Moiseyev drives for trainer David Lemon
Hot Shot Blue Chip
>finished a well beaten fifth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>6yo son of Revenue vaulted past the million mark in 2012 for trainer Jonas Czernyson
>got on a roll late this season upsetting Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs in 1:51.2, then won the Pride In Progress at Indiana Downs in 1:54.4
Anders Bluestone
>consistent Yankee Glide 6yo with a mark of 1:52
>Invitational winner at the Meadowlands in 1:52.1
>runner-up to Chapter Seven in the Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>Ron Pierce drives for trainer Eric Ell
Windsong Geant
>5yo son of Kadabra capping a career season
>a consistent winner in the Preferred ranks on the WEG circuit, sports a mark of 1:52 for trainer/drive Rick Zeron
Andover America
>7yo by Andover Hall has gone past $600,000 this season for Mario and Benoit Baillargeon, taking a mark of 1:51.4 in an Open at Mohawk
>won a Preferred at Woodbine in 1:54.1 on October 1
Coco Lindy
>Cantab Hall 5yo trained by Frank Antonacci took the Vincennes Trot at the Meadowlands in 1:52.4 and has won at the Preferred level at Mohawk
Older Pacing Horses
Betterthancheddar
>4yo son of Bettor’s Delight, who sired last year’s winner Bettor Sweet
>past $1.5 million in career earnings, recently sidelined by a foot abscess, so missed the Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile
>won the Ben Franklin in world record of 1:48 and the Des Smith Classic in 1:49.4 at Rideau Carlton
>set a track record and equaled a world record of 1:49.2 at Harrington in the Bobby Quillen Memorial
>second by a neck to Foiled Again in the Canadian Pacing Derby at Mohawk
>pulled a mild upset in last year’s 3YO Crown Final in 1:49.2
>George Brennan drives for trainer Casie Coleman
Foiled Again
>finished third as the beaten favorite in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>8yo son of Dragon Again is the richest pacer in history at $4.4 million,
making it the third time the richest pacer in history has raced in the Breeders Crown – Nihilator and Gallo Blue Chip were the first two
>looking to become the oldest pacer to win a Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the last two Open Pace Crowns
>upset Betterthancheddar in the Canadian Pacing Derby in 1:48.3
>2011 Dan Patch Award winner and Pacer of the Year, became the oldest pacer at age 7 to post a million dollar season
>his best clockings at ages 6-7-8 have come in Canada
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Ron Burke, who won this back-to-back with Won The West, the fastest Crown performer in his history at 1:47
>Gingras’ lone Crown win came with longshot Southwind Serena in 2007, paying $102.80 in the 3YO Filly Trot
Golden Receiver
>set the pace and faded to seventh in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile
>7yo by Village Jove capping a career season with major wins in the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial
>owns a mark of 1:48 for trainer Mark Harder, who’s looking for his first Breeders Crown
Bettor Sweet
>posted his first win in 15 starts this season with a brave first over mile in 1:48.1 in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with Dave Miller
>7yo son of Bettor’s Delight at $2.5 million won last year’s Open Crown in 1:48.4, giving John Campbell his series leading 45th Crown trophy and vaulting him past the $20 million mark in Crown earnings
>looks to make his fifth Crown appearance for John and Tom Cancelliere
We Will See
>finished fourth in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile off a sick scratch
>5yo son of Western Hanover finished third in last year’s Open Crown
and banked $1.2 million in 2011
>a close second to Golden Receiver in the William Haughton Memorial at the Meadowlands
>Ron Pierce drives this 1:47.2 performer with $2.5 million for trainer Sam De Pinto
Aracache Hanover
>second to Bettor Sweet in the Allerage Farm at The Red Mile with a :25.4 final quarter
>consistent 5yo by Dragon Again was a close second to Golden Receiver in the US Pacing Championship
>also third in the Ben Franklin at Harrah’s Philadelphia, the William Haughton Memorial at the Big M and Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park
>has banked $1.5 million with a mark of 1:48.1 for Doug and Greg McNair
]]>
2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On
>romped in the fastest division of the Bluegrass at The Red Mile (1:54.3)
>$200,000 yearling by Credit Winner filly won her first five starts, including a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle
>Dave Miller drives for trainer Jimmy Takter, who won this back-to-back with Flirtin Miss and Passionate Glide, and drove his two other winners in the division, Gleam and Armbro Prowess
>Takter is the leading money winning trainer in Breeders Crown history with over $6 million (12 wins)
>Miller has had his share of success with trotting filly stars like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and Poof She’s Gone
Bee A Magician
>handed To Dream On her first career loss with a powerful rally in the Peaceful Way Final in 1:53.4
>$90,000 Harrisburg yearling has won seven of nine, including an OSS Gold Final and a Champlain Stakes division
>Rick Zeron drives the Kadabra filly for trainer Nifty Norman, who won this in 2009 with Poof She’s Gone
Frau Blucher
>went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:55
>romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4
>sports six wins in nine starts
>Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, who his first Breeders Crown last year with Economy Terror
True Day Dream
>reeled off six in a row before a third in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara
>$3,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling, Ontario bred by Infinitif
Southwind Cocoa
>won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 set by Act Of Grace
>$6,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Chocolatier trained by Linda Toscano also won the Marion Dancer at Freehold
Royal Assets
>second to Frau Blucher in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>second in the Merrie Annabelle, third in the NJSS Final, a force in PASS
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling by Donato Hanover trained by Ray Schnittker, who won this last year with Check Me Out in a stakes record of 1:54.4
Shared Past
>second to Time To Kill in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>third in the NJSS Final and fifth in the Peaceful Way
>Chocolatier filly – half sister to millionaire Dejarmbro, sold for $130,000 at Harrisburg, trained by Jonas Czernyson
Andie Sophia
>rallied to win the KYSS Final at the Red Mile in 1:55.4
>Peter Wrenn drives for trainer Rob Harmon
>$5,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling by Like A Prayer
Simone Hall
>won two divisions of KYSS and finished a close second in the final at The red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.4
>half sister to millionaire Snazzy Millie, from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe, trained by Bob Horowitz, $15,000 Lexington-Selected yearling
Handover Belle
>second to To Dream On in the fastest Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>Andover Hall filly finished a distant third in the Peaceful Way Final
>a mark of 1:56 taken in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>homebred trained by Tony Alagna
Time To Kill
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Ross Croghan won a division of the Bluegrass at The Red Mile in 1:55.1 with John Campbell
>second by a nose to Southwind Cocoa in the NJSS Final
>romped in the Marion Dancer at Freehold in 1:59.3
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Aspidistra Hanover
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Paul Kelley finished first in a dead heat with Upfrontluckycarol in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Brian Sears
>$50,000 Harrisburg yearling was a runner-up to Frau Blucher in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:55.1
Upfrontluckycarol
>Andover Hall filly trained by Kelly O’Donnell finished first in a dead heat with Aspidistra Hanover in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.2, driven by Dave Miller
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling finished third in the PASS Final after winning a division in 1:56
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin
>extended his undefeated streak to seven by dominating the William Wellwood Memorial at Mohawk in 1:55.3
>Cantab Hall colt took a mark of 1:55 in the Champlain Stakes and swept the Bridger Series at Mohawk
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer Dustin Jones, they had a Hambletonian finalist in Prestidigitator
>Filion called this colt an amazing animal with all the qualities and he’s getting better and better
>$100,000 Harrisburg yearling
Murmur Hanover
>winner of two OSS Gold Finals, runner-up to Wheeling N Dealin in his elimination and final of the William Wellwood Memorial
>colt by Majestic Son sold for $70,000 at Harrisburg
>handled by brothers Mario and Benoit Baillergeon
My Man Can
>second to All Laid Out in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>$32,000 Cantab Hall colt pulled a 10-1 upset in his Wellwood elimination in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller
>a big colt who had some early-season foot issues
Aperfectyankee
>4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:54.1 for Jim Oscarsson
>got parked in his Wellwood elimination and didn’t make the final
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Yankee Glide
Corky
>three-ply sweep of the NJSS series, 1:57.3 in the final, second by a neck in the Peter Haughton Memorial
>$100,000 Lexington-Selected yearling by Muscles Yankee colt trained by Jimmy Takter, who pulled an upset in this last year with Uncle Peter
Dontyouforgetit
>diminutive colt made it six wins in seven starts with a 1:54 world record in the Standardbred at Delaware
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Jimmy Takter, who’s won this three times
>PASS champion finished first in all seven starts (one disqualification)
>her dam Solveig banked over $800,000 for Takter and finished second in this Crown back in 2004
Major Athens
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:56.3 over Mystical Dew
>Andover Hall colt trained by Rich Gillock starred in PASS, owns a mark of 1:55, second to Dontyouforgetit in the PASS Final
Mystical Dew
>suffered his first defeat at the hands of Major Athens in a Bluegrass division
>won his first four starts, including a KYSS Final at The Red Mile in 1:55.2 for Tyler and Jeff Smith
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected yearling from the first crop of Deweycheatumnhowe
All Laid Out
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Noel Daley upset My Man Can in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with James Rattray
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
Creatine
>Andover Hall colt trained by Bob Stewart won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.1 with Mike Lachance
Punxsutawney
>Glidemaster colt trained by John Butenschoen won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:57.2 with Tim Tetrick
>$16,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Filly Pace
L Dees Lioness
>beat I Luv The Nitelife in the Champlain Stakes in 1:51.4 after finishing a close second to L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final
>took a mark of 1:50.2 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>romped in her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.2 from post 10
>first crop of Somebeachsomewhere
>driven by Scott Zeron and trained by Casie Coleman
I Luv The Nitelife
>won a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52.4
>beat L Dees Lioness in the She’s A Great Lady Final in 1:51 before finishing a close second to that rival in the Champlain Stakes
>set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination
>won her Eternal Camnation division in 1:51.4
>Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder & driven by Jack Moiseyev
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected yearling owned by Richard & Joanne Young, who co-own Put On A Show, also trained by Chris Ryder
Authorize
>won the NJSS Final in 1:52.3 with a :25.4 final quarter
>set the pace and finished a close third as the beaten favorite in the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs
>Western Ideal filly trained by Tony Alagna
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms
Nikki Beach
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.2
>second by a neck as the beaten favorite in the Sweetheart after winning the Prep in 1:52
>won a division of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs in 1:52.1
>$90,000 Lexington-selected yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, stablemate to Authorize trained by Tony Alagna and owned by Brittany Farms
Jerseylicious
>Western Ideal filly broke her maiden when she rallied for a 9-1 upset in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 for Corey Callahan
>a close second to Nikki Beach in the NJSS Final
>trained by Wayne Givens
Handsoffmycupcake
>won the PASS Final by a nose in 1:52.1 at The Meadows with Daniel Dube
>$20,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling filly by Christian Cullen trained by Scott Di Domenico, who was second in this Crown last year with Handsoffmycookie
Champagne Tonight
>Western Terror filly was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite
>$8,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Clair Umholtz
Ritascape
>daughter Artiscape trained by Homer Hochstetler won a Bluegrass division in 1:52.2 with Jody Jamieson
>$12,000 Harrisburg yearling
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous
>won a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:51.3
>has posted three sub 1:50 miles
>equaled the stakes record of 1:49.2 in the Metro Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.3, and won the Nassagawaya in 1:51.3
>set a stakes record of 1:49.3 in the Woodrow Wilson
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Tony Alagna
>$250,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling from first crop of Somebeachsomewhere, out of a full sister to Worldly Beauty, $1,900,255
Vegas Vacation
>Bettor’s Delight colt finished second in his Metro elimination, and parked from post 10 in the final
>$32,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling trained by Casie Coleman
Johny Rock
>second to Rockin Amadeus in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1
>second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, parked through a fast pace in the final
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Rocknroll Hanover trained by John Butenschoen
Apprentice Hanover
>Metro elimination winner in 1:49.4 and third in the final off a nine-length romp in a Nassagawaya division in 1:51.1
>$90,000 Lexington-Selected Sale Yearling by Somebeachsomewhere, trained by Ben Wallace
Doctor Butch
>son of Art Major sports a career best of 1:52 in NYSS at Vernon Downs
>won five NYSS events in a row and romped wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers in 1:53.1 with Tim Tetrick
>$55,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Linda Toscano
Bet The Moon
>Bettor’s Delight colt trained by Ron Burke has been very consistent in NYSS, finished second the NYSS Final at Yonkers and took a mark of 1:53.3 at Vernon Downs
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling
Captive Audience
>bounced back from a ninth in the Metro Final with a 44-1 maiden-breaking shocker in the Champlain Stakes in 1:50.2
>$95,000 Harrisburg yearling by Art Major trained by Colin Johnson
Rockin Amadeus
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.3 thru a disqualification
>second by a neck to longshot Captive Audience in the Champlain Stakes
>his only win came in a NJSS division in 1:52 at the Meadowlands
>son of Rocknroll Hanover trained by Jimmy Takter, his dam is Kikikatie, Takter trained her three previous foals: Rockin Image, Grams Legacy and Time To Roll
Tarpon Hanover
>won an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 at Mohawk and the Battle of Waterloo in 1:53 at Grand River
>$82,000 Harrisburg yearling by Badlands Hanover trained by Dave Menary
Good Day Mate
>second to Captaintreacherous in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53 paying $25.20, and owns a mark of 1:52.2
>$170,000 Lexington Selected Sale yearling, half brother to world champion Put On A Show
>a son of Christian Cullen out of 1997 Breeders Crown champion Stienam’s Place trained by Chris Oakes
Dovuto Hanover
>Dragon Again colt won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 for Ron Pierce and trainer Ryan Maxwell
>$40,000 Harrisburg yearling owned by Martin Sharf
Fool Me Once
>Art Major colt won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51.3 for Ron Pierce and trainer Mark Austin
John’s Polyview
>set the pace and finished second by a neck to Good Day Mate in the PASS Final after winning two in a row in 1:51.1 and 1:52.4
>McArdle colt trained by Donna Marshall
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out
>lowered her own world record to 1:51.2 in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile defeating arch rival Maven
>set a 2YO Breeders Crown stakes record of 1:54.4 at Woodbine last year
>leading candidate for Horse of the Year was considered a top prospect to take on the colts in the Hambletonian right up until setting a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial, making it six in a row
>equaled that 1:51.3 world mark in the Zweig at Vernon Downs and PASS Final at Pocono Downs, which made her the richest trotting filly in history
>also set a track record of 1:54 at Tioga Downs against older horses
>won the Elegantimage at Mohawk and Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers
>after cruising in her Hambletonian Oaks elimination, she took a rare bad step in the final
>from the first crop of 2YO Crown champion Donato Hanover, her second dam is 1997 Crown champion No Nonsense Woman
Maven
>second to Check Me Out in a world record Bluegrass division
>Hambletonian Oaks elimination winner in 1:52.4 broke in the final, bounced back to win the Moni Maker in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands
>$37,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Glidemaster trained by Jonas Czernyson beat Check Me Out in her first start of the season and finished second by a nose to that rival in the Elegantimage Final
>second to Check Me Out in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs, then second at 1-5 in a Buckette division at Delaware
On The Bright Side
>Cantab Hall filly went wire-to-wire in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:53.4 for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jimmy Takter
Bluff
>Donato Hanover filly trained by Ron Burke set a world record of 1:54 in the Buckette at Delaware
>third foal out of 2005 Crown champion and millionaire Blur, trained by Trond Smedshammer, who also had Bluff until she made her first start for Ron Burke on July18
Personal Style
>pulled a shocking 57-1 upset in the Hambletonian Oaks when the two heavy favorites broke
>$92,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Yankee Glide filly trained by Nifty Norman
Win Missy B
>runner-up to Check Me Out in last year’s 2YO Crown, and second by a neck to Personal Style in the Hambletonian Oaks
>prominent in NYSS, yet broke as the heavy favorite in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>a millionaire Bob Key homebred by American Winner, half sister to his millionaire Winning Mister, Key owned/bred 2010 Crown champion Break The Bank K
Valdonna
>won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, romped in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:52.4, and second to Maven in the Moni Maker
>$120,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Andover Hall, trained by Jimmy Takter
Superstar Hanover
>Cantab Hall filly won a couple of PASS divisions and finished third in the PASS Final, owns a mark of 1:53.2
>$75,000 Harrisburg yearling trained by Jimmy Takter
Miss Paris
>stablemate to Personal Style finished fourth in last year’s 2YO Crown final
>$210,000 Harrisburg yearling by Kadabra past $800,000 for trainer Nifty Norman
>a star in OSS, winning three Gold Finals this season and owns a mark of 1:54.2
Chilitodayhotamale
>Muscles Yankee filly trained by Trond Smedshammer romped in a Bluegrass division at the Red Mile in 1:52 with Yannick Gingras
>Trond Smedshammer won this three years in a row with Stroke Play, Housethatruthbuilt and Blur
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share
>won the Hambletonian in 1:52.1 and Canadian Trotting Classic in 1:52.2 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano
>set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig
>second by a neck to Googoo Gaagaa in the $500,000 Colonial
>$16,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling with sights set on $2 million, co-owner Richard Gutnik sold shares to TLP Stable and William Augustine during Hambletonian Week
>his sire Revenue S sent out 2010 winner Break The Bank K, who set a stakes record of 1:52.2 at Pocono Downs
>Tetrick was scheduled to drive last year’s winner Chapter Seven, but couldn’t make it due to travel issues
>Muscle Hill in 2009 was the last Hambletonian winner to also win a Crown in the same season, then you’ve got to go back to his sire Muscles Yankee in 1998
Little Brown Fox
>second by a neck to Market Share in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53
>set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk
>third in the $500,000 Colonial
>romped in the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52
>took a mark of 1:51.2 in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial
>third in the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial
>won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3
>$35,000 Harrisburg yearling by Muscles Yankee, trained by Jimmy Takter, who’s won this with Malabar Man, Kadabra and In Focus
Googoo Gaagaa
>won the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia shortly after coming back from a splint bone injury
>set a world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial at Pocono Downs
>pacing bred trotting sensation went undefeated six-for-six as a freshman
>owned/trained and bred by Richard Hans, and driven by Corey Callahan
>son of Cam’s Rocket would have to be supplemented
Guccio
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.1 (:26.1)
>banked over $600,000 this season, second to stablemate Little Brown Fox in the Stanley Dancer Memorial, second by a neck to Market Share in the Hambletonian, a close third in the Canadian Trotting Classic
>$50,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Jimmy Takter
Knows Nothing
>Canadian Trotting Classic elimination winner in 1:52.4, fourth in the final
>Hambletonian elimination winner in 1:53.1, fifth in the final
>unraced at two, won the Canadian Breeders in 1:54.3
>winner of almost $500,000, son of Kadabra, trained by Jeff Gillis
My MVP
>a close third in the Hambletonian, second by a neck in the PASS Final
>closing in on $500,000 this season, sports a mark of 1:53.4
>$85,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall, trained by Tony Alagna
Archangel
>set a world record of 1:54.1 in the Yonkers Trot
>fourth in the Hambletonian
>dominant in NYSS, yet broke in the NYSS Final
>banked over $700,000 this season
>$120,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner, trained by Peter Arrigenna
Money On My Mind
>Cantab Hall colt upset Little Brown Fox in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 for Andy and Julie Miller
Appomattox
>Yankee Glide colt trained by Frank Antonacci won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:52.2 with Scott Zeron
Gym Tan Laundry
>lost by a nose to Knows Nothing in his Canadian Trotting Classic elimination, then broke in the final
>won the Zweig consolation at Vernon Downs in 1:52.3
>Hambletonian finalist finished sixth from post 10
>almost went all the way at 99-1 in the Goodtimes Final at Mohawk
>$35,000 Lexington-Selected sale yearling by Yankee Glide, trained by Noel Daley
Magic Tonight
>Andover Hall colt won the PASS Championship in 1:54
>stablemate to Gym Tan Laundry trained by Noel Daley
>shattered the track record at The Meadows in PASS with a 1:52.4 mile back on May 30
>$55,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling has banked well over $400,000
Uncle Peter
>last year’s freshman Crown upsetter in 1:55
>Hambletonian favorite set a fast pace and broke after winning his elimination in 1:53.3
>won a Stanley Dancer Memorial division in 1:53.1 at the Meadowlands
>$60,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by Cantab Hall, stablemate to Little Brown Fox and Guccio trained by Jimmy Takter
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel
>cruised in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:50.1
>American Ideal filly finished fourth in the Jugette
>set a stakes record in the Simcoe of 1:49.4 at Mohawk
>won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs
>clocked a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk
>second in the Mistletoe Shalee and Valley Forge
>stellar 2yo campaign was cut short last Fall by injury
>owned and bred by Brittany Farms, leading owners in Breeders Crown history with 15 wins and well over $6 million
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Jimmy Takter
>Tetrick won this in 2010 with Put On A Show
Darena Hanover
>went all the way to upset the Jugette Final in 1:51, beating stablemate Bettor B Lucky and Shelliscape
>second to American Jewel in the James Lynch Memorial after winning her elimination in 1:50.1
>$20,000 Harrisburg yearling by Yankee Cruiser (Sweet Lou)
Bettor B Lucky
>Bettor’s Delight filly trained by Ron Burke finished second to stablemate Darena Hanover in the Jugette after winning her elimination in 1:51.4
>$70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling pulled a 19-1 upset in the Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs in 1:50
Shelliscape
>rallied to win a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.1
>Jugette elimination winner in 1:50.3 at 24-1, parked out third in the final
>finished fourth in last year’s 2YO crown
>$25,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling by two-time Crown champion Artiscape,
who was trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh, he leads all Breeders Crown trainers with 15 wins and won this in 1993 with Electric Slide ($47.40)
Major Look
>daughter of two-time Crown champion Art Major pulled a 10-1 upset over American Jewel in the Mistletoe Shalee in 1:49.3, has equaled that mark twice on the Grand Circuit
>third in the NYSS Final for trainer Kevin McDermott, who took over for an injured Robert Riddle this summer
Romantic Moment
>second to Shelliscape in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>American Ideal filly went wire-to-wire in the NYSS Final at Yonkers for Brian Sears and Jimmy Takter
>upset stablemate American Jewel in the Valley Forge in a career best of 1:50.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>runner-up to American Jewel in the Fan Hanover at Mohawk
>second by a nose to Bettor B Lucky in the Empire Breeders Classic
>$75,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling
>Sears won this back-to-back with My Little Dragon and Artcotic
Economy Terror
>daughter of Western Terror was the 2YO Breeders Crown champion, sealing her division with a stakes and Woodbine track record of 1:51
>two-time PASS champion, won this year’s final in a world record of 1:49 at Pocono Downs
>set a fast pace and finished third in her Jugette elimination as the beaten favorite – scratched from the final
>full sister to 2009 Crown champion and millionaire Yellow Diamond
Sarandon Blue Chip
>unraced at two, won the NJSS Final and took a mark of 1:50.1 in the Miss New Jersey for trainer Casie Coleman
>$92,000 Harrisburg yearling by 2000 Breeders Crown champion Western Ideal out of 2002 Crown winner Molly Can Do It
Big McDeal
>daughter of McArdle, $70,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling sold to current connections earlier this year, now trained by Ben Wallace
>back-to-back $300,000 seasons
>PASS winner in 1:49.1 at The Meadows
>second in the PASS Championship at Pocono Downs
>upset American Jewel as a 2yo at The Red Mile in a world record equaling 1:50.2
>second dam is Before Sunrise, a 1996 Breeders Crown champion
Handsoffmycookie
>second to Romantic Moment in the NYSS Final at Yonkers
>closing in $1 million, NYSS champion at two, second in the 2YO Breeders Crown and the Sweetheart
>$25,000 Harrisburg yearling by two-time Crown champion Art Major, trained by Scott Di Domenico
3YO Colt Pace
Michael’s Power
>gelding by 1991 Open Pace Crown champion Camluck won the Little Brown Jug in straight heats of 1:52.3 and a world record of 1:50 in the final
>captured the Confederation Cup with a second in the first heat and a 1:52.4 upset in the final
>won the Upper Canada Final at Georgian Downs and three OSS Gold Finals
>Scott Zeron is the WEG Circuit’s leading driver
>trained by Casie Coleman, who won this last year with Betterthancheddar
>owned and bred by Jeff Snyder, the dam is the millionaire Michelle’s Jackpot, a half sister to Cam’s Card Shark
>not eligible, so would have to be supplemented
Panther Hanover
>unraced at two, late-blooming son of 2005 sophomore Crown champion Rocknroll Hanover pulled a 9-1 upset in the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1
>set a NJ Classic stakes record of 1:47.2 at the Meadowlands
>Sylvain Filion drives for trainer James “Friday” Dean, who had 2010 freshman Crown champion Big Jim
>$45,000 Harrisburg yearling
A Rocknroll Dance
>Meadowlands Pace winner in 1:48.1
>a distant second to Sweet Lou in last year’s world record freshman Crown final of 1:49
>has fashioned a million dollar sophomore season
>won the Hempt Final at Pocono Downs in 1:48.3
>set a track record at Harrah’s Philadelphia of 1:48.1 in the Battlle of Brandywine
>set a fast pace and finished second in the Adios
>his sire Rocknroll Hanover produced 2010 champion Rock N Roll Heaven
>$15,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to the late, great Western Hanover trained by Jim Mulinix
Sweet Lou
>second to Mel Mara (1:49.4) in a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile
>son of 2003 North American Cup winner Yankee Cruiser romped to a world record of 1:49 in last year’s 2YO Crown Pace enroute to divisional honors for trainer Ron Burke
>$38,000 Harrisburg yearling has posted back-to-back $600,000 seasons and sports a mark of 1:47.4
>second in the Little Brown Jug after winning his elimination in 1:51
>won eliminations for the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace and Adios, yet finished out of the money in all three
>multiple PASS winner finished second in the PASS Final
Pet Rock
>second by a nose in the Cane Pace Final
>runner-up in the Battle of Brandywine
>won a heat of the Confederation Cup and finished a close third in the final as the beaten favorite
>second in the Meadowlands Pace
>won the Art Rooney Final in 1:51 at Yonkers
>$60,000 Harrisburg yearling by Rocknroll Hanover past $700,000, trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr., who had 2008 Open Pace Crown champion Mister Big
Bolt The Duer
>romped in the KYSS Final in 1:48.2
>set a world record of 1:47.4 in the Adios at The Meadows
>second in his Jug elimination and scratched from the final
>$70,000 Harrisburg yearling by Ponder trained by Peter Foley
>Mark MacDonald drove last year’s sophomore Crown champion Betterthancheddar
Thinking Out Loud
>won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:51 (:25) with John Campbell
>rallied for a North America Cup upset in 1:47.4
>stablemate to Dapper Dude and a son of Ponder trained by Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh
>runner-up to Bolt The Duer in the KYSS Final
>fourth in the Little Brown Jug Final
>regular driver Randy Waples drove last year’s Open Trot winner and Horse of the Year San Pail
Dapper Dude
>son of The Panderosa romped away from the favorite Sweet Lou in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs in 1:49
>North America Cup elimination winner in 1:49.3, finished a close third in the final for John Campbell and Bob McIntosh
Warrawee Needy
>Canada’s top freshman pacer in 2011 and OSS star by E Dee’s Cam with over $700,000 for Jody and Carl Jamieson
>romped in a Gold Final at Mohawk in 1:48.4 becoming the fastest performer in OSS history
>$20,000 Canadian Yearling Sale purchase
Heston Blue Chip
>NYSS star finished third in the NYSS Final
>won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4
>$30,000 Harrisburg yearling by American Ideal well past $800,000 for trainer Linda Toscano
Hurrikane Kingcole
>John McDermott trainee finished third in last year’s 2YO Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the NJ Classic after blazing through a record 1:18.2 three quarters, won his elimination 1:48.3
>Meadowlands Pace consolation winner in 1:47.4
>$10,000 Harrisburg yearling by Cam’s Card Shark, who sired 2006 Crown champion Shark Gesture
Dynamic Youth
>rallied to win the Cane Pace Final by a nose in 1:48.4
>runner-up in the Confederation Cup Final
>$85,000 Harrisburg yearling by Bettor’s Delight trained by Aaron Lambert
Mel Mara
>son of Lis Mara trained by Tony Alagna won a Bluegrass division at The Red Mile in 1:49.4 with Tim Tetrick
Older Trotting Mares
Frenchfrysnvinegar
>went all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off the world record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Jeff Gillis
>last year’s Breeders Crown champion from post 10 in 1:53.3 as a supplemental gamble paid off
>7yo Angus Hall mare also won the Ontario Masters
>owner David Smith trained 2002 Crown champion Armbro Amoretto
Cedar Dove
>last year’s 3YO Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner won the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and three legs of the Miss Versatility Series
>Ron Pierce drives the daughter of Andover Hall for trainer Noel Daley
>Kentucky Filly Futurity winner at three
Beatgoeson Hanover
>4yo daughter of Andover Hall won the Muscle Hill at Vernon Downs in 1:54 and a leg of the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs for trainer Nifty Norman
Action-Broadway
>last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up is a 5yo daughter of 2002 freshman Crown champion Broadway Hall
>won an Armbro Flight elimination in 1:56.1 and paid $139.00
>second in a couple of Miss Versatility legs
Pembroke Heat Wave
>6yo daughter of Like A Prayer completing a career season at $300,000 for trainer Mark Ford
>won the Armbro Flight Final at Mohawk in 1:54
Tamla Celeber S
>millionaire daughter of 2003 freshman Crown champion Cantab Hall trained by Roger Walmann, who set a world record of 1:50.1 at The Red Mile with Giant Diablo in 2007
Firstclassprincess
>4yo daughter of Classic Photo trained by Ron Burke, who won this back-to-back with Buck I St Pat
>finished a close second to Cedar Dove in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M
Older Pacing Mares
Put On A Show
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover well past $2 million became the fastest female of all -time with a 1:47.3 world record in the Lady Liberty at the Big M
>won the Spring of Hope Invitational in 1:48.3 at Mohawk
>2010 Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner missed all of 2011 due to injury
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Chris Ryder
Rebeka Bayama
>5yo by Leader Bayama, who is a brother to 2001 Crown champion Goliath Bayama, a $1.5 million winner for Sylvain and Yves Filion
>second by half a length in the world record 1:47.3 Lady Liberty
>won the Golden Girls at the Big M in 1:49
>fourth with road trouble in the Milton Final
>driven by Sylvain Filion for his nephew Justin Filion
Anndrovette
>5yo daughter of Riverboat King closing in on $2 million
>last year’s Crown winner in 1:49.2 enroute to the division championship
>posted a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk
>set a fast pace and finished a close third in the world record Lady Liberty
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer P.J. Fraley
Drop The Ball
>4yo daughter of Western Terror was a second as the beaten favorite in last year’s 3YO Crown Final
>set a world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia after a close second in the Golden Girls
>set a pressured pace and faded to sixth as the beaten favorite in the Milton Final
>won the Green With Envy Final at the Big M in 1:51.1 (:25.4)
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Tony O’Sullivan
Monkey On My Wheel
>millionaire 4yo by Mach Three upset Drop The Ball in the 2011 Crown in a 1:49.3 stakes record for Jody Jamieson and trainer Travis Umphrey
>coming into October she was just 1 for 14 this season
Swinging Beauty
>4yo by Art Major caught fire in the Mares Open this summer at Mohawk
>stormed home to finish second by a neck in the Milton Final at 72-1 for Doug and Greg McNair
Rocklamation
>4yo by Rocknroll Hanover has carved out a career season with over $600,000 in 2012 and passed the $1 million mark by upsetting in the Milton Final in 1:49.4 for trainer Ron Burke
Ginger And Fred
>Ron Burke trained stablemate to Rocklamation is a 6yo by 2002 Crown champion Real Artist just past $1.7 million
>third in the Golden Girls and the Milton Final
>would be making her fifth straight Breeders Crown appearance
Older Trotting Horse
Chapter Seven
>last year’s 3YO Breeders Crown champion, romped by 7 lengths in 1:53
>won an Open at The Red Mile in 1:51.1 on September 30
>son of Windsong’s Legacy at $1.5 million kicked off his 4yo season with back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 at the Meadowlands
>lowered his own world record to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray
>won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
>second to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs
>second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot
>Tim Tetrick drives for trainer Linda Toscano
Mister Herbie
>Ontario bred by Here Comes Herbie just passed the $1 million mark
>upset San Pail in the Glorys Comet Final at Woodbine
>won the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial in 1:51.3 at the Big M, the Maple Leaf Trot in 1:50.4 at Mohawk and the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 at Rideau Carlton
>Jody Jamieson drives for trainer Jeff Gillis
Arch Madness
>looking to join Fool’s Goal as the oldest to win a Crown at age 8
>would be making his fifth Crown appearance, upset Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in 2007, second in 2008, second in 2009, missed 2010 due to injury, fifth in last year’s Crown
>at $3.6 million he’s the richest son of the late Canadian sire Balanced Image, who retired prior to the first Breeders Crown in 1984
>second in this year’s Elitlopp and Titan Cup Final
>runner-up to Chapter Seven at The Red Mile on September 30
>Trond Smedshammer won this in 2006 with Sand Vic
Hot Shot Blue Chip
>6yo son of Revenue vaulted past the million mark in 2012 for trainer Jonas Czernyson
>got on a roll late this season upsetting Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner in 1:51.2, then won the Pride In Progress at Indiana Downs in 1:54.4
Daylon Magician
>Ontario bred 4yo by 2002 Crown champion Kadabra posted a $1 million 3YO season in 2011
>won the Ontario Masters in Georgian Downs track record of 1:52
>owns a mark of 1:51.1 at Mohawk and finished third in the Nat Ray
>2011 O’Brien Award winner, Jack Moiseyev drives for trainer David Lemon
Anders Bluestone
>consistent Yankee Glide 6yo with a mark of 1:52
>Invitational winner at the Meadowlands in 1:52.1
>runner-up to Chapter Seven in the Maxie Lee
>Ron Pierce drives for trainer Eric Ell
Windsong Geant
>5yo son of Kadabra capping a career season
>a consistent winner in the Preferred ranks on the WEG circuit, sports a mark of 1:52 for trainer/drive Rick Zeron
Andover America
>7yo by Andover Hall has gone past $600,000 this season for Mario and Benoit Baillargeon, taking a mark of 1:51.4 in an Open at Mohawk
>won a Preferred at Woodbine in 1:54.1 on October 1
Coco Lindy
>Cantab Hall 5yo trained by Frank Antonacci took the Vincennes Trot at the Meadowlands in 1:52.4 and has won at the Preferred level at Mohawk
Older Pacing Horses
Betterthancheddar
>4yo son of Bettor’s Delight, who sired last year’s winner Bettor Sweet
>past $1.5 million in career earnings
>won the Ben Franklin in world record of 1:48 and the Des Smith Classic in 1:49.4 at Rideau Carlton
>set a track record and equaled a world record of 1:49.2 at Harrington in the Bobby Quillen Memorial
>second by a neck to Foiled Again in the Canadian Pacing Derby at Mohawk
>recently sidelined by a foot abscess
>pulled a mild upset in last year’s 3YO Crown Final in 1:49.2
>George Brennan drives for trainer Casie Coleman
Foiled Again
>8yo son of Dragon Again is the richest pacer in history at $4.4 million,
making it the third time the richest pacer in history has raced in the Breeders Crown – Nihilator and Gallo Blue Chip were the first two
>looking to become the oldest pacer to win a Breeders Crown
>runner-up in the last two Open Pace Crowns
>upset Betterthancheddar in the Canadian Pacing Derby in 1:48.3
>2011 Dan Patch Award winner and Pacer of the Year, became the oldest pacer at age 7 to post a million dollar season
>his best clockings at ages 6-7-8 have come in Canada
>Yannick Gingras drives for trainer Ron Burke, who won this back-to-back with Won The West, the fastest Crown performer in his history at 1:47
>Gingras’ lone Crown win came with longshot Southwind Serena in 2007, paying $102.80 in the 3YO Filly Trot
Golden Receiver
>7yo by Village Jove capping a career season with major wins in the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial
>owns a mark of 1:48 for trainer Mark Harder, who’s looking for his first Breeders Crown
Bettor Sweet
>7yo son of Bettor’s Delight at $2.4 million won last year’s Open Crown in 1:48.4, giving John Campbell his series leading 45th Crown trophy and vaulting him past the $20 million mark in Crown earnings
>was 0 for 14 this season going into October
>looks to make his fifth Crown appearance for John and Tom Cancelliere
We Will See
>5yo son of Western Hanover finished third in last year’s Open Crown
and banked $1.2 million in 2011
>a close second Golden Receiver in the William Haughton Memorial at the Meadowlands
>scratched sick on September 22 at Pocono Downs
>Ron Pierce drives for trainer Sam De Pinto
Aracache Hanover
>consistent 5yo by Dragon Again was a close second to Golden Receiver in the US Pacing Championship
>also third in the Ben Franklin at Harrah’s Philadelphia, the William Haughton Memorial at the Big M and Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park
>has banked $1.4 million with a mark of 1:48.1 for Doug and Greg McNair
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That’s why it all comes down to the Breeders Crown.
