John Berry: Full handicapping of Breeders Crown races

Whoever came up with the slogan “It All Comes Down to the Breeders Crown” deserves accolades beyond those words as this classic harness racing series has been a defining moment in our sport since 1984.

This season is no different as this one night can make or break a career and either make dreams come true or shatter those dreams into obscurity.

With that stated, here is a “handicapping” look at this grand octet of races.

So, without further ado, “Let’s Go to the HoP”—The Breeders Crown at Hoosier Park.

8th Race $400,000 Open Pace for Mares

PP1 JIGGY JOG S (Walner)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Thought she might be in little hot water letting leader off the hook with 3/4 in 1:29 but explosive :25.2 (never witnessed that before) thrust home took care of things. Probably big time chalk here with “rail” but she has tasted defeat by another foe here. Sure thing? No such thing.

PP2 ADARE CASTLE (Muscle Mass)…Trainer-Mark Estelle…Driver-James Macdonald

Million dollar winner tried cutting the mustard in last and got away with very soft 3/4s. But a :27 kick home not enough to hold off Jiggy. Has a very admirable habit—winning! 20 for 41 life.

PP3  M-M’S DREAM (Swan For All)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver—David Miller

Made sharp quarter move to the top in Elim, got breather middle half, fought valiantly in lane—:26.4—but nailed by pocket sitter on the line. Maybe she’ll get the pocket journey this time.

PP4 REFINED (Uncle Peter)…Trainer-Virgil Morgan, Jr….Driver-Doug McNair

Showed great speed off wings, yielded after opening panel, stalked, just got up trotting final quarter in :26.2. Knocking on million dollar door. Rarely puts in a clunker when drawing well.

PP5 HP MAMA B (Royalty For Life)…Trainer-Benoit Baillargeon…Driver-Louis Roy

Rugged mare kind of drafted along in Elim but :26 finale tough to dent when five lengths back at the third station. Company just might be a bit stiff against this group.

PP6 WARRAWEE XENIA (Walner)…Mark Steacy…Tim Tetrick

Was 10-for-22 lifetime coming into this season and now is 10-for-39. Excellent mile last week and dented a bit in the lane…BUT…this is a tough spot to pick up win number one this semester. Post hurts a bit as, last week, she had post one, which makes quite a difference.

PP7 GHOSTINTHESHALL (From Above)…Trainer-Melania Wrenn…Driver-Peter Wrenn

In a difficult situation here with post and company in here. Tried some of these three starts back during Jug week and did race OK over half-miler. But, still, a tough situation.

PP8 WESTLYNN QUEST (Manofmanymissions)…Trainer-Katricia Adams…Driver-Andy Miller

Scorecard reads 7-0-0-0 coming in to the toughest task of the year for her. Had perfect journey in last in garden spot but her :27.1 closing kick lost a couple lengths when it counted.

PP9 RAISED BY LINDY (Walner)…Trainer-Domenico Cicere…Driver-Scott Zeron

Actually, raced pretty well in Elimination pulling 3/8s out and gnawing away a bit in the lane. If pace is quick enough, can draft with live cover and “make” the ticket.

PP10 HERCULISