Way, way back in 1958, Danny and The Juniors hit the airwaves with the song entitled “At The Hop.”
It was a huge hit!
Fast forward 65 years and the who’s who of harness racing will be seeking a share of $7,200,000…At The HoP—-Harrah’s Hoosier Park—as the Hambletonian Society presents The Breeders Crown in a two-night extravaganza featuring 12 classes—four on Friday and eight on Saturday.
This Mane Attraction fulfills a request from one of my few fans—Billy W. from Red Mile land—who says, “I enjoyed your commentary on the races and, especially, your hints on Bond.
“How do you look at a Breeders Crown race for the two-year-old trotting fillies with so many in the hunt? Appreciate your comments.”
So, Billy, here are my comments and highlights for this Friday night “fight” card with four $700,000 finals for two-year-olds in the spotlight.
Not that I have any more insight in these festivities than other handicappers, here are some things I have noticed among the main contenders leading up to the “main event.”
10th race $700,000 Two-Year-Old Filly Trot Final
PP1-SOIREE HANOVER (Walner)…Trainer-Lucas Wallin…Driver—Tim Tetrick
Has the inside post and comes into the action on a three race win streak—the last one featuring a final panel in :26.2, coming from three or four lengths back turning for home. Obviously likes to be off the pace, which is a great way to tell if a filly can be relaxed—a very good attribute. Furthering her case here, her last win was after a three week respite BUT she had a couple of weeks off after her July 21 win and couldn’t quite reach and, 25 days after that in her next race, couldn’t quite reach again. Yes, she was right there in both but there are other worthy contenders here—after all, it’s the Breeders Crown—and the task won’t be a “walkover.”
PP2-BUY A ROUND (Walner)…Trainer-Noel Daley…Driver-Andrew McCarthy
Jumped into the Kindergarten pool without a qualifier and has been sharp every start and has won six of her last seven…mostly off the pace but did show some speed off the wings when she won the NJSS Final in early August. Even in her only defeat when she was third, she was flying in the late stages and came from the Jersey Turnpike missing by a length to Soiree. She has developed.a habit of sprinting home regularly in :27 and change and, sometimes, a tick within :26. She, too, had three weeks off after her last defeat and won at The Red Mile in 1:53.3—her mark.
PP3-DRAWN IMPRESSION (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Luc Blais…Driver-Louis Philippe Roy
Only blemish in five starts was in the Mohawk Million when she went up in the air. A couple of quails after that to straighten things out and she handled a sloppy track very well from off the pace. Was VERY sharp early in season tossing in final panels in :27 and change winning three straight but still kind of an unknown quantity against these on a night when the weather should be perfect and the track very fast.
PP4-WARRAWEE MICHELLE (Walner) …Trainer-Driver Ake Svanstedt
In a division loaded with talent, this filly is intriguing. Consistent, versatile and sharp all season since her first start where she was only let loose turning for home, she’s been in the mix every start and, even when missing a bit of time between starts, has shown nothing bothers her. Can toss in final panels a tick or two under :27 as shown in last trio of starts just might pointing to this one.
PP5-CHAPALONIA (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-C Annie Stone…Driver-David Miller
Seemed to have some problems with manners early on and then got straightened out, handily beat NW2 company before winning one of those Kentuckiana Consolation “second tier” events with frightening :26.4 speed home.. Tried the Breeders Crown slim event and—surprise again—came from off the pace and used a :27.1 final kick home to miss by a whisker. Kind of an enigma here but, like said, this is an evenly matched field with no one single 1:5 or 2:5 standout.
PP6-CHAPARMBRO (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-Trond Smedshammer…Driver-Dexter Dunn
Took time to really round herself into topnotch, competitive form but, her four starts have proven fruitful staying right with the top echelon in her class. Tried cutting the mustard in Breeders Crown Elim over sloppy oval but couldn’t quite contain Warrawee’s :27.1 kick from the pocket. Kinda did the same thing in the NJ Classic and Soiree got her on the wire. Best scenario…leaving and yielding.
PP7-SIERRA GIRL (Bar Hopping)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Scott Zeron
Ultra consistent and never worse than third in 8 starts (4-2-2) who has proven adaptability winning on the engine and from off the pace. Recently, though, it appears that off-the-pace might be the best strategy as this one has a sharp “one-brush” that needs to be timed just right. Tried cutting the mustard at The Red Mile but they got her in the lane. Race after that, got shuffled a bit but was flying at the end and just missed. Last start, brushed a bit too early, short lead in lane, caught on the wire in Breeders Crown slim.