Here’s a preview of some of the prime time players going into the Grand Circuit meet at Lexington for 2012.
In the 2YO Filly Trot division, Bee A Magician and To Dream On could hook up in a rematch. Bee A Magician handed To Dream On her first career loss with a relentless rally in the Peaceful Way Final at Mohawk. Rick Zeron gave the Kadabra filly a great drive to gun down the heavy favorite in 1:53.4 for trainer Nifty Norman. To Dream On had won her first five starts for Jimmy Takter, which included a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle.
The 2YO Colt Trot division had an undefeated colt going into the William Wellwood Memorial at Mohawk, and Wheeling N Dealin extended his streak to seven in a row with a dominating 1:55.3 score for Sylvain Filion and trainer Dustin Jones. The Magestic Son colt defeated Murmur Hanover and elimination winner My Man Can. Peter Haughton Memorial upsetter Aperfectyankee didn’t make the final. Jimmy Takter will look to win this Crown trophy again with NJSS champion Corky and half-mile track world champion Dontyouforgetit.
The 2YO Filly Pace division was shaping up as a late-season tussle between L Dees Lioness and I Luv The Nitelife. L Dees Lioness fought off I Luv The Nitelife to win the Champlain Stakes at Mohawk in 1:51.4, right after I Luv The Nitelife beat her in the She’s A Great Lady Final in 1:51. I Luv The Nitelife, a Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder, set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination. Casie Coleman trains L Dees Lioness, from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere. Trainer Tony Alagna also has a pair of contenders in Authorize and Nikki Beach.
Not only does it appear Captaintreacherous has a lock on the 2YO Colt Pace division, this outstanding freshman from the tremendous first crop of Somebeachsomewhere has looked like the sport’s next superstar. He’s won five of six, three in sub 1:50 fashion, including a stakes record equaling 1:49.2 in the Metro Final at Mohawk, after taking his elimination in 1:49.3 for Tim Tetrick and trainer Tony Alagna. Captaintreacherous also won the Woodrow Wilson is a stakes record of 1:49.3. Vegas Vacation, Apprentice Hanover, Johny Rock & Doctor Butch are among those who definitely have their work cut out for them.
The 3YO Filly Trot division looks like a lock for Check Me Out, who is a leading candidate for Horse of the Year. The outstanding daughter of Donato Hanover reeled off a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial at the Meadowlands for Tim Tetrick and trainer Ray Schnittker. Check Me Out has equaled that twice in the Zweig at Vernon Downs and the PASS Final at Pocono Downs. Hambletonian Oaks upsetter Personal Style, Maven, Bluff, Win Missy B, Valdonna, Superstar Hanover and Miss Paris all have a tall mountain to climb.
Another lucrative campaign for Tim Tetrick and the storybook season for trainer Linda Toscano could culminate into a Crowning moment in the 3YO Colt Trot with Hambletonian champion Market Share. The son of Revenue equaled the stakes record of 1:52.2 in the Canadian Trotting Classic at Mohawk, defeating Jimmy Takter stablemates Little Brown Fox and Guccio. Tetrick joined John Campbell and Bill O’Donnell as the only drivers to win three million-dollar races in a single season. Archangel, Knows Nothing, and My MVP are also among the top contenders. World champion Goo Goo Gaa Gaa would have to be supplemented.
The 3YO Filly Pace may belong to American Jewel, who set a world record of 1:48.2 in the Fan Hanover Final at Mohawk for Tim Tetrick and trainer Jimmy Takter. The Brittany Farms owned and bred daughter of American Ideal also set a stakes record of 1:49.4 in the Simcoe Stakes and won the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2 at Pocono Downs. American Jewel got roughed up in the Jugette as trainer Ron Burke finished one-two with Darena Hanover and Bettor B Lucky. Mistletoe Shalee winner Major Look, NYSS champion Romantic Moment and 2YO Breeders Crown champion Economy Terror will all have a say in this division.
Despite not being eligible to the Breeders Crown, yet still a possible supplemental entry, Michael’s Power surged to the top of the fiercely competitive glamour boy division with his second two-heat win of the season in the Little Brown Jug. 23yo Scott Zeron deftly guided the Camluck gelding through a 1:52.3 elimination, then went wire-to-wire in a world record 1:50 in the final, defeating first elimination winner & 2YO Breeders Crown champion Sweet Lou. Casie Coleman has trained Michael’s Power through a million dollar season. Panther Hanover, the New Jersey Classic winner in 1:47.2, Meadowlands Pace winner A Rocknroll Dance, the speedy Hurrikane Kingcole, 1:47.4 Adios world record setter Bolt The Duer, 1:47.4 North America Cup winner Thinking Out Loud, Pet Rock, Heston Blue Chip and Dapper Dude all have a serious shot at Crown glory.
The Older Trotting Mares division features a big threat to repeat in Ontario hometown hero Frenchfrysnvinegar. The 7YO Angus Hall mare served notice by going all the way in the Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off a world record. Jody Jamieson teamed up with trainer Jeff Gillis, who’s supplemental gamble paid off last year despite post 10. 3YO Breeders Crown champion Cedar Dove had to settle for third in Ohio, Beatgoeson Hanover was fourth, last year’s Crown runner-up Action-Broadway finished sixth.
The Older Pacing Mares division has been a season-long slugfest between defending Breeders Crown champion Anndrovette, the fastest female of all-time Put On A Show, Golden Girls winner Rebeka Bayama and another world champion Drop The Ball. The Milton Stakes Final at Mohawk only served to scramble the picture further. Fast fractions, a closer’s bias and road trouble for several key rivals paved the way for a longshot rally from Rocklamation. The 4YO daughter of Rocknroll Hanover became the sport’s newest millionaire by lowering the stakes record to 1:49.4 for Brett Miller and trainer Ron Burke.
Horse of the Year contender Chapter Seven posted an unprecedented start to his 4yo season with back-to-back world records of 1:50.4, then lowered it to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray for Tim Tetrick and trainer Linda Toscano. After setting a stakes record of 1:52.1 in the Maxie Lee, the son of Windsong’s Legacy suffered a narrow loss to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs. Chapter Seven also had to settle for second to Ontario star Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot. So with triple millionaire Arch Madness back in winning form, and defending champion San Pail sidelined by injury, an epic showdown looms in the Breeders Crown for Older Trotting Horses.
The Breeders Crown for Older Pacers might not only be the race of the night, but the race of the year. Last year’s runner-up Foiled Again pulled a 1:48.3 upset in the Canadian Pacing Derby over 2011 3YO Crown champion Betterthancheddar and last year’s Open Crown winner Bettor Sweet. The richest pacer in history at $4.4 million would become the oldest pacer to win a Crown at age eight. At age seven, the amazing Golden Receiver has won Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. We Will See, at $2.5 million and third in last year’s Crown, can’t be left out.
That’s our preview of the 2012 Breeders Crown before the stars emerge during two weeks of Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile, Crown eliminations are Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and once again, all 12 finals are Saturday, October 27 at Woodbine, the stage is set for the Kings and Queens of the Crown, watch and wager on Breeders Crown Night at the Meadowlands Racetrack, Winners Bayonne and online at 4njbets.com
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For the second straight year, all 12 Breeders Crowns will be staged on a one night extravaganza at Woodbine, Saturday, October 27 [eliminations on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20]. Here’s a glance at some of the major players and highlights in each division.
2YO Filly Trot
Bee A Magician handed To Dream On her first career loss with a relentless rally in the Peaceful Way. Rick Zeron gave the Kadabra filly a great drive to gun down the heavy favorite in 1:53.4. Mel Hartman, also co-owner of Hambletonian Oaks upsetter Personal Style, called her “scary good”. The $90,000 Harrisburg yearling has starred in OSS for trainer Nifty Norman, while winning seven of nine starts. She won a Gold Final, was second by a nose in another, took a Champlain Stakes division and cruised in her Peaceful Way elimination in 1:54.3. To Dream On saw her five-race undefeated string snapped with a game second by a neck. The $200,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner had equaled her lifetime mark of 1:54 beating Shared Past and Antsy Dancy in her elimination with Dave Miller. Miller has had share of success with great trotting fillies like Pizza Dolce, Forever Starlet and Poof She’s Gone. The Jimmy Takter trainee won the Merrie Annabelle in a 1:54 Big M track record. Handover Belle closed from far back to finish third in the Peaceful Way. Frau Blucher is a Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, sporting six wins in nine starts and $330,078. She romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4. True Day Dream reeled off six in a row before finishing third to Andie Sophia and Simone Hall in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara. Southwind Cocoa won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 held by Act Of Grace. This Chocolatier filly hails from the Linda Toscano stable, and followed up with an easy win in the Marion Dancer at Freehold, then broke in the Kindergarten Series at The Red Mile. Shared Past, a Jonas Czernyson trainee, finished a close third in the NJSS Final and was a well beaten fifth in the Peaceful Way. Royal Assets was second in the Merrie Annabelle Final and continues to be consistent in PASS for trainer Ray Schnittker.
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin extended his undefeated streak to seven by dominating the William Wellwood Memorial in 1:55.3 for Sylvain Filion and Dustin Jones. Fillion called him “an amazing animal with all the qualities and he’s getting better and better”. Murmur Hanover finished second to Wheeling N Dealin for the second straight time. The Majestic Son colt won an OSS Gold Final in 1:55.2 for Mario and Benoit Baillargeon. My Man Can was third after a 10-1 elimination upset in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller. This $32,000 son of Cantab Hall is a big colt who had some earl-season foot issues. Aperfectyankee got parked in his Wellwood elimination and finished sixth as the heavy favorite. The Yankee Glide colt was a 4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial for Swedish trainer Jim Oscarsson in 1:54.1. Corky was second by a neck in the Haughton and made it a three-ply sweep of the NJSS Series with a 1:57.3 final for Jimmy Takter. The Muscles Yankee colt was scratched from his Wellwood elimination. Takter also has Dontyouforgetit, a Cantab Hall colt who romped to a world record of 1:55.3 in the Standardbred at Delaware with Yannick Gingras. The diminuitive colt is now five for six, won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:55.2. Major Athens was a Haughton elimination winner in 1:56.2 and finished second to Dontyouforgetit in the PASS Final. Mystical Dew went four-for-four by winning the KYSS Final. Jeff Smith trains this colt by Deweycheatumnhowe.
2YO Filly Pace
This division has shaped up as a late-season duel between L Dees Lioness and I Luv The Nitelife, which will hopefully continue in Lexington. L Dees Lioness fought off I Luv The Nitelife to win the Champlain Stakes at Mohawk in 1:51.4 on September 8, after I Luv The Nitelife beat her in the She’s A Great Lady in 1:51. Both fillies won their divisions of the Eternal Camnation. Casie Coleman trains L Dees Lioness, from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere. I Luv The Nitelife is a Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder. I Luv The Nitelife set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination. The Brittany Farms homebred Authorize set the pace and finished a close third as the heavy favorite in a division of the Kentuckiana Stallion Management at Indiana Downs. The Western Ideal filly faded to seventh in her elimination for the She’s a Great Lady. She capped four-race winning streak with one of her sterling rallies [:25.4] in the NJSS Final in 1:52.3. Her trainer Tony Alagna also has Sweetheart runner-up Nikki Beach, who went wire-to-wire in her division of the Kentuckiana at Indiana Downs after a third in the Champlain. Jerseylicious upset Nikki Beach in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 and finished second in the NJSS Final, but faded to seventh in her She’s A Great Lady elimination. Handsoffmycupcake rallied to win the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:52.1. Champagne Tonight was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite.
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous has maintained star status in this division, winning five of six, three in sub 1:50 fashion, including a 1:49.2 stakes record equaling score in the Metro Final after taking his elimination in 1:49.3. Tim Tetrick drives this outstanding colt from the tremendous first crop of Somebeachsomewhere for trainer Tony Alagna. The Captain also captured the Woodrow Wilson in stakes record of 1:49.3, and beat Vegas Vacation in 1:51.3 in the Nassagawaya. Vegas Vacation comes off a disappointing sixth in the Champlain Stakes. The Bettor’s Delight colt was second for the fourth straight time in his Metro elimination before getting used hard from post 10 in that final. Johny Rock dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1, finished second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, then got parked through a torrid pace in the final. Apprentice Hanover won his Metro elimination in 1:49.4 off a nine-length romp in the Nassagaweya, yet fell two lengths shy in third in the Metro Final. The Somebeachsomewhere colt was scratched from Champlain. Doctor Butch reeled off a wire-to-wire lifetime best of 1:52 in NYSS at Vernon Downs. The son of Art Major won five NYSS events in a row for Linda Toscano before finishing a close second to the improving Ron Burke trainee Bet The Moon. Doctor Butch and Bet The Moon square off in the NYSS Final at Yonkers on September 22. Captive Audience bounced back from a ninth in the Metro with a 44-1 shocker in the Champlain in 1:50.2 over Rockin Amadeus. Tarpon Hanover took an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 and the Battle of Waterloo. Good Day Mate upset John’s Polyview in the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53.
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out leads the polls for Horse of the Year fresh from a track record at Tioga Downs of 1:54 with Tim Tetrick, while beating older foes. The outstanding Donato Hanover filly was coming off after another world record of 1:51.3 in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs with trainer Ray Schnittker in the bike. The win made her the richest trotting filly in history at ages two and three combined, vaulting her past Passionate Glide with $1,744,452. She’s now won 10 of 11 this season and 24 for 28 lifetime. She took a rare bad step in the Hambletonian Oaks, then bounced right back in PASS at The Meadows, and equaled her own world record of 1:51.3 in the Zweig at Vernon Downs. Maven and Yannick Gingras rallied to finish second at 1-5 in a Buckette division at Delaware when Bluff set a world record of 1:54 for Tim Tetrick and Ron Burke. The Glidemaster filly had won four of five before finishing second in the PASS Final. She took a mark of 1:52.3 in the Moni Maker at the Meadowlands. Personal Style pulled a huge upset in the Oaks nailing Win Missy B in 1:53.1, then finished sixth in the Moni Maker and seventh in the Zweig. Win Missy B made a miscue in the Moni Maker, rebounded to finish second to Check Me Out in the Zweig, then won two straight NYSS events. The millionaire filly by Conway Hall headlines the NYSS Final at Yonkers on September 22. Jimmy Takter has a couple of solid fillies in Valdonna and Superstar Hanover. Valdonna won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, finished second to Maven in the Moni Maker, and romped the Simcoe in 1:52.4. Superstar Hanover won four PASS events this season and was third in the final. Miss Paris, a stablemate of Personal Style for trainer Nifty Norman, has developed into an OSS star, and finished second to Valdonna in the Simcoe. Rick Zeron noted, “Miss Paris was back to herself after throwing in a bit of a clunker”. The Kadabra filly rallied impressively to her third Gold Final at Mohawk on September 20.
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share kicked home in :27.3 to equal the stakes record of 1:52.2 in the $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic at Mohawk. Tim Tetrick joined John Campbell and Bill O’Donnell as the only drivers to win three million-dollar races in a single season. The son of Revenue S was the sixth Hambetonian winner in 12 years to also win the CTC. The Linda Toscano trainee was a game second to Little Brown Fox in his elimination after setting a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig. Little Brown Fox, a 1:53 elimination winner fell just a neck shy in the rematch. The speedy son of Muscles Yankee with $716,743 on his card this year set a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes for Yannick Gingras and Jimmy Takter. He was also third in the Colonial after winning the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52 and a Hambletonian elimination in sizzling 1:51.2. Archangel, world record setter in the Yonkers Trot [1:54], followed up a fourth in the Hambletonian by winning three NYSS events, his latest a 1:54.3 track record at Batavia Downs. The Credit Winner colt has won ten of 14 and banked $714,236 this season and drew post eight in the NYSS Final at Yonkers on September 22. Knows Nothing is nine for 14 in 2012, with $477,855. The Hambletonian elimination winner captured his CTC elimination in career best of 1:52.4 over Gym Tan Laundry and Guccio before finishing fourth in the final. Hambletonian runner-up, Guccio showed speed in the CTC final and was third beaten only half a length. My MVP, runner-up to Magic Tonight in the PASS Final, and a close third in the Hambletonian, was sixth in CTC final. World champion GooGoo GaaGaa is not on the list of eligibles, yet may be supplemented for $62,500. The son of pacing stallion Cam’s Rocket suffered a splint injury and broke in the Stanley Dancer Memorial. He rebounded to win the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, beating Hambletonian winner Market Share by a neck. 2011 Breeders Crown champion Uncle Peter, a 1:53.3 Hambletonian elimination winner, faltered in that final as the favorite, then finished sixth in the Colonial and seventh in the Zweig.
3YO Filly Pace
The sport’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, finished one-two in the Jugette when Darena Hanover and Yannick Gingras defeated stablemate Bettor B Lucky and Jim Morrill, Jr. in 1:51. American Jewel got parked from post seven in the first elimination and held on for third as Bettor B Lucky went all the way in 1:51.4. Darena Hanover, a daughter of Yankee Cruiser, finished second to longshot Shelliscape in her elimination [1:50.3]. The favorite Economy Terror set fast fractions, faded to third and she was scratched from the final. Shelliscape was third in the final. American Jewel was coming off a stakes record of 1:49.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk for Tim Tetrick and Jimmy Takter. The Brittany Farms owned and bred filly won the Fan Hanover in a world record of 1:48.2 and the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2. She was also a close second to Major Look in the Mistletoe Shalee, then her stablemate Romantic Moment upset her in the Valley Forge at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 1:50.1. Romantic Moment won her last two NYSS events in 1:52.3 at Monticello and 1:52.1 at Saratoga. Sarandon Blue Chip captured the NJSS Final and Miss New Jersey at the Meadowlands, but faded to fifth in the Simcoe. Bettor B Lucky nosed out Romantic Moment in 1:50 in the Empire Breeders Classic, then finished second in four straight stakes in New York going into the Jugette. Big McDeal, a three-time PASS winner this season with a mark of 1:49.1 taken at The Meadows, finished second to Economy Terror in the PASS Final at Pocono. Economy Terror, last year’s two-year-old Breeders Crown winner, defended her PASS championship with a world record of 1:49. Handsoffmycookie has been a dominant filly in NYSS, and takes on Romantic Moment and Major Look in the division final at Yonkers on September 22.
3YO Colt Pace
Michael’s Power surged to the top of the glamour boy division with his second two-heat win of the season in the Little Brown Jug. 23YO Scott Zeron deftly guided the Camluck gelding through miles of 1:52.3 and went wire-to-wire in a world record 1:50 final, defeating first elimination winner, Sweet Lou [1:51] and Bettor’s Edge. The Casie Coleman trainee was already past $1 million this season and is now 13 for 16 in 2012. It was the third Jug for owner/breeder Jeff Snyder. Michael’s Power also won an OSS Gold Final at Rideau Carlton in 1:50.2 and the Confederation Cup over Dynamic Youth and Pet Rock. Panther Hanover has also surged to the forefront of this division. The late-blooming son of Rocknroll Hanover pounced on the favorites A Rocknroll Dance and Michael’s Power to win the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1 at Mohawk. He came to prominence beating Hurrikane Kingcole in the New Jersey Classic in 1:47.2 for Sylvain Filion and trainer James Dean of Big Jim fame. A Rocknroll Dance was a roughed-up third his Jug elimination and sixth in the final. The Meadowlands Pace winner was a game runner-up in the Simcoe after a tough trip from post 12. Since his 1:48.3 win in the Hempt at Pocono, that son of Rocknroll Hanover emerged as one of the top sophomore pacers for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jim Mullinix. He wired them in the Pace, finished second in the Adios, and also won the Battle of Brandywine in a Harrah's Philadelphia track record of 1:48.1. A Rocknroll Dance set a wicked pace and was gunned down in both the Adios and Cane Pace. Pet Rock, ineligible for the Jug, cruised in a 3YO Open on Jug Day in 1:50.3 for Dave Palone and Virgil Morgan, Jr. The Pace runner-up followed up a close third in the two-heat Confederation Cup with a second in the Battle of Brandywine just a week later. Pet Rock supplemented to the Cane Pace and finished second by a nose to Dynamic Youth. Bolt The Duer set a rated pace and just missed to Michael’s Power in his Jug elimination. The son of Ponder tripped out to win the Adios in a world record of 1:47.4. He also won two straight KYSS divisions before romping in the final in 1:48.2 at The Red Mile, beating North America Cup winner Thinking Out Loud, another colt by Ponder colt who was fourth in both Jug heats. Hurrikane Kingcole, Pace Consolation winner in 1:47.3 was nailed by Panther Hanover in the 1:47.2 New Jersey Classic after blazing through a 1:18.2 three quarters. The son of Cam’s Card Shark set torrid fractions of :25.3, :52.3 and 1:20.1 before fading to sixth in the Battle of Brandywine. Sweet Lou took them all the way to win his Jug elimination in 1:51 and finished second in the final. Last year’s two-year-old Breeders Crown winner in a world record of 1:49 at Woodbine, finished second to Dapper Dude in the PASS Final at Pocono. NYSS star Heston Blue Chip won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4. He was fifth in the Cane Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.2, and has drawn post six in the NYSS Final at Yonkers on September 22.
Older Trotting Mares
Last year’s Breeders Crown winner in this division, Frenchfrysnvinegar and Jody Jamieson, went all the way from post seven in the $153,000 Miss Versatility Final at Delaware in 1:54, just three fifths off the world record. The 7YO Angus Hall mare also won the Ontario Masters and was coming off an easy wire-to-wire win at Mohawk in 1:53.2. Cedar Dove was looking to regroup, but failed to capitalize on a two-hole trip and finished third. Last year’s 3YO Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner, had faded to sixth behind Beatgoeson Hanover as the beaten favorite in her last two. The four-year-old daughter of Andover Hall romped in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and swept three legs of the Miss Versatility. Beatgoeson Hanover finished fourth at Delaware after she rallied to repeat with a 1:54 upset in the Muscle Hill. Action-Broadway was a dull sixth. Last year’s Crown runner-up, was a game second to Cedar Dove from post eight in a Miss Versatility leg at the Meadowlands, finished second to upset winner Beatgoeson Hanover at Tioga, then got roughed up in the Muscle Hill at Vernon. Armbro Flight winner and leading money winner in her division, Pembroke Heat Wave broke and finished eighth in Delaware. She was third in the Miss Versatility leg at the Big M, third at Tioga and third, placed fourth in the Muscle Hill. European champion Tamla Celeber S shipped to the Red Mile and worked out in 1:55.1 on September 15. The millionaire 5YO by Cantab Hall is trained by Roger Walmann, who set a world record of 1:50.1 in Lexington with Giant Diablo in 2007. Firstclassprincess was a solid second in the Ima Lula.
Older Pacing Mares
Rebeka Bayama landed post 10 for the $384,000 Milton Stakes Final on September 22 after losing a fierce battle with Anndrovette in her elimination. The five-year-old Quebec bred by Leader Bayama just missed to Put On A Show in the 1:47.3 world record Lady Liberty, then powered past Drop The Ball in the Golden Girls in 1:49. Put On A Show drew the rail in the Milton after being outsprinted by Drop The Ball in her elimination. The five-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare had scored two straight wins at Mohawk in 1:50.1 and 1:48.3 in the Spring of Hope Invitational. The 2010 Breeders Crown champion became the fastest female of all-time with a 1:47.3 upset in the Lady Liberty. Anndrovette outmuscled Rebeka Bayama in :26.4 to win the fastest Milton elimination in 1:50.2 and took post four in the final. She won last year’s Crown in a Woodbine track record of 1:48.4, and set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk on July 21. Drop The Ball, second to Monkey On My Wheel in last year’s 3YO Crown, followed up her world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadephia with a vicious rally to win her Milton elimination in 1:51.4 and picked post two. The four-year-old by Western Terror won the Green With Envy Final, and finished second in the Golden Girls at the Big M. Swinging Beauty caught fire in the Mares Open at Mohawk this Summer, finished a nonthreatening fifth to Drop The Ball in her Milton elimination and landed post six in the final. The consistent Rocklamation was third to Anndrovette and drew post five in the Milton Final. Her Ron Burke stablemate Ginger And Fred has post seven after a fifth to Anndrovette.
Older Trotting Horses
Horse of the Year contender Chapter Seven lost by a head to Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs. The son of Windsong’s Legacy, trained by Linda Toscano, reeled off back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 in his first two starts as a 4yo, winning the Titan Cup, lowered his mark to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray, and also won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1. He was also close to second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot. Chapter Seven driver Tim Tetrick handles five of the top seven in the sport’s weekly poll. Mister Herbie upset San Pail in the Glory’s Comet, won the Cutler in 1:51.3 and was rebuffed by Chapter Seven in the Titan Cup. The Ontario-bred son of Here Comes Herbie won the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 and finished fourth in the Credit Winner. Daylon Magician was third in the Nat Ray, took a mark of 1:51.1 in a Mohawk Open, made a break and finished fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial. Anders Bluestone was a parked-out second, beaten six lengths by Market Share in the Maxie Lee. Triple millionaire Arch Madness finished eighth in the Maple Leaf Trot, yet resurfaced with a strong third in the Credit Winner. Hot Shot Blue Chip repeated in style by holding off Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner in a lifetime best of 1:51.2. Windsong Geant was second in the Frank Ryan and has dominated the Preferred level at Mohawk. Andover America was a Mohawk Open winner in 1:51.4 on August 20. Coco Lindy won the Vincennes Trot at the Big M in 1:52.4. Defending champion and Horse of the Year, San Pail has been shut down for the season after a recent comeback from injury.
Older Pacing Horses
Ben Franklin and Des Smith Classic winner Betterthancheddar equaled a world record and broke the all-age track record at Harrington with a 1:49.2 triumph in the Bobby Quillen Memorial. George Brennan drove the 4YO son of Bettor’s Delight for trainer Casie Coleman. Foiled Again was denied his third straight Quillen as the game runner-up, and went past the $1 million mark for the second straight season. The 8YO son of Dragon Again, and the richest pacer in history at $4.4 million, ended a long drought with a 1:48.3 upset over Betterthancheddar and Bettor Sweet in the Canadian Pacing Derby. Foiled Again followed up with his 64th career win [1:49.1] in a Pocono Downs Open. Last year’s Crown upsetter Bettor Sweet is 0 for 13 in 2012, and drew post seven in a Pocono Downs Open on September 22. Golden Receiver looks to rebound from a roughed-up ninth in the Canadian Pacing Derby with post eight at Pocono. The son of Village Jolt has fashioned an impressive 7YO season, winning the Presidential, Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. We Will See has post seven at Pocono. He was third in last year’s Crown, beat Betterthancheddar in the Mohawk Gold Cup, and finished second in the Ben Franklin and the Haughton. Aracache Hanover was very consistent this season until his eighth in the Canadian Pacing Derby elimination. He bounced back with a 1:49.3 win in a Preferred at Mohawk.
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Race 1
7-That’s The Life – classic case of a fresh claim by Moreau, 4yo with some upside shows positive signs & drops into a softer spot
6-Lookinforadventure – came back with two solid seconds, ran into a revved up Major Hottie in a 1:49 mile last out, owns a bit of back class
4-Flem N Em N – drops back to an effective level & draws better for his second start off a sick scratch
1-Watermelonwine – finally moves inside off a pretty solid rally with a :54.1 and :27 flat
Race 2
6-Drop The Ball – bounced back off a couple of tough losses in the Roses Are Red & Golden Girls with a world record 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, might get the jump on The Show
7-Put On A Show – fastest female of all time with her 1:47.3 Lady Liberty has reeled off two straight at Mohawk, fresh from her decisive 1:48.3 romp in the Spring of Hope, obviously on her game now
2-Radar Contact – regaining her form since the August 10 sick scratch, :54 back half and home in :26.2 last week, now moves inside
4-Swinging Beauty – caught fire twice winning the Open this summer, strong pace at both ends chasing Rebeka Bayama, improved post
Race 3
2-Bee A Magician – Ontario star has won 6 of 8 with impressive acceleration, stalks a talented favorite in a marquee match-up & might be good enough to upset
4-To Dream On – undefeated five-for-five, including a Big M track record 1:54 Merrie Annabelle with a vicious rally, huge threat to take control or simply brush & crush
3-Shared Past – beaten favorite in the NJSS Final with an excellent effort from post 8, continues to improve from a better post
9-Handover Belle – scores points for winning 2 of 4, and note the :27.3 kicker at the Big M on August 2, but this is a tall order
Race 4
1-Sparky Mark – was scorched through a :52.4 half in the Preferred, Ontario Masters winner lands in a softer spot where he can dominate
5-Ideal Race – offered a strong indication with his last line, owns a few more seconds than we’d like to see, but this is his level + adds Tetrick
9-Warrawee Needy – stakes colt blitzed this kind with a :26.3 third quarter & 1:49.1 career best, tries to follow up from a tough post
8-State Treasurer – Summertime Series champ gets a reprieve from top stakes 3yos, chance to assert himself with a blast off the gate
Race 5
3-P L Earl – raced deceptively well behind Battleship Kelly after the long layoff & lame scratch, draws better & has faced tougher
4-Smokeys Luck – steps up off the claim chasing Battleship Kelly with a :26.4, post 4 again & retains Jody Jamieson
5-Lifeoftheoldboy – first in 3 of his last 4 for high percentage combo, can rebound off the disqualification & draws inside Monte Cristo again
1-Battleship Kelly – like Monte Cristo he suddenly lit up the board with a lifetime best, his 12 for 26 record this season is worth noting
Race 6
8-Major Hottie – unleashed a rousing comeback by equaling his career best 1:49 for Rick The Whip, could be the one to catch again
7-Hard To Mach – was tackling top level colts like Michael’s Power in OSS, caught too far back behind Bullet Speed last week
9-Bullet Speed – dropped to this level & came to life with a sudden speed display, note the wire-to-wire win back on July 21
3-Speed Again – appeared to be overmatched in the Simcoe, yet his two previous efforts against these were strong
Race 7
4-Knows Nothing – Hambletonian elimination winner left to be in position to nose out Gym Tan Laundry, seeks another stalking trip
1-Market Share – Hambletonian winner has not let up, he closed relentlessly in his elimination last week & rewarded with an inside start
3-Little Brown Fox – Takter’s main threat got the jump on a roughed up Market Share to squeak out another, logical with his speed
8-Guccio – Hambletonian runner-up added trotting hopples & put together a solid rally to hit the board for Takter
Race 8
6-Rebeka Bayama – Golden Girls winner & close runner-up in the 1:47.3 Lady Liberty fresh from a wire-to-wire paid workout
2-Anndrovette – went all the way in a world record 1:48.1 upset in the Roses Are Red, prepped for this with a big finish in the Spring of Hope
1-Monkey On My Wheel – 2011 Breeders Crown champ has come to form, chasing Put On A Show in her last two
3-Rocklamation – shows a good third in the Roses Are Red, used hard in her recent miles, needed her last start & draws better
Race 9
3-Wheeling N Dealin – $100,000 Harrisburg yearling is now an undefeated six-for-six, stablemate to Prestidigitator has easily dispatched his opposition & stands out again
4-Murmur Hanover – late-blooming OSS Gold champ can’t be faulted for his efforts chasing Wheeling N Dealin & has gone won 4 of 8
2-My Man Can – broke his maiden when the heavy favorite faltered, improving colt for Team Orange Crush earned his inside advantage
11-Aperfectyankee – Peter Haughton Memorial upsetter has burned the chalk with tough trips in his last two, now faces second tier
Race 10
1-Continual Velocity – regained her form with some recent class relief, switches to Tetrick & figures to be forwardly placed to stalk n pop
6-Big McDeal – finished second in a world record PASS Final at Pocono, returns home in a more suitable class & reunited with Jody Jamieson
2-Warrawee Koine – makes her second start off the bench in an easier condition & scored her last win with Randy Waples
7-Sarandon Blue Chip – NJSS champ & Miss New Jersey winner was left in the wake of American Jewel in the Simcoe, can rebound
Race 11
7-Aracache Hanover – given a reprieve from Free For All foes, torched through a record :52.2 half in the Derby
4-Bettor Again – has won two of his last three at this level with thunderous upset rallies, 1:48.2 career best last week off the hot pace
8-Classic Rock N Roll – shot home in a wicked :25.2 to win this two starts back, switches to Gingras who can find a way to get involved
5-Foreclosure N – aired it out through an amazing 1:19.3 setting up Bettor Again’s rally, look for Tetrick ration out his speed
Race 12
2-Scottiestrikesfame – took a mark of 1:51.4 before the recent layoff, caught in a 1:49 blowout in a much needed start
4-Anderlecht – equaled his lifetime best of 1:50 with a huge effort two starts back, toss out last week’s mile chasing Major Hottie in 1:49
3-Im Feelin Good – took a substantial drop in class & burned the cash when Anderlecht got the jump on him, big chance to atone
1-Just Crowned – ships in with some sharp miles on view from Hiawatha & Grand River, picks up Scott Zeron & lands the pole
RACE 13
2-Rock Solid – was dropping down the condition ladder before the lame scratch, decent qualifier behind the classy Up The Credit
7-All Tiger N – excellent speed try two starts back, drops & looks dangerous despite the 1 for 18 this season
8-Aled Hanover – returns from the Maritimes in solid form, switches to Tony O’Sullivan & adds Lasix
4-Whippet Good – 10yo woke up with a nice move last week, yet his 1 for 27 record is a concern
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Cedar Dove, last year’s 3yo Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner, has fallen off form recently as the beaten favorite in her last two. The four-year-old daughter of Andover Hall faded to sixth in both the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs and the Muscle Hill at Vernon Downs. She previously romped in the Ima Lula Final at the Big M and swept three legs of the Miss Versatility. Action-Broadway, last year’s Crown runner-up to Frenchfrysnvinegar, was a game second to Cedar Dove from post eight in the Miss Versatility at the Meadowlands, finished second to upset winner Beatgoeson Hanover at Tioga, then got roughed up in the Muscle Hill at Vernon. Beatgoeson Hanover rallied to repeat with a 1:54 upset in the Muscle Hill. Armbro Flight winner and leading money winner in her division, Pembroke Heat Wave was third in the Miss Versatility leg at the Big M, third at Tioga and third, placed fourth in the Muscle Hill. Last year’s Breeders Crown winner in this division, Frenchfrysnvinegar won the Ontario Masters and comes off an easy wire-to-wire win at Mohawk in 1:53.2. Firstclassprincess was a solid second in the Ima Lula.
Older Pacing Mares
The Quebec bred sensation Rebeka Bayama prepped for the Milton eliminations this Saturday at Mohawk with a wire-to-wire win in 1:50.3 for Sylvain and Justin Filion. The five-year-old by Leader Bayama finished a close second to Put On A Show in the 1:47.3 world record Lady Liberty, then powered past Drop The Ball in the Golden Girls in 1:49. Put On A Show rebounded from an uncharacteristic break in the Golden Girls with two straight wins at Mohawk in 1:50.1 and 1:48.3 in the Spring of Hope Invitational, beating Anndrovette and Monkey On My Wheel. That five-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare became the fastest female of all-time with her upset in the Lady Liberty. Anndrovette won last year’s Crown in a Woodbine track record of 1:48.4, and set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk on July 21. She squares off against Rebeka Bayama on Saturday. Drop The Ball, second to Monkey On My Wheel in last year’s 3yo Crown, comes into the Milton eliminations fresh off a world record of 1:48.4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, defeating Ginger And Fred and Higher And Higher. The four-year-old by Western Terror won the Green With Envy Final, and finished second in the Golden Girls at the Big M. Swinging Beauty caught fire in the Mares Open at Mohawk this Summer, and comes off a third to Rebeka Bayama going into the Milton eliminations. The consistent Rocklamation drew into the same elimination as stablemate Ginger And Fred.
Older Trotting Horses
Chapter Seven fell a head short behind Hot Shot Blue Chip in the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs for Tim Tetrick and Linda Toscano. The son of Windsong’s Legacy reeled off back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 in his first two starts as a 4yo, winning the Titan Cup, lowered his mark to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray, and also won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1. He was a close to second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot. Mister Herbie upset San Pail in the Glory’s Comet, won the Cutler in 1:51.3 and was rebuffed by Chapter Seven in the Titan Cup. The Ontario-bred son of Here Comes Herbie won the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54 and finished fourth in the Credit Winner. Daylon Magician was third in the Nat Ray, took a mark of 1:51.1 in a Mohawk Open, made a break and finished fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial. Anders Bluestone was a game runner-up in the Maxie Lee. Triple millionaire Arch Madness finished eighth in the Maple Leaf Trot, yet resurfaced with a strong third in the Credit Winner. Hot Shot Blue Chip repeated in style by holding off Chapter Seven in the Credit Winner in a lifetime best of 1:51.2. Windsong Geant was second in the Frank Ryan and has dominated the Preferred level at Mohawk. Andover America was a Mohawk Open winner in 1:51.4 on August 20. Coco Lindy won the Vincennes Trot at the Big M in 1:52.4. Defending champion and Horse of the Year, San Pail has been shut down for the season after a recent comeback from injury.
