Thrilling finish to kick off the Breeders Crown

Warrawee Michelle (Walner) prevailed in a thrilling stretch drive that ended with three fillies just heads apart in the $700,000 Breeders Crown for two-year-old filly trotters in Grand Circuit harness racing action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday night (October 27).

In rein to part-owner, trainer, and driver Ake Svanstedt, favored Warrawee Michelle just lasted in 1:53.4 by a head over Soiree Hanover (Tim Tetrick). It was another neck back to an onrushing Buy A Round (Andrew McCarthy).

Svanstedt said his filly is resilient.

“She never gives up,” he said. “I had good position and the speed was OK. She is strong both mentally and physically so I had confidence in her.”

The race was dominated early by longshots as Yannick Gingras sent 67 to 1 shot Senorita Palema to the front from the widest post, and Ronnie Gillespie also blasted from the outside and landed in the pocket with 36 to 1 shot Sugar Instead with Warrawee Michelle dropping in third.

Positions were unchanged through a :27.3 opening quarter and :57.2 half. Svanstedt moved Warrawee Michelle first up as the field paced the final turn and she was followed by Drawn Impression (Louis Roy), Soiree Hanover (Tim Tetrick) and Buy A Round, who were all following in the flow. Warrawee Michelle took over in midstretch and withstood the late challenges.

WARRAWEE MICHELLE REPLAY

It was the fourth win in nine 2023 starts for Warrawee Michelle who is also owned by Svanstedt’s partners Santandrea Inc. of Florida and Young Guns of New York. The $350,000 winner’s share boosted her earnings to more than $478,000. She paid $5.00 to win.

Svanstedt, who could be in line for a huge weekend, expressed his love for the Breeders Crown.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “I really like winning big races.”

For ongoing race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Garnet Barnsdale, for Harnesslink