PP8-SUGAR INSTEAD (Volstead)…Trainer-Virgil Morgan, Kr….Driver-Ronnie Gillespie
Has a great record (7-2-1 in 10 starts) but much of the success was in Ohio where she picked on easier Sire Stakes company with odds-on numbers as short as 1 to 10. Got in a qualifier to tighten up and did finish third in Crown Elim but couldn’t get home while cutting the mustard and getting a 1:01.3 middle half. I take note of that because there are others that can capitalize on things like that. One other note…Don’t ever be afraid of Ronnie Gillespie. He may not have the same fame of the real big boys but he’s always got a high batting average. This year, he’s over .370 and last year he was over .480 and was 1-2 227 of 427 starts! Impressive.
PP9-SENORITA PALEMA (Chapter Seven)…Trainer—Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Yannick Gingras
Too bad she drew outside. Consistent filly that has never made a mistake going 3-3-1 in seven starts. Likes joining the fray from the get-go but this is the furthest out post she has had in her career. Was hardly used in last drafting along, shuffled a bit in her Breeders Crown elimination but showed very willing trot when straightened away on the off track. Loved her game mile over the half-mile YR oval when she had to trot a mile and 25 yards or so to win the $225,000 YR Trot in her class. Last quarter was nothin’ but she got there.
PP10-DATE NIGHT HANOVER (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-Brian Sears
Second tier post here with biggest paycheck at The Red Mile in $400,000 KYSS Final. Looked to me like she drafted along the entire route in last with little to offer during the final :27.2 quarter. Tough assignment.
JB Picks—4-2-1-5
And here are a few comments on how I see the other three Breeders Crown races on Friday…
11th race $700,000 Two-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace Final
PP1-NEWSROOM (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Joe Holloway…Driver-David MIller
Was on fire early with long winning streak, caught at Red Mile in Bluegrass, just held in Stallion Stake, cut serious mustard in last but out-kicked late. In my eyes, a bit “iffy.”
PP2-CAPTAIN ALBANO (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Noel Daley…Driver-Todd McCarthy
In superior form these days and on a roll. Has been putting daylight between foes lately. Getting very versatile. Serious contender.
PP3-BETTER IS NICE (Bettor’s Wish)…Trainer-Tony Alagna…Driver-Andrew McCarthy
Very sharp these days with regular kicks home in :26 and change. Race at Red Mile few starts ago sensational—1:51.3-:25.4—and that effort didn’t dull him one iota.
PP4-STORM SHADOW (Bettor’s Delight)…Trainer-Ian Moore…Driver-Bob McClure
Liked speed off wings in last, garden trip, drilled by in :26.1 final panel. After fourth in a row and peaking at the right time.
PP5-GEM QUALITY (Captain Crunch)…Trainer-Chris Ryder…Driver-Dexter Dunn
Has strong brushing power and potent when used at right time…Did get run down date and haven’t seen that :26 killer final yet!
PP6-BOSTON ROCKS (Boston Red Rocks)…Trainer-Steve Elliott…Driver-Tim Tetrick
Very prominent performer. Notice that every time he had outer posts, he was on the engine. Expect a hot pace going for $700 G’s so maybe off-the-pace following live cover can upset.
PP7-CAPTAIN LUKE (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Tony Alagna…Driver-Yannick Gingras
A maiden with $100,000 on his card. Last race was his best ever just missing but putting cards on table with :25.4 kick home. He, too, could upset applecart for maiden win or get a good chunk.
PP8-NUCLEAR (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Joe Holloway…Driver-Andy Miler
Did OK in Kentucky in class under Championship one. Drafted along in last to make the final but really couldn’t do any gnawing on the leaders. Post doesn’t do any favors.
PP9-LEGENDARY HANOVER (Huntsville)…Trainer-Linda Toscano…Driver-James Macdonald
Been very sharp all season long and was closing like a freight train in last—:25.3—from way downtown. Has a habit of leaving and looking for spot when outside. Can “make” ticket.
PP10-NOBLESVILLE (JK Endofanera)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.
Has some credentials but was just drafting along in last to make top 4 but no threat. Second tier 10 post will force hand to move into outer flow early.
JB’s Picks—3-4-2-6
12th race $700,000 Two-Year-Old Filly Pace Final
PP1-CANIGETALOUPLOUP (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Chris Page
Won the Bluegrass a month ago taking her record but has been trounced by Geocentric (who hasn’t been?) in last two starts. Left in last, yielded and drafted along. Same story here.
PP2-GEOCENTRIC (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Brian Brown…Driver-Tim Tetrick
A freak! Undefeated and goes for her tenth straight win.