Older Pacing Horses
Despite getting heavily pressured and fading to ninth in the Canadian Pacing Derby, Golden Receiver has carved out an amazing 7yo season. The son of Village Jolt paced the fastest January mile ever, 1:48, when he was Horse of the Month and won the Presidential. The Mark Harder trainee also captured the Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. Betterthancheddar reeled off five straight, including the Ben Franklin, the Des Smith Classic and the Canadian Pacing Derby elimination before finishing a close second to Foiled Again in the final. Foiled Again stopped a seven-race losing skid when he benefited from hot fractions and a great drive by Yannick Gingras to upset in the Canadian Pacing Derby in 1:48.3. That was his first win since the Molson Pace back on May 25, and last year’s Breeders Crown runner-up became the richest pacer in history at $4,376,994, passing Gallo Blue Chip. The eight-year-old son of Dragon Again, trained by Ron Burke, followed up with his 64th career win, a 1:49.1 score in a Pocono Downs Open over last year’s Breeders Crown winner Bettor Sweet and Blatantly Good. We Will See, third in last year’s Crown, beat Betterthancheddar in the Mohawk Gold Cup, finished second in the Ben Franklin and the Haughton, but faded to eighth in the Canadian Pacing Derby. Aracache Hanover was very consistent this season until his eighth in the Canadian Pacing Derby elimination, then he got cooked through a Mohawk record :52.2 half in the final. Bettor Sweet is a disappointing 0 for 13 this season, yet was third in the Canadian Pacing Derby and second by a nose to Foiled Again in a Pocono Downs Open on September 8.
]]>Check Me Out continues to lead the polls for Horse of the Year fresh off another world record of 1:51.3 in the PASS Final at Pocono Downs with trainer Ray Schnittker in the bike. The win made her the richest trotting filly in history at ages two and three combined, vaulting her past Passionate Glide with $1,735,452. It was the third straight win for the Donato Hanover filly, who has won nine of 11 this season and 23 for 27 lifetime. She had reeled off six in a row before taking a rare bad step in the Hambletonian Oaks, then bounced right back in PASS at The Meadows, and equaled her own world record of 1:51.3 in the Zweig at Vernon Downs. She drew post nine in an Open at Tioga Downs on September 14. Maven had won four of five before finishing second in the PASS Final. The Glidemaster filly took a mark of 1:52.3 in the Moni Maker at the Meadowlands. Personal Style pulled a huge upset in the Oaks nailing Win Missy B in 1:53.1, then finished sixth in the Moni Maker and seventh in the Zweig. Win Missy B made a miscue in the Moni Maker, rebounded to finish second to Check Me Out in the Zweig, then won two straight NYSS events. Jimmy Takter has a couple of solid fillies in Valdonna and Superstar Hanover. Valdonna won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2, finished second to Maven in the Moni Maker, and romped the Simcoe in 1:52.4. Superstar Hanover won four PASS events this season and was third in the final. Miss Paris, a stablemate of Personal Style for trainer Nifty Norman, has developed into an OSS star, and finished second to Valdonna in the Simcoe.
3YO Colt Trot
Market Share set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig with a :26.4 last quarter, followed by a game second to Little Brown Fox in his Canadian Trotting Classic elimination for Tim Tetrick and Linda Toscano. There’s a rematch in Saturday’s final at Mohawk. The speedy Little Brown Fox won his elimination in 1:53 after setting a Canadian record of 1:51.4 in the Simcoe Stakes for Yannick Gingras and Jimmy Takter. The Muscles Yankee colt was third in the Colonial after winning the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52 and a Hambletonian elimination in 1:51.2. Yonkers Trot world record setter Archangel followed up a fourth in the Hambletonian with a NYSS win at Saratoga, faded to sixth in the Zweig, then won another NYSS event at Yonkers. The Credit Winner colt has banked $681,499 this season. Another colt who is nine for 13 this season is Knows Nothing, a Hambletonian elimination winner, who captured his CTC elimination in career best of 1:52.4 over Gym Tan Laundry and Guccio, the Hambletonian runner-up. My MVP, runner-up to Magic Tonight in the PASS Final, and a close third in the Hambletonian, drew post seven in the CTC Final. World champion GooGoo GaaGaa is not on the list of eligibles, yet may be supplemented for $62,500. The son of pacing stallion Cam’s Rocket suffered a splint injury and broke in the Stanley Dancer Memorial. Then, he rebounded to win the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, beating Hambletonian winner Market Share by a neck. 2011 Breeders Crown champion Uncle Peter, a 1:53.3 Hambletonian elimination winner, faltered in that final as the favorite, then finished sixth in the Colonial and seventh in the Zweig.
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel won the Fan Hanover in a world record of 1:48.2 and the James Lynch Memorial in 1:49.2, then lost her next three. The American Ideal filly was a close second to Major Look in the Mistletoe Shalee, then her stablemate Romantic Moment upset her in the Valley Forge at Harrah’s Philadelphia. American Jewel’s latest score was a stakes record of 1:49.4 in the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk for Tim Tetrick and Jimmy Takter. Romantic Moment won her last two NYSS events in 1:52.3 at Monticello and 1:52.1 at Saratoga. Sarandon Blue Chip captured the NJSS Final and Miss New Jersey at the Meadowlands, but faded to fifth in the Simcoe. Bettor B Lucky nosed out Romantic Moment in 1:50 in the Empire Breeders Classic, the finished second in four straight stakes in New York. Big McDeal, a three-time PASS winner this season with a mark of 1:49.1 taken at The Meadows, finished second to Economy Terror in the PASS Final at Pocono. Economy Terror, last year’s two-year-old Breeders Crown winner, defended her PASS championship with a world record of 1:49. Handsoffmycookie has been a dominant filly in NYSS.
3YO Colt Pace
The late-blooming Panther Hanover pounced on the favorites A Rocknroll Dance and Michael’s Power to win the Simcoe Stakes in 1:49.1 at Mohawk. The son of Rocknroll Hanover had previously beaten Hurrikane Kingcole in the New Jersey Classic in 1:47.2 for Sylvain Filion and trainer James Dean. A Rocknroll Dance was a game runner-up in the Simcoe after a tough trip from post 12. Since his 1:48.3 win in the Hempt at Pocono, that son of Rocknroll Hanover emerged as one of the top sophomore pacers for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jim Mullinix. He wired them in the Meadowlands Pace, finished second in the Adios, and also won the Battle of Brandywine in a Harrah's Philadelphia track record of 1:48.1. A Rocknroll Dance set a wicked pace and faded to fourth in the Cane Pace at Tioga Downs. Michael’s Power has won 11 of 14 this season and went past the $1 million mark winning an OSS Gold Final at Rideau Carlton in 1:50.2. The son of Camluck took the Confederation Cup over Dynamic Youth and Pet Rock for Casie Coleman and is headed for the Little Brown Jug. Pet Rock, the Pace runner-up, followed up a close third in the two-heat Confederation Cup with a second in the Battle of Brandywine just a week later. Pet Rock supplemented to the Cane Pace and finished second by a nose to Dynamic Youth. Bolt The Duer tripped out to win the Adios in a world record of 1:47.4, then won two straight KYSS divisions before romping in the final in 1:48.2 at The Red Mile, beating North America Cup winner Thinking Out Loud. Hurrikane Kingcole, Pace Consolation winner in 1:47.3 was nailed by Panther Hanover in the 1:47.2 New Jersey Classic after a 1:18.2 three quarters. He set fractions of :25.3, :52.3 and 1:20.1 before fading to sixth in the Battle of Brandywine. Sweet Lou, who won last year’s two-year-old Breeders Crown in a world record of 1:49 at Woodbine, finished second to Dapper Dude in the PASS Final at Pocono. NYSS star Heston Blue Chip won the Empire Breeders Classic in a Tioga Downs track record of 1:48.4. He was fifth in the Cane Final after winning his elimination in 1:49.2.
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For the second straight year, all 12 Breeders Crowns will be staged on a one night extravaganza at Woodbine, Saturday, October 27 [eliminations on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20]. Here’s a glance at some of the major players and highlights in the two-year-old divisions.
2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On went into the Peaceful Way final at Mohawk a perfect five-for-five. The $200,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner equaled her lifetime mark of 1:54 beating Shared Past and Antsy Dancy in her elimination with Dave Miller, who noted he didn’t need to pop her ear plugs. The Jimmy Takter trainee won the Merrie Annabelle in a 1:54 Big M track record. Bee A Magician is a Kadabra filly who has starred in OSS for trainer Nifty Norman, while winning six of eight starts. She won a Gold Final, was second by a nose in another, took a Champlain Stakes division and cruised in her Peaceful Way elimination in 1:54.3 with Rick Zeron in the bike. Frau Blucher is a Broadway Hall filly trained by Chris Oakes, sporting six wins in nine starts and leads the division in earnings with $330,078. She romped in the PASS Final at The Meadows in a track record of 1:54.4. True Day Dream reeled off six in a row before finishing third to Andie Sophia and Simone Hall in the KYSS Final at the Red Mile where she took a mark of 1:56.2 for Dan O’Mara. Southwind Cocoa won the NJSS Final with a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 held by Act Of Grace. This Chocolatier filly hails from the Linda Toscano stable, and followed up with an easy win in the Marion Dancer at Freehold. Shared Past, a Jonas Czernyson trainee, finished a close third in the NJSS Final and was second to To Dream On in her Peaceful Way elimination. Royal Assets was second in the Merrie Annabelle Final. This Donato Hanover filly is trained for Ray Schnittker.
2YO Colt Trot
Wheeling N Dealin remained undefeated in six starts by winning the fastest William Wellwood Memorial elimination in 1:56.4 for Sylvain Filion and Dustin Jones. My Man Can made it a sweep of the eliminations for Cantab Hall, pulling a 10-1 upset in 1:57.1 for Andy and Julie Miller. Aperfectyankee got parked in his Wellwood elimination and finished sixth as the heavy favorite. The Yankee Glide colt was a 4-1 upsetter in the Peter Haughton Memorial for Swedish trainer Jim Oscarsson in 1:54.1. Corky was second by a neck in the Haughton and made it a three-ply sweep of the NJSS Series with a 1:57.3 final for Jimmy Takter. The Muscles Yankee colt was scratched from his Wellwood elimination. Takter also has Dontyouforgetit, a Cantab Hall colt who won the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:55.2 and dominated that series. Major Athens was a Haughton elimination winner in 1:56.2 and finished second in the PASS Final. Mario and Benoit Baillergeon have an OSS Gold Final winner by Majestic Son, Murmur Hanover, who finished second to Wheeling N Dealin in his Wellwood elimination. Mystical Dew went four-for-four by winning the KYSS Final. Jeff Smith trains this colt by Deweycheatumnhowe.
2YO Filly Pace
This division has become a fierce late-season duel between L Dees Lioness and I Luv The Nitelife. L Dees Lioness fought off I Luv The Nitelife to win the Champlain Stakes at Mohawk in 1:51.4, after I Luv The Nitelife beat her in the She’s A Great Lady in 1:51. Both fillies won their divisions of the Eternal Camnation. Casie Coleman trains L Dees Lioness, from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere. I Luv The Nitelife is a Rocknroll Hanover filly trained by Chris Ryder. I Luv The Nitelife set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She’s A Great Lady elimination. The Brittany Farms homebred Authorize faded to seventh in her elimination for the She’s a Great Lady on August 25. The Western Ideal filly had won four in a row with one of her sterling rallies in the NJSS Final in 1:52.3. Her trainer Tony Alagna also has Sweetheart runner-up Nikki Beach, who was third in the Champlain. Jerseylicious upset Nikki Beach in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 and finished second in the NJSS Final. Handsoffmycupcake rallied to win the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:52.1. Champagne Tonight was dominant in PASS before finishing seventh in the final as the beaten favorite.
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous is the star of this division, winning five of six, three in sub 1:50 fashion, including a 1:49.2 stakes recording equaling score in the Metro Final after taking his elimination in 1:49.3. Tim Tetrick drives this outstanding Somebeachsomewhere colt for trainer Tony Alagna. He also captured the Woodrow Wilson in stakes record of 1:49.3, and beat Vegas Vacation in 1:51.3 in the Nassagawaya. Vegas Vacation is an improving son of Bettor’s Delight for Casie Coleman. He was second for the fourth straight time in his Metro elimination before getting used hard from post 10 in that final. Johny Rock dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1, finished second to Captaintreacherous in his Metro elimination, then got parked through a torrid pace in the final. Odds On Equuleus carried a four-race winning streak into the Metro Final and rallied to be second by a neck. Apprentice Hanover won his Metro elimination in 1:49.4 off a nine-length romp in the Nassagaweya, yet fell two lengths short in third in the Metro Final. Tarpon Hanover took an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 and the Battle of Waterloo. Doctor Butch won five NYSS events in a row for Linda Toscano, then finished a close second to the improving Ron Burke trainee Bet The Moon. Good Day Mate upset John’s Polyview in the PASS Final at The Meadows in 1:53.
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The 2012 season at the Meadowlands Racetrack was dominated by harness racing’s big names: Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke, Tim Tetrick, Jimmy Takter, Dave Miller and Tony Alagna; hot horses like Itrustyou, Cedar Dove, Chapter Seven, Check Me Out and Golden Receiver; and budding superstars like To Dream On and Captaintreacherous.
Yannick Gingras started fast and finished strong enroute to his first Big M driving title. As the go-to guy for leading trainer Ron Burke, The Green Hornet captured two winter series finals with Itrustyou, who reeled off his first six starts of 2012. Gingras also nailed down his first Meadowlands Pace, going all the way with A Rocknroll Dance in 1:48.1, won the Pace consolation with Hurrikane Kingcole in 1:47.3, streaked to the fastest division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial with Little Brown Fox in 1:51.3, and crushed foes in the Moni Maker with Maven in 1:52.3. At just 33, the Quebec native is well ahead of the pace set by Hall of Famer John Campbell, passing the $80 million mark with 4,000 career wins. It came down to the final two weekends of the meet, and Gingras managed to stay ahead of Tim Tetrick 125 to 123 with a six-pack on August 10 and a triple on closing night, August 17.
Ron Burke followed up his 2011 Trainer of the Year campaign by winning the 2012 Big M Training title with 64 wins, good for $1.5 million in purses. The leading conditioner in the sport for the fourth straight year sent out streaking pacers like Itrustyou and Breakin The Law, and blanketed the overnight programs with well classified and formful stock. Burke retired his two-time division champion Won The West. The richest son of Western Hanover at $3,939,836 is the fastest ever Breeders Crown performer with a mark of 1:47.
Tim Tetrick may have been edged out in the race for the driving title, yet he continued his role as the sport’s number one money winner for the sixth straight year. The Bionic Man capped off the Big M meet with a bang, winning his first Hambletonian with Market Share in 1:52.1 at the age of 30. The Bionic Man also teamed with trainer Linda Toscano to post a world record of 1:50.1 with Chapter Seven in the Nat Ray, which tied the fastest trotting mile ever at the Big M. He won a NJSS Final with Southwind Cocoa, another Toscano trainee. In addition, Tetrick guided Check Me Out to a world record of 1:51.3 in the Del Miller Memorial. He handled a pair of outstanding freshman pacers in Woodrow Wilson winner Captaintreacherous and NJSS champion Johny Rock. Captaintreacherous notched the first ever sub 1:50 mile by a two-year-old at the Big M, 1:49.3. Tetrick was the meet’s leading money winner with $3,457,933.
In his Hall of Fame year, trotting master Jimmy Takter came out guns blazing with the likes of Merrie Annabelle winner To Dream On, NJSS champion Corky, and sophomore standouts Uncle Peter, Little Brown Fox and Valdonna. Takter just missed driving his first Hambletonian winner when he rallied Guccio to finish second by a neck. His stable was the Big M’s top money earner with $1,967,968, averaging $11,182 per starter.
Dave Miller got on roll early in the meet, winning six series finals in the first four months. The Buckeye won his first Hambletonian Oaks with longshot Personal Style in 1:53.1, hooked up with Jimmy Takter’s fearsome freshmen To Dream On and Corky, and pulled off the NJSS Final-Miss New Jersey double with Sarandon Blue Chip. Miller finished second in earnings for the meet with $2,751,037 and third in wins with 108. He also passed the $160 million mark in fourth on the all-time money list.
2012 was a break-out meet for trainer Tony Alagna’s two-year-olds. The native of Illinois unveiled a slew of talented freshmen pacers, including Sweetheart runner-up Nikki Beach, Wilson winner Captaintreacherous and NJJS champion Authorize. Alagna also finished a close third in the Hambletonian with My MVP.
After winning his sixth championship meet title in 2011, Brian Sears continued to be one of the most sought after catch drivers in the sport. The White Knight was on board the Tony Alagna-trained stars Nikki Beach and Authorize, had plenty of seat time behind free for all stalwart Golden Receiver, and was a close second in the Hambletonian Oaks with Win Missy B. He finished fourth in the standings with 102 wins and $2,404,475.
Cedar Dove ruled the ranks of the four-year-old trotting mares for Ron Pierce and Noel Daley, winning the Ima Lula Final and her third straight in the Miss Versatility Series in 1:52.3.
If there was a Horse of the Meet, it would be Golden Receiver. The amazing seven-year-old by Village Jove paced the fastest January mile ever, 1:48, when he was named Horse of the Month. The Mark Harder trainee also captured the Presidential in 1:49.1, and kept it going with victories in the Spring Championship at Woodbine in 1:49.2, the Graduate in 1:48.2, the US Pacing Championship in 1:48, and the William Haughton Memorial in 1:48.2. The Golden One amassed 12 wins in 19 starts and $744,925 through August 17.
Lady Liberty winner Put On A Show joined the sub 1:48 club with a 1:47.3 world record, becoming the fastest female of all-time. Jody Jamieson drove the five-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare for trainer Chris Ryder.
Panther Hanover also became a sub 1:48 member with a 1:47.2 clocking in the New Jersey Classic. The fastest mile of the meet came courtesy of Hurrikane Kingcole’s dazzling 1:18.2 record three quarters. Sylvain Filion was in the bike for the Big Jim combo of trainer James “Friday” Dean and owner James Carr.
Corey Callahan made a serious impact in the driver standings, cracking the Top 10 for the first time and finishing seventh with 35 wins. The 34-year-old Maryland native capped the 2012 meet winning the Sweetheart with Jerseylicious.
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For the second straight year, all 12 Breeders Crowns will be staged on a one night extravaganza at Woodbine, Saturday, October 27 [eliminations on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20]. Here’s a glance at some of the major players and highlights in each division.
2YO Filly Trot
To Dream On remained an undefeated four-for-four with a 1:54 Big M track record in the Merrie Annabelle. The $200,000 Harrisburg yearling by Credit Winner reeled in Royal Assets with an effortless, eye-catching rally for Dave Miller. Trainer Jimmy Takter said she’s a filly born with unbelievable natural talent, and Miller noted with her speed it’s like driving a pacer. Perry Soderberg picked her out for Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. True Day Dream was impressive in two divisions of the Kindergarten Series at the Big M and then took a mark of 1:56.3 in KYSS at Lexington for Dan O’Mara. Southwind Cocoa won the NJSS Final in a 10-1 upset equaling the stakes record of 1:55.3 held by Act Of Grace. Shared Past, a NJSS winner in 1:55.4, finished third in that final. Frau Blucher is a PASS star and PA All-Stars winner for Chris Oakes.
2YO Colt Trot
Aperfectyankee pulled a 4-1 upset in the Peter Haughton Memorial for Swedish trainer Jim Oscarsson in 1:54.1. Corky finished second and came right back to make it a three-ply sweep of the NJSS Series for Jimmy Takter, who also has Dontyouforgetit. That Cantab Hall colt won his first three starts in PASS before getting disqualified for a late break, then rebounded with a 1:56 score at Harrah's Philadelphia. Major Athens was placed first in a division and won again in 1:55 at Harrah's Philadelphia. Aperfectyankee followed up the Haughton with an easy 1:55 triumph in PASS at Pocono Downs. Takter has another nice colt by Donato Hanover out of the Oaks champion Blur - Bluto was a PASS winner in 1:57.2.
2YO Filly Pace
The Brittany Farms homebred Authorize made it a four in a row with one of her sterling rallies in the NJSS Final in 1:52.3, then failed to qualify for the She's A Great Lady. Brian Sears drives the Western Ideal filly for trainer Tony Alagna, who also has the prominent Somebodythatiustono and Sweetheart runner-up Nikki Beach. Jerseylicious upset Nikki Beach in the Sweetheart in 1:52.1 and finished second in the NJSS Final. L Dees Lioness won her division of the Eternal Camnation, then romped in her elimination for the She's A Great Lady for Casie Coleman. That filly is from the great first crop of Somebeachsomewhere. I Luv The Nitelife won her division of the Eternal Camnation, then the Rocknroll Hanover filly set a world record of 1:50.1 in her She's A Great Lady elimination for Chris Ryder.
2YO Colt Pace
Captaintreacherous romped in a Woodrow Wilson stakes record of 1:49.3, then beat Vegas Vacation in 1:51.3 in the Nassagawaya before making it four in a row with a 1:49.3 Metro elimination score. Tim Tetrick drives this outstanding Somebeachsomewhere colt for trainer Tony Alagna. Vegas Vacation is an improving son of Bettor’s Delight for Casie Coleman who was second for the fourth straight time in his Metro elimination. Johny Rock dominated the NJSS Final in 1:51.1, then finished second to Captaintreacherous and drew the rail in the Metro. Odds On Equuleus carried a four-race winning streak into the Metro Final. Apprentice Hanover won his Metro elimination in 1:49.4 off a nine-length romp in the Nassagaweya. Tarpon Hanover took an OSS Gold Final in 1:51.4 and the Battle of Waterloo. Doctor Butch has won five NYSS events in a row for Linda Toscano, following in the footsteps of Heston Blue Chip.
3YO Filly Trot
Check Me Out reeled off six in a row before taking a rare bad step in the Hambletonian Oaks. The daughter of Donato Hanover bounced right back in PASS at The Meadows, then equaled her own world record of 1:51.3 in the Zweig at Vernon Downs. She hooked up with Maven in a PASS Final on September 1. Maven had won four of five going into that $200,000 event. Yannick Gingras guided her to a 1:52.3 romp in the Moni Maker. Personal Style blew up the toteboard in the Oaks nailing Win Missy B in 1:53.1. Win Missy B made a miscue in the Moni Maker, then bounced back to finish second to Check Me Out in the Zweig. Jimmy Takter has a couple of good ones in Valdonna and Superstar Hanover, who were fourth and sixth behind Check Me Out in the Zweig. Valdonna won a division of the Duenna in 1:52.2.
3YO Colt Trot
World champion GooGoo GaaGaa rebounded to win the Colonial in a track record of 1:52.1 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, beating Hambletonian winner Market Share by a neck. Market Share set a Vernon Downs track record of 1:52.1 in the Zweig. Little Brown Fox was third in the Colonial after winning the Townsend Ackerman in 1:52 and a Hambletonian elimination in 1:51.2. Yonkers Trot world record setter Archangel followed up a fourth in the Hambletonian with another NYSS win at Saratoga, then finished sixth behind Mart Share in the Zweig. Knows Nothing, a Hambletonian elimination winner and fifth in that final, was a close second to Prestidigitator in an OSS Gold Final. Breeders Crown champion Uncle Peter, a 1:53.3 Hambletonian elimination winner, faltered in that final, then finished sixth in the Colonial and seventh in the Zweig.
3YO Filly Pace
American Jewel won the Fan Hanover in a world record of 1:48.2, and the James Lynch winner in 1:49.2 lost her next three, including a close second to Major Look in the Mistletoe Shalee, then Romantic Moment upset her in the Valley Forge. Sarandon Blue Chip won the NJSS Final and Miss New Jersey. Bettor B Lucky nosed out Romantic Moment in 1:50 in the Empire Breeders Classic. Big McDeal was a three-time PASS winner this season going into the final on September 1 at Pocono, and sports a mark of 1:49.1 taken at The Meadows. Economy Terror, last year’s Breeders Crown champion recently won a PASS in 1:50.3 at Pocono, then faded to sixth in the Valley Forge. That daughter of Western Terror was the 5-2 morning line favorite in the PASS Final on September 1.
3YO Colt Pace
Since his 1:48.3 win in the Hempt at Pocono, A Rocknroll Dance emerged as the number one sophomore colt for Yannick Gingras and trainer Jim Mullinix. The son of Rocknroll Hanover wired them in the Meadowlands Pace, finished second in the Adios, and also won the Battle of Brandywine in a Harrah's Philadelphia track record of 1:48.1. A Rocknroll Dance and Time To Roll both took byes into the Cane Pace Final at Tioga Downs on September 3. Pet Rock was the Pace runner-up who followed up a close third in the two-heat Confederation Cup with a second in the Battle of Brandywine just a week later. Pet Rock, Heston Blue Chip and State Treasurer all supplemented to the Cane Pace. Michael’s Power had won 11 of 13 this season and went past the $1 million mark winning an OSS Gold Final at Rideau Carlton in 1:50.2. The son of Camluck took the Confederation Cup for Casie Coleman. Bolt The Duer tripped out to win the Adios in a world record 1:47.4, then won a KYSS division in 1:50.2 with a :25.3 final quarter. Hurrikane Kingcole, Pace Consolation winner in 1:47.3 was nailed by Panther Hanover in the 1:47.2 New Jersey Classic after a 1:18.2 three quarters. A refreshed North America Cup winner Thinking Out Loud recently came back with a 1:49.2 KYSS division at The Red Mile.
Older Trotting Mares
Cedar Dove, last year’s 3yo Breeders Crown champion and Dan Patch Award winner, got on a roll coming back as a four-year-old for Ron Pierce and Noel Daley. The daughter of Andover Hall romped in the Ima Lula at the Big M and swept all three legs of the Miss Versatility before fading to sixth in that series at Tioga Downs. Action-Broadway, last year’s Crown runner-up, was a game second to Cedar Dove from post eight in the Miss Versatility, then finished second to upset winner Beatgoeson Hanover at Tioga. Armbro Flight winner Pembroke Heat Wave bounced back with a third in the Miss Versatility leg at the Big M and was third at Tioga. China Pearls was an impressive winner in an Ima Lula division, and will try to come back in time from injury this Fall. Last year’s Breeders Crown winner in this division, Frenchfrysnvinegar won the Ontario Masters. Firstclassprincess was a solid second in the Ima Lula Final.
Older Pacing Mares
The Quebec bred sensation Rebeka Bayama finished a close second to Put On A Show in the 1:47.3 world record Lady Liberty, then powered past Drop The Ball in the Golden Girls in 1:49. Put On A Show became the fastest female of all-time with a 1:47.3 upset in the Lady Liberty. Anndrovette won last year’s Crown in a Woodbine track record of 1:48.4, and set a world record of 1:48.1 in the Roses Are Red at Mohawk, yet came up short in the Lady Liberty and Golden Girls. Drop The Ball, second to Monkey On My Wheel in last year’s 3yo Crown, won the Green With Envy Final. Swinging Beauty caught fire in the Mares Open at Mohawk and was fourth in the Golden Girls.
Older Trotting Horses
Defending champion and Horse of the Year, San Pail recently came back from injury, winning a Mohawk qualifier on August 24 in 1:57.3. Chapter Seven reeled off back-to-back world records of 1:50.4 in his first two starts as a 4yo, winning the Titan Cup, lowered his mark to 1:50.1 in the Nat Ray and also won the Maxie Lee in a stakes record of 1:52.1. The son of Windsong’s Legacy was a close to second to Mister Herbie in the Maple Leaf Trot. Mister Herbie upset San Pail in the Glory’s Comet, won the Cutler in 1:51.3 and was rebuffed by Chapter Seven in the Titan Cup. The Ontario-bred son of Here Comes Herbie won the Frank Ryan Memorial in 1:54. Daylon Magician was third in the Nat Ray, took a mark of 1:51.1 in a Mohawk Open, made a break and finished fourth in the Frank Ryan Memorial. Anders Bluestone was a game runner-up in the Maxie Lee. Arch Madness finished eighth in the Maple Leaf Trot, and resurfaced with two winning qualifiers at Harrah's Philadelphia in 1:554.1 and 1:53.2. Wishing Stone has returned to America.
Older Pacing Horses
Golden Receiver has carved out an amazing 7yo season. The son of Village Jolt paced the fastest January mile ever, 1:48, when he was Horse of the Month and won the Presidential. The Mark Harder trainee also captured the Spring Championship, Graduate, US Pacing Championship and William Haughton Memorial. Betterthancheddar reeled off five straight, including the Canadian Pacing Derby elimination. We Will See, third in last year’s Crown, beat Betterthancheddar in the Mohawk Gold Cup, and finished second in the Ben Franklin and the Haughton. Aracache Hanover was very consistent this season until his eighth in the Canadian Pacing Derby elimination. Foiled Again hasn’t won since the Molson Pace back on May 25.
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Race 1
8-Luckycharm Hanover – finished sixth in last year’s Hambletonian & was Grand Circuit winner at three, gets another class drop after a needed start
9-Marcus Bi – Horse & Groom division winner has now had two starts get tighter, yet still needs the right pace & trip scenario
4-Proud Moment – a Meadowlands horse-for-the-course bounced back with a very strong qualifier, draws well in a light field & reunited with Bionic Man
Race 2
9-Brandon’s Colt – has taken a recent slide down the class ladder, showed some life, got parked & didn’t lose much ground last time, picks of Gingras
6-Palm Beach Boy – you can go back to his game second to a heavy favorite back on June 2, has Lasix now & switches to Brian Sears
2-Ala Carte Bill – the move inside could put him in a stalking role & give him a chance to save ground & surprise this bunch late
Race 3
1-Little Brown Fox – following his stunning 1:51.2 Dancer division he was committed to the lead & got stung three-wide over an off track, has the class to rebound & heads a strong entry
3-Banker Volo – after getting locked in behind Uncle Peter he gave up too readily in his Hambletonian elimination, chance to rebound with more conservative handling
2A-From Above – was such a promising 2yo winning on the Grand Circuit, now gets an interesting barn change to Schnittker & switches to Tetrick
Race 4
10-Persuasive Hanover – forced three-wide to avoid a breaker to clear the lead, took on some late pressure & was nailed in the final steps in the slop, twice beaten favorite with only four starts can atone
1-Odds On Guinevere – was knocking on the door here & broke through with an ideal trip at Harrah’s Philadelphia, lands inside a light NW of 2 field here
5-Jinxy’s Delight – made a serious bid first time Lasix & faded to fourth behind Persuasive Hanover at 65-1, factors in here at a lower price
Race 5
7-Lanson – the class plummet from the Invitational is too much to ignore, this is a competitive field which figures to provide enough pace
8-Chaplin Hall – beaten favorite at Tioga almost got there from a tough spot, thundered home with a lifetime best here before that
5-Aisling – exploited a class drop n pop scenario to the max & the 8yo posted a career best, can build on the confidence booster
Race 6
9-Cedar Dove – 2011 Dan Patch Award winner has maintained her consistency this season, overcame a tough trip in the slop last week
7-China Pearls – decisive winner in a career best round one, then scratched sick off that sparkling Big M debut, marquee match-up with Cedar Dove
1-Lady Andover – was bumped around the first turn & finished well to hit the board behind Cedar Dove, a prime opportunist from the rail
Race 7
6-Rockweiller – finished well in :27.2 right behind Relentless Dreamer, this Burke trainee seems to be coming back around
2-Social Network – tried qualifying for the NJ Classic, takes a class plunge & finds an ideal spot to stalk n pop
3-Relentless Dreamer – drops out of a tougher nonwinners of 3 where he perked up with a solid second & draws the same inside post
Race 8
9-Sniper Seelster – drops in for a claiming tag, adds Brian Sears, shows a recent 1:52 win & faces a field of question marks
7-Veal Marsala – had a great trip, but was blitzed by a fired up 1:50.3 winner in Ideal Matters, still paced home in a strong :27 over an off track
4-Lemon Drop Hall – overcame a tough trip from post 10 in the slop to finish a solid second, fresh claim draws better
Race 9
2-Dry Gulch – conjured up some of his back class with a slick score in the slop last week & lands inside again
9-Art’s Jimmy Ray – drops back to a winning level, has the winning habit, reunited with Ron Pierce & can an outside post
8-Trouble Hanover – comes off a well meant score with speed at both ends in the slop, threat to repeat despite the tougher post
Race 10
4-Run On Luck – has burned some chalk players over in the Yonkers Open, drops for a claiming tag here & this veteran appears to have too much class for these
9-Rub Thing – draws outside again off a series of tough trips, flew home in :26.3 last week, just needs some luck to get there
8-Dragon Princess – withdrawn from last Sunday’s sale, shows a recent upset from the rail & remains in strong form
Race 11
3-Blade Runner – has improved in his last two, just missed when well supported in a similarly soft spot last out
2-Best Life – 10yo trounced these on June 23 in a lifetime best 1:52.3, throw out the sloppy track mile last time
4-Mister Barnett N – was used pretty hard to get the lead from post 10 in the slop, figures to be the one to knock off again
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(issued July 29)
The road to the $1.5 million Hambletonian, this Saturday, August 4 has almost reached the starting gate. We have followed the top contenders and rated their performances on the stakes trail, starting with a Winterbook Top 10. The outstanding filly Check Me Out was number one every week up until trainer Ray Schnittker made a decision on July 20 to enter her in the Oaks. So, the top rated colt, Uncle Peter has led the way for the final two weeks. He was one of three elimination winners and Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter will send out a pair in this year’s final.
1-Uncle Peter – The son of Cantab Hall was used pretty hard winning a competitive elimination in 1:53.3 over an off track, yet Ron Pierce assured us there was plenty left in tank. The Breeders Crown champion at two was coming off a perfect prep, a well controlled 1:53.1 score in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division. This followed a career best of 1:52.3 in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs. Jimmy Takter did express some concern over a shoeing issue if the track were to come up sloppy.
2-Knows Nothing – Shipped in, sat in, angled out and exploded home in a sharp :27.1 for the 2011 O’Brien Award winning team of Jody Jamieson and Jeff Gillis, who look for a better experience than 2009 with Federal Flex. This son of Kadabra acclimated accordingly with a 1:53.1 career best coming off Lasix. He won the Canadian Breeders Championship after a 35-day layoff and has come a long way in a short time.
3-Market Share – Capitalized on some better racing luck with a perfect two-hole trip, and when Tim Tetrick pulled the right line he knew Linda Toscano had this $16,000 bargain Revenue colt on his toes. Fresh off the fastest elimination at 1:52.2, the stablemate to Chapter Seven puts Toscano in her second straight final.
4-Guccio – This improving Yankee Glide colt unleashed his second straight solid runner-up rally and continues to go in the right direction for Jimmy Takter. The NJSS runner-up has proven he belongs, and with further fine tuning and some mayhem up front his wicked sprint could payoff in a big way.
5-Archangel – Shipped in with high hopes, a seven-race winning streak, a world record Yonkers Trot, plus other stakes and track records, acclimated to the mile track by setting a rated pace, yet couldn’t sprint with Market Share. This Credit Winner colt looms as a possible threat to steal away, although Jim Morrill, Jr. is noted for his patience and prowess in big money events.
6-Prestidigitator – Kadabra got another in this big dance, and this colt has shown top level talent at two and three. In the Uncle Peter elimination, he acclimated with a very wide trip around the first turn, got parked a long way and finished a wide third. It was Sylvain Filion’s first appearance at the Big M since winning back-to-back stakes with Goliath Bayama in 2001.
7-Stormin Normand – The son of last year’s winning sire Broadway Hall was forced into a first over grind and earned the final qualifying spot based on earnings, while coming off Lasix. He won a Beal elimination in a sizzling 1:51.4, has been very consistent and Jim Campbell calls him a true professional who gives everything he’s got every time out. Newly minted Dash King Dave Palone makes his second Hambletonian appearance.
8-My MVP – Runner-up to Uncle Peter in the PA All-Stars and PASS winner in 1:53.4 has peaked perfectly for the red-hot Tony Alagna. The son of Cantab Hall finished well enough in his elimination and has the Hall of Fame hands of four-time Hambletonian winner Mike Lachance.
9-Money On My Mind – Gives Cantab Hall a third colt in the final. This guy had trot at both ends in a creditable second to Uncle Peter, but if he employs more tactical speed, he will somehow have to come up with more late pop. Andy and Julie Miller’s best of two finals came with The Chancellor, who was fourth in 2009.
10-Gym Tan Laundry – Last year’s winning team of George Brennan and Noel Daley might try another Broad Bahn mission if you look at the way he set a strong pace from post nine and finished a solid third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1. He was all out third behind Market Share in his elimination, remains winless in nine starts this season, and gives Yankee Glide a pair in the final.
