Breeders Crown Countdown-August 28, 2010
| Bevy Of Battlegrounds for "Crowns" By Frank & Ray Cotolo What a weekend for Breeders Crown eligibles. All divisions were buzzing around North America. The vast competition in each division is growing, making for great racing along the way. Soph-colt pacers vied for spots in next week’s Cane Pace final (three top performers have byes). In the $100,000 elim at Freehold, I’m Gorgeous continued to rise from the ranks of second-string sophomore with another win. A public choice, "Gorgeous" won in track- record-equaling time, 1:50:4. Woodstock, a $35,000 supplement, finished second and third was Valentino. Rockin Image and Urgent Action finished fourth and fifth respectively, to make it into the $300,000 final. The first five finishers in the Cane Pace elimination will join BG’s Folly, Delmarvalous and One more Laugh in next week’s field. Soph-colt-and-filly trotters were in the Midwest, at Balmoral, for American-Nationals. Wishing Stone put in an uncommon performance, going most of the mile in front to win the boys’ brigade at even money. Hambo cast member Mystery Photo was out of the money, suffering a break from the start, and recently awakened Coco Lindy was also dull. The filly side was won by second-choice Springtime Volo, with Glide Power second and Behindclosedoors third. The favorite, Ultimate Cameron, was off the board. The two-year-old scene is sizzling and coming to terms with the $1-million Metro Pace Final next week at Mohawk. The Aug. 28 card was adorned with frosh-division colts and fillies looking to make their mark on the trek to October. Only one of four was taken by a non-eligible. The first split went to Big Jim, a $3.50 winner, followed by Line Officer and Wink N Atcha. Prodigal Seelster ($3.60) won the second elim, with Roll With Joe getting a shot at the final by coming in third. In elim three, Rollwithitharry earned a berth in the big dance with a second-place finish. Great Vintage won round four at $6.40. Frosh-filly pacers looked for a spot in next week’s She’s A Great Lady Final by racing in a trio of elims. Each was taken by a Crown hopeful. The first went to top choice Pretty Katherine ($2.20), with Shyaway also making the final. The second was a bit of an upset, with Strike An Attitude ($10.40) leading the first three finishers, which included eligibles Southwind Jazmin and Buck Stops Here. In the remaining contest, even-money shot Idyllic won and 90-1 Rockratease got up for second, beating Ms Malicious to earn spots in the final. Also at Freehold, Lou Babic frosh fillies raced eligibles in two elims for a final next week. Both winners are Crown hopefuls. Myluvmylife was an overwhelming favorite, winning the first elim and I Kill Time took the second elim as the 6-5 choice. In those fields were eligibles Ideal Oath, Rocknroll Lea, Pot Limit, Gordy’s Filly Yenta and Show The World. Also at Mohawk, older pacers went in a Canadian Pacing Derby elim and Hypnotic Blue Chip easily won over Bigtime Ball and Lisagain. Check out our wagering analysis of eligibles at our special Youbet Breeders Crown page, starting with the initial entry, Road warriors, week one. |