PP3-BEHEST (Downbytheseaside)…Trainer-Brian Brown…Driver-Andrew McCarthy
Only “bad” line was during a “hellish” journey three starts back. Then whipped NW1 company at a nickel to a dollar. Decent in elim but looks to be a notch below the top ones here.
PP4-PASS LINE (All Bets Off)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Yannick Gingras
On a roll coming in—six straight—and does have a mark equal to Geocentric. This is her first encounter against Geocentric (having raced in Canada) and was valiant late. Main competitor.
PP5-CAMERICAN (American Ideal)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.
Consistet and versatile. Has competed on all size tracks successfully. Had speed off wings in last, found spot, found seam in lane and closed with alacrity. Might be overlooked here.
PP6-ITS A LOVE THING (Bettor’s Delight)…Trainer-David Menary…Driver-James Macdonald
Nice quarter move to the top in Elim but not much resistance when Pass Line came to call. Did pace :27.3 home while getting spot here…BUT…:27.3 not quite good enough these days.
PP7-CAVIART BELLE (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Scott Zeron
Was on a roll for a while with four miles in (1):50 and change but has tailed off a bit returning to U.S. soil. In beautiful spot in last, pulled but couldn’t dent final quarter in :26. Understandable.
PP8-MY GIRL EJ (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Dexter Dunn
Drew poorly but has drawn bad before and has joined the fray early and been right there. Though 2nd in Elim, could have been best start yet with explosive kick home. “Makes” ticket!
PP9-BLUE PACIFIC (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Joe Holloway…Driver-David Miller
Has been in a lot of “photos” this semester but only won one of ‘em. Left sharply in last, got shuffled a bit then closed with ferocity to get within a neck of Pass Line. Needs cover flow.
PP10-PEACE TALKS (American Ideal)…Trainer-Chris Ryder…Driver-Todd McCarthy
Won majority of money over a half-miler coming from 8th at 39 to 1. Just so-so in the Elim and unable to dent :26 finale but second tier post keeps her in the ballgame…for a while, at least.
JB’S Picks—2-8-5-4
13th race $700,000 Two-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot Final
PP1-KARL (Tactical Landing)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Yannick Gingras
A “ns” away from perfection in 7 starts & fastest 2-yo trotter of season. Made strong quarter brush to the top & polished thing off by drawing away late. THE key matchup of year with T C I.
PP2-PRIVATE ACCESS (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Luc Blais…Driver-Louis Philippe Roy
Surprised in Elim by winning of equally in 1:54.4—his best ever. Form is improving coming in but now facing some lion-tamers this time around. Drew well and will draft along this time.
PP3-MR BLUEBIRD (Six Pack)…Trainer-Driver Ake Svanstedt
Liked his effort in International Stallion Stake at Red Mile the best. Just drafted along in Elimination and no threat to Karl. Great positive trait is that he doesn’t make any mistakes.
PP4-SECURITY PROTECTED (Father Patrick)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-Tim Tetrick
Consistent sort put some cards on the table at The Red Mile with sharp 1:52.4 score. Tried to brave up in Elim with first over brush but winner put him away in lane. Consistent, though.
PP5-T C I (Cantab Hall)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-David Miller
Has some incredible credentials, not only as the only one to put his nose in front of Karl, but, before that, came from an “impossible” situation to win the “Million.” Matchup of the season.
PP6-GREENSPAN (Greenshoe)…Trainer- Jim Campbell…Driver-Dexter Dunn
Never seems to draw well when it matters. Two wins this year-both with inside posts. Will be strutting his stuff turning for home with his :27 and change final panels doing some damage.
PP7-DASHING DANNY (Dover Dan)…Trainer-Jeff Cullipher…Driver-Kyle Wilfong
Busy season with 16 starts and 9 wins—most of them earlier in season. Had a bit of speed off the wings in last but, after that, kind of drafted along like a stock car. Needs better kick home.
PP8-WILD TICKET (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-Brian Sears
Took charge early in Elimination and, smartly let Karl go for garden spot. Probably didn’t like to off track too much as he couldn’t handle it in New York one night either. Post hinders here.
PP9-SITUATIONSHIP (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Scott Zeron
Only one win early but seemingly coming into own last few starts at The Red Mile and Hoosier in his Elim where he was slowly getting to winner in good mile. Too bad he drew poorly.
PP10-MUSCLEFANTASTIC (Muscle Massive)…Trainer-Driver-Robert Taylor
Won most of his money on Super Night HoP—his home track—Second tier post probably a blessing since he’ll be drafting along the pylons, instead of no-man’s land. Even-steven in Elim.
JB’s Picks—1 or 5, whoever leaves and yields, sitting in the garden spot…4-6
“May The Horse Be With You”
by John Berry, for Harnesslink