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Race 1
7-Arduous – failed to respond to class relief at Yonkers & hindered by outside posts, drops even further & switches to Tetrick
1-Blue Claw – has had a long meet going just 2 for 25, but his last two at this level have hinted of an overdue win & this is a prime spot
9-High Noon – suddenly dictated a rated pace & faded late in :28.4 as the beaten favorite, may outclass this bunch, but post 9 & his lack of stamina is a concern
5-Evening Job – only 1 for 20 in 2012, but really woke up with a gutsy grind to just miss an upset, a similar effort does the job here
Race 2
7-Time To Roll – brother to Rockin Image was an impressive NA Cup runner-up, didn’t belong on the lead after missing three weeks two starts back, then had no shot in the Pace final
6-Rollnlikeabigshot – arrives off his first career loss after a fierce battle in :27.2, gelding with plenty of upside picks up Ron Pierce
1-Shakerattlenrock – third foal out of 2004 Sweetheart winner Fox Valley Shaker lands the pole off the mile of his life, a perfect prep for this
3-Verdad – decisive winner in the Reynolds, caught first over in a :27.3 third quarter as the beaten favorite, finds an ideal stalking spot
Race 3
3-Check Me Out – rated number one on the road to the Hambletonian until last week when she effortlessly reeled off a world record, becomes the richest trotting filly of all-time by winning this final
7-For A Dancer – Queen of NYSS & Empire Breeders Classic winner wisely freshened up with a perfect six-for-six this season
2-Holier Than Thou – draws inside off a shocking lifetime best in the PA All-Stars, retains Gingras, Jonas Czernyson pulled a huge Oaks upset in 2005 and was second at 82-1 with Resortful in 2007
4-Superstar Hanover – had a perfect trip in Check Me Out’s world record & faded to fifth, but bounced back with an easy win in PASS for Takter
Race 4
3-Maven – gave Check Me Out a big scare when she was nosed out in the Elegantimage Mohawk track record, aired it out in her last two
4-Win Missy B – runner-up in Check Me Out’s world record De Miller owns dangerous speed & faces a marquee match-up
1-Personal Style – NJJS champion from post 10 followed Win Missy B in the Del Miller, plays the opportunist role with her big kick
7-Real Babe – chased stablemate Check Me Out in the Hudson & emerged from a shuffle at Pocono, steady filly going in the right direction
Race 5
4-Uncle Peter – Jimmy Takter’s top gun has bounced back nicely from his Beal debacle with a lifetime best 1:52.3, then a well controlled Dancer division with a wrapped up :27.3, number one rated colt figures to get tested in this competitive elimination
1-Banker Volo – his first career loss was a noteworthy, locked-in second behind Uncle Peter & an ideal acclimating mile, previous win at Pocono was impressive, moves inside & switches to the Buckeye
5-Magic Tonight – shattered the track record at The Meadows with a 1:52.4 clocking on June 30, need his last start at Pocono after missing three weeks, possibly Noel Daley’s best shot at a Hambletonian repeat
2-Possess The Will – 2011 Dan Patch Award winner & leading money winner among freshmen colts, sickness delayed his comeback, two tighteners, an improved post & comes off Lasix
Race 6
4-Beer Summit – many will say he was lucky to trip out in the Goodtimes Final in 1:52.2 at Mohawk where there was lots of traffic, Noel Daley admitted he’s best from off the pace & needed his last start after missing a month due to sickness, Broad Bahn revisted?
7-Riccolo – Illinois sensation sold to Norwegian interests, switched to Trond Smedshammer & was allowed to steal an easy prep here to go 9-for-9 this season, let’s see him take control & get a stiffer test for class
2-Stormin Normand – 1:51.4 Beal elimination winner held off perfect trip sitter Lightning Storm in PASS, like stablemate Possess The Will comes off Lasix, draws well in tough elimination
3-Guccio – NJSS Final runner-up closed well to finish second to the same stablemate Little Brown Fox in fastest Dancer division, Jimmy Takter has had time to tinker with him further
Race 7
8-Rockaround Sue – did well in sires stakes, third from post 10 in the final, pumped up her confidence with back-to-back lifetime marks at Harrah’s Philadelphia
6-Blackjack Princess – chased the Mistletoe Shalee champ Major Look in a Geers stakes record 1:49.3 at Tioga Downs, big chance to shine with aggressive Dube handling
1-Sarandon Blue Chip – broke again after missing three weeks, romped in the sires stake final & owns a ton of upside with only six starts
4-Pirouette Hanover – qualified back with :26.4 vigor, looks to rebound off a rare break from an inside post
Race 8
9-Little Brown Fox – NJSS champ reeled off an eye-catching 1:51.2 Dancer division pretty much on his own, figures to get more severely tested in another strong elimination from post 9
7-Archangel – New York State star & Yonkers Trot winner arrives on a seven-race winning streak, with stakes & track records to his credit, looks to prove himself on the mile track
6-Market Share – beaten favorite in both finals of the NJSS & Goodtimes, closed well chasing a well-rated Riccolo, time to step up
5-Solvato – outsprinted Top Billing in a PASS division back on May 18, off another strong rally, a consistent stalker gives Trond Smedshammer another solid shot
Race 9
10-Alexie Mattosie – Presidential & Haughton winner last year freshened with a couple of months off, won the qualifier over Risk Management, returns at a reduced level
2-Oscar Oscar – was his usual aggressive self despite missing a couple of weeks & finished a strong second, draws well again after a long, productive 10 for 20 season
4-Big Bam Ray – twice beaten favorite squandered a perfect trip behind Oscar Oscar & company, can bounce back with Bionic Man
3-Melvyn – stone closer unleashed a :26.4 to end a long drought at Mohawk two starts back, seems well spotted back here & loves this track
Race 10
4-Hurrikane Kingcole – 1:48.4 world record setter in his Hempt elimination, 1:47.3 Pace consolation winner, back to familiar ground after opting out of the Adios for this easier assignment
1-Panther Hanover – interesting shipper from the Big Jim connections, a perfect four-for-four at Mohawk this season & steps into deeper waters
6-Simply Business – finished a close third to Sweet Lou in his Pace elimination first time Lasix, then had no chance in the final, might be at the mercy of the pace again
2-Brent Montana – finally started to flash his potential when Dave Palone sent him down the road on Pace night in 1:49.3, still has to prove himself at the stakes level
Race 11
5-Veal Marsala – thought he was a tad disappointing with a cover trip off a fast pace, grinded gamely to just miss before that & goes back to Pierce
3-Ideal Matters – was so much better than that bottom level field he swooped them despite an early break, builds on that in a stronger field
7-The Pokester – shows lively recent form in Pennsylvania, gets some class relief here for Ron Burke
10-Keep Going – was absolutely seared through a 1:21.3 three quarters last week, tries this lower level again & owns a big kick
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Race 1
8-Talbotcreek Jewely – has bounced back from breaks with some better efforts this month, tracked the favorite Quit Smoking Now as a pretty solid runner-up, fresh threat continues progress
5-Chilitodayhotamale – the sister to Likeabatoutahell ($783,318) has picked up her game on Lasix, comes off a tough nose loss with a perfect trip & goes back to Dave Miller
6-Kenda – take note of this steady mare’s second to One in a Million in her last start here, strong runner-up at Harrah’s Philadelphia last out
Race 2
1A-Captain Treacherous - $250,000 yearling out a sister to Worldly Beauty ($1,900,255) paced home in :53.4 & :26.1 from a near impossible spot off some impressive qualifiers
4-Rockin Amadeus – brother to Rockin Image, Grams Legacy & Time To Roll has flashed brilliant speed in his baby races for Jimmy Takter
1-Rocknmyjeans - $52,000 Harrisburg buy sprinted home with stablemate Captain Treacherous in :26.4 in his second trial, yet another Tony Alagna trainee who could be anything
7-Emeritus Maximus - $20,000 yearling out of a sister to I Fought Dalaw, twice chased stablemate Captain Treacherous, was blocked when the sprinting started in his sires stakes debut
Race 3
2-Find The Magic - $17,000 yearling out a sister to Hambletonian winner Amigo Hall, has found a way to go two-for-two here by overcoming tough trips & draws inside
4-To Dream On - $200,000 Harrisburg yearling out a sister to Pampered Princess ($1,648,362) has been picture perfect, yet was under urging in :30.1 in the Reynolds when she reeled off a :27.2 third quarter
6-Dewey Lane – beaten by a good one in Miss Steele in the Simpson, fresh off a 1:56.4 romp in the Tompkins at Tioga Downs
Race 4
3-Raring To Go S – Swedish bred filly finished an inspiring second to a well rated True Day Dream in her Tompkins debut at Tioga Downs for reputable filly trainer Jonas Czernyson
8-Miss Steele - $22,000 yearling put up a good fight with To Dream On in the Reynolds, then was nosed out in sires stakes or she would be three-for-three, tough draw in a competitive split
4-Royal Assets - $45,000 Harrisburg yearling sister to Take My Picture ($597,011), fresh off an easy win in PASS at The Meadows, almost went all the way in the PA All-Stars, main speed threat here
Race 5
2-Major Athens – reeled off the fastest of his group the PA All-Stars, followed up that 1:56 romp at Pocono with another easy 1:56.1 in PASS at The Meadows & lands the pole here
7-My Man Can - $32,000 yearling brother to 2011 Hambletonian finalist in Whit, won both qualifiers with plenty for Team Orange Crush & merits strong attention despite post 8
6-Aperfectyankee - $55,000 yearling cruised to a Tompkins stakes record of 1:56.4 at Tioga Downs, kicked home in :27.2 here in the Reynolds before that
Race 6
2-Anders Bluestone – continues to pile up the wins & money on the Pennsylvania circuit, fought off the favorite Sevruga & just a fifth off his lifetime mark last out
7-Winning Mister – expected to bounce back from a rare miscue in the Maple Leaf Trot, tough loss in the Cutler Final, can assert himself with his controlling speed
10-Sevruga – has blossomed into an Open winner for Team Orange Crush this season, took a new mark of 1:52 in his last start here, second time Lasix, tough post in a strong field
Race 7
3-Bettor B Lucky – draws well off a solid third in the Mistletoe Shalee against two standout fillies with pace at both ends, she’s rounded into form for Ron Burke
7-Dragon Princess – kicked home in :55.4 & :27.1 for the 16-1 upset last week, tough to leave out despite the move outside
6-Rockin Belle – was used pretty hard from post 8, fresh claim goes second time Lasix
Race 8
2-Show Ticket – prepped well for his first win & employed an effective brush n crush in the Tompkins at Tioga, lands inside & Charlie Norris hands the lines to Brian Sears
7-Semper Fit – Hochstetler homebred is a brother to millionaire American Lane, stayed flat & jogged in his last three of four miles at Vernon Downs, he could be anything
9-High Bridge - $35,000 yearling finished well to win both stakes in Pennsylvania for Jimmy Takter, will need to tap into his upside from post 10 in a strong elimination
Race 9
7-Scary Good – followed up a 1:54.4 lifetime best with a close third in PASS at Pocono, 3yo has cycled forward & picks up Tim Tetrick
10-Ellen’s Isle – bounced back from breaks in four of her last five by stepping away from an easier class, mare has the winning habit & some back class
1-South Jersey Flash – came right back off a career best 1:54.3 with a 34-1 shocker in his Big M debut, while doubling in price, fresh threat rewarded with the rail
Race 10
2-Nikki Beach – $90,000 yearling jogged away from stablemate Acquavella in the Reynolds, then won a sharp sprint in :26.3, could get more severely tested in this competitive Prep
6-Mistresstothestars – $25,000 Harrisburg buy is a sister to Home Bed Advantage ($573,910), held off UF Dragon’s Queen in PASS at The Meadows with a :55.4 back half, seems versatile
7-Odds On Alpha – Odds On homebred was impressive enough in the Simpson, forgive her Reynolds miscue, could go back to the top here
Race 11
8-Modern Family – raced well for some shares against top flight 3yos in his last two, knows this track well & we haven’t seen his best yet
10-Broadway Rocks – late-blooming 4yo followed up his career best romp here with another easy score, his seventh in ten starts, tough to go against despite post 10
5-War Cry Hall – seems to have regained his form against some salty stakes company in New York, look for him to be forwardly placed for Gingras & Burke
Race 12
2-Keystone Activator – looks like Tyler Raymer has this one going in the right direction, gets some class relief, reunited with Brian Sears, and draws inside a field filled with question marks
6-Aisling – beaten favorite drops further after trying to overcome a tough trip, appears to have too much class for these, yet slow starts have proven costly
5-Mr Caviar – went offstride again at Pocono off a sick scratch, drops back to a winning level & owns tactical speed
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(issued July 23)
The long and winding road to the $1.5 million Hambletonian, Saturday, August 4, is coming down to the wire with eliminations this Saturday, July 28. We have followed the top contenders and rated their performances on the stakes trail as harness racing’s greatest day approaches. The Winterbook Top 10 grew to a list of about 30 prospects at one point. After sitting at number one throughout the entire process, trainer Ray Schnittker decided the filly Check Me Out will now race in the Oaks. So, for the first time we have a new leader in Uncle Peter, among those in the Top 10 who have continued to win and impress. This year’s Hambletonian looks wide open, and a key theme is strength in numbers with multi-horse contingents from Jimmy Takter, Noel Daley, Jim Campbell, Julie Miller and Trond Smedshammer. After sweeping both Stanley Dancer Memorial divisions, Takter trainees rank 1-2 and the Hall of Famer has three in the Top 10.
1-Uncle Peter – Goes into the eliminations fresh off a perfect prep, a well controlled 1:53.1 score in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division with Ron Pierce as the 2-5 favorite. Pierce said it was “a piece of cake” for the son of Cantab Hall. This followed a career best of 1:52.3 in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs. Last year’s Breeders Crown upsetter heads a powerful Jimmy Takter battalion, which includes Little Brown Fox, Guccio and Weingartner.
2-Little Brown Fox – The Muscles Yankee colt pulled a 23-1 Stanley Dancer Memorial division shocker in a sharp 1:51.2 with Yannick Gingras. Gingras said, “He was very impressive.” The Muscles Yankee colt beat his Jimmy Takter stablemate Guccio. He also won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3.
3-Stormin Normand – Enters the eliminations off a win in a division of PASS at Pocono by a nose in 1:52.4. The son of Broadway Hall finished a solid second in the Yonkers Trot after a second (timed in 1:51) to Googoo Gaagaa in the world record (1:50.4) Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He also won his Beal elimination in 1:51.4. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (trainer Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two, and comes off Lasix.
4-Magic Tonight – Comes in on a high trend, finishing second (timed in 1:53.4), beaten a half length by My MVP, in PASS at Pocono Downs on July 14 after missing three weeks. Bounced back after fading to seventh from the rail in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He shattered The Meadows track record with a 1:52.4 score in PASS and gives Noel Daley (Broad Bahn) a serious shot at a Hambletonion repeat.
5-Possess The Will – The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner comes off his second tightener, made a first over bid and finished third in the fastest (1:51.2) Dancer division. The Donato Hanover colt was second in a Reynolds division in his 2012 debut. Sickness had delayed his comeback and trainer Jim Campbell looks for him to be fresh and sharp going into the Hambletonian. He was the top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters. Both Jim Campbell trained colts would be coming off Lasix, which is not allowed in the Hambletonian.
6-Beer Summit – Missed 28 days due to sickness, then set most of the pace and tired to fourth in PASS at Pocono Downs on July 14. The stablemate to Magic Tonight posted a perfect trip upset ($19.20) in the Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley, equaling the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2. Daley noted the son of Cantab Hall is best as a stalking threat.
7-Riccolo – The Illinois bred gelding by Northern Kid made it a perfect nine-for-nine in 2012 with an easy wire-to-wire Big M debut in 1:54.3. He was recently sold to Norwegian interests and was making his first start for Trond Smedshammer. He won his first eight starts this season at Balmoral Park, and his latest there was a lifetime best of 1:54.2. Swedish driving ace Olle Goop has been asked to drive him if he makes the Hambletonian.
8-Archangel – Made it seven in a row with a Tompkins Memorial stakes record of 1:54.3 at Tioga Downs on July 21. He went wire-to-wire in the Yonkers Trot in 1:54.1 when the heavy favorite Googoo Gaagaa broke stride twice. This Credit Winner colt broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 for trainer Peter Arrigenna. He will be making his mile track debut.
9-Guccio – This Yankee Glide colt is going in the right direction to complete the Top 10 trio for Jimmy Takter. He rallied for second (timed in 1:52) behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the fastest (1:51.2) Dancer division despite having issues getting a hold of the track. He also finished second to Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final.
10-Market Share – Stormed home in :27.3 in a Three Year Old Open on July 21 after finishing third in the Yonkers Trot. The son of Revenue S was a fast-closing fifth as the beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final, and won his elimination in 1:53.2. The stablemate to world champion four-year-old Chapter Seven was also the beaten favorite (third) in the NJSS Final, and won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano.
Other Contenders
Banker Volo – The Erv Miller (Manofmanymissions) trainee was a locked-in second behind Uncle Peter in his Dancer division with Jim Morrill, Jr., who’s also been driving Archangel. Unraced at two, the son of Yankee Glide came bursting on the scene winning his first four starts, including an impressive 1:52.3 blowout at Pocono Downs.
Solvato – Stablemate to Trond Smedshammer newcomer Riccolo finished a hard-charging third, beaten a neck in PASS at Pocono Downs after a third to Uncle Peter in the PA All-Stars. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, who said he’s fast enough, still fresh and a trip horse just like Windsong’s Legacy.
My MVP – Goes into the eliminations off a win his division of PASS at Pocono Downs in a career best 1:53.4 on July 14 with Mike Lachance after a second to Uncle Peter in the PA Allstars. The son of Cantab Hall, trained by Tony Alagna, also won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato.
Delano – Heads into the eliminations off his third straight NYSS win and fourth this season, scoring a half-length decision in 1:55 at Vernon Downs for Ray Schnittker. The son of Credit Winner went wire-to-wire in a NYSS division at Yonkers in 1:56.4 on July 3. He also won a NYSS division in a Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:56.3 on June 17. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs.
Knows Nothing – Rallied from well off the pace to win the Canadian Breeders Championship in 1:54.3 on July 21 at Mohawk despite missing 35 days. Unraced at two, he finished a strong fourth in the Goodtimes Final. He won his first starts, including a Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra enters the Canadian Hall of Fame in August. Jamieson and Gillis finished ninth in the 2009 Hambletonian with Federal Flex.
Lightning Storm – Comes into the eliminations on a high note off a second (1:52.4) by a nose to Stormin Normand in PASS at Pocono Downs. The son of Donato Hanover was third to Money On My Mind in the Reynolds Stakes at the Big M, and kicked off 2012 with back-to-back wins of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4. The Peter Haughton elimination winner at two is trained by Jonas Czernyson, who has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions.
Appomattox – Grinded first over and finished a solid third behind Uncle Peter in a Dancer division with Tim Tetrick driving. Finished second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M for trainer Frank Antonacci, who was second in the 2008 Hambletonian with Crazed
Weingartner – Last year’s Peter Haughton Memorial upsetter returned from a P-1 fracture. The son of Donato Hanover finished third in a Three Year Old Open on July 21 after winning a qualifier on July 12 in 1:55 for Jimmy Takter, who said he’s coming back better than expected.
Money On My Mind – Perhaps the best hope for Andy and Julie Miller. Beaten seven lengths, finished fourth (timed in 1:52.4) in the fastest Dancer division following a well rated wire-to-wire win in the Reynolds Stakes in 1:53.3. The son of Cantab Hall was a distant second in Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows back on May 30.
Top Billing – Comes into the eliminations off a top effort, a gutsy first over win by a nose in PASS at Pocono Downs in 1:53.4 with Tyler Buter driving. The son of Andover Hall was the Spring Survivor winner at the Big M for Andy & Julie Miller.
One In A Million – Rebounded from a break in the second Dancer division by going wire-to-wire in a standout qualifier on July 21 [:26., :54.2, 1:23.1, 1:53] with Brian Sears. Son of Donato Hanover dominated an overnight in a career best of 1:53.3 on July 6. Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians.
Coraggioso – Cruised in a Tompkins Memorial division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.3 on July 21 and has now banked over $200,000 this season. Finished second as the beaten favorite in NYSS at Vernon Downs on July 11. Went all the way from post seven in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3 in 1:56. Cruised to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the Historic at Tioga. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga in 1:55.4.
Prestidigitator – This son of Kadabra broke and finished ninth in the Canadian Breeders Championship on July 21 at Mohawk after winning his elimination in 1:54.3. Romped in an OSS Gold Final in 1:54 at Georgian Downs on July 7 with Sylvain Fillion driving after grinding out an elimination in 1:55.2. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Vic Smith – Disappointed again, making breaks and finished seventh in the first Dancer division after an inspiring qualifier (timed in 1:54.3) behind Invitational trotter Hot Shot Blue Chip. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final on June 2. The son of Yankee Glide won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller.
From Above – Faded to sixth behind Riccolo in a Three Year Old Open on July 21 after finishing fourth behind Uncle Peter in a Dancer division. The Donato Hanover colt has offered some encouraging qualifiers, but hasn’t quite measured up to the top colts yet. Trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) was expecting big things from this son of Donato Hanover, who won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two.
Flyhawk Jester – Won a qualifier at Vernon Downs on July 20 in 1:58.2 after being scratched sick out of a NYSS division there. Recently switched to trainer Tracy Brainard and finished a well beaten fourth in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3. Fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. The son of RC Royalty also posted a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs.
Gym Tan Laundry – Remains winless in eight starts this season. Finished a nonthreatening fourth behind Riccolo in a Three Year Old Open on July 21 after a seventh to Little Brown Fox in a Dancer division. Those two starts came after 28 days off. The son of Yankee Glide set a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising solid third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length for trainer Noel Daley.
Big Chocolate – Broke for the third time in his last four starts, faltering in a Dancer division right after winning an overnight at Vernon Downs on July 4 in 1:55.2 for Homer Hochstetler. The son of Chocolatier won a division of NJSS in 1:54.3.
American Gangster – Finished fourth in an overnight at Pocono Downs on July 20 after fading to fifth in the stallion series there. The son of Andover Hall made breaks in his first two starts of the year. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
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Race 1
3-Jersey Rebel - $77,000 Harrisburg purchase won his first two in handy fashion, then chased a standout in Donyouforgetit at Pocono, progresses from the inside
8-Spider Blue Chip – $60,000 yearling out of 2004 NJSS champion Southwind Catlin aired it out in his third qualifier after a miscue, challenging draw
9-Ergo Hanover - $75,000 buy added trotting hopples, romped in the qualifier here, then followed a two-for-two stablemate in PASS at The Meadows, top flight connections
Race 2
6-Ideal Ginny - $35,000 buy, sister to a couple of half million dollar winners kicked home in :26.2 in her opener chasing the standout Nikki Beach
8-Miss Lauren – rightly took all the tote action & raced well in her sires stakes debut here off the sharp 1:54.3 score at Georgian Downs, a serious Casie Coleman filly to deal with from a more difficult post
3-Beach Treasure - $19,000 yearling sister to Eagle Way ($589,648) & out of a sister to Shadow Play ($1,549,881), twice beaten favorite flashing :26.4 speed, stretches out on the mile track
Race 3
5-Sturdy Muscles – came charging hard to score decisively in the Reynolds, hit the board from a tough spot in sires stakes
6-Frau Blucher - $21,000 yearling shows a gutsy win in PA All-Stars, then wired them in PASS & picks up Brian Sears
1-Heavenly Chocolate - $17,000 yearling simply cruised around the track in her lone baby race, part of a promising entry for Jonas Czernyson
Race 4
1-Shared Past - $130,000 sister to world champion Dejarmbro & out of a sister to Manofmanymissions, :27.3 in the qualifier, then an impossible position from post 9
3-Fashion Athena – Fashion Farms homebred added trotting hopples & kicked home a winner in PA All-Stars in 1:55.1, draws well again & reunited with Tetrick
7-True Day Dream – $3,700 yearling had to deal with To Dream On in her first two, then wired them at Tioga Downs, main speed in this division
Race 5
5-Bizzaro Lindy - $30,000 yearling scored as the favorite in his Excelsior Series debut at Vernon Downs, steadily progressing for Antonacci
2-Bluto - $45,000 yearling out of Oaks champion Blur was well rated to upset by Takter after the favorite broke in her PASS opener
4-Team Zordin - $23,000 Harrisburg buy showed gradual improvement in the morning trials & showed up in his sires stakes debut for Burke
Race 6
4-I’ve Got The Power – rallied prematurely last out & just missed despite a tough trip from post 10 before that
2-Myra’s Hiho – drops slightly from 15 to 10 in strong form since the claim by Rene Allard, draws inside & retains Brian Sears
1-Docdor Laughing – tripped out with the mile of his life two weeks ago, in line for another ideal stalking trip
Race 7
11-Cedar Dove – Dan Patch Award winner couldn’t quite get to a well-rated Tui with trot at both ends in a much needed start, huge threat despite second tier
1-China Pearls – 2011 O’Brien Award winner & OSS star was allowed to steal away in the first leg & rewarded with the pole off that career best
4-Tui – controlled a rated pace & gamely staved off late two-pronged pressure, looks to stay on her game from an improved post
Race 8
5-Sailer Eddie - $50,000 yearling from a strong maternal line, fresh from a decisive wire-to-wire in the PA Sires Stallion Series at The Meadows
4-Whole Lotta Nasty - $55,000 yearling has progressed over four different tracks, a couple of solid seconds in Pennsylvania
6-Boy Of Mine - $20,000 yearling improved enough in his third qualifier to rate contender status in this wide-open division
Race 9
3-Rockturnal - $37,000 yearling, Mohawk shipper broke her maiden at second asking there, then got parked, lands in a prime spot here
8-Persuasive Hanover - $1,200 NJ Classic yearling couldn’t get to a well-rated winner as the beaten favorite, sharp maiden breaking win before that
9-Momma Rock – capitalized on a perfect second over trip to score the upset, Nifty Norman trainee with some upside deals with another outside post
Race 10
5-Whata Donato – settled down in her latest qualifier to post a handy score at Harrah’s Philadelphia, goes back to Tetrick obviously looking to avoid another miscue
3-True Valentine – Brittany Farms bred filly typically prepped perfectly by Jimmy Takter, dictated her owns terms in PASS at The Meadows & stands out here
7-Drink The Wine - $50,000 Harrisburg buy took full command of her second baby race for Nifty Norman, bright prospect despite the demanding draw
Race 11
3-Western Tsunami – just 1 for 16 in 2012, knocking on the door recently against weaker stock at Vernon Downs, owns some back class, high percentage barn
6-Trouble Hanover – weaved through traffic & was raging after the favorite in :27.1, sets him up for a winning rally here
4-Finance The Master – used a bit too hard from a tougher post last week, beaten favorite before that, look for him in stalking mode
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Race 1
6-Great Vintage – finished a game second to Pace runner up Pet Rock two starts back, significant class drop here
4-Eagle Jolt – has been more effective on the smaller tracks, rated & faded in the Tioga Open, gets needed class relief, but the question his stamina
7-Scotty Mach N – has displayed some improvement recently at Harrah’s Philadelphia, stalker drops with several others in here
1-Keep Going – just 1 for 21 this season, but really picked up his game with sudden speed & a strong second from post 9
Race 2
10-Hot Art – followed up a tough nose loss with another rousing second as the beaten favorite, rates highly in a wide open field despite post 10
4-Eight Ten EOM – was parked the mile from post 10 & had to settle for third, finally moves inside with a chance to steal this
5-Doc Telladay – no factor in his initial trip around the track, displayed :26.3 speed in the qualifier & hails from top notch connections
2-Legal Dream – improving Dream Away colt got involved in a fast pace & held on for third, builds on that from an inside post
Race 3
3-Four Starz Louie – had a bit of sneaky late pace last out, acclimated now & drops to the bottom rung
1-Rockstar Temper – just missed with a :26.4 three starts back, hits rock bottom & moves inside
4-Brandon’s Colt – only 1 for 19 this season, but shows a close second from post 10 back on June 2 & lands in a softer spot
5-Frog Juice – just 1 for 21 in 2012, consistently sitting last with little chance, but owns a wicked kick when right
Race 4
6-Market Share – beaten favorite in both finals of the NJSS & Goodtimes, no chance in the latter event, just okay third in the Yonkers Trot, time to step up before the big dance
5-Riccolo – Illinois sensation a perfect eight-for-eight at Balmoral Park, sold to Norwegian interests & now with Trond Smedshammer, looks for an ideal Hambletonian prep
7-Weingartner – Peter Haughton Memorial upsetter sidelined by a P-1 fracture, qualified handily Takter, who’s excited about his prospects, but time is running out
2-Gym Tan Laundry – take note of his solid effort to almost go all the way in the Goodtimes Final at 161-1, needed his last start after 28 days off & likely looks for another tune-up mile
Race 5
6-McClelland – 1:49.4 winner here drops after getting roughed up at Pocono & needed that race after missing three weeks with an injury
2-Intheblinkofaneye – was driven perfectly by Randy Waples & just missed to a drop down shipper, big threat as always from post two again
1-Western Trademark – moves to the rail off a strong effort from post 10 & remains at his most effective level
3-Fitz’s Z Tam – steady sub 1:50 performer recently switched to Ron Burke, struggling in Opens at Yonkers & finds an ideal class here
Race 6
1-Bullet Bob – runner-up to Verdad in the Reynolds just missed with wicked pace at both ends & knows how to win here
5-Verdad – Reynolds Stakes winner on June 30 returns to the mile track where he can respond to aggressive handling
7-Cold Hearted Shark – Team Teague trainee has his groove back with three in a row & fresh off a lifetime best at Harrah’s Philadelphia
2-Shakerattlenrock – was left in the wake of 1:47.3 Pace consolation devastation, lands in a more suitable spot on the improve
Race 7
3-Big Bam Ray – typically closed from a tough spot to hit the wire a neck shy at Tioga Downs, reeled off a career best 1:49.4 here before that
9-Panesthetic – tried to bottom out the field with another sharp third quarter & barely outsprinted by Hypnotic Blue Chip, gets a bit of class relief here
1-Oscar Oscar – Oscar has shown up almost every Saturday night to the tune of 10 wins this season, drops off the sick scratch, tough to gauge
8-Grams Legacy – displayed his lethal late kick in his second try off the sick scratch, Takter 4yo has some upside
Race 8
8-Major Bombay – started to get in gear in NYSS before adding Lasix & an early miscue proved costly as the beaten favorite
7-Rockweiller – patiently handled to a runner-up spot behind a runaway Brent Montana, looks like a prime time player in here
9-Evergreen Power – exploded off a hot pace to live up to plenty of tote action in his Mark Harder debut here, more demanding nonwinners of 3 here
2-Arts Ideal Hanover – bounced back with a speedy qualifier for Takter, lightly-raced gelding with some upside
Race 9
5-High Noon – was left with too much to do from post 8, last year’s NJSS champion & NJ Classic runner-up can crush these on his best day
6-Windfall Blue Chip – steamrolled out of there from post 9 & lacked any serious kick, this is an ideal spot where he can show his class, stalk n pop
2-Blue Claw – emerged from a shuffle with another small share, flashing pace at both ends, rates higher in this camera-shy field
7-Jin Dandy – thought he might be sitting on a big effort last week & lagged too far back, could be at the mercy of the pace again
Race 10
7-Too Much Pepper – followed up that surprisingly good lifetime best of 1:51.2 with a solid second to Da Vision Of Art, his form spree continues with a chance to outkick the favorite
2-Da Vision Of Art – promptly stepped out to the mile of his life fresh off the Casie Coleman claim & logically looms large again
8-Veal Marsala – takes on a claiming tag off a super first over second from post 10 for the red-hot Rene Allard
5-Art’s Jimmy Ray – got caught first over into a searing pace carved out by Da Vision Of Art & banks on that one faltering
Race 11
2-Blade Runner – flashed some signs of late life in an improved effort last time, ideally plays a stalking role again here
1-CR Fixed Asset – just 1 for his last 44, but hit the board in two of his last three & lands the pole again in a blank field
3-Aintnofoolsgold – 0 for 14 in 2012, yet ships in off some competitive miles at Harrah’s Philadelphia
5-Party For Two – 0 for his last 49, however picked up back-to-back fourth-place checks in his last two, so must be used in the Super High Five
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Race 1
1-Classic Rock – nothing too exciting so far, but steady improvement from this $40,000 Rocknroll Hanover filly out of a sister to Bettor’s Delight, No Pan Intended & Roll With Joe, respect the connections
3-Authorize – Brittany Farms bred filly out of a sister to Artiscape, runner-up to a razor sharp Shebestingin in the Reynolds, forgive the miscue last out
5-Wild World – shows a some respectable miles in the PA All-Stars & Stallion Series in Pennsylvania & kicked home nicely on the mile track at Gaitway
Race 2
6-Captaintreacherous - $250,000 yearling out of a sister to World Beauty, impressive in all three trials, staved off a fierce challenge in :26.4, Somebeachsomewhere is off to a flying start as a sire, with the likes of Sir Richard Z Tam, 1:51.4 & Santa Fe Beach, 1:52
4-Odds On Equuleus – loved the way he finished his qualifiers here, left behind Captain Treacherous in the latest, hails from a strong maternal line that includes She’s A Great Lady
1-Bigrisk – the $450,000 brother to Rock N Roll Heaven has gradually progressed, responded to more aggressive handling in the Reynolds
Race 3
4-Nikki Beach - $90,000 yearling unfurled an eye-catching opener in the Reynolds, Tony Alagna babies are hitting on all cylinders
6-Ideal A Little - $14,000 White Birch Farm yearling was a game, uncovered third from post 9, still paced home in :27.2 chasing a sharp Somebodythatiustono
7-Ideal Ginny - $35,000 yearling from a rock solid maternal line, kicked home in a noteworthy :26.3 in her lone Erv Miller qualifier
Race 4
6-Quit Smoking Now – $75,000 yearling out of a sister to Deweycheatumnhowe, intriguing part of the Team Orange Crush Hambletonian contingent, returns to the mile track off a no-chance mile
in tougher PASS
7-Power Play – dropped back to nonwinners of two & was able to dominate, chance to flaunt more of his purple pedigree
4-Talbotcreek Jewely – won a division of sires stakes in convincing style before consecutive breaks, showed speed in her comeback at Mohawk
Race 5
6-Sarandon Blue Chip – big, strong filly out of a Breeders Crown champion, crushed them in the sires stakes final, stands out here for Casie Coleman despite the miscue in the Lynch & three-week layoff
2-Babe Per View – won her last start here in emphatic style from the same post, returns to the Big M off a no-chance mile three weeks ago at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Gingras & Burke
8-Rockin Belle – turned in some competitive on-the-board finishes in sires stakes, has missed 26 days & lands outside, but owns effective speed & the Rene Allard barn is red-hot
Race 6
2-Odds On Aventure – relentless filly who is 8 for 22 this season, was used pretty hard in her latest at Pocono & just missed here before that
5-Four Starz Roe – came back off a sick scratch & won the qualifier with a sharp :26.3, a fresh threat on the class drop
6-Billie Bluechip – obviously prefers this track & gets along with Sears judging by her win & second last week as the beaten favorite
Race 7
8-Marcus Bi – his lone win this season came in the Horse & Groom, turned in a solid effort fresh off the bench
9-Upfrontstrikesgold – shows a dominant win & gutsy second at this level from outside posts before the early miscue last week
4-Massive Drama – her 1 for 30 record is a major knock, but she just missed a huge upset in the Paul Doherty, had excuses in her last two & drops
Race 8
8-Princess McArdle N – plummets to the bottom rung ($20 under the cap), goes second time Lasix & tackles a camera-shy bunch
1-Ms Bettys Hope – stone closer gets the class & post relief she needs to make her a major contender
6-Joyfuljoy N – used hard on a pressured lead & held for the show spot, just 1 for 16 this year & missed 22 days, but remains at a reduced level
Race 9
8-Bank President – won two in a row & lowered his mark to 1:53.3, then got stung from post 9, veteran has the winning habit & hails from a hot barn
2-In Focus – opened up confidently, tried to bottom them out & weakened late as the beaten favorite, $3,573 shy of $1 million, still at the reduced level & draws inside again
10-Aisling – can’t dismiss this Casie Coleman trainee dropping significantly with a rock solid record despite post 10
Race 10
8-Nothing But Class - $65,000 brother to Pampered Princess flashed some talent breaking his maiden in a PA All-Stars event for Takter, who could be adding to his Hambletonian battalion
9-Sassy Syrinx – promising filly has come back in fine form off the sick scratch & on Lasix, faces a stiffer test off her first win
1-Hope And Love – has been much better with trotting hopples, forced into a wide rally to hit the board & moves inside
Race 11
2-Gray Olives – logically figures with the slight class drop & inside draw on the comeback trail, plus she owns a win here
6-Fancy Pants Sandy – returns to the mile track, dropping into a real soft spot & owns some speed to get involved
9-Golden Fizz – rallied from a pretty tough spot to pull that upset at Ocean Downs two starts back, needed to acclimate, could surprise if the pace is hot
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(issued July 16)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are only a week from July 21. The top contenders have been rated by their performances on the stakes trail as harness racing’s greatest day approaches. The Winterbook Top 10 grew to a list of about 30 prospects. A few new faces have emerged, some have been stayed away from the Big M spotlight with a lot to prove, and time is running out on those who have started late. For the most part, the upper echelon has stayed the same, and those in the Top 10 have continued to win and impress. The Stanley Dancer Memorial is in, it was a Jimmy Takter sweep, and we were able to get a better read on the colts in the last major prep. However, while the result of the Del Miller Memorial made us look good, several key questions remain.
1-Check Me Out – Fresh from her easy win in the Hudson Filly Trot, last year’s Dan Patch Award winning filly unleashed a devastating 1:51.3 world record romp in the Del Miller Memorial. The outstanding daughter of Donato Hanover made it five in a row and is now 18 for 21. She set a Mohawk track record of 1:52.1 in the Elegantimage. Tim Tetrick acknowledged she’s never been better and has earned the right to face the colts. Ray Schnittker seemed to be leaning towards the Hambletonian, but needed more time to decide.
2-Uncle Peter – Followed up a career best of 1:52.3 in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs with a well controlled 1:53.1 score in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division with Ron Pierce back in the bike as a the 2-5 favorite. Pierce described the perfect prep as “a piece of cake” for the son of Cantab Hall. The Breeders Crown upsetter at two leads a powerful Jimmy Takter battalion, which includes Little Brown Fox, Guccio and Weingartner.
3-Little Brown Fox – Despite a three-week layoff, the Muscles Yankee colt pulled a 23-1 Stanley Dancer Memorial division shocker in a sharp 1:51.2 with Yannick Gingras. Gingras said, “Around the last turn he was all on his own. He was very impressive.” The Muscles Yankee colt beat his Jimmy Takter stablemate Guccio. He also won the NJSS Final in 1:53.3.
4-Stormin Normand – Won a division of PASS at Pocono by a nose in 1:52.4 with Matt Kakaley driving on July 14. The son of Broadway Hall finished a solid second in the Yonkers Trot after a second (timed in 1:51) to Googoo Gaagaa in the world record (1:50.4) Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He also won his Beal elimination in 1:51.4. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (trainer Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs. He would have to come off Lasix, which is not permitted in the Hambletonian.
5-Magic Tonight – Finished second (timed in 1:53.4), beaten a half length by My MVP, in PASS at Pocono Downs on July 14 after missing three weeks. Michael Vanderkemp was in the bike. Bounced back after fading to seventh from the rail in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He shattered The Meadows track record with a 1:52.4 score in PASS and gives Noel Daley a serious shot at a Hambletonion repeat.
6-Possess The Will – He was tightened further in his second start back with a first over bid and finished third in the faster (1:51.2) Dancer division with Tim Tetrick driving. The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner was second in a Reynolds division in his 2012 debut. Sickness had delayed his comeback and trainer Jim Campbell looks for him to be fresh and sharp going into the Hambletonian. He was the top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters. Like his stablemate Stormin Normand, he has also added Lasix this season, which is not allowed in the Hambletonian.
7-Beer Summit – After missing 28 days, he set most of the pace and tired to fourth in PASS at Pocono Downs on July 14 with Michael Vanderkemp driving. The stablemate to Magic Tonight posted a perfect trip upset ($19.20) in the Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley, equaling the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2.
8-Archangel – Did not race last week after going wire-to-wire in the Yonkers Trot in 1:54.1 when the heavy favorite Googoo Gaagaa broke stride twice. This Credit Winner colt has won six in a row after a second in his sophomore debut. He won a division of NYSS at Buffalo Raceway in 1:57.3 with a flat tire. Broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs for trainer Peter Arrigenna, and won his elimination in 1:53.4.
9-Guccio – Rallied for second (timed in 1:52) behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the fastest (1:51.2) Dancer division with Jimmy Takter in the bike. Takter revealed the son of Yankee Glide was still having trouble getting a hold of the track. The colt rebounded from a break as the heavy favorite in an overnight at the Big M. He also finished second to Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final and romped in a division in 1:55.1.
10-Market Share – Had last week off after finishing third in the Yonkers Trot. The son of Revenue S was a fast-closing fifth as the beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final. He had traffic issues at Mohawk and was beaten only a length (timed in 1:52.3), and won his elimination in 1:53.2. The stablemate to world champion four-year-old Chapter Seven was also the beaten favorite (third) in the NJSS Final, and won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano.
Other Contenders
Banker Volo – Unraced at two, the son of Yankee Glide came bursting on the scene winning his first four starts, including an impressive 1:52.3 blowout at Pocono Downs. The Erv Miller (Manofmanymissions) trainee was a locked-in second behind Uncle Peter in his Dancer division with Jim Morrill, Jr.
My MVP – Won his division of PASS at Pocono Downs in a career best 1:53.4 on July 14 with Mike Lachance. Followed up a second to Uncle Peter in the PA Allstars. The son of Cantab Hall, trained by Tony Alagna, also won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato.
Riccolo – Illinois bred by Northern Kid was sold to Norwegian interests and is now with Trond Smedshammer. He has gone eight-for-eight at Balmoral Park this season for previous trainer Nelson Willis. His latest was a lifetime best of 1:54.2 in the $34,700 Hanover Stake. Swedish driving ace Olle Goop has been asked to drive him if he makes the Hambletonian.
Solvato – Finished a hard-charging third, beaten a neck in PASS at Pocono Downs after a third to Uncle Peter in the PA All-Stars. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer, who said he’s fast enough, still fresh and a trip horse just like Windsong’s Legacy.
Delano – Won his third straight NYSS and fourth this season, scoring a half-length decision in 1:55 at Vernon Downs for Ray Schnittker. The son of Credit Winner went wire-to-wire in a NYSS division at Yonkers in 1:56.4 on July 3. He also won a NYSS division in a Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:56.3 on June 17. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs.
Weingartner – Last year’s Peter Haughton Memorial upsetter has returned from a P-1 fracture and won a qualifier on July 12 in 1:55 for Jimmy Takter, who said he’s coming back better than expected.
Lightning Storm – Finished second (1:52.4) by a nose to Stormin Normand in PASS at Pocono Downs on July 14 with John Campbell. The son of Donato Hanover was coming off a third to Money On My Mind in the Reynolds Stakes at the Big M. Kicked off 2012 with back-to-back wins of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4 at the Big M. The Peter Haughton elimination winner at two is trained by Jonas Czernyson, who has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions.
Money On My Mind – Beaten seven lengths, finished fourth (timed in 1:52.4) in the fastest Dancer division following a well rated wire-to-wire win in the Reynolds Stakes in 1:53.3 for Andy and Julie Miller. The son of Cantab Hall was a distant second in Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows back on May 30.
From Above – Finished fourth behind Uncle Peter in a Dancer division, bouncing back from a break in an overnight. The Donato Hanover colt was no factor as the beaten favorite in his sophomore debut on June 22. His qualifiers have been encouraging and trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) expects big things from this son of Donato Hanover, who won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two.
Vic Smith – Made breaks and finished seventh in the first Dancer division after a second in a qualifier (timed in 1:54.3) behind Invitational trotter Hot Shot Blue Chip. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final on June 2. The son of Yankee Glide won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller.
Coraggioso – Finished second as the beaten favorite in NYSS at Vernon Downs on July 11. Went all the way from post seven in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3 in 1:56. Cruised to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the Historic at Tioga Downs. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4.
One In A Million – Made a break in the second Dancer division after dominated an overnight in a career best of 1:53.3 with Brian Sears in the bike. Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians.
Appomattox – Grinded first over and finished a solid third behind Uncle Peter in a Dancer division with Tim Tetrick driving. Finished second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M for trainer Frank Antonacci.
Prestidigitator – Won his Canadian Breeders Championship elimination in 1:54.3 at Mohawk on July 13. Romped in an OSS Gold Final in 1:54 at Georgian Downs on July 7 with Sylvain Fillion driving after grinding out an elimination in 1:55.2. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Top Billing – Posted a gutsy first over win by a nose in PASS at Pocono Downs in 1:53.4 on July 14 with Tyler Buter driving. The son of Andover Hall was the Spring Survivor winner at the Big M for Andy & Julie Miller, who also have Money On My Mind and Vic Smith.
Gym Tan Laundry – Finished a well beaten seventh behind Little Brown Fox in a Dancer division and remains winless in seven starts this season. He had missed 28 days after setting a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising solid third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length for trainer Noel Daley.
Knows Nothing – Hasn’t raced since finishing a strong fourth in the Goodtimes Final. He Had gone undefeated in five starts, winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra will enter the Canadian Hall of Fame in August.
Flyhawk Jester – Scratched sick out of a NYSS division at Vernon Downs on July 11. Switched to trainer Tracy Brainard and finished a well beaten fourth in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3. Fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. Previously, the son of RC Royalty had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs.
Big Chocolate – Broke for the third time in his last four starts, faltering in a Dancer division. He had regained his winning edge in an overnight at Vernon Downs on July 4 in 1:55.2 for Homer Hochstetler. The son of Chocolatier won a division of NJSS in 1:54.3.
Royal Shyster – Set the pace and faded to fifth in NYSS at Vernon Downs on July 11. Finished third to Delano in a NYSS division on July 3 at Yonkers. NYSS champion at two switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, and was second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M.
American Gangster – Missed two weeks and faded to fifth in the stallion series at Pocono Downs on July 14 with Matt Kakaley. The son of Andover Hall made breaks in his first two starts of the year. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
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4-Doc Telladay – we’ve seen a decent 3yo from 2007 Pace runner-up Tell All’s first crop in Bullet Bob, 1:50.4, it looks like this colt got his act together in the latest qualifier with a :26.3 for Tony Alagna
2-Hot Art – certainly outraced his odds of 35-1 when he stormed home a nose shy in 1:52.1, but now he’s missed three weeks & steps up to nonwinners of two
10-Eight Ten EOM – Marvin Rounick homebred, great pedigree with Glowing Report on the dam side, parked last week in a torrid :53.4, positive signs recently, post ten again
3-Evergreen Power – struggled from three outside posts, freshened up & qualified in nondescript fashion
Race 2
2-Uncle Peter – leading player in the Jimmy Takter battalion bounced back from a break in the Beal with a career best 1:52.3 in the PA All-Stars
7-Banker Volo – very interesting undefeated colt flying under the radar for Manyofmanymissions Man Erv Miller, fresh off a serious 1:52.3 mile over the fast Pocono strip, gets a serious test for class
1-Vic Smith – needs to regroup after a break in the sires stakes final, qualified second to Open class trotter Hot Shot Blue Chip
3-From Above – Grand Circuit winner in 1:54.2 at two disappointed again with an early miscue last week, tries to bounce back for Muscle Hill combo
Race 3
10-Western Trademark – very productive season so far winning 7 of 21, drops back to a competitive level, owns one mighty surge
2-Intheblinkofaneye – looks like to one to beat off a lifetime best crush fresh off the Rene Allard claim
7-Lawgiver Hanover – twice a winner in tough NYSS fresh from a sharp career best 1:52.2 at Yonkers, seems to match up well with these
9-Gaelic Thunder – stepped up to this level off the overdue win & couldn’t quite overcome another tough trip, has definitely cycled around
Race 4
2-Hurrikane Kingcole – reportedly getting over sickness going into the Pace eliminations & just missed qualifying in :26.1, world record 1:48.1 at Pocono is ample evidence of his blinding speed
3-Mel Mara – got over sickness issues in Canada & broke through here in 1:49.1, was just too far back last week to make the big dance
1-Bettor’s Edge – NYSS winner in a lifetime best 1:50.1 at Vernon Downs seems to be a marginal player at this level so far
5-I Fought Dalaw – thought he was going to be a beast after he won back-to-back sires stakes divisions & got blocked in that final, hasn’t been right in his last two since the 1:49.3 Hempt elimination
Race 5
7-American Jewel – multiple world champion has come back from injury last Fall winning the Fan Hanover & James Lynch in smashing style, her dam Trim Hanover is a great granddaughter of Three Diamonds, the foundation mare of George Segal’s Brittany Farms
6-Kiss Don’t Bite – fresh off her best day ever, airing it out in the Pa All-Stars with a career best 1:51 & picks up Brian Sears
8-Pirouette Hanover – last year’s sires stakes champion & this year’s runner-up was freshened up with a 1:52.2 qualifier
2-Major Look – NYSS star had no chance from post 8 in the Lynch Final, steady filly with talent figures to be forwardly placed here
Race 6
6-We Will See – has gotten into high gear in his last three, trading blows with Betterthancheddar, won the Mohawk Gold Cup, just missed in the Ben Franklin, look for him to assume his stalking role
4-Golden Receiver – Presidential & Graduate champion came back around with a down-the-road 1:48 here, then whack out some nifty fractions at Pocono before getting nailed by Meirs Hanover
7-Hypnotic Blue Chip – twice beat up higher condition company, regained his winning groove & back class continues to resurface
2-Meirs Hanover – bounced back from an interference break in the Ben Franklin with a 1:48.1 upset over Golden Receiver at Pocono
Race 7
9-Pacinello – raced well at Tioga after missing some time off a sick scratch, faced tougher when last seen here, worth a swing in a wide-open field
3-Bolero Andrew – shook loose with plenty of late pace just miss last week, draws well again & retains Dave Palone
7-Prince Sharka – hard to fathom how he kept right on going first over in a lifetime best sporting a 1 for 20 record, perhaps it was George Brennan magic
4-Mcelodian – went from Ocean Downs to a career best 1:51.3 at the bottom rung here, needs another fast pace set up
Race 8
5-Jin Dandy – flashed a hint of late pace from an impossible spot, drops slightly into a wide-open field & looks for some mayhem up front
3-Southwestern Dream – Dube rated him as well as could be & he was barely outsprinted by the gutsy favorite, tries this reduced level again
9-Windfall Blue Chip – former Wilson winner has come to form recently, third behind Southwestern Dream with strong pace at both ends
8-Art For Art’s Sake – dropped to the bottom class, took plenty of tote action & raced aggressively, chance to see more
Race 9
5-Possess The Will – last year’s Dan Patch Award winner added lasix & finished a strong second in his sophomore debut chasing Money On My Mind, expect more of his wicked closing kick
6-Little Brown Fox – NJSS champion raced well in the Beal chasing Googoo Gaagaa, while showing steady improvement for Takter
7-Googoo Gaagaa – broke twice in the same spot at Yonkers off back-to-back world records at Pocono, Corey Callahan said he was a little pacey in the Beal Final, chance to rebound on the mile track
8-One In A Million – made a firm statement beating nonwinners of three with keen trot at both ends, now gets a major test for class from post 8
Race 10
5-Major Bombay – last year’s Wilson winner has been tackling the tough NYSS, beaten favorite with controlling speed at Yonkers reunited with Sears
4-Brent Montana – was used pretty hard through a dazzling three quarters of 1:21.3, colt with talent gradually coming to surface needs to time it right
1-Screen The Call – took hefty tote action, carved out a pressured pace from post 10 & gunned down by Prince Sharka, now moves inside
3-Rockweiller – beaten favorite in two of his last three can either assert himself with speed or threaten in a stalking mode
Race 11
7-Thinking Out Loud – NA Cup champion in 1:47.4 unleashed an impressive Big M debut rally off the bench, paced home in :26 despite locking wheels in the stretch with Pet Rock, should get an ample speed target
3-Heston Blue Chip – King the NYSS shipped in fresh & confident, made it five-for-five this season with a perfect trip & career best 1:49 (:26.2 out and :26.3 home), fires out again & could be setting the pace
4-Sweet Lou – hats off to Dave Palone for keeping A Rocknroll Dance pinned in, gamely held off pressure in :26.4 after missing three weeks & undergoing changes, Palone admitted he wasn’t at his best, prominent player again from another inside post
5-Bolt The Duer – was blocked right to the wire in his elimination, barely gunned down in the Hempt after winning his elimination in 1:48.3, likely leaving along with Heston Blue Chip, looks for a stalking trip or could try to steal it
Race 12
6-Check Me Out – number one rated on the Road to the Hambletonian, set a Mohawk track record of 1:52.1 in the Elegantimage, hasn’t been a super standout & needs a big mile in a competitive field to determine whether she’ll take on the boys
5-Win Missy B – great career so far playing a sort of second fiddle to Check Me Out, half sister to millionaire Winning Mister fresh off an eye-catching 1:52.4 in the Reynolds, just three fifths off the track record
2-On The Bright Side – lightly-raced daughter of Passionate Glide wired them in the PA All-Stars for Palone & Takter, fourth in the Elegantimage
1-Personal Style – closed from the clouds & post 10 to win the sires stakes final, needed last week’s mile
Race 13
1-Da Vision Of Art – interesting claim by Casie Coleman off a no-chance mile, but a lifetime best of 1:51.2 before that, looks for a stalk n pop
2-Art’s Jimmy Ray – steps up slightly after back-to-back lifetime marks here, lands post two again & faces a pretty salty field of 15-20 stock
10-Too Much Pepper – added Tetrick & pulled off a brush n crush in a career best 1:51.2 at 10-1, recent claim looking to pay off further from post 10
6-Myra’s Hiho – beaten favorite & Rene Allard claim chases Too Much Pepper in a strong sprint, retains Sears & looms large again
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Race 1
6-Chilitodayhotamale – half sister to Likeabatoutahell ($772,168) gets relief from stakes action, chased the runaway Maven first time Lasix for Trond
5-Latte Hall – just 1 for 18, but gets a much needed break from stakes fillies, change of venues, plus a driver change to Campbell
1-Mrs Mrs Jones – was blitzed by a 1:54.3 mile last week, moves inside where her speed puts her in play with a chance to steal it
Race 2
5-Blomkvist – Jimmy Takter trainee owns some pedigree & talent, hasn’t had a decent speed target to shoot at, this is a prime spot for him to kick home a winner
8-Power Play – was relegated to fringe player in the Reynolds Stakes, just missed with an aggressive effort before that, post 8 is a challenge
2-D’Orsay – second in stunning 1:52.4 performance by Win Missy B, post two again looking to shake off her 1 for 18 stigma
Race 3
7-Van Gundy Hanover – 17th foal of the dam & half brother to millionaire Voelz Hanover, progressed to his last two at Scioto Diowns in gutsy fashion
4-Cyclone - $70,000 yearling paced a :56 back half from a tough spot after a noteworthy qualifier, chance to break though here for Tony Alagna
3-Troon – Simpson stakes winner brushed from post 9 & folded as the beaten favorite in the Reynolds, better post facilitates a rebound
Race 4
5-Autumn Escapade – classy mare rode the rail & just missed in her second start back, dangerous here off that effort
1-Pembroke Heat Wave – game first over upsetter in the Armbro Flight at Mohawk lands a perfect stalking spot & owns a wicked finish
3-Swan In A Million – stepping up in class off a game score in his second start off the bench with trotting hopples
Race 5
7-Authorize – first foal out of a half sister to Artiscape ($1,469,461) chased a serious Reynolds Stakes winner in Shebestingin in :26.3, Tony Alagna has power in this division
5-Acquavella – $45,000 yearling finished up in :27.3 again chasing a sharp stablemate in Nikki Beach, another gem ready to progress further for Tony Alagna
4-Miss Lauren – jogged in her Georgian Downs opener in a respectable 1:54.3, must respect the Casie Coleman connection
Race 6
3-Rocky Mountain Guy - $75,000 Harrisburg yearling angled off stalling cover & outsprinted a good one in Duel In The Sun in 1:52.4 for the red-hot Nifty Norman
2-Johny Rock - $60,000 yearling stormed home in :55 and :27.3 to nail the upset for a barn that has produced some 2yos winners
5-What’s Up Rock – $30,000 yearling forced three-wide into a :56 back half & barely outpaced by Johny Rocky, big threat as he continues to progress
Race 7
1-Chaplin Hall – has a lot going for him in a vulnerable field, class & post relief, switch to Sears, red-hot Rene Allard
3-In Focus – just a few bucks shy of the $1 million mark, drops substantially & moves inside off a pretty strong back half of :56.3
2-Pantholops – put forth some commendable efforts at Pocono, including a 1:54.1 lifetime best, this is a more comfortable spot for this mare
Race 8
2-Somebodythatiustono – looks like a $3,000 steal, out of a half sister to Lightning Treasure ($733,859), those two baby race wins were legit
3-Jerseylicious – third foal out of 1:50 performer Jet Lag N ($619,391), set an easy pace & gave it up in :27 final quarter
4-Lifetime Star – Brittany Farms bred filly took four qualifiers to get her act in gear & deserves a look for Gingras & Takter from an inside post
Race 9
1-Upfrontstrikesgold – was parked first over a long way from post 8 chasing a rated winner in Zuerest & kept plugging away, sharp in the comeback trail
7-Zuerest – dropped to this level & wired them with a perfectly controlled Tetrick drive, nice claim by Joe Poliseno has piled up 7 wins in 20 starts this season
2-R Sam – give full marks to Yannick Gingras for rating this one enroute to a lifetime best upset, rewarded with an improved post on the step up in class
Race 10
8-Billie Blue Chip – drops back to the level of her big rally to equal her lifetime mark on June 15 & reunited with Brian Sears
1-Dragon Princess – very sharp form recently, drops back off a tough trip at Harrah’s Philadelphia & lands an Andy Miller stalking spot
2-Crown Lady – bounced back from a eighth-place finish in her last start here with a pair of strong miles in Pennsylvania, figures to be a prominent player here
Race 11
1-Mikeleh – drops & draws the pole for Campbell off an improved rally in :55.2 and :27.2, finds an ideal spot to break through
3-Kissmatt – drops back to the level of her last win after struggling against tougher at Yonkers, reunited with Sears & draws well
2-Major Crush – promising filly for Linda Toscano has had a couple weeks freshening & drops into an easier spot with Tetrick back in the bike
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Selections: 7-3-4-5
7-Thinking Out Loud– North America Cup winner unleashed an impressive Big M debut rally fresh off the bench, paced home in :26 despite locking wheels in the stretch with Pet Rock & that cost him the win, should get an ample speed target
3-Heston Blue Chip – King of the NYSS shipped in fresh & confident, made it five-for-five this season with a perfect trip & career best 1:49 (:26.2 out & :26.3 home), obviously figures to be firing again & could be forced to set the pace
4-Sweet Lou – hats off to Dave Palone for keeping A Rocknroll Dance pinned in, gamely held off pressure in :26.4 to win his elimination after missing three weeks & undergoing changes, Palone admitted the colt wasn’t at his best, now the inside post allows him to display his speed & class
1-A Rocknroll Dance– the Hempt upsetter with a pace on both ends from post 8 got locked in until too late, Gingras said he wasn’t quite as good as he was at Pocono, the rail forces him to protect position, lone millionaire in the field is logically a dangerous stalker
5-Bolt The Duer – blocked right to the wire in his elimination, barely gunned down in the Hempt after winning his elimination in 1:48.3, likely leaving along with Heston Blue Chip, looks for a close-up seat again or could try to steal it
2-Pet Rock – the Art Rooney winner hooked wheels with Thinking Out Loud & still paced home in :26.2, pretty consistent colt, inside draw facilitates the trip he needs & count on Sears to give him a big chance
10-Allstar Legend – Jim Morrill, Jr. pulled the biggest upset in Pace history (Holborn Hanover, $119), may take a shot & push off the wings with this big-gaited colt, owns a 1:48.2 track record at Harrah’s Philadelphia
9-Time To Roll – beaten favorite in his elimination was speed tightened, still green with the fewest starts in the field (8), can’t discount his second in the NA Cup, but how far back will he have to come from?
6-Simply Business – added Lasix & kicked home off second over cover in :26.3, Jimmy Takter said he was going to make some changes, Ron Pierce felt he was better than ever, Pierce has won three of the last four Pace Finals
8-State Treasurer - $6,500 bargain colt gets points for grinding it out first over after shipping here & missing three weeks, has proven he can close with the best of them
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(issued July 8)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are only two weeks from Pace Night, July 14. The top contenders continue to be rated by their performances on the major stakes trail as harness racing’s greatest day approaches. The Winterbook Top 10 grew to a list of about 30 prospects, although there haven’t been any real serious performances so far among the eligibles. The next major test for the colts will be the Stanley Dancer Memorial on July 7. Then, we will get a better gauge on them and the filly Check Me Out in the Del Miller Memorial.
1-Check Me Out – Fresh from a three-week layoff following her Mohawk track record of 1:52.1 in the Elegantimage, the outstanding filly by Donato Hanover easily beat just two rivals in the Hudson Filly Trot in 1:56.1 with Ray Schnittker. The Dan Patch Award winner has now won four in a row since her sophomore debut defeat. She’s headed for the Del Miller Memorial on Pace Night, and after that race Schnittker will decide on whether to face the boys in the Hambletonian. “If she trots in 1:50 and a piece next week I think we’ll take a shot,” he said.
2-Uncle Peter – Rebounded from his break and eighth-place finish in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with a career best of 1:52.3 in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs with Jimmy Takter in the bike. Note the rally for second to Stormand Normand in a Beal elimination (timed in 1:51.4). The Breeders Crown upsetter also beat Stormin Normand with a career best of 1:53.4 at The Meadows. Takter has this one going back in the right direction and entered in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division.
3-Stormin Normand – Finished a solid second in the Yonkers Trot with John Campbell off a solid second (timed in 1:51) to Googoo Gaagaa in the world record (1:50.4) Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. The son of Broadway Hall won his Beal elimination in 1:51.4. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (trainer Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs. Post one, race 11, PASS at Pocono Downs on Saturday.
4-Magic Tonight – Did not race last week after fading to seventh from the rail in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Brian Sears driving. He shattered The Meadows track record with a 1:52.4 score in PASS for trainer Noel Daley, so he obviously has talent and must be given a chance to rebound in PASS, post 5 in race 5 on Saturday at Pocono Downs.
5-Possess The Will – Couldn’t quite get to a well rated Money on My Mind and finished second in a Reynolds division on Saturday in his 2012 debut with Tim Tetrick driving. The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner and stablemate to Stormin Normand had won two straight qualifiers. Sickness had delayed his comeback and trainer Jim Campbell looks for him to be fresh and sharp going into the Hambletonian. The top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters won the Valley Victory, and went two-for-two in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile. Comes right back in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
6-Little Brown Fox – Did not race for the second straight week after a distant third (timed in 1:52.3) in Googoo Gaagaa’s world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Yannick Gingras driving him for the first time. The Muscles Yankee colt won the NJSS Final at the Big M in a career best 1:53.3 after winning a division in 1:54.1 for trainer Jimmy Takter. He has the Stanley Dancer Memorial on his menu.
7-Beer Summit – Didn’t race for the third straight week after a perfect trip upset ($19.20) in the Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley. The Cantab Hall colt equaled the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2. He was second to Market Share in his elimination, and last month won two straight PASS events. Post one, race one, PASS at Pocono Downs on Saturday.
8-Archangel – Took full advantage of a faltering Googoo Gaagaa to go wire-to-wire in the Yonkers Trot in 1:54.1. This Credit Winner colt has now won six in a row after second in his sophomore debut. He won a division of NYSS at Buffalo Raceway in 1:57.3 with a flat tire. Broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs for trainer Peter Arrigena, and won his elimination in 1:53.4. “He proved tonight he’s legit,” said driver Jim Morrill, Jr. “He’s a big, good-looking colt and he’s still actually a little green. We haven’t seen the bottom of him yet … that’s for sure.”
9-Market Share – Finished a decent third in the Yonkers Trot after taking two weeks off. The son of Revenue S was a fast-closing fifth as the beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final. He had traffic issues at Mohawk and was beaten only a length (timed in 1:52.3), and won his elimination in 1:53.2. He was also the beaten favorite (third) in the NJSS Final, and won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano.
10-Guccio – Made an early break as the heavy favorite in an overnight at the Big M last Friday after a wide rally from last to sixth in the Goodtimes Final. The Yankee Glide colt finished second behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final and romped in a division in 1:55.1. This horse owns speed and a wicked late kick. Count on Jimmy Takter to figure him out in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
Other Contenders
Money On My Mind – Was a well rated wire-to-wire winner in the Reynolds Stakes in 1:53.3 on Saturday at the Big M. He stormed home from post seven to finish a close second (timed in 1:54.2) in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. A well beaten sixth (timed in 1:52.3) in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination for Andy Miller. Also, was a distant second in Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows. He was second by a head in last year’s William Wellwood Final. Entered in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
My MVP – Finished second to Uncle Peter in the PA Allstars on Saturday at Pocono after taking the previous week off. A distant fourth from post nine (timed in 1:52.3) in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial off a third in his elimination (1:52). The son of Cantab Hall, trained by Tony Alagna won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato. Post three, race five, PASS at Pocono Downs on Saturday.
From Above – Broke in an overnight last Friday after finishing second by half a length to Possess The Will in a qualifier on June 28. The Donato Hanover colt was no factor as the beaten favorite in his sophomore debut on June 22. His previous qualifiers were encouraging and trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) expects big things from this son of Donato Hanover, who won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two. Looks to rebound again in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
Vic Smith – Finished second in a qualifier (timed in 1:54.3) behind Invitational trotter Hot Shot Blue Chip after not racing the previous week. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final. The son of Yankee Glide won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller. Entered in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
Solvato – Finished third to Uncle Peter in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs on Saturday after a three-week layoff. A well beaten fifth behind Googoo Gaagaa in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer, who said he’s fast enough, still fresh and a trip horse just like Windsong’s Legacy.
Delano – Won again after a two-week layoff, going wire-to-wire in a NYSS division at Yonkers in 1:56.4 on July 3. He won a division of NYSS in Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:56.3 on June 17 for Ray Schnittker. Broke and finished eighth in the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs. Made it three NYSS events in row with a 1:55 score at Vernon Downs on July 11.
Coraggioso – Went all the way from post seven in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3 in 1:56 after missing his second straight week of racing. Cruised to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the Historic at Tioga Downs. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4. Finished second in a NYSS division at Vernon Downs on July 11.
One In A Million – Dominated an overnight in a career best of 1:53.3 on Saturday at the Big M with Brian Sears in the bike. He had no chance with a slow start from post eight and finished fifth in an overnight on June 22. Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians. Gets a test for class in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division.
Lightning Storm – Switched to John Campbell and finished a strong third to Money On My Mind in the Reynolds Stakes on Saturday at the Big M after taking the previous week off. Broke and finished ninth in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Dave Miller in the bike. Kicked off 2012 with back-to-back wins of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4 at the Big M. The Peter Haughton elimination winner is trained by Jonas Czernyson, who has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions. Post five, race 11, PASS at Pocono Downs on Saturday.
Riccolo – Illinois bred by Northern Kid made it eight-for-eight at Balmoral Park this season for trainer Nelson Willis. His latest was a lifetime best of 1:54.2 in the $34,700 Hanover Stake with Marcus Miller in the bike. Purchased by Norwegian interests and now with Trond Smedshammer. Swedish driving ace Bjorn Goop has been asked to drive him if he makes the Hambletonian.
Gym Tan Laundry – Had the last three weeks off after setting a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising solid third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length. He finished fourth in his Goodtimes elimination, and was a well beaten sixth in the NJSS Final for trainer Noel Daley. Reappears in a division of the Stanley Dancer Memorial on Saturday.
Knows Nothing – Hasn’t raced in three weeks after finishing a strong fourth in the Goodtimes Final. Had gone undefeated in five starts, winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra will enter the Canadian Hall of Fame in August.
Flyhawk Jester – Switched to trainer Tracy Brainard and finished a well beaten fourth in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3. Finished a well beaten fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and finishing second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. Previously had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs. Scratched sick from a NYSS division at Vernon Downs on July 11.
Big Chocolate – Regained his winning edge by romping in an overnight at Vernon Downs on July 4 in 1:55.2 for Homer Hochstetler. The son of Chocolatier had made breaks in three consecutive starts before finishing second in a qualifier at Vernon Downs on June 22. Won a division of NJSS in 1:54.3. Back at the Big M in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
Appomattox – Missed last week after a rally to finish fourth against older rivals in an overnight on June 30 with Corey Callahan in the bike. Finished second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M for trainer Frank Antonacci. Entered in a Stanley Dancer Memorial division on Saturday.
Royal Shyster – Finished third to Delano in a NYSS division on July 3 at Yonkers after a couple of Big M qualifiers. Faded to sixth in his Empire Breeders Classic elimination. NYSS champion at two switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, and was second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M. Finished fifth in a NYSS division at Vernon Downs on July 11.
Prestidigitator – Romped in an ISS Gold Final in 1:54 at Georgian Downs on July 7 with Sylvain Fillion driving after grinding out an elimination in 1:55.2. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Top Billing – After missing two straight weeks the son of Andover Hall reeled off a 1:53.4 qualifier on July 5 at the Big M. Recovered from an early break and finished fourth in a PASS division at The Meadows. The Spring Survivor winner at the Big M finished a close second to Solvato in a division at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Andy & Julie Miller. Post two, race one, PASS at Pocono Downs on Saturday.
American Gangster – Did not race last week. Rebounded from his second consecutive break by winning a qualifier at Pocono Downs in 1:56 with Matt Kakaley driving. Made an early miscue and finished seventh as the beaten favorite in his seasonal debut at Pocono Downs on June 15. He had won a qualifier at the Big M in 1:55.4, final quarter in :27.4. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
Pekoe Fashion – Finished a well beaten seventh behind Uncle Peter in the PA All-Stars at Pocono Downs with Matt Kakaley in the bike. The Matron Stakes winner at two is a stablemate to Possess the Will and Stormin Normand for trainer Jim Campbell.
Power Play – Finished fifth (timed in 1:54.2) to Money On My Mind in the Reynolds Stakes at the Big on July 7 after a close second in overnight on the Big M on June 29 for trainer Steve Elliott. Post eight, race two, Friday, July 13 at Big M.
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(issued July 3)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are only three weeks from this Saturday, July 7. It’s been fun following the top contenders and rating their performances on the major stakes trail as harness racing’s greatest day approaches. From our Winterbook Top 10, the list of prospects has grown to about 30 as many have coming up with serious performances. On Saturday, July 7 the focus will be on the Yonkers Trot, the Hudson Filly Trot, the Reynolds Stake and the Pennsylvania All-Stars.
1-Check Me Out – The outstanding Dan Patch Award winning filly has had two weeks off after her gutsy win in the Elegantimage Stakes in a Mohawk track record of 1:52.1. The daughter of Donato Hanover faces only two other rivals in the $185,194 Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers in what appears to be a slam dunk for Ray Schnittker. Schnittker’s decision whether or not to enter his filly against the colts in the Hambletonian won’t be made until just before the box closes for the eliminations.
2-Uncle Peter – Has been off since his break and finishing eighth in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He was second (timed in 1:51.4) to Stormin Normand in his elimination. The Breeders Crown upsetter had previously beaten last year’s PASS champion Stormin Normand with a career best of 1:53.4 at The Meadows. I like the fact that he’s still fresh with only three starts this season, and newly minted Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter is high on him.
3-Stormin Normand – Faces a rematch with Googoo Gaagaa in the Yonkers Trot after finishing a solid second (timed in 1:51) to that rival in the world record (1:50.4) Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Dave Palone in the bike. The son of Broadway Hall won his elimination in 1:51.4. Has only made three starts this season on Lasix, which is not permitted in the Hambletonian. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (trainer Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs.
4-Magic Tonight – The son of Andover Hall had an off night when he faded to seventh from the rail in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Brian Sears driving. He shattered The Meadows track record with a 1:52.4 score in PASS for trainer Noel Daley, so he obviously has talent and must be given a chance to rebound.
5-Little Brown Fox – Had last week off after a distant third (timed in 1:52.3) in Googoo Gaagaa’s world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Yannick Gingras driving him for the first time. The Muscles Yankee colt scored a solid decision in the NJSS Final at the Big M in a career best 1:53.3 after winning a division in 1:54.1 for trainer Jimmy Takter.
6-Beer Summit – Freshened up with another week off following his perfect trip upset ($19.20) in the Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley. The Cantab Hall colt equaled the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2. He was second to Market Share in his elimination, and last month won two straight PASS events.
7-Possess The Will – The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner and stablemate to Stormin Normand won his second straight qualifier of the season in 1:54.2 with Tim Tetrick driving. Sickness had delayed his comeback and trainer Jim Campbell looks for him to be fresh and sharp, while some of the others beat themselves up. His first start is scheduled to be in the Reynolds Stake on July 7 at The Big M. The top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters won the Valley Victory, and went two-for-two in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile.
8-Guccio – Missed another week after a wide rally from last to sixth in the Goodtimes Final. The Yankee Glide colt had no chance from post eight, yet kicked home in :26.2 (timed in 1:52.3). Previously finished second behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final and romped in a division in 1:55.1. Takter is a master at meticulously managing his contenders for that first Saturday in August.
9-Market Share – Resurfaces in the Yonkers Trot after taking two weeks off. The son of Revenue S was a hard-charging fifth as the beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final. He had traffic issues at Mohawk and was beaten only a length (timed in 1:52.3), and won his elimination in 1:53.2. He was also the beaten favorite in the NJSS Final, finishing third after setting a rated pace, and had previously won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano.
10-From Above – Finished second by half a length to Possess The Will in a qualifier on June 28. The Donato Hanover colt was no factor getting away last from post nine and finished a well beaten eighth as the beaten favorite in his sophomore debut on June 22 at the Big M. His previous qualifiers were encouraging and trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) expects big things from this son of Donato Hanover, who won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two.
Other Contenders
Vic Smith – Did not race last week after a decent fourth (timed in 1:55) in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final. The son of Yankee Glide won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller.
My MVP – Took last week off after finishing a distant fourth from post nine (timed in 1:52.3) the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He was third in his elimination (1:52). The son of Cantab Hall won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato. Mike Lachance drives this colt for trainer Tony Alagna.
Gym Tan Laundry – Had the last two weeks off after setting a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length. He finished fourth in his Goodtimes elimination, and was a well beaten sixth in the NJSS Final for trainer Noel Daley.
Lightning Storm – Took last week off after he broke and finished ninth in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Dave Miller in the bike. Kicked off 2012 with back-to-back wins of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4 at the Big M. The Peter Haughton elimination winner is trained by Jonas Czernyson, who has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions.
Solvato – Had his second straight week off following a well beaten fifth behind Googoo Gaagaa in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer, who said he’s fast enough, still fresh and a trip horse just like Windsong’s Legacy.
Delano – After his second week off in a row he drew post two in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3. He won a division of NYSS in Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:56.3 on June 17 for Ray Schnittker. Broke and finishing eighth in the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs.
Archangel – After taking a week off he won a qualifier at Tioga Downs on June 29 in 1:56.2. This Credit Winner colt is five for six this season with one second. He won a division of NYSS at Buffalo Raceway in 1:57.3 with a flat tire. Broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs with Jim Morrill, Jr. driving for trainer Peter Arrigena, and won his elimination in 1:53.4.
Money On My Mind – Took last week off after storming home from post seven to finish a close second (timed in 1:54.2) in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. A well beaten sixth (timed in 1:52.3) in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination for Andy Miller. Also, was a distant second in Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows. He was second by a head in last year’s William Wellwood Final. With only three starts this season he’s still fresh.
Riccolo – Illinois bred by Northern Kid made it eight-for-eight at Balmoral Park this season for trainer Nelson Willis. His latest was a lifetime best of 1:54.2 in the $34,700 Hanover Stake with Marcus Miller in the bike.
Coraggioso – Drew post seven in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3 after missing his second straight week of racing. Cruised to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the $63,489 Historic at Tioga Downs. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4.
Knows Nothing – Not in action for two straight weeks after finishing a strong fourth in the Goodtimes Final. Had gone undefeated in five starts, winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra will enter the Canadian Hall of Fame in August.
One In A Million – Missed last week after having no chance with a slow start from post eight and finished fifth in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Brian Sears and Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians.
Flyhawk Jester – has post two in a NYSS division at Yonkers on July 3 after not racing last week. Trainer Tracy Brainard was listed on the in to go report. Finished a well beaten fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and finishing second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. Previously had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs.
Big Chocolate – Drew post two against older foes in an overnight at Vernon Downs on July 4. Finished second in a qualifier at Vernon Downs (timed in 1:55.2) on June 22 for Homer Hochstetler. Rebounded from making a break and finishing fourth in a qualifier there on June 8. Had made a break for the second straight start and finished seventh in the NJSS Final at the Big M, and previously won a division in 1:54.3.
Appomattox – Rallied to finish fourth against older rivals in an overnight on June 30 with Corey Callahan in the bike. Did not race the previous week after finishing second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Frank Antonacci.
Royal Shyster – Has drawn post five in a NYSS division on July 3 at Yonkers. Made an early break and finished sixth in a qualifier on June 22 at the Big M after fading to sixth in his Empire Breeders Classic elimination. NYSS champion at two switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, and was second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M.
Top Billing – Has now missed two straight weeks. Recovered from an early break and finished fourth in a PASS division at The Meadows. The Spring Survivor winner at the Big M finished a close second to Solvato in a previous division at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Andy & Julie Miller.
American Gangster – Rebounded from his second consecutive break by winning a qualifier in 1:56 with Matt Kakaley driving. Made an early miscue and finished seventh as the beaten favorite in his seasonal debut at Pocono Downs on June 15. He had won a qualifier at the Big M in 1:55.4, final quarter in :27.4. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
Prestidigitator – Grinded out an OSS Gold elimination at Georgian Downs in 1:55.2 with Sylvain Filion driving. Rallied from well off the pace to finish third (timed in 1:54) in his seasonal debut in an overnight on June 18 at Mohawk. Had romped in his second qualifier at Mohawk in 1:56. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Pekoe Fashion – Finished a distant third (time in 1:56.2) in an overnight at Harrah’s Philadelphia with Dave Miller driving. Matron Stakes winner at two is a stablemate to Possess the Will and Stormin Normand for trainer Jim Campbell.
Power Play – Finished a close second (timed in 1:55.4) in overnight on the Big M on June 29 after making a break in his previous start, and romped in his 2012 debut in 1:55.3 for trainer Steve Elliott.
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7-Gottaseeaboutagirl – Night Styles champion thundered home from far back to win the Simpson, faced some top notch fillies in Pennsylvania, loves the long Big M stretch
4-Southwind Johanne – filly out of Breeders Crown champion Juliet’s Fate ships in fresh off a much improved mile for Mark Harder
6-Blackjack Princess – almost pulled off a shocking upset in the Historic at Tioga Downs, while ripping off a :27.2 third quarter
3-All Star Player – kicked home in :27.3 to a Stallion Series win at The Meadows with pace at both ends in a career best
Race 2
5-Appomattox – has Hambletonian aspirations, two encouraging starts so far, a maiden breaker here, then a solid second in the Historic at Tioga
1-Bank President – made a triumphant return here in a lifetime best with perfect Pierce piloting & lands the pole for the always dangerous Team Allard
6-Big Sky Angelina – well driven by Dave Miller to a career best in the King of the Fours, gamely holding off Zumba Mouse & has caught fire
4-Zumba Mouse – squandered a perfect trip & couldn’t quite polish it off in the King of the Fours Final, still looms large despite the step up
Race 3
1A-Big Bam Ray – relentless closer has had a couple of weeks off, moves back outside to post 9, yet can never be left out
3-Hypnotic Blue Chip – world champion has now had three starts on the comeback trail, pretty obvious it’s time to show his class & assert himself
4-Oscar Oscar – has gone from $10,000 to $75,000 this season, while taking a mark of 1:48.1 two starts back, the winner stole away last week
5-Foreclosure N – logically needed last week’s mile, owns some class & speed, but this is a stern test against similar company
Race 4
8-Star Recruit – fresh Bruce Riegle trainee draws outside off a second by neck to E Z Noah at The Meadows, picks up red-hot Tony Hall
5-E Z Noah – like Flying Instructor he’s also a perfect five-for-five in 2012, has progressed in Pennsylvania to winning at the sires stakes level
7-Bakin On The Beach – another PASS winner and fastest in the field at 1:49.4, found the top colts in his Hempt elimination too much
1-Flying Instructor – has been tearing up Delaware going five-for-five this season, ships in on a seven-race winning streak & draws the rail and faces some standouts from Pennsylvania
Race 5
3-Kevlar Hanover – draws inside again on a form spree, closing sharply & knocking on the door in this series, big chance to upset
4-Blatantly Good – Presidential champion has made easy work of this easier caliber with back-to-back sub 1:50 wins, big threat to sweep
1A-Real Special – was nosed out by a desperate Freddy Day Hanover given a perfect drive by Tony Hall & draws better as part of a strong Burke entry
7-Freddy Day Hanover – ended a long drought with aggressive handling, moves outside where his closing kick comes into play at this reduced level
Race 6
7-Special T Rocks – shook loose late & pulled a stirring upset in his last start here, already equaled last year’s win output with 11 with another sub 1:50 score at Pocono
1-Won The West – just a few dollars shy of $4 million, hasn’t dropped any hints yet in three starts back, but 8yo warhorse could be ready roll now
3-Golden Receiver – Presidential & Graduate winner has clearly tailed off after a blistering first half of the season, can regroup at his favorite track
2-A J Corbelli – was able to brush to the front in a leisurely :55.1, then powered away, deserves a shot at this Invitational level
Race 7
2-Major Belle – positive hints recently, drops just under the money cap, was parked through a :27.3 third quarter from post 8, draws better & Burke adds Tony Hall
4-Western Trademark – strung together three straight seconds against tougher, then lacked the same pop two weeks ago & now drops
9-Social Network – scored fresh off the claim in a crushing career best two starts back before making another early miscue, draws outside facing a question mark group of older foes
1-Mysterious Moment – finally moves inside & has done well recently when forwardly placed, latest form makes him a contender in this mixed bag
Race 8
2-McErlean – has developed into a serious PASS contender, was left in the wake of Hurrikane Kingcole’s world record 1:48.1 at Pocono
3-Dilvulge – found the sires stakes too tough here, but Daryl Bier spotted him well to score two straight at Harrington, returns with renewed vigor
4-All Stienham – picked up some checks in stakes action here, yet was blitzed in the sires stakes final & comes off a break at Pocono
5-Bullet Bob – marginal is sires stakes here, followed a standout winner last out, owns a 1:50.4 win here & can make an impression against these
Race 9
2-Ideal Matters – Invitational winner here last year, competed in major free for all events, three starts on the comeback trail, plummets, draws inside
3-Sniper Seelster – seems to have come around, while trying to rally from out of range, dangerous class dropper looks to stop an 0 for 10
4-Bolero Andrew – has had more than his share of tough trips & excuses at Harrah’s Philadelphia, we know he loves this track
7-Alex Bullville – has struggled to make it up from outside posts on the speedy Pocono surface, drops with a few others in here
Race 10
4-Myra’s Hiho – was a hard-charging third in the King of the 15s fresh off the Rene Allard claim & figures to maintain that sharp form
2-Intheblinkofaneye – converted a perfect trip to repeat & bag the King of the 15s, post improves & back class continues to resurface
1-Inform – couldn’t make up for his slow start from post 7 in the King of the 15s, exploded off a hot pace to a career best before that
5-Da Vision of Art – tried to close from the clouds in the King of the 15s, draws better & reunited with Iron Mike
Race 11
7-Mel Mara – highly touted Pace candidate won an Upper Canada Cup elimination in 1:49.4 first time Lasix, now missing for three weeks, finds a prime spot to regain his winning edge
6-Brent Montana – got the relief from NJSS & got a chance to air it out at Pocono on June 10, then blitzed by a 1:48.1 world mark in a Hempt elim
1-Rockweiller – was used a bit too hard from post 10 after reeling off two straight lifetime marks, moves inside for Hall & Burke
2-Relentless Dreamer – came around this month, rallied to a career best two starts back, runner-up to a big favorite last week
Race 12
6-Finance The Master – added Lasix recently, but continued to struggle from outside posts at Harrah’s Philadelphia, drops again & picks up Brian Sears
3-UFdragons Rocket – just 1 for 18, but his Pennsylvania form has been solid despite repeated tough trips, drops into a soft spot
8-Blade Runner – his latest win came at this level from a similar post in crushing fashion, recent claim obviously deserves consideration
7-Get Down Tonight – his latest effort to hit the board at Harrah’s Philadelphia wasn’t bad, plus it came after 26-day layoff
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(issued June 25)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are only four weeks from Saturday, June 30. We are continuing to follow the top contenders and rating their performances on the major stakes trail as we get closer to harness racing’s greatest day. From our Winterbook Top 10, the list of prospects continues to grow to about 30 as many have coming up with some inspiring performances. Eliminations for the Yonkers Trot and Hudson Filly Trot (if necessary) were schedule for this Saturday, June 30.
1-Check Me Out – This exceptional filly from the great first crop of 2007 Hambletonian champion Donato Hanover had the week off after her gutsy win in the Elegantimage Stakes in a Mohawk track record of 1:52.1. She is one of only three entrants in $185,194 Hudson Filly Trot on July 7. Ray Schnittker has said he won’t decide whether or not his filly will take on the colts in the Hambletonian until just before the box closes for the eliminations.
2-Uncle Peter – In regroup mode after making a break while launching a serious bid and finished eighth in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He rallied to finish second (timed in 1:51.4) to Stormin Normand in his elimination. The Breeders Crown upsetter had previously beaten last year’s PASS champion Stormin Normand with a career best of 1:53.4 at The Meadows. Jimmy Takter said this Cantab Hall colt the best he’s ever had.
3-Magic Tonight – Another one looking to rebound after leaving from the rail and fading to seventh in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Brian Sears driving. The son of Andover Hall had previously shattered The Meadows track record with a 1:52.4 score in PASS for trainer Noel Daley.
4-Stormin Normand – Finished a solid second (timed in 1:51) to Googoo Gaagaa in the world record (1:50.4) Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Dave Palone in the bike. The son of Broadway Hall won his elimination in 1:51.4. It was only his third start of the season with Lasix added. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (trainer Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs. One of five entered in the $445,594 Yonkers Trot on July7.
5-Little Brown Fox – Finished a distant third (timed in 1:52.3) in Googoo Gaagaa’s world record of 1:50.4 in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial with Yannick Gingras driving him for the first time. The Muscles Yankee colt scored a decisive win in the NJSS Final at the Big M in a career best 1:53.3 after winning a division in 1:54.1 for trainer Jimmy Takter.
6-Beer Summit – Had the week off following his perfect trip upset ($19.20) in the Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley. The Cantab Hall colt equaled the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2. He was second to Market Share in his elimination, and last month won two straight PASS events.
7-Guccio – Did not race last week after a wide rally from last to sixth in the Goodtimes Final. The Yankee Glide colt had no chance from post eight, yet kicked home in :26.2 (timed in 1:52.3) with Jimmy Takter driving. He had previously finished second behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final and romped in a division in 1:55.1.
8-Market Share – Took last week off after a hard-charging fifth as the the beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final. The son of Revenue S was another colt who had traffic issues at Mohawk and was beaten only a length (timed in 1:52.3). He won his elimination in 1:53.2. He was also the beaten favorite in the NJSS Final, finishing third after setting a rated pace, and had previously won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano. He is one of five entered in the $445,594 Yonkers Trot on July 7.
9-Possess The Will – The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner and stablemate to Stormin Normand won his first qualifier of the season on June 21 in 1:54.2, drawing clear in :27.2 with Tim Tetrick driving. Sickness had delayed his comeback and trainer Jim Campbell looks for him to be fresh and sharp, while some of the others beat themselves up. His first start is scheduled to be in the Reynolds Stake on July 7 at The Big M. The top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters won the Valley Victory, and went two-for-two in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile. He is entered in another qualifier on June 28.
10-From Above – Facing some older foes, he was no factor getting away last from post nine and finished a well beaten eighth as the beaten favorite in his sophomore debut on June 22 at the Big M with Tim Tetrick in the sulky. His previous qualifiers were encouraging and trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) expects big things from this son of Donato Hanover, who won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two. He will qualify again on June 28.
Other Contenders
Vic Smith – Finished a decent fourth (timed in 1:55) in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final. The son of Yankee Glide won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller.
My MVP – Finished a distant fourth from post nine (timed in 1:52.3) the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial. He was third in his elimination (1:52). The son of Cantab Hall won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato. Mike Lachance drives this colt for trainer Tony Alagna.
Gym Tan Laundry – Had last week off after setting a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length. He finished fourth in his elimination, and was a well beaten sixth in the NJSS Final for trainer Noel Daley.
Lightning Storm – Broke and finished ninth in the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial after finishing fourth (timed in 1:52.2) in his elimination for Dave Miller. Kicked off 2012 with back-to-back wins of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4 at the Big M. The Peter Haughton elimination winner is trained by Jonas Czernyson, who has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions.
Delano – No racing for him last week after he won a division of NYSS in Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:57 for Ray Schnittker. He bounced back from making a break and finishing eighth in the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs.
Archangel – This Credit Winner colt is five for six this season with one second. Had last week off after winning his a division of NYSS at Buffalo Raceway in 1:57.3 with a flat tire. Broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs with Jim Morrill, Jr. driving for trainer Peter Arrigena, and won his elimination in 1:53.4. One of five entered in the $445,594 Yonkers Trot on July 7.
Money On My Mind – Stormed home from post seven to finish a close second (timed in 1:54.2) in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. A well beaten sixth (timed in 1:52.3) in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination for Andy Miller. Also, was a distant second in Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows. He was second by a head in last year’s William Wellwood Final.
Coraggioso – Did not race last week after cruising to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the $63,489 Historic at Tioga Downs. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4.
Solvato – Had last week off following a well beaten fifth behind Googoo Gaagaa in an Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer.
Knows Nothing – Not in action last week after finishing a strong fourth in the Goodtimes Final. Had gone undefeated in five starts, winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra will enter the Canadian Hall of Fame in August.
One In A Million – Had no chance after a slow start from post eight and finished fifth in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M. Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Brian Sears and Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians.
Flyhawk Jester – Did not race last week. Finished a well beaten fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and finishing second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. Previously had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs for trainer Tyler Raymer.
Big Chocolate – Finished second in a qualifier at Vernon Downs (timed in 1:55.2) on June 22 for Homer Hochstetler. Rebounded from making a break and finishing fourth in a qualifier there on June 8. Had made a break for the second straight start and finished seventh in the NJSS Final at the Big M, and previously won a division in 1:54.3.
Appomattox – Did not race last week after finishing second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Frank Antonacci.
Riccolo – Illinois bred by Northern Kid has gone seven-for-seven at Balmoral Park this season for trainer Nelson Willis. His latest was a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the $12,000 Betzotic Stakes with Marcus Miller in the bike.
Royal Shyster – Made an early break and finished sixth in a qualifier on June 22 at the Big M after fading to sixth in his Empire Breeders Classic elimination. NYSS champion at two switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, and was second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M. Qualifies at the Big M on June 28.
Top Billing – Did not race last week. Recovered from an early break and finished fourth in a PASS division at The Meadows. The Spring Survivor winner at the Big M finished a close second to Solvato in a previous division at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Andy & Julie Miller.
American Gangster – Broke for the second consecutive start as the beaten favorite and finished eighth in an overnight on June 22 at Pocono Downs. Made an early miscue and finished seventh as the beaten favorite in his seasonal debut at Pocono Downs on June 15. He had won a qualifier at the Big M in 1:55.4, final quarter in :27.4. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
Prestidigitator – Rallied from well off the pace to finish third (timed in 1:54) in his seasonal debut in an overnight on June 18 at Mohawk. Had romped in his second qualifier at Mohawk in 1:56, last quarter in :27.1 with Sylvain Filion driving on June 11. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Pekoe Fashion – Finished second (timed in 1:57) in a qualifier at Harrah’s Philadelphia with Dave Miller driving. Had finished seventh against older stock on April 20 at the Big M after winning both qualifiers. Matron Stakes winner at two is a stablemate to Possess the Will and Stormin Normand for trainer Jim Campbell.
Power Play – Has post six in an overnight (race three) on June 29 at the Big M. Broke and finished sixth on June 1 after he romped in his 2012 debut in 1:55.3 for trainer Steve Elliott.
Weingartner – Lit up the board in the Peter Haughton Memorial last year for Jimmy Takter, but hasn’t started yet 2012.
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Race 1
5-Lindy’s Creditline - $43,000 yearling showed stark improvement kicking home in :57.4 + :27.3 for Tetrick, worth a swing despite tackling post 9
1B-Caveat Emptor - $60,000 yearling rebounded & steamrolled through a :57.3 back half + :27.3 kicker, trouncing Order By Keeper, part a strong three-ply attack for Ray Schnittker
2A-Corky - $100,000 yearling by Muscles Yankee finished with increased vigor in :57.3 just behind Lindys Creditline, any one of Takter’s trio is eligible to step up & win this
Race 2
5-True Day Dream – a Jean Pierre Dubois bred filly by a son of Pine Chip, shows two outstanding baby race wins at Tioga Downs, the latest with a handy :57.4 back half, let’s take a shot at the chalk
6-To Dream On - $200,000 Harrisburg yearling out of a half sister to two-time Dan Patch Award winner Pampered Princess, impressive in both outings, with a :26.4, then a :56.1 back half, Takter said she is really special & if she stays focused she could be anything
4-Andie Sophia - $5,700 Blooded Horse Sale yearling cruised in her latest trial, complete with a :27.4 final quarter with Tetrick, debuts against a potential monster
Race 3
3-Morningstar – Brittany Farms bred second foal out of the two-time Dan Patch Award winner & Oaks champion Passionate Glide, typically improved & won her second qualifier with plenty for Jimmy Takter
1-Royal Assets - $45,000 yearling sister to Take My Picture (1:53.3, $574,831), out of a sister to millionaire Civil Action, jogged in both baby races for Schnittker, the latest with a :57.1 back half
4-Lady Riviera – Richard T. Banca homebred, second foal out of a mare who made $2,430, the first is world champion Chapter Seven, sire is double millionaire Sand Vic, her two qualifiers were solid
Race 4
5-Dewey Lane – from the first crop of 2008 Hambletonian champion Deweycheatumnhowe & a Bob Key homebred won her latest baby race with confidence in a :59.2 back half at The Meadows
2-Sturdy Muscles – Muscles Yankee miss draws well off two perfect romps in the morning, the latest with a :58.3 back half over Lady Riviera
1-Muscles Secret - $55,000 Harrisburg buy is a full sister to millionaire & Breeders Crown champion Strong Yankee, won her third outing with a nice late burst for Schnittker
Race 5
5-Obsessive Artist – chased better at Pocono, used up in a :27.1 second quarter & held second to a huge favorite in Ace of Pace, retains Sears
8-LR Dancing Dream – caught in a bad shuffle then hooked wheels with longshot Superstar Dream, dropping further trying to shake off the stigma of that 1 for 20 record this season
9-Cheap N Easy – suddenly Tracy Brainard has shipped in a string, most of her stock seems to win on the lead just like this mare’s latest at Tioga
Race 6
10-Remissionofsins – trounced a camera-shy bunch in a lifetime best of 1:53 on Saturday for the red-hot Tony Hall, moves farther out, but faces another blank field
3-Southwind Tyrant – 15-time winner & hot item at the claim box at Pocono last season, tough to gauge of those Harrington qualifiers, and the nine-month layoff probably means the 7yo will need one or two
8-Art’s Jimmy Ray – romped in three of four at Harrington, steps up slightly, tackles a demanding post, but gets Pierce in a question mark field
Race 7
2-Red Light – another sharp Tracy Brainard shipper looking to rebound off a miscue at Tioga Downs, his previous form at Vernon Downs matches up well here from an inside post
1-Gold Walker – son of Ken Warkentin launching another comeback here after a long layoff & a pair of tightening miles at Harrahs Philadelphia
10-Bambino Hall – was dismal in his first start for Rene Allard on Lasix, but now this former stakes caliber son of Tom Ridge drops to rock bottom
Race 8
10-Lindy’s Madonna – her Big M debut chasing Weekend Vacation was an acceptable acclimating mile, reunited with Tetrick with a chance to improve
9-Weekend Vacation – shook loose with a nice late burst to break her maiden from the rail, while beating the favorite She Wears It Well
6-She Wears It Well – was hammered down to 6-5 favorite, raced aggressively by Pierce & tired late in :30.2, need to see more stamina
Race 9
3-Another Amaretto – ridgling was a solid third in the Historic at Tioga, draws another inside post in a soft field to improve further
9-Bluff – third foal from the millionaire Blur who did well in much tougher PASS action, the Arch Madness team finds a prime spot for this filly
6-Quarantine S – seemed to put it all together in her latest qualifier, but miscued at Tioga Downs, iffy prospect with some talent for a top barn
Race 10
1-Smokin N Grinin – offered excellent speed in a much needed tightening effort at Pocono, 10 for 22 last year, looks like a slam dunk from the rail with Sears
6-De Vins Girl – take note of that strong improvement in her second start here with the driver change to Yannick Gingras, possible upsetter
5-Chatty Kathy – another Tracy Brainard trainee with strong, speedy form on smaller New York tracks, seems to match up well with these
]]>(issued June 19)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are five weeks from Saturday, June 23. We are tracking the top contenders and rating their performances on the major stakes trail on the road to harness racing’s greatest day. From our Winterbook Top 10, the list of prospects grew to about 30 as many have served up some strong performances already. The primary focus this Saturday will be on the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Final at Pocono Downs. The horse to beat is the world champion Googoo Gaagaa (1:51.3), who is not eligible to the Hambletonian. Future Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter qualified three colts for the final.
1-Check Me Out – In the $530,000 Elegantimage Stakes at Mohawk, the outstanding filly by Donato Hanover did it the hard way, first over, and held off arch rival Maven in a track record of 1:52.1. Tim Tetrick drove the Ray Schnittker trainee to her third straight win. “I knew it was really tight,” said Tetrick. “My filly kept fighting all the way to the wire. I give Maven tons of credit, she fought tooth and nail, and it was a great horse race all the way down the lane.”
2-Uncle Peter – Was forced wide off dull cover and roared home to finish second (timed in 1:51.4) to Stormin Normand in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. The Breeders Crown upsetter had previously beaten last year’s PASS champion Stormin Normand with a career best of 1:53.4 at The Meadows. Ron Pierce drove for Jimmy Takter, who declared this Cantab Hall colt the best he’s ever had. Takter also qualified Nothing But Class for the Beal as the fastest fifth-place finisher at 1:52.2.
3-Magic Tonight – Finished fourth (timed in 1:53.3) and left in the wake of Googoo Gaagaa’s world record of 1:51.3 in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. He had previously shattered The Meadows track record and romped in his second straight PASS with an impressive eight-length score in 1:52.4 (two fifths off a world record) with Ron Pierce driving for trainer Noel Daley.
4-Little Brown Fox – Finished second (timed in 1:53), beaten seven lengths in Googoo Gaagaa’s world record mile of 1:51.3 in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination with trainer Jimmy Takter in the bike. The Muscles Yankee colt was coming off a decisive win in the NJSS Final at the Big M in a career best 1:53.3 after winning a division in 1:54.1.
5-Beer Summit – Capitalized on a perfect second over trip to score an upset ($19.20) in the $343,980 Goodtimes Final with Ron Pierce in the bike for trainer Noel Daley. The Cantab Hall colt equaled the Mohawk track record of 1:52.2. He had finished second to Market Share in his elimination, and last month won two straight PASS events.
6-Guccio – In the $343,980 Goodtimes Final, he had no chance from post eight, yet closed widest from tenth to within a length and a quarter in :26.2 (timed in 1:52.3) with Jimmy Takter driving. He had previously rallied for second behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final, also romped in a division in 1:55.1.
7-Market Share – The beaten favorite in the Goodtimes Final was forced wide from an impossible spot and finished a hard-charging fifth, beaten only a length (timed in 1:52.3). He had won his elimination in 1:53.2. He was also the beaten favorite in the NJSS Final, finishing third after setting a rated pace, and had previously won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano.
8-Stormin Normand – Won the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination in 1:51.4, only a fifth off Googoo Gaagaa’s world record set two races prior. Dave Palone drove the son of Broadway Hall, and it was only his second start of the season with Lasix added. Palone won last year’s inaugural Beal with Dejarmbro. The stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (Jim Campbell) won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs.
9-Possess The Will – The 2011 Dan Patch Award winner and stablemate to Stormin Normand is entered in a qualifier this Thursday at the Big M after sickness set back his schedule a few weeks according to trainer Jim Campbell, who has a pair in the Top 10 now. The top earner among last year’s freshmen trotters won the Valley Victory, and went two-for-two in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile.
10-From Above – Makes his sophomore debut from post nine in race four on June 22 at the Big M. Finished second to Open class trotter Likeabatoutahell in his third qualifier (timed in 1:56, last quarter in :26.4). He won his second qualifier at the Big M in 1:54.2, last quarter in :27.1 with Tim Tetrick after finishing second in his first qualifier of the season. The son of Donato Hanover won back-to-back Grand Circuit stakes at The Red Mile at two for trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill).
Other Contenders
Vic Smith – Entered in an overnight on June 22 at the Big M with post six in race four. The freshman NJSS champion broke and finished ninth in the NJSS Final. The son of Yankee Glide had won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1 for Andy and Julie Miller.
My MVP – Finished third (timed in 1:52) to Stormin Normand in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. He won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato. Mike Lachance drives the son of Cantab Hall for trainer Tony Alagna.
Gym Tan Laundry – Set a strong pace from post nine and finished a surprising third in the Goodtimes Final at 99-1, beaten only half a length. He had finished fourth in his elimination, and was a well beaten sixth in the NJSS Final for trainer Noel Daley.
Lightning Storm – After going two-for-two in 2012 with back-to-back miles of 1:53.3 and 1:53.4 at the Big M, the Peter Haughton elimination winner finished fourth (timed in 1:52.2) in his Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination behind Stormin Normand. Jonas Czernyson has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions.
Delano – Won a division of NYSS in Buffalo Raceway track record of 1:57 for Ray Schnittker. He bounced back from making a break and finishing eighth in the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs. The son of Credit Winner started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs.
Archangel – Won his a division of NYSS at Buffalo Raceway in 1:57.3 with a flat tire. Broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs with Jim Morrill, Jr. driving for trainer Peter Arrigena, and had won his elimination in 1:53.4.
Coraggioso – Cruised to a lifetime best of 1:54.3 in the $63,489 Historic at Tioga Downs. The son of Conway Hall, co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, and won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4.
Solvato – Finished a well beaten fifth behind Googoo Gaagaa in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination. Owns a win in a PASS division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer.
Knows Nothing – Offered a decent rally and finished fourth in the Goodtimes Final after going undefeated in five starts, and winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis. Unraced at two, his sire Kadabra will enter the Canadian Hall of Fame in August.
One In A Million – Won his 2012 debut with a mighty sweep from post 10 in 1:55.2 on June 15 for Brian Sears and Chuck Sylvester, who has four Hambletonians. He’s right back in to go with post eight in race four at the Big M on June 22.
Flyhawk Jester – Finished a well beaten fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace and finishing second in his elimination as the beaten favorite. Previously had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs for trainer Tyler Raymer.
Big Chocolate – Made another break & finished fourth in a qualifier at Vernon Downs on June 8. Had made a break for the second straight start and finished seventh in the NJSS Final at the Big M, and had previously won a division in 1:54.3.
Appomattox – Finished second to Coraggioso in the Historic at Tioga Downs on June 17. He rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Frank Antonacci.
Money On My Mind – Has post seven in race four on June 22 at the Big M as part of an entry with Vic Smith. Finished a well beaten sixth (timed in 1:52.3) in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination for Andy Miller. Also finished a distant second Magic Tonight’s 1:52.4 track record in PASS at The Meadows (timed in 1:54.2). He was second by a head in last year’s William Wellwood Final.
Royal Shyster – Finished sixth in his Empire Breeders Classic elimination. NYSS champion switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, and was second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M. Entered in a qualifier on Thursday.
Top Billing – Recovered from an early break and finished fourth in a PASS division at The Meadows. The Spring Survivor winner at the Big M finished a close second to Solvato in a previous division at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Andy & Julie Miller.
American Gangster – Made an early break and finished seventh as the beaten favorite in his seasonal debut at Pocono Downs on June 15. He had won a qualifier at the Big M in 1:55.4, final quarter in :27.4. As a freshman, he set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination for trainer Chris Oakes.
Prestidigitator – Romped in his second qualifier at Mohawk in 1:56, last quarter in :27.1 with Sylvain Filion driving on June 11. Capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones.
Pekoe Fashion – Matron Stakes winner at two was entered in a qualifier at Harrah’s Philadelphia on June 19. The stablemate to Possess the Will and Stormin Normand for Jim Campbell finished seventh against older stock on April 20 at the Big M after winning both qualifiers.
Weingartner – Lit up the board in the Peter Haughton Memorial last year for Jimmy Takter, but hasn’t started yet 2012.
Power Play – Broke and finished sixth on June 1 at the Big M after he romped in his 2012 debut in 1:55.3 for trainer Steve Elliott.
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1-Weekend Vacation – took charge, set a rated pace & was nailed late by a huge drop-down favorite in New York Muscle, big chance to go all the way in this soft spot
5-Chocoholic – was left in the wake of a standout winner in Sterling Volo with trot at both ends, gets a key driver change to Brian Sears
8-She Wears It Well – filly has done some damage in stakes action for a Hambletonian barn & got parked in her last two
7-Drink of the Day – 4yo mare finally settled down & held on to win a qualifier in modest time, we’ll obviously have to see more
Race 2 – 3yo trotters – NW of 1
9-Sassy Syrinx – filly out of the two-time division champion Syrinx Hanover finished a very good third in the NJSS final, lands outside after 20 days off, but the class drop is significant
2-World Cup – steady improvement & comes off a strong second to a heavy favorite in Kingapore, Tetrick back, inside draw
5-Sweeping Victory – wiped out when a horse pulled late as he was getting underway, qualifiers were okay, brother to Mystery Photo, 1:52.3
7-Missy Goldfire – twice beaten favorite did race better for second in his last two at Harrah’s Philadelphia & picks up Corey Callahan
Race 3 – 3 & 4yo F & M – NW of 2 or $16,000
8-Justatequilatalkin – her last two at Pocono were deceptively good off a sick scratch, there’s upside here, plus the huge addition of Sears
1-Odds On Guinevere – lands the pole & switches to Campbell fresh off an excellent acclimating mile, finished well in :56.3 to hit the board
3-Babe Per View – 1 for 12 filly burned the chalk players when she gave it up despite setting an easy pace, remains at the same reduced level
10-Nelliesirishprayer – goes back to Corey Callahan after a parked out mile, yet we’re going to have to see more in her third start here from post 10
Race 4 – NW of $10,000 last 5 for trotters
7-From Above – Muscle Hill Man Greg Peck unveils his two-time Grand Circuit winner at The Red Mile off some solid qualifiers, question is how hard does he push it from post 9 right off the get go
2-Vic Smith – lived up to some hoopla until he broke in the NJSS final, has had 20 days to regroup for Team Orange Crush, but this field is no picnic
1A-One In A Million – American National champ at two measured off a methodic win from post 10 in his 3yo debut, more work to do from post 8 here for this Hambletonian prospect
6-Bank President – 1:54.3 winner here racing well on NY half milers & drops dangerously for Team Allard
Race 5 - $25,000 King of the Fours Final Trot
6-Boinga – former Hambletonian Oaks elimination shocker added Sears & unleashed a flurry to score decisively, a threat to repeat despite post 8
4-Zumba Mouse – The Mouse pounced again with authority & could’ve done a lot more in her last two wins, the Miller brothers appear to have a lock on the sweep here
1B-Big Sky Angelina – really turned her game around with a perfect drive by Campbell & rocketed home to a new mark, heads a strong three-ply entry
5-Double Up Hanover – Sears did a great job to hold him together as long as possible after he romped two starts back, beaten chalk seems like a shaky prospect
Race 6 – 3yo fillies – NW of 3 or $40,000
1-Ram Rocker – made an immediate impression when she just missed in a sires stakes leg, her latest at Pocono is worth noting, lands the pole for Casie Coleman
4-Bettor B Lucky – Noel Daley trainee won here back on May 4, gathering her form in NY stakes action & retains Sears
5-Mikeleh – her well meant 1:52.2 score back on May 11 is still a mystery, and she’s has tough luck in her last two, chance at a price
2-Notreadytobenice – I like the way she was freshened up with a blowout qualifier & draws inside to flaunt that speed
Race 7 – 3 & 4yo trotters – NW of 3 or $40,000
6-Banker Volo – easily made it two-for-two in his sharp Big M debut with Tetrick, Erv Miller colt with Hambletonian aspirations stands out here
3-Shanty Irish – dropped out of sires stakes, engaged Cathy’s Princess & faded to third, expecting more from this Burke trainee with another inside draw
2-Cathy’s Princess – 0 for 13 this season, but racing well recently, parked out through a quickening pace & held well, big switch back to Pierce
10-Holier Than Thou – note the solid third in PASS at Harrah’s Philadelphia, tried to close from last in his much needed debut here, stuck outside again
Race 8 – NW of $16,800 last 5 for trotters
2-Likeabatoutahell – classy 9yo controlled his qualifier & sprinted off in :27 flat, deserves to grab the headlines here with an inside draw
5-The Chancellor – steamrolled first over to a long awaited score, former Hambletonian finalist going in the right direction for Team Orange Crush
1-In Focus – erratic sort has made his presence felt in the Invitational, goes back to Pierce from the pole & figures to be forwardly placed
8-Take My Picture – completely empty in the Invitational two week ago, more reasonably spotted, but post 8 is demanding
Race 9 – 3yos – NW of 2 or $15,000
2-Zot – draws better off a noteworthy debut chasing an easy winning favorite in Kodak Lindy, continues to improve on Lasix
1-New York Muscle – did his share of good work in sires stakes before crushing a weak field first over to break his maiden with Sears
7-Blomkvist – finished well to hit the board at big odds last week, talent starting to surface & goes back to Pierce
4-Kingstone – broke his maiden with a perfect trip at Harrah’s Philadelphia, another Erv Miller trainee with some upside potential
Race 10 - $20,000 First Leg of the Green With Envy
1-Drop The Ball – Mistletoe Shalee champ was flying home third with no chance in the Artiscape at Tioga, key match-up with Krispy Apple here
2-Krispy Apple – obviously wasn’t herself in the Artiscape, we know she has a nose for the winner’s circle & loves this track & can easily bounce back
2A-New Album – knocking on the door at the top levels in Pennsylvania & can kick home with the right pace set-up
6-Some Girls Do – two-time series champ here last year toiling in her transition season at The Meadows, returns to the mile track with Sears
Race 11 – NW of $4,000 last 5
9-High Pan Tolerance – drops further after chasing a runaway 1:53.2 winner in Celebrity Playboy, just needs to avoid traffic issues
3-T P Lucy – shows a standout win at Freehold & got loose on the lead again in a qualifier at Harrah’s Philadelphia
2-Mister King – stayed flat & showed improved trot second time Lasix, draws inside & figures to be able to keep pace this bunch
6-Get Chipped – woke up with a wire-to-wire effort at Monticello, changes hands & venues
Race 12 – F & M – NW of $4,000 last 5
2-Obsessive Artist – has been tackling much tougher at Pocono Downs & lands in a prime spot here for Rene Allard
6-Ace Of Pace – fresh off a strong effort in the Poconos she plummets to the bottom rung here
1-Fancy Pants Sandy – fringe player was a decent third to a favored repeater in Kissmatt, a must use in exotics
3-Kitti Place – recovered nicely from an early miscue before requalifying, ideally situated to launch another late bid
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10-Mr Compo – brother to Manhardt, 1:48.4 & Samandar, 1:50.4 broke through at first asking up Vernon way, upside & speed in a weak field overcomes post 10
2-Bestjetyet – seems to have finally gotten his act together with snappy :26.2 in his debut here chasing the standout Rockweiller
4-Eight Ten EOM – Western Ideal colt out of the great Glowing Report flashed a hint of coming around with a strong parked-out effort last time, still paced home in :27.1
3-Blueridge David – interesting shipper with 9 wins in 13 starts, sharp recent form at Plainridge, yet you have to toss out his latest there
Race 2 - $15,000 claimers
2-Most Happy Keene – fresh claim by a reputable barn with winning record at this price, draws well again off a strong third last week
6-Allamerican Inca – sliced his claiming tag in half & finished a disappointing fourth behind Most Happy Keene, remains a threat this level
4-Stormin Rustler – got torched into a :53.4 half with an ill-fated bid from post 10, draws better, remains razor sharp, but 0 for 17 this season
7-Enry – was used way too hard in a blistering pace from post 10, prior lines at Yonkers indicate an effective stalking style
Race 3 – 3 + 4yos – NW of 2 or $25,000
4-Majority Rules – has been the victim of outside posts & tough trips elsewhere, ships into a much softer spot here, yet only needs Rockweiller to falter
10-Rockweiller – dropped out of sires stakes & suddenly found a winning groove for two in a row, figures to overpower this bunch despite post 10
6-Relentless Dreamer – made a strong impression in his debut here as a runner-up to the raging Rockweiller, would benefit if that rival gets roughed up
3-Sir Jack – had no chance with a devastating trip from post 11, his previous form at Yonkers matches up well with these
Race 4 – NW of $4,000 last 5
10-Veal Marsala – sub 1:50 performer for Team Allard plummets to rock bottom off a no-chance mile, stands out with his superior credentials
1-Mister Barnett N – owns a win for this price at Harrah’s Philadelphia, needed his last start, switches Corey Callahan & lands the pole
8-Red Star Tomahawk – dropped to this level responded with an improved rally for the place spot at Harrah’s Philadelphia, tactical speed puts him in play
7-Sir Sisu – scored a long overdue win wire-to-wire at Freehold, doesn’t face much here, but has missed three weeks
Race 5 – NW of $6,600 last 5
4-Fool Of Ideas – faced tougher at Harrah’s Philadelphia, now drops dangerously & draws favorably making his third start for Ron Burke
2-Noble Falcon – classy veteran drops back to a winning level after getting parked out from post 8 & moves inside
7-Woodstock Hanover – beaten favorite was left out there in a fast pace, recaptured his winning form before that
10-Donttellporkies N – stormed home from last to hit the board in an excellent Big M debut, yet stuck with post 10 again
Race 6 – NW of $12,500 last 5
6-Major Belle – beaten favorite in two of his last three at Harrah’s Philadelphia remains in good form for Burke, a stalker with a big chance to break through here
4-Southwestern Dream – gets some much needed class relief, beat similar back on April 14 with an aggressive 1:49.4
10-Flipper J – top level performer on smaller tracks takes an important drop, but will need some luck to overcome post 10
7-Electrofire – upset much better here in 1:50 back on January 21, recent Pocono form has been consistent
Race 7 - $25,000 King of the Four’s Final
6-Gold Like U – was a well driven winner with plenty of stretch kick in a career best 1:52, remains on a long form spree
4-Mambo Italiano –ripped off his second straight with a career best 1:51.4 & looks like the one to knock off with an inside draw
2-Fat Mans Alley – went back to Dube & roared home from last when he dropped to this bottom level, big threat to repeat
5-Morality – chalked up one of the biggest form reversals of the meet given a perfect drive, intriguing repeat possibility in a competitive final
Race 8 – NW of $16,000 last 5
6-Shoobee’s Place – sneaky good form, faced Invitational foes in his last start here & may rate a slight edge here
5-Big Ray – steady customer for Team Allard always a threat with striking range & the better draw obviously helps
3-Western Trademark – solid runner-up in his last three here, chased a dominant winner last week in Iam Bonasera & draws better
7-Power of Tara N – left in the wake of Oscar Oscar’s 1:48.1 last week, parked against that same rival before that
Race 9 – King of the Fours Consolation 1
5-Shark Dressed Man – 8yo with some back class rounding into form with four starts on the comeback trail, off a fine effort with pace at both ends
4-T M Top Gun – beaten favorite has improved in his last two against these lesser foes, well situated to launch a stalk n pop here
7-Four Starz Bling – 10yo with Invitational lines in Chicago was hard used last week from post 10, his speed makes him a factor
1-Brandon’s Colt – just 1 for 16 this season, but just missed from post 10 two starts back, then got cooked into a :54.2 half
Race 10 – NW of $12,500 last 5
5-Blatantly Good – Levy finalist & Invitational winner here back in February aired it out with some stern fractions at Pocono, major class drop n pop candidate in a tough field
4-Grams Legacy – ended a long drought & capitalized on his intensifying form with an aggressive score, continues to tap his potential for Takter
1-Thebestofjoel – has clearly sharpened his sword on Lasix, fresh off a career best 1:49.3 heads a strong entry for Team Burke
3-Rescue Plan – couldn’t quite polish off a perfect trip trying to get to Thebestofjoel, can conceivably turn the tables on that rival with a similar trip
Race 11 – $15,000 claimers
8-Cullen’s Blue Jean – was burned up & pressured in a fast pace after pulling off a shocker with a more patient trip, sharp item from a demanding post
3-Myra’s HiHo – strong runner-up while close to a fast pace in his debut here, looks for him to be on or near the lead
7-All Powerful – just 1 for 17 in 2012, too far out of range last week behind Myra’s Hiho & remains at the mercy of the pace
4-Amasa Al – drops a notch, owns a win here & the inside draw can facilitate a stalking trip
Race 12 – NW of 3 or $60,000
2-Bullet Bob – makes that significant drop from sires stakes, an impressive 1:50.4 winner here back on April 14, rates the call despite missing three weeks
1-Joe Palz – angled & surged after a headstrong Grams Legacy & now moves inside off that well driven performance by Tony Hall
3-Social Network – fired out for a hot pocket ride only to be outsprinted by Joe Palz, now note the barn change here
7-Prince Sharka – 1 for 17 in 2012, no threat behind Joe Palz & Social Network & will need some mayhem to ensue
Race 13 – King of Fours – Consolation 2
5-Lemon Drop Hall – was simply caught too far behind after a second tier start, while pacing a :55.1 back half, just missed before that
6-Liberty Call – lack of speed has left him with too much to do, yet his last two final quarters were better
4-Blade Runner – 1:52.4 winner here back on May 19 gets a pass for his first start off the claim to allow for the new stable adjustment
7-Hurrikane Anthony – 1 for 18 this season, but he’s capable of hustling home for a piece with the right speed set-up
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(issued June 12)
The $1.5 million Hambletonian is Saturday, August 4, and eliminations are now six weeks from Saturday, June 16. We are tracking the top contenders and rating their performances on the major stakes trail on the road to harness racing’s greatest day. From our Winterbook Top 10, the list of prospects grew to about 30 as many have served up some strong performances already. The main focus this weekend will be on Mohawk and Saturday’s Goodtimes & Elegantimage (Check Me Out). Also, on Friday, Pocono Downs has the eliminations for the $500,000 Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial.
1-Check Me Out – fresh from her 11-length romp in PASS at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 1:53.4 (three fifths off a world record) she cruised in her elimination for the Elegantimage in 1:54.3 at Mohawk, the Donato Hanover filly has post three in the Saturday’s final, Tim Tetrick said, “There was a strong wind down the stretch, she hasn’t grown much, but she’s calmer, still has her same big gait, high speed & great will”
2-Magic Tonight – has post three (race 10) in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination on Friday, shattered The Meadows track record & romped in his second straight PASS with an impressive eight-length score in a season’s best 1:52.4 (two fifths off a world record) with Ron Pierce driving for trainer Noel Daley, Pierce said the colt finally showed how much of a special horse he is, the son of Andover Hall has had some soundness issues & responded to the application of bar shoes
3-Uncle Peter – drew post four (race 12) in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination on Friday, the Breeders Crown upsetter showed no ill effects from a recent minor leg injury making his 2012 debut, and wore down last year’s PASS champion Stormin Normand with a career best 1:53.4 at The Meadows, Ron Pierce drove for Jimmy Takter, who declared this Cantab Hall colt the best he’s ever had
4-Little Brown Fox – has post seven (race 10) in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination, scored a decisive win in the NJSS Final at the Big M in a career best 1:53.3 after the Muscles Yankee colt had won a division in 1:54.1, once again, driver Ron Pierce teamed up with trainer Jimmy Takter
5-Guccio – game first over runner-up (1:54) to the undefeated Knows Nothing in a Goodtimes elimination, has post eight in Saturday’s final, rallied for second behind stablemate Little Brown Fox in the NJSS Final, had romped in a previous division in 1:55.1, completes the Jimmy Takter trio in the Top 5
6-Market Share – won his elimination for the Goodtimes in 1:53.2, has post four in the Saturday’s final, beaten favorite in the NJSS Final, finished third after setting a rated pace, had previously won a NJSS division by nine lengths in 1:53.1 for trainer Linda Toscano
7-Beer Summit – second to Market Share in his Goodtimes elimination, leaves from post seven in the final, went two-for-two in PASS before finishing a close second to My MVP in a division at The Meadows
8-Possess The Will – scheduled to qualify on June 23 at the Big M, sickness set back his schedule a few weeks according to trainer Jim Campbell, top earner among 2011’s freshmen trotters capped his Dan Patch Award season winning the Valley Victory, and went two-for-two in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile, who has another major player in Stormin Normand
9-Lightning Storm – drew post two (race 12) in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination, easily made it two-for-two in 2012 with a 1:53.4 romp from post 10 at the Big M on June 8 with Corey Callahan driving, Peter Haughton elimination winner at two had won his 2012 debut from post 9 in 1:53.3, Jonas Czernyson has sent out six Hambletonian finalists in the last four editions
10-From Above – won his second qualifier at the Big M in 1:54.2, last quarter in :27.1 with Tim Tetrick, son of Donato Hanover for trainer Greg Peck (Muscle Hill) previously finished second in a qualifier on June 1, timed in 1:55, final quarter :27.1
Other Contenders
Solvato – drew post two (race 10) in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination, set the pace & finished third to My MVP & Beer Summit as the beaten favorite in PASS at The Meadows, had won a previous division in 1:53.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Trond Smedshammer
Stormin Normand – has the rail (race 12) in the first Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination on Friday, stablemate to Dan Patch Award winner Possess the Will (Jim Campbell) set the pace & finished second (timed in 1:54) to Uncle Peter in PASS at The Meadows, won the PASS Championship at two in 1:54.3 at Pocono Downs
Vic Smith – freshman NJSS champion broke & finished ninth in the NJSS Final, had won his 2012 NJSS debut in 1:55.3, then lost by a nose to Little Brown Fox in 1:54.1
Knows Nothing – remained undefeated in five starts winning his Goodtimes elimination in 1:53.4 for Jody Jamieson & Jeff Gillis beating even money favorite Guccio, son of Kadabra was unraced at two
Delano – broke & finished eighth in the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs, had started 2012 going wire-to-wire in NYSS in 1:54.4 at Tioga Downs for Ray Schnittker
My MVP – has post three (race 12) in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination, won a division of PASS at The Meadows in 1:55.1 over Beer Summit & Solvato, Mike Lachance drove the son of Cantab Hall for trainer Tony Alagna
Archangel – broke his own Vernon Downs track record winning the Empire Breeders Classic in 1:53.1 at Vernon Downs with Jim Morrill, Jr. driving for trainer Peter Arrigena, had won his elimination in 1:53.4
Coraggioso – son of Conway Hall co-owned by legendary announcer Tom Durkin, finished second in the Empire Breeders Classic for trainer/driver Phil Fluet, won a NYSS division at Tioga Downs in 1:55.4
Flyhawk Jester – finished a well beaten fifth in the Empire Breeders Classic after setting the pace & finishing second in his elimination as the beaten favorite, previously had a second to Archangel in NYSS at Tioga Downs for trainer Tyler Raymer
Big Chocolate – made another break & finished fourth in a qualifier at Vernon Downs, broke for the second straight start & finished seventh in the NJSS Final at the Big M, previously won a division in 1:54.3
Gym Tan Laundry – finished fourth in his Goodtimes elimination, has post nine in the final, a well beaten sixth in the NJSS Final
Money On My Mind – has post five (race 12) in the second Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial elimination on Friday, finished a distant second to Magic Tonight in PASS at The Meadows (timed in 1:54.2), stablemate to eligibles Vic Smith & Top Billing was second by a head in last year’s William Wellwood Final
Royal Shyster – finished sixth in his Empire Breeders Classic elimination, NYSS champion switched to trainer Noel Daley this season, second to Googoo Gaagaa in the Simpson at the Big M
Top Billing – recovered from an early break & finished fourth in a PASS division at The Meadows, Spring Survivor winner at the Big M finished a close second to Solvato in a previous division at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Andy & Julie Miller
American Gangster – won a qualifier at the Big M in 1:55.4, final quarter in :27.4 with Brian Sears driving, had made his 2012 debut in a qualifier at the Big M on June 1 & finished fourth (1:56.2), set a Mohawk track record of 1:54.4 in his William Wellwood elimination at two for trainer Chris Oakes
Appomattox – rallied from post nine to win his 2012 debut in 1:56.1 on June 1 at the Big M with Tim Tetrick driving for trainer Frank Antonacci
Weingartner – lit up the board in the Peter Haughton Memorial last year for Jimmy Takter (no starts yet in 2012)
Prestidigitator – romped in his second qualifier at Mohawk in 1:56, last quarter in :27.1 with Sylvain Filion driving, capped his freshman season winning the OSS Super Final for trainer Dustin Jones
Pekoe Fashion – stablemate to Possess the Will & Stormin Normand for Jim Campbell finished seventh against older stock on April 20 after winning both qualifiers finished seventh, won the Matron Final at two
Power Play – broke & finished sixth on June 1 at the Big M after he romped in his 2012 debut in 1:55.3 for trainer Steve Elliott
One In A Million – finished second to From Above in his second qualifier at the Big M for Brian Sears & Chuck Sylvester on June 8 (post 10 in race 8 on Friday, June 15 at Big M)
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5-Lindy McDreamy – was a $130,000 Lexington-Selected yearling from a strong maternal line, won that qualifier with a visually impressive :27.3, swung three wide & kicked home under minimal urging
1-Broadway Rocks – 4yo Broadway Hall gelding makes his long awaited debut after winning a lone qualifier at Chester, then finishing a hard-fought second as the beaten favorite
Race 2 – NW of $6,525 last 5 for trotters
3-Bullville Win – was ducked early from post 8, pushed back to last & angled with mild late trot, acclimated & moves inside a wide-open field
4-Ima Que T – brushed to the top in a solid :56.4 & struggled home into the wind, just 1 for 22, looks for a stalking trip
Race 3 – 3 & 4yo F & M – NW of 2 or $15,000
4-To Tell The Truth – flashed speed, retook past the quarter, took pressure from the favorite & hung tough while all out, $3,000 Harrisburg yearling chance to build on that
1-Hepburn Blue Chip – was a $50,000 Harrisburg yearling, sister to Master Stroke put up a :27.2 in both qualifiers & lands the pole in a field full of question marks
2-Can’t Stop Me Now – sparked her game in her first two starts on Lasix, yet had trouble gaining into a :56.4 back half, improved post
Race 4 – Spring Survivor Series 2nd Bracket
8-Markz Moose – hooked wheels briefly with On The Podium around the first turn & knocked off stride, had more in the tank when he romped at Chester before that
5-Trouble – turned round one into a training mile, went unchallenged, completely wrapped up, logically the one to figure out again
3-On The Podium – left alertly from post 7 & got stuck behind Not Afraid too long, obviously needed that start & draws better here
Race 5 – NW of $6,525 last 5 for trotters
5-Double Up Hanover – a 1:54.3 winner at Mohawk last year bounced back with nice win at Chester with a big move, returns here now with Bruce Saunders
2-Mystical Con – ran into the far superior Temple Of Doom last week, eligible to trip out from post 2 against a nondescript bunch
3-Cathy’s Princess – saw a bit more improvement when she rallied for the show again chasing a standout Modern Family, ideally spotted to pick up more
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4-Rock N Soul – took full advantage of class relief from the top mares in the Overbid with a dominant win at Chester & stands out back here
3-Shabalabadingdong – stayed glued to the cones, got bottled up & finished well in traffic after back-to-back lifetime marks, improving mare draws post 3 again
5-Ideal Newton – followed Rock N Soul to the wire in :27.3 at Chester, in solid form & effective on the mile track
Race 7 – NW of $18,000 last 4 for trotters
7-Mystery Photo – prolific top class winner went 9 for 21 last year, big qualifier at Chester, second try off the bench for Team Orange Crush
5-Sugar Queen Gabby – followed up a convincing win here with a game runner-up at Chester, this mare has cycled forward
3-Ice Machine – forced wide around stalling cover, avoided a breaker (Bookem), had dead aim & hung while all out, remains a big threat
Race 8 – F & M – NW of $6,500 last 5
10-McFlirty – showing signs of recapturing some of her stellar 2011 form, fresh claim by Enrico Robinson with a chance to improve further despite post 10
8-Shayna Baby – pulled off an overdue class drop n pop, fighting off a fierce late challenge & going all the way
3-Heavens Bettorhalf – beaten favorite off a gutsy first over into the stretch winds last Friday & draws inside again
Race 9 – NW of $10,500 last 5 for trotters
1-Master Begonia – 9yo veteran won the battle & war at Chester, figures to be the main speed from the rail as he continues to come around for Burke
10-Zuerest – went off stride leaving & now changes barns via the claim from Burke, he’s speedy & handy enough to leave for position
3-Unefoisdansmavie – she was caught too far behind from post 7, came to hand before that & look for her in the early mix
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2-E Street Plan – fired out, settled nicely for a pocket past the half, had to angle out three deep & gathered full stride too late while gaining on Breakin The Law
1-One Through Ten – promising colt out of a sister to Artsplace romped away from an easy field in a nice tune-up, heads a strong Takter entry
8-Breakin The Law – launched a long, methodic grind into a quickening pace, and wore down a stubborn Alex Bullville in :27.3, lands outside again, but has taken to the mile track
Race 2 – NW of 2 or $15,000
1-Caviart Shiloh – sold for a decent $70,000 at the Lexington-Selected Sale, kicked home in :26.3 in that latest qualifier under no urging whatsoever, has a big chance to sit a close-up trip here
2-Oh My Joepa – cycling around & stole away with a cheap :57.2 half enroute to a lifetime best upset for Brandon Simpson & draws better
5-Blues A Midnight – hasn’t had things go his way in the last two, seems most effective making one solid late burst
Race 3 – NW of $4,000 last 5
2-Mr Hallowell – former fast-class pacer with a mark of 1:48.3 took a couple tours, now might be ready & in line to trip out against vulnerable opposition
7-Three Ten – suddenly engaged in a fierce duel & held on for third, could be a positive sign of a turnaround
Race 4 – 2nd division of Spring Survivor Series
3-Winter Night - $1,500 yearling has blossomed with several inspiring wins in Delaware for Dover Downs leader Corey Callahan
6-Take It Back Terry – brother to Cuz She Can, 1:49.4, $845,803 ships in fresh off a lifetime best at The Meadows for Team Burke
Race 5 – NW of $6,000 last 5
2-Takemewithyou – took charge from post 7, yielded to the winner & actually battled back under an all out assault, big threat again from an improved post
9-Triple Major – dropped to this rung & was put to a full out drive chasing Takemewithyou, seeks another live flow from a tougher post
]]>2-Four Starz Trace – tangled with top pacers as a 4yo, had the needed start at Chester, Burke drops him into an ideal spot to regain winning form
1-Born To Rocknroll – shows recent success against comparable stock in Chicago, has a history here & lands the pole
6-Southern Sport – picked up a fourth-place check in the Four Leaf Clover Final, can easily see him pulling off a class drop n pop
Race 7 – Claiming Handicap $25,000-$30,000
8-Adams Hanover – unleashed quite a bounce back lifetime best two weeks ago, merits the step up in price & the Erv Miller-Tracy Brainard combo has been lethal
3-Alfredsson – fresh item paid off at $17.80 when he stormed home to a career best in his Big M debut, big chance to come right back
6-Legacy N Diamonds – acclimated with a pair of solid finishes, chased Adams Hanover, then flew home in :27 from an impossible spot
Race 8 – NW of $12,750 last 5
6-Cobalt Man – fresh claim by Mark Capone completely blocked in the two-hole & squeezed through too late, now protected in a condition
3-Intrigued Royally – picked up a check in the Four Leaf Clover Final, Burke drops him into a much easier condition, chance for a wake up
1-Mercurio N – hasn’t had much chance in his last two at Yonkers, gets significant class & post relief here
Race 9 – NW of $6,600 last 5
5-A J Corbelli – has had some requisite tighteners, was raging home in traffic second time Lasix & now drops dangerously
1-Buckeye In Charge – offered plenty of late pace to hit the board first time Lasix off a sick scratch & three-week gap, moves inside
3-Noble Falcon – twice beaten favorite with excuses, obviously hasn’t been at full capacity, but you have to respect his mega back class
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7-Mama Made Me Blue – piled up the wins dominating the Iowa fair circuit & sires stakes, gradually acclimating here for Brandon Simpson, drops into a prime spot
2-All Locked Up – gelding showed some promise with that close second in his first start here, trouble since then, solid qualifier, inside draw
3-Winterleebrook – came back with a couple of improved miles at Yonkers, has proven to handle the mile track & picks up Tetrick
Race 2 – 1st Division of Spring Survivor Series
2-Lima Rocks – lightly-raced gelding quickly caught the winning habit in Chicago, $5,200 yearling off 26 days, but has upside, Gingras & inside draw
3-Trouble – encouraging two-time Singer Series winner before he faltered in that final, tough to gauge the bounce back mile at Saratoga
Race 3 – F & M – NW of 2 or $15,000
8-Can’t Stop Me Now – picked up her form on Lasix, easy maiden breaker at Freehold, chased Heavens Bettorhalf with strong late pace, could turn the tables with the right trip
1-Heavens Bettorhalf – sister to Rocknroll Heaven starting to come around & flaunt some of that fine pedigree, perfect second over trip from post 9 last out
Race 4 – 2nd Division of Spring Survivor Series
4-Modern Family – unleashed a professional rally to romp in his debut from post 10 under little urging, displayed the stride of a champion
7-On The Podium - $90,000 yearling strode out confidently for Schnittker in that latest qualifier completely under wraps
Race 5 – NW of $6,500 last 5 for trotters
5-Stir Me Up – inching closer with improved rallies in his last two, drops a notch, ideal midpack draw, might be the spot
4-Victors Vicky – veteran mare continues down the class ladder, while getting tighter on the comeback trail & draws a better post
1-Manningly – beaten favorite brushed to command & simply broke, still a horse for the course now dropping further trying to regroup
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3-Bunny In The Bank – was overmatched in the Cape Cutter, returns off a strong, parked out mile in the Yonkers Open, picks up Jim Morrill, Jr., look for a smooth trip to show her class
5-Shabalabadingdong – starting to blossom as a 4yo with two straight lifetime marks & sharp final quarters, continues to step up
2-Southwind Swallow – beaten favorite was forced uncovered when Don’t Blame Her was allowed to rate a :57 middle half, lands back inside to atone with her class edge
Race 7 – NW of $16,000 last 5 for trotters
5-Ice Machine – sat a three-hole behind Bookem & shook loose with raging late trot in :27.2, nice bounce-back mile, on the verge
4-In Focus – near millionaire showed his class when he tracked down Westside Lindy with a relentless rally in :27.3, dangerous despite the move up in class
9-Bookem – rebounded with a pocket ride behind MM’s Lucky Boy, a stirring :27.2 sprint up the cones & lifetime best of 1:54.2
Race 8 – F & M – NW of $10,000 last 5 or 2012
2-Reilly’s Daughter – started off the meet like a house on fire, then tailed off in her last few, the class & post relief here is simply too much to ignore
5-Julias Song N – rode a three-hole trip, squeezed out & surged past for the mild Dan Noble upset, NZ-bred mare gaining confidence
8-Nite Games – 8yo mare has been on quite a form spree, got the fast fractions she needed to catapult home, tougher assignment here
Race 9 – NW of $8,000 last 5 for trotters
6-Zumba Mouse – tracked the live cover of Bank President & was getting to that one late, seeks revenge with a superior kick
3-Bank President – looked like a different horse when he inched up uncovered, gunned down the heavy favorite & held off Zumba Mouse, productive veteran draws well again
9-In Nomine Patri – we’ve seen some gate speed & an aggressive effort almost paid off two starts back, this class drop will help
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9-Blues At Midnight – was suddenly very aggressive, parking out Waywatcher, his talent surfacing & might go back to a closing strategy
4-Attack Modes Billy – sat right behind the winner & scooted home for third in :27.4 under urging, a very acceptable opener here
5-Waywatcher – got parked & battled a long way last week, back to Bionic Man after two acclimating miles
Race 2
3-Beware of Darkness – plummets to the bottom rung & draws well in a very light group after a much needed mile, can beat this bunch on memory alone
8-Kiss My Cam – 8yo veteran took three starts off the claim to air it out at Pompano two back, factor off that mile despite a 3-week gap and tough post
1-Beauty And A Beast – was claimed before picking up a solid third in the Rags to Riches Series, demanding posts in his last two
5-Iron Byron – shows a win for this price at Yonkers back in January, yet needs a wake-up call
Race 3
2-Redford Blue Chip – recent Josh Green acquisition has rounded into winning form at Dover, draws well off a game score first time Lasix
10-King’s Legend – broke his maiden in fine style at Chester, leaving 9-Rockndream in his wake, Erv Miller trainee with plenty of upside
1-Astor – new prospect for Linda Toscano looked pretty comfortable rating & sprinting off under no urging by Campbell
Race 4
2-Leave It To Sam – paced a decent :56.4 back half in his comebacker, draws better & beat the 15s here in January
5-Rader Detector – saved ground, angled into traffic & got clear too late, a winner at this level last month needs a bit more
1-Trophy Hunter – suddenly reeled off some stern fractions & held for the show spot, logically remains a dangerous inside speed threat
7-Success Rocks – though he was sitting on a big mile when he rallied for third two back, returns to the mile track
Race 5
8-A J Corbelli – sat a three-hole behind the eventual Four Leaf Clover winner Art Z & was completely blocked to the wire, could be ready to fire now for Team Allard in this class drop situation
2-He’s Gorgeous – paced a back half of :54.3 in his first start for Team Orange Crush, draws inside now on the class drop
1-Grams Legacy – almost grinded out his third win of the meet, well bred Takter trainee is an obvious threat from the pole
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3-Tuneariffic – has already produced three game scores recently, came up short two weeks ago, chance to bounce back for Burke
4-Artist’s View – came back around with that mild upset on March 3, was too far back closing into a :54.3 back half last week
5-Heart of Rocknroll – loved the way he suddenly took charge, carved out some serious fractions & bottomed them out, can revert back to a stalking mode at this level
1-Gaelic Thunder – steps up in class again after following up his blowout two starts back with a sterling rally to repeat
Race 7
8-Breaking The Law – ran into the runaway Morality two weeks ago after a gutsy score in his Big M debut for Burke
9-E Street Plan – stormed home in an impressive :55.2 to that comeback upset, lightly-raced gelding continues to improve
6-Sea Me Now – added Lasix & qualified against superior foes like Foiled Again, roughed up in his first start for Bamond at Yonkers
3-Bettors Glass – had no chance far behind a blowout winner in Morality, signaled a breakthough with that wire-to-wire win two back
Race 8
4-Alfredsson – going with a fresh face for Team Allard, finished well in those two wins at Yonkers & could make a quick adjustment here
3-Cambassador – claimed for 30 and dropped for 25, couldn’t get to a headstrong Oscar Oscar, looks to be forwardly placed again
6-Cobalt Man – recent claim got a fair chance to strut his stuff up the cones, just missed while all out, looks to follow up
8-Rockin Glass – capped off the Rags to Riches with three in a row, that was a serious, well-meant score in that final
Race 9
8-McCedes – drops again to face a light field here after a couple of tighteners at Chester, Burke millionaire can swoop this bunch
4-Noble Falcon – recovered from an early miscue to just miss at Chester, beaten favorite drops further to flaunt his back class
1-Blue Claw – falls into a class & post relief scenario he has taken advantage of in the past with his late move
2-Tireman – perked up with a much improved effort with pace at both ends, looks to keep it going from another inside post
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10-Modern Family - $110,000 Lexington-Selected Sale yearling out of a sister to $757,046 winner Lanson, floated out there to the lead, strode smartly with nice action & kept to task under constant light taps from Sears
2-Cathy’s Princess – stayed flat & shook loose with some late trot in an improved effort, can see her offering a little more from a better post
Race 2 – F & M – NW of 2 or $15,000
9-Pure Diamond – American Ideal filly makes only her third start fresh off a nice looking qualifier, sat a two-hole behind a pace-setter who drifted out badly & drew off in :27.4 completely wrapped up
1-Red Hot Scarlet – chased an uncatchable Air Guitar Hanover at Chester after missing 25 days, lands the pole on an improving trend
Race 3 – $15,000 – mile + ½ Trot
1-Idle Time – held off prolonged final quarter pressure to make it 2 of his last 3, that lifetime best of 1:55.4 at Dover figures to be more than enough to handle these
6-Rev It Now – clearly picked up his game in his last two after switching to Team Orange Crush, Tracy Brainard-owned stock lighting it up recently, and this one might be suited to the added distance
Race 4 – NW of $16,000 last 5 for trotters
7-BlackTuxwhitesocks – beaten favorite in his comeback, which was just okay two weeks ago, NYSS champion at three has a chance to follow up with a statement mile
3-Marcus Bi – turned in a couple of gutsy performances in the Horse & Groom Series, no chance from post 9 in that final into a :55.1 back half, inside draw here puts him in closer contention
Race 5 – NW of $8,000 last 5 for trotters
1-Shining Ember – has to garner attention off that game first over comeback with trotting hopples added by Tyler Raymer & moves inside, wins 9 of 18 last year
9-Swan Image – back class galore, great history here, this veteran is sharpening up on the comeback trail
8-Woody Marvel – repeated in style with a confidence-boosting wire-to-wire win beating a blank field, fresh threat to make it three in a row off that lifetime best
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2-You Little Rascal – tracked the live cover of Miss Behave & finished a hard-driving third in :27.2, steadily improving mare draws better
4-Gottaseeaboutagirl – a first leg winner who was flying wide & late as usual, improved post in peak form
7-Miss Behave – grinded gamely first over a long way & still fought them off in a sharp :27.2, round one winner picks up Jim Morrill, Jr.
Race 7 – F & M – NW $8,300 last 4
7-Mystical MJ – Illinois stakes star at 2 and 3 has now had two solid first over tightening miles, could be ready to flaunt that 8 for 23 form from last year
4-Cotton Candy – forced into a first over grind last week & miscued at Yonkers before that, sports a couple of nice wins from outside posts here & draws favorably
2-Bell On Wheels – left alertly, got shuffled, checked briefly in deep stretch, then kicked home in :27.1 on the class drop, draws better
Race 8 – NW of $10,500 last 5
2-Pembroke Heat Wave – put forth some strong on-the-board finishes in the Horse & Groom before getting blitzed in the 1:52.2 final, sharpening on the comeback trail & drops into a perfect stalking spot
5-Chaplin Hall – that was some authoritative sweep with a back half of :55.2 for the huge upset, obvious threat to repeat off the lifetime best
9-Zuerest – made it four-for-four in the Burke Barn, won his Big M debut in brave style, leaving, yielding, got jammed up, outgamed Shining Ember & equaled his lifetime mark
Race 9 – F & M – NW of $8,300 last 4
2-Smoke Pan Mirrors – stepping in the right direction since Lasix was added, flew home from a tough spot last week :27.1 and :55
4-Say Anything – capitalized on perfect Campbell handling with a career best fresh off the bench, poised for a tougher group here
3-Sandy Absolute – drops out of the very competitive Night Styles Series & draws inside, a stalking trip can facilitate a wake-up call
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Tim Tetrick
In 2011, Tim Tetrick reeled off his fifth straight season as the sport’s leading money winning driver, passing $15 million each year.
He’s the first to reach $100 million before age 30, while moving into 11th all time.
The three-time HTA Driver of the Year made it back-to-back 700-win campaigns and drove three Dan Patch Award winners.
Krispy Apple was a major player in the 3yo pacing filly ranks and thrived at the Big M with Tetrick in the bike. The daughter of Western Ideal, owned by Jeff Bamond and Joseph Davino of New Jersey, won more than half a million dollars, took a mark of 1:49.1, and dominated the Miss New Jersey in 1:50.3.
Check Me Out is another greatly anticipated returnee in 2012 for Tetrick, who guided the dominant diva to a $900,000 freshman season when she won 14 of 16, including a Big M track record of 1:54.2 in the Merrie Annabelle. The Dan Patch Award winner trained by Ray Schnittker could have a date with the boys in the Hambletonian.
Tetrick drove another Dan Patch Award winner from the great first crop of 2007 Horse of the Year Donato Hanover in Possess The Will. Jim Campbell trains the big, strong colt for Jules Siegel’s Fashion Farms. He went two-for-two at the Red Mile where he took a mark of 1:54.
O’Brien Award winner American Jewel, owned and bred by Brittany Farms, and trained by Jimmy Takter, launched her 8 for 9 freshman season in the Countess Adios. She went on to post major wins in the Eternal Camnation and She’s a Great Lady, and Tetrick looks for more great things from the American Ideal filly in 2012.
Tetrick is odds on to stay on his unprecedented roll in 2012 with the return of Dan Patch Award winner Anndrovette, already the Overbid champion in a stakes record of 1:49.3, Breeders Crown champion Chapter Seven and NYSS star Heston Blue Chip.
Whenever it’s major stakes time it’s Bionic Man Time!
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Brian Sears
With ten straight driving titles at the Meadowlands, including five consecutive championship meets, Brian Sears has more than dominated the sport’s premier stage.
After his streak was snapped with a second place finish in 2010, the White Knight bounced back to win the 2011 title with 149 wins and $3.2 million.
He has passed the 200-win and $4 million mark at the Big M for seven straight years.
Sears also passed the $10 million mark for the eighth year in row with $12.8 million, moved into seventh all time at $126 million, and had more than 400 wins (445) for the tenth time in 14 seasons.
Despite coming off a long trip back from a successful European jaunt and missing almost a month, it was a quite evident Arch Madness was hungry for some home cooking. Back to the site of his monumental upset in the 2007 Breeders Crown, the 7yo reeled off back-to-back wins in 1:51.3, then a stunning world record of 1:50.2 in the Titan Cup. Trond Smedshammer’s triple millionaire by Balanced Image is the richest Canadian-sired horse of all time, and he’s back as an 8yo.
See You At Peelers garnered her second straight Dan Patch Award and extending her undefeated string to 20 in a row in the Tarport Hap, her only career start at the Big M. The world champion daughter of Bettor’s Delight at $1.5 million withstood a pair of fierce challenges in 1:51 for trainer Jimmy Takter. She is on her way back to battling the sport’s top class pacing mares.
Dreamfair Eternal earned August Horse of the Month honors when she scored back-to-back major stakes wins at the Big M in the Lady Liberty and the Golden Girls. In the Lady Liberty, the 7yo double millionaire by Camluck grinded down the top pacing mares in the sport with a gutsy 1:49.2 under Brian Sears urging. It was the 50th win of a brilliant career for Canada’s 2010 Horse of the Year
trained by Patrick Fletcher.
Sears is the fastest driver ever to hit a dozen Breeders Crowns in his first 37 drives, and he added another in 2011 with Dan Patch Award winner Economy Terror, the leading money winning 2yo of 2011. This daughter of Western Terror earned $926,000, and she polished off her season by equaling a Woodbine track record of 1:51 in the Breeders Crown. She also set a world record of 1:50.3 in
the Three Diamonds at Chester for trainer Chris Oakes.
In 2011, Brian Sears won five series finals at the Big M, continued to exhibit his prowess as one of the most sought after catch drivers in the sport, and kept up his strong attendance in the Grand Circuit winner’s circle.
Under the big money pressure it’s the White Knight to the rescue!
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2-One Through Ten - $100,000 yearling out of a sister to Artsplace came up a bit shy in his 3yo debut off a perfect second over trip & now moves inside for Tetrick & Takter
4-Cowboy Max – only a $7,000 buy at Harrisburg, hails from a solid maternal family, seemed to be in full control, under minimal urging by trainer Dave Pinkney, Jr. in that lone qualifier over the 9-D Mac
Race 2 – NW of $4,000 last 5
9-Art Star – got to go back to August 5, 2010 for his last win when he was claimed by his current connections for $25,000, his last two starts have been encouraging, makes him a serious contender despite post 9
10-Hot Cowboy – was stretched out some to clear the lead, took immediate pressure & faded to fourth, post 10 forces more patient handling here
Race 3 – NW of $6,500 last 5
1-Jimmie Hanover – was carried four wide around the first turn, finally cleared past the half, took on pressure & only faded in the final sixteenth, now inside
5-Takemewithyou – left for a three-hole, angled from behind a wall & got underway too late, drops into an easier condition for Gingras & Burke,
obviously the one to beat
Race 4 – $15,000 claimers
1-Allamerican Major – flashed a strong sign of sudden speed from post 10 two starts back, then just missed to Lemon Drop Hall, back on the pole with some back class on view
10-Most Happy Keene – 9yo needed to stretch his legs with some decent fractions last out, logical to expect more class to surface as Sears sticks
8-Lemon Drop Hall – avoided a breaker & was all out off live cover, seeking a similar trip scenario here
Race 5 – $78,400 Four Leaf Clover Final
6-I Wanna Go Fast – made a good account of himself in the tougher Presidential Series, looked like he bounced back with a :26 rally in the first leg & as usual will bank on a fast pace
3-Fool’s Gold – regained his form after a minor lameness issue in January, all out to hold off Risk Management, renews the rivalry back inside & retains Tetrick
1-Risk Management – wired them in control in round one, last week yielded grudgingly & squeezed up the cones to just miss, speed from the pole
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8-Anndrovette – reigning Dan Patch Award queen burned the chalk when she didn’t leave at 6-5 last week, clearly being prepped for the big cash, but post 8 won’t be a picnic, especially in this talented field
5-Higher And Higher – a bit short in leg one, then bounced back with a scintillating swoop from third over in :26, nosed out in the Cape & Cutter, draws perfect midpack & Bier’s mare is relentless
3-Put On A Show – flashed a bit more life in her second start back with Lasix added, draws well for her third try after a long layoff, is she ready to bear down and show her championship form?
Race 7 – NW of $16,000 last 5
2-Get It Now – has been pretty steady since moving up off that win in January, needed a little more pop off cover two weeks ago, lands in a cozy spot
4-Artist’s View – pulled off the classic drop n pop, left alertly last week, got shuffled to third & had little chance in traffic late, obviously back in a groove
5-Western Trademark – has reeled off five wins this meet using his powerful stretch kick, can easily see him mowing these down within range
Race 8 - $30,000 claiming
7-Master Stroke – has evidently cycled forward over the past month, responded to perfect Pierce piloting last week & remains a big threat to repeat
6-Pan Grad – came charging hard off the live cover of Master Stroke to notch his fourth second with no wins yet this season, switches to Dube
8-Dragon Ahs – has suddenly gotten hot on the mile track, simply took off to equal his lifetime mark two weeks ago, Tetrick sticks over the 8-Pan Grad
Race 9 – NW of $10,750
7-Keep Going – we know he’s capable of a vicious kick, rocketed home in :25.3 with Sears at the lines, scooted up the cones last week, big class drop
5-Morality – gave off a little hint when he paced home in :27.1 two starts back, but the big question is where on earth did last week’s mile come from, and can he duplicate it?
3-Big Bam Ray – followed up the big blowout on March 1st with an equally impressive rally last Friday, continues to tap his back class with an inside post
]]>2-Confederate Man – flashed a glimmer of hope with that :27.3 in the latest qualifier, a much improved effort, took a tour of the oval & now draws inside
8-Woody Marvel – made a smashing debut for the Mark Ford stable when he fired out from post 10, had to angle around a gapper & got up under heavy Dube urging at 56-1, trying repeat in another soft spot
Race 2
2-Tu Sei Bella – unleashed a very useful acclimating mile closing into a :55.2 back half for Sears, logically figures to improve from a better post
5-Just A Glimpse – gave further indication she’s over her breaking issues & maturing with a dominant wire-to-wire romp in a lifetime best, very tough to go against off that mile
Race 3
8-Miss Chip K – carved out a taylor made second over trip tracking Funny Fashion & kicked by willingly for her first win & picks up Sears
9-Funny Fashion – beaten favorite grinded up first over again & there was no quit in her, going in the right direction & there are a few she can follow in here
7-After Midnight – brushed to command, didn’t look smooth throughout, but hung in there under minimal urging to finish a close third again, continues to improve
Race 4
2-Weekend Update – shipped in, sat a two-hole behind CS Kentucky, was blocked late, won twice here in 1:51.4 last season & draws well again
7-Gottaseeaboutagirl – lightly-raced filly mowed them down & nailed a well-rated CS Kentucky with a sterling rally, big threat to do it again
1-CS Kentucky – gunned to the top, took on pressure & just missed in her first start here, beaten favorite rewarded with the rail
Race 5
3-Here Comes Numbers – that was some slingshot move off cover, completely wrapped up in his Big M debut, figures to get better as he works through some minor steering issues
2-Fountainbleau Volo – potential series sweeper easily made it four in a row with a sparkling career best of 1:53.1, the one to knock off drawing post 2 again
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2-VC Chocoholic – stakes quality 3yo from the first crop of Chocolatier qualified under light taps & seems poised for a big 4yo season for Smedshammer
8-In Focus – 2008 Breeders Crown champion got hopelessly parked, Takter puts up Pierce in a class drop & second start off a sick scratch
9-Quantum Confident – even more impressive winning again, with a confident brush to the top, rated under longshot pressure, and scooted home willingly while urged by Tetrick
Race 7
3-Love You Always – sat buried on the cones & shook loose with raging late pace behind a blowout winner, draws better in top form
10-Cuz She Can – attacked first over a long way, repelled by JK Owhatanite, yet kept pacing home in :27.3, gets further class relief
8-Shabalabadingdong – found her best stride in her third start off the bench when she angled from a ideal trip in a sharp :26.3, owns quality & upside
Race 8
2-Manningly – stretched it out with a pretty solid third fresh off the bench, Big M lover drops & lands inside again
6-Zuerest – fresh Burke acquisition has gone three-for-three for his new barn, finds a field filled with question marks here
4-Upfrontstrikesgold – ventured over to Yonkers & got up to make it two-for-two in 2012 under Mark Ford, kicked it off with a lifetime best here
Race 9
8-Cmybest – was forced wide from a dull flow & stormed home from last to just miss Southwest at 32-1, threat off that mile
5-Southwest – was all out to repeat after another perfect drive by Gingras, Tyler Raymer claim continues to pay dividends
2-Cotton Candy – was thriving nicely here from outside posts before the miscue at Yonkers, logically figures to be forwardly placed
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Ron Burke has not only dominated the sport training the number one stable for the fourth straight year in 2012, his Pennsylvania-based powerhouse has obliterated the competition with unprecedented statistics.
The 2011 Trainer of the Year followed up a record season in 2010 with 841 wins and $18 million, with another 797 wins and $18.5 million in 2011.
For the second straight year, Burke won a pair of Dan Patch Awards with Foiled Again and Sweet Lou.
As the leading money stable at the Big M in 2011, Burke was prominent in series action, winning finals of both the Clyde Hirt and Exit 16W with Meirs Hanover, Junior Trendsetter (I’m Feeling Good), and took both the Tender Loving Care & Night Styles with Some Girls Do.
In early 2012, Burke had the hottest horse in harness racing in Itrustyou, who swept both the Complex & Exit 16W Series with Yannick Gingras. The son of Third Straight ran up a 13-race winning streak.
Burke admitted his greatest racing moment came when Sweet Lou roared down the stretch at Woodbine in an amazing world record of 1:49. The son of North America Cup champion Yankee Cruiser and Hall of Famer Dave Palone were all alone at the wire in the fastest 2yo mile in history. Sweet Lou rightly tops the list of returning sophomore pacers in 2012.
Burke will unleash a battalion of open class pacers in 2012, anchored by his Dan Patch Award winner Foiled Again, who became the oldest pacer at age 7 to bank a million dollars in 2011. The son of Dragon Again pulled a mild upset in the Graduate with Yannick Gingras, and together with stablemate Won The West, the triple millionaires will go after Gallo Blue Chip’s all-time earnings mark.
Burke has declared he’s never had a better group of top 4yos for 2012, led by the Dragon Again pair of Progress Pace winner Westwardho Hanover and Hugadragon. The latter romped in back-to-back stakes at The Red Mile, followed by the Monument Circle & the Matron Final.
After mastering the day-to-day raceway game, Ron Burke has now taken to the major stakes trail, blanketed the open class with big names, and talented, improving stars, the Burke Brigade continues to spell success in big numbers.
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Jimmy Takter’s career can finally be summed up in three words = Hall of Fame.
The 51-year-old from Sweden rightly enters the pantheon of honorees in 2012 at the height of a brilliant, exemplary career, and fresh from another lucrative $5.8 million campaign in 2011.
At one point during the 2011 Summer stakes season it seemed like the three-time Trainer of the Year was winning everything in sight both on the trot and the pacing side.
Takter plans a 2012 comeback for the exciting pacing filly See You At Peelers, who won her second straight Dan Patch Award. The world champion daughter of Bettor’s Delight won her first 22 career starts and looks to add to her $1.5 million bankroll. She made it 20 in a row in the Tarport Hap with Brian Sears driving, her only career start at the Big M so far.
Takter pulled upsets in some key major stakes, and on Hambletonian Day 2011, with harness writer Ken Weingartner working and looking on, his namesake Weingartner lit up the board in the Peter Haughton Memorial in 1:55.2. Takter’s brother Johnny Takter engineered the $58.60 upset. Takter also has NJSS champion High Noon and Breeders Crown winner Uncle Peter as part of his 2012 Hambletonian contingent.
September 3, 2011 was a special night for Takter at Mohawk. Pastor Stephen kicked off a Takter triple in the Simcoe Stakes, followed by a world record performance of 1:50.2 from American Jewel. That filly by American Ideal was later sidelined by injury, but has her sights set on a full stakes schedule in 2012.
One race later, Takter scored his first million dollar win with a pacer when Simply Business reeled off a 20-1 upset from post 9 in the Metro Final with Ron Pierce. The son of Rocknroll Hanover is logically expected to be a prime time player in the glamour boy division in 2012.
Jimmy Takter is set to write another epic chapter to his storied career in 2012.
He’s compiled an impressive resume, including three straight Horse of the Year winners, 13 millionaires, 16 division champions, 12 Breeders Crowns, two Hambletonians, an Elitlopp and a Prix D’Amerique, numerous world champions, over 1,000 wins and $60 million.
Whether you call him “Trotting Master,” maybe “Moni Maker,” or how about friend of the media, it’s soon to be Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter.
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7-Big Bam Ray – unleashed a powerhouse performance & smashing return to the Big M despite missing a month, ready to step up for Team Allard
9-Regil Tiger – has taken a few starts to return to form on Lasix, used pretty hard last time in a tough trip, chance to vault off all of the speed to his inside
6-Keystone Raptor – ended a long drought with a well meant, down-the-road score in a blank field, builds on that by showing more of his back class
Race 2
3-Blues At Midnight – caught our attention when he overcame a troubled beginning to finish third in his debut, moves inside after two ten-holes in a row
2-Rock Three Times – finished an improved fourth in the Junior Trendsetter Final, then paced a decent back half of :55.2 & draws well
Race 3
7-Bettors Glass – fresh off a break-out win where he was allowed to steal away through a :58.2 half, then sprint off in :27.1, Di Domenico off to a strong start this meet
3-Breakin The Law – fresh Burke Barn acquisition mowed them down first over in his debut here, outmuscling Upfrontoutthedoor & draws inside that rival
6-Take A Walk – 3yo scored with improved confidence before getting scorched in the Junior Trendsetter Final, has now had three weeks to regroup
Race 4
3-Blatantly Good – 2010 Presidential champ has rekindled his fire, using his wicked kick to crush these two weeks ago, won’t be far off in the short field
6-Golden Receiver – Presidential Series sweeper was clearly short after missing a month, has missed another two weeks, yet has a chance to atone
Race 5
3-Fools Gold – launched a hard-charging :26.1 to just miss in a sparkling debut here, now Bier puts up the Bionic Man from post two again
1-Risk Management – was allowed to rate a :59.3 middle half while stablemate Intrigued Royally grinded first over forming a pick, draws an improved post off that overdue win
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2-Strange Hanover – was pacing all he could off third over cover into a :54.4 back half, versatile foe was a sharp winner before that & lands inside a tough field
1-Fitz’s Z Tam – wired them at Yonkers after two good tighteners here, then ran into Open company, sharp for his return to the mile track at a reduced level
9-Drop Red – former Oliver Wendell Holmes champion drops again after chasing a standout Great Vintage, coming around after a recent sick scratch
Race 7
7-Melvyn – has been pacing out of his skin with :26.1 final quarters simply out of range, we know he loves the Big M & finally drops into the right spot for Sears
2-Grams Legacy – has quickly started to tap into his potential for Takter, after winning his first two back he kicked home in :54.3 last week & rightly steps up
3-Future Character – has sharpened his sword with back-to-back seconds, while finishing with increased vigor, continues to recapture his back class from an inside post
Race 8
9-Cambassador – has remained on a major roll since the sharp claim by Nick Surick, finally avoids Western Trademark & faces a camera-shy bunch
3-Master Stroke – classy 6yo has been knocking on the door, never had a chance last week, yet closed well from a tough spot to gain the place spot behind a winner that had gotten away
6-Hanks Kid – simply got parked out in an ill-fated bid from post 10, a steady threat before that & goes back to Andy Miller
Race 9
9-McClelland – always liked this horse who owns a vicious kick & winning habit (10 for 33 last year), drops into a field begging to be beaten & switches to our leading driver
6-Heart Of Rocknroll – was steadily on the verge before an impossible trip while stepping up in class, that effort against a fired up Freddy Day Hanover two starts back can put him over here
4-Stonebridge Wish – we saw him pacing home in with some very competitive final quarters from never-never land in his last two, 10 for 32 last season & Simon Allard will now put him in play
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2-Strange Hanover – was pacing all her could off third over cover into a :54.4 back half, versatile foe was a sharp winner before that & lands inside a tough field
1-Fitz’s Z Tam – wired them at Yonkers after two good tighteners here, then ran into Open company, sharp for his return to the mile track at a reduced level
9-Drop Red – former Oliver Wendell Holmes champion drops again after chasing a standout Great Vintage, coming around after a recent sick scratch
Race 7
7-Melvyn – has been pacing out of his skin with :26.1 final quarters simply out of range, we know he loves the Big M & finally drops into the right spot for Sears
2-Grams Legacy – has quickly started to tap into his potential for Takter, after winning his first two back he kicked home in :54.3 last week & rightly steps up
3-Future Character – has sharpened his sword with back-to-back seconds, while finishing with increased vigor, continues to recapture his back class from an inside post
Race 8
9-Cambassador – has remained on a major roll since the sharp claim by Nick Surick, finally avoids Western Trademark & faces a camera-shy bunch
3-Master Stroke – classy 6yo has been knocking on the door, never had a chance last week, yet closed well from a tough spot to gain the place spot behind a winner that had gotten away
6-Hanks Kid – simply got parked out in an ill-fated bid from post 10, a steady threat before that & goes back to Andy Miller
Race 9
9-McClelland – always liked this horse who owns a vicious kick & winning habit (10 for 33 last year), drops into a field begging to be beaten & switches to our leading driver
6-Heart Of Rocknroll – was steadily on the verge before an impossible trip while stepping up in class, that effort against a fired up Freddy Day Hanover two starts back can put him over here
4-Stonebridge Wish – we saw him pacing home in with some very competitive final quarters from never-never land in his last two, 10 for 32 last season & Simon Allard will now put him in play
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7-Big Bam Ray – unleashed a powerhouse performance & smashing return to the Big M despite missing a month, ready to step up for Team Allard
9-Regil Tiger – has taken a few starts to return to form on Lasix, used pretty hard last time in a tough trip, chance to vault off all of the speed to his inside
6-Keystone Raptor – ended a long drought with a well meant, down-the-road score in a blank field, builds on that by showing more of his back class
Race 2
3-Blues At Midnight – caught our attention when he overcame a troubled beginning to finish third in his debut, moves inside after two ten-holes in a row
2-Rock Three Times – finished an improved fourth in the Junior Trendsetter Final, then paced a decent back half of :55.2 & draws well
Race 3
7-Bettors Glass – fresh off a break-out win where he was allowed to steal away through a :58.2 half, then sprint off in :27.1, Di Domenico off to a strong start this meet
3-Breakin The Law – fresh Burke Barn acquisition mowed them down first over in his debut here, outmuscling Upfrontoutthedoor & draws inside that rival
6-Take A Walk – 3yo scored with improved confidence before getting scorched in the Junior Trendsetter Final, has now had three weeks to regroup
Race 4
3-Blatantly Good – 2010 Presidential champ has rekindled his fire, using his wicked kick to crush these two weeks ago, won’t be far off in the short field
6-Golden Receiver – Presidential Series sweeper was clearly short after missing a month, has missed another two weeks, yet has a chance to atone
Race 5
3-Fools Gold – launched a hard-charging :26.1 to just miss in a sparkling debut here, now Bier puts up the Bionic Man from post two again
1-Risk Management – was allowed to rate a :59.3 middle half while stablemate Intrigued Royally grinded first over forming a pick, draws an improved post off that overdue win
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2-Strange Hanover – was pacing all he could off third over cover into a :54.4 back half, versatile foe was a sharp winner before that & lands inside a tough field
1-Fitz’s Z Tam – wired them at Yonkers after two good tighteners here, then ran into Open company, sharp for his return to the mile track at a reduced level
9-Drop Red – former Oliver Wendell Holmes champion drops again after chasing a standout Great Vintage, coming around after a recent sick scratch
Race 7
7-Melvyn – has been pacing out of his skin with :26.1 final quarters simply out of range, we know he loves the Big M & finally drops into the right spot for Sears
2-Grams Legacy – has quickly started to tap into his potential for Takter, after winning his first two back he kicked home in :54.3 last week & rightly steps up
3-Future Character – has sharpened his sword with back-to-back seconds, while finishing with increased vigor, continues to recapture his back class from an inside post
Race 8
9-Cambassador – has remained on a major roll since the sharp claim by Nick Surick, finally avoids Western Trademark & faces a camera-shy bunch
3-Master Stroke – classy 6yo has been knocking on the door, never had a chance last week, yet closed well from a tough spot to gain the place spot behind a winner that had gotten away
6-Hanks Kid – simply got parked out in an ill-fated bid from post 10, a steady threat before that & goes back to Andy Miller
Race 9
9-McClelland – always liked this horse who owns a vicious kick & winning habit (10 for 33 last year), drops into a field begging to be beaten & switches to our leading driver
6-Heart Of Rocknroll – was steadily on the verge before an impossible trip while stepping up in class, that effort against a fired up Freddy Day Hanover two starts back can put him over here
4-Stonebridge Wish – we saw him pacing home in with some very competitive final quarters from never-never land in his last two, 10 for 32 last season & Simon Allard will now put him in play
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9-Quantum Confident – you’ve got to like the way he stepped out from post 9, repelled late pressure & dug in to score after a long layoff
4-Stir Me Up – second start back for this lightly-raced 4yo with some upside, solid efforts in the Super Bowl Series
2-All Locked Up – didn’t offer a good effort in the Horse & Groom after he just missed the huge upset first time Lasix, chance to bounce back with Sears
Race 2
6-McFlirty – clearly needed that first start back when she burned the chalk at Saratoga, too much class & her 2011 record stands out
4-Southwest – recent Tyler Raymer claim rebounded for her new barn with a perfect cover trip in the slop, looms large again
1-Odds On Aventure – gave some positive indication when she flashed speed from post 10, gets class & post relief
Race 3
2-Keystone Activator – has come back with a vengeance with Lasix & trotting hopples added by Tyler Raymer, post improves, Sears’ choice
1-Master Begonia – almost took them all the way in his Big M debut for Burke, then tired in the slop, finds a softer spot here
Race 4
7-Anndrovette – Dan Patch Award winner kicked out a perfect prep off cover into a :54.2 back half, bears down further despite post 9
2-Put On A Show – took her requisite tour from post 10 after the long injury layoff, move to the pole gives Sears a chance to rev her up
Race 5
1-Shaky Hanover – took charge with authority & folded tent as the beaten favorite, tangled with Open types at Yonkers & drops further
9-Elegeant Girl – switched the Remmen barn, was hammered down to 2-5 and grinded out a dead heat win in the slop
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8-You Thrill Me – another Burke Barn newcomer fresh from series success at Woodbine & owns a big kick
5-Cuz She Can – last year’s Cape & Cutter runner-up logically holds the class edge here, drops in good form & loves the long stretch
9-JK Owhatanite – talented NYSS graduate was really primed in the slop off the long layoff, post 9 again in a tough field
Race 7
8-Blacktuxwhitesocks – qualified with a sprint home in a sharp :27.2 in the slop, class & upside for Sears & Smedshammer
7-Four Starz Credit – cycled back around in his last two, fresh off an easy romp in the slop & picks up Bionic Man
4-Chaplin Hall – toss out the latest from post 10 in the slop, cruised before that, draws well here & Simon is back
Race 8
2-Western Avenue – drops back to the $15,000 level where he scored in the slop, post two again & picks up Simon Allard
4-Bet The Town – three time beaten favorite at Yonkers drops a notch in acceptable form, draws well as Tim Tetrick’s choice
1-Allamerican Major – 0 for his last 34, but flashed a positive indicator with sudden speed from post 10, lands the pole at a price
Race 9
6-Bank President – twice beaten favorite showed a little more to hit the board first time Lasix, Simon Allard figures to have him forwardly placed
4-Notorious Bluestone – steady closer was too far out of it in the slop, can outkick these within range
2-Soapy Sap – The Soapster hasn’t been herself in the last two, draws inside again & we all know she’s capable with her best
]]>4-Miss Chip K – saved ground, angled out & unleashed what appeared to be a pretty sure-footed surge chasing Funny Fashion
7-After Midnight – left okay, got blocked a bit behind Feegee, angled with late trot while a bit tentative, yet still an inspiring opener
Race 2
2-Buck Stops Here – perked up with a strong brush to command & gunned down in the tiring slop, expect even more third start back
4-Just A Glimpse – rebounded off two straight breaks with only an adequate rally & lifetime best, must prove it was no fluke
1-Crazyboutdadrummer – did some damage in the White Ruffles Series & has kept it going at Yonkers (in to go 3-5)
Race 3
2-Fountainbleau Volo – followed up that career best of 1:54.3 with an overpowering, wrapped-up score despite being parked from post 10
6-Ax Man – unleashed some wide kick from far back into a :56.4 back half fresh off the bench, can logically step up
Race 4
1-Miss Behave – back-to-back sterling rallies from post 8 to repeat in the White Ruffles, dropped a hint of returning to form last week
4-Weekend Update – half sister to a dominant Saturday night winner Giddy Up Delight ships in sharp for Erv Miller, could be worth a swing
6-Gottaseeaboutagirl – her round one score in the Tender Loving Car is worth noting, needs to recapture that solid punch
Race 5
1-Heavens Bettorhalf - $250,000 half sister to Rocknroll Heaven came to life & scooted up the cones for Sears, poised to show more
7-Designer Style - $1,200 Ohio Blooded Horse Sale yearling quickly caught fire at Dover Downs, debuts here for Virgil, Morgan, Jr. off a sick scratch
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3-Marcus Bi – got parked a long way & grinded gamely into a :57.2 back half chasing the well rated Ice Machine, the beaten favorite was dropping from the Invitational & now has the post advantage
5-Cameron Chip – got jammed up near the back, ended up in a dull flow & offered her usual flurry after Definitely Mamie had gotten away
10-Ice Machine – Sears brushed & was allowed to steal away from a :59 half under minimal, confident urging, tougher assignment here
Race 7
5-Here Comes Numbers – one of three emerging from the Don Mills Series at Woodbine, finished second all three weeks, should like the long stretch here
7-Jessesjo – another new Burke Barn prospect here, used pretty hard making premature moves in the last two weeks of the Don Mills
3-Run And Tell Pap – won two legs of that Don Mills before being gunned down in the final as the beaten favorite, rebounds from an inside post here
Race 8
3-Success Rocks – flashed a few subtle hints in two starts before a no-chance mile last out, there might be some talent lurking, draws better in a blank field
7-Celii N – only three starts this year, hasn’t raced in over three weeks, lands a tough post, but those wins at Dover Downs indicated more & gets a barn change
9-Mctone Cold – kicked home with an encouraging :27.2 and :56.1 fresh off the lame scratch, must find a way to get involved
Race 9
4-Double Up Hanover – out of a half sister to the millionaire Blur, struggled against tougher at Woodbine, won the qualifier here on Lasix with new trainer Rick Bilach in the bike
8-Money Machine – Hall of Fame hands of John Campbell somehow kept him alive in a grind for a huge upset, missed a month & qualified again in the same aggressive mode
2-My Buddy Hall Lee – a lightly-raced 4yo tries the Big M again off what appears to be a handy qualifier at Dover Downs & draws well
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4-Sharkteen – finished third in a Junior Trendsetter division, offered pace at both ends in that comeback, post improves & retains Gingras
3-Bullet Bob – ran into the eventual Junior Trendsetter champion in that series, finally gets a break in post positions & faces much easier opposition
Race 2 – 3 & 4yos – NW of 3 or $40,000
2-Relentless G – left alertly, got shuffled back, & shook loose out of traffic after the Gram’s Legacy got away, sharp win first time Lasix before that
3-Breakin The Law – lightly-raced fresh Burke Barn trainee followed up a lifetime best at Dover Downs with a post 8 score at Yonkers & draws well
Race 3 – 3 & 4yos – NW of 2 or $15,000
10-Blues At Midnight – overcame a troubled, very wide beginning to make a steady gain for third in an inspiring opener
6-King’s Legend – intriguing first time starter for Erv Miller romped in both qualifiers & doesn’t face with a group of a killers in his debut
1-Spunky Monkey – grinded gamely chasing the standout Arts Ideal Hanover last Saturday & outgamed Dungeon Dragon for second
Race 4 - $20,000 claimers
6-Wildridge Sam – was parked out, forced three-wide around tiring cover over an off track in his first start off the bench, this Big M lover has too much back class to ignore
2-Ultimate Desire – was left out there three-wide a long way & still came on to hit the board in a gallant mile two weeks ago
5-Gunman’s Bandit – hasn’t done much this meet, drops another notch for Burke & this a field full of question marks
Race 5 – NW of $22,500 last 5
1-Special T Rocks – offered a relentless rally to just miss his second straight series final, moves inside for this stiff challenge
2-Great Vintage – Aquarius runner-up towed up by live cover & hung tough in the :26.4 sprint against Fred & Ginger, at the top his form cycle
3-Fred And Ginger – that was a serious brush to the top last week & he battled back willingly, fired up on Lasix & post improves
]]>2-Giddy Up Delight – had zero chance closing from ninth into a :54.3 back half, decisive score from the rail before that
1-Hickory Horace – caught our attention with his noteworthy sprints chasing Warning Zone last month, returns to the mile track
5-Strange Hanover – unleashed a confident brush to the top, opened up & held off the camera-shy Get It Now, razor sharp on the comeback trail
Race 7 – NW of $10,000 last 5
8-Stonebridge Wish – tried it from off the pace two weeks ago & picked up a minor share, this is a dangerous class drop
5-Grams Legacy – came right back & dominated a nonwinners of 3 after losing his cover on the final turn, he was completely wrapped up
4-Artists Rally – a fringe player at the Dover Downs Open level, only made one start last month, yet may have found an ideal spot here
Race 8 - $30,000 claimers
3-Regil Tiger – hustled hard to clear & was gaining late in his second start off the bench on Lasix, draws well to break through
2-Triple Major – showed big improvement when he power first over & was barely outsprinted by Western Trademark
4-Cobalt Man – brushed & all out as a game winner last Saturday, fresh claim by Tony Alagna tackled fierce Exit 16W opponents
Race 9 – NW of $16,000 last 5
2-Bet On Roulette – was used a little hard from post 7, back to post 2, switches back to Sears & remains at his optimum level
5-Village Beat – was hustled through a brisk :26.3 first quarter, angled into traffic instead of staying on the rail, got a chance to be a stalking threat
3-Whackamole Hanover – almost pulled off a big upset with he shot home in :26.1 three starts back, returns to the mile track in a prime spot
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5-Marian’s Man – 12yo aired it out at Yonkers off the blowout qualifier here, revved up veteran looks to go all the way here
4-Two Shot Lead – got parked from post 10 as the beaten favorite, ultra sharp win before that first time Lasix
Race 2
4-Shaky Hanover – hinted of turnaround two starts back, gets enough class relief in the switch to the mile track & draws well
8-Shesa Bragn Dragon – forced into a wide trip in the slop last week, can set up her late move with the right trip
6-Winning It – fell apart in the stretch as the heavy favorite in the Tender Loving Care Final, talented filly has a chance to bounce back for Burke
Race 3
3-King’s Cavalier – solid record last year, raced well against better in January, second start off a sick scratch
4-Bank President – was a well meant winner fresh off the bench back on January 20th, needs to regain that form
Race 4
5-Man’s Treasure – was in complete control of his division last week with Tetrick, continues his improving trend & his versatility is an asset
1-Trouble – clearly the one to beat after shaking loose with a solid late burst, deserving favorite lands inside going for the sweep
Race 5
4-Blade Runner – has now had a couple of starts to acclimate here, owns a closing kick, ready to bear down if & when the favorites falter
10-Oscar Oscar – a perfect three-for-three under Team Orange Crush, the series standout has simply been too good for these, but post 10 figures to test him
2-Colonel Moffitt – easily went two-for-two here with Nat Varty with a crushing score in round two, logically the one to beat
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5-Anndrovette – 2011 Dan Patch Award winner fresh from a stellar season, scored key wins in the Breeders Crown, Betsy Ross & Artiscape, and Tetrick has committed to this millionaire
3-Higher And Higher – that was some heart-breaking loss in the Cape & Cutter as she battled relentlessly to the wire, strong candidate to atone
1A-Ginger And Fred – consistent mare shows up every week, like the way she emerged from traffic to land in the Cape & Cutter Final photo
Race 7
7-Shabalabadingdong – qualified in sharp style, then had too far to come off a slow half in the slop, second try off the bench at a reduced level
10-Whats New Pussycat – well bred major stakes player at three has returned on Lasix now with Tony Alagna, can assert herself here despite post 10
3-Everymileamemory – classy, consistent mare flew home in the slop in her switch back to the mile track, draws inside & retains Gingras
Race 8
8-Rockin Glass – acclimated quickly to the Big M & trounced them wire-to-wire from post 10, figures to fire out again for Sears & settle in for a trip
1-Alastair Hanover – nailed Kentucky Rebel with that aggressive try and eye-catching :27 kicker, and another stalking trip looms large with Tetrick
4-Kentucky Rebel – shipped on a roll at Dover Downs & almost made it six in a row, 10yo veteran looks like the main speed target again
Race 9
7-Pegasus Blue Chip – Lookout Hanover connections of Gingras & Gannon, Jr. have another recent purchase going in the right direction & well spotted
5-TSMLIL Orphan Andy – beaten favorite got underway a bit too late in the slop, razor sharp on the comeback trail for Tyler Raymer
9-Four Starz Credit – dropped from the Invitational & almost wired them as the beaten favorite, it took a big effort to nail him
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2-Can’t Stop Me Now – beat Freedom Dancer in the last qualifier before taking a tour from post 10 chasing Gray Olives, half sister to Cheyenne Rei appears to have some talent & moves inside for Tetrick
3-Freedom Dancer – half sister to the great Art Major, a $30,000 Harrisburg yearling qualified right behind Can’t Stop Me Now, then a beaten favorite at Yonkers, look for her step up back here
1-Vanity Fairest – half sister to Jug winner Big Bad John, sold for $32,000, owns a couple of wins, won her latest qualifier with a nice late burst
Race 2 – NW of $6,500 last 5 for trotters
4-South Jersey Honey – got to like the way she took charge & won her qualifier in game style for Gingras & new connections, worth a swing
5-Buzz Bomb – obviously had an off night in the Super Bowl Final after a leg two upset, over a month to regroup & could surprise with his late burst
Race 3 – NW of $4,000 last 5
2-Tearful Reunion – revived when switched to Team Orange, won those two mile & a half events quite handily, and freshened up with a nice qualifier
Race 4 – 1st division Syrinx Hanover for 3yo filly trotters
4-Nitroglide Hanover – just missed by a nose in her lone try at Dover Downs, $4,500 NJ Classic bargain for the Callahans draws well
6-Sunshine Glide – broke her maiden last Fall at The red Mile in KYSS, a neck shy of the broke-prone Feegee in the qualifier & looks ready for Alagna
Race 5 – 1st division Horse & Groom
2-He’s Spooky – caught a case of seconditis at Chester last Fall, yet seems to have shaken that off at Pompano & returns here now with Noel Daley
10-Fountainbleau Volo – stayed flat, reproduced a lethal kick similar to his qualifiers & stamped himself a new speed badge, builds on that from post 10
5-Groom Hanover – productive sort debuts here for Toscano, maintained the winning trend in a Mohawk qualifier after a five-month layoff
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3-Cameron Chip – cranked up her game to the Invitational level here last month, this might an ideal spot for her to stalk n pop
2-Definitely Mamie – Yonkers Open winner back in January gets some class relief, draws inside & could be the one to beat in this series
9-Zumba Mouse – got parked in that last one when the pace picked up, chance at price if she can get the right speed target & smooth flow
Race 7 – 3rd division Horse & Groom
7-Marcus Bi – prepped well for this series with two miles in the Invitational, owns a superior late kick that can crush these with the right trip
6-Ice Machine – won his last start here with trot to spare & qualified with a strong late burst, seems up to this serious test
4-MM’s Lucky Boy – debuted here in style when he was forced to grind uncovered & willingly powered past in the slop, big shot to step up
Race 8 – F & M – NW of $4,000 last 5
8-Kitty’s Pro Girl – got a barn change to PJ Fraley & rebounded off a couple of breaks to qualify in solid fashion, drops into a blank field
2-Always In My heart – toss out her latest at Yonkers, some gallant efforts in the White Ruffles, lands in a supremely soft spot
10-Isthmus of Panama – forced into a premature move around dueling leaders, needs to launch one controlled rally
Race 9 – NW of $6,500 last 5 for trotters
3-Bullvillecomeonjohn – seems to have matured & over his breaking issues, latest qualifier was good enough & post is favorable
9-Quantum Confident – got a taste of the tough NYSS last Summer, noteworthy qualifier chasing Ice Machine, threat despite post 9
7-Call The Warden – Virgil Morgan, Jr.’s patience may payoff as the :27.1 in the latest qualifier suggests, can step over these if he stays flat
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6-Grams Legacy – overcame a tough beginning & showed determination to win that comeback, brother to Rockin Image has plenty of upside
7-Relentless G – huge threat fresh off a lifetime best first time Lasix, while raging at both ends for a high percentage barn
Race 2
1-Arts Ideal Hanover – was a $75,000 yearling out of a sister to Sportsmaster, got jammed up behind a gapper as the beaten favorite in his opener
Race 3
1-Adams Hanover – was used hard early from post 8, sat loose cover & folded off the lifetime best on Feb. 4, in line for a better trip
7-Did It Again – exploited a soft field of $15,000 stock, still an inspiring comeback and rates the step up
3-Tylers Rendevous – got parked & finished evenly behind a raging Did It Again, draws inside that rival for a barn that has been lighting it up
Race 4
2-Bettor’s Reward – those were some strong closing efforts in the Exit 16W series, has the winning habit & able to stalk these
3-Rock’em – responded to superb handling by Tetrick for the mild upset in the Aquarius Final, one to beat off the mile of his life
1-Great Vintage – kicked in late, but outsprinted by Rock’em in the Aquarius Final, has cycled to the top of his former cycle
Race 5
9-Rhombus – had some adventurous trips & flashed good speed in tougher series action, launched prematurely first time Lasix, big shot despite post 9
5-On The Radar – regrouped with solid finish in the qualifier, Mark Silva seems to have him pointing upwards & he catches a so-so field
2-Lover Boy – that was a pretty decent qualifier behind On The Radar & he faced some strong stock at Chester before that, can outsprint this light bunch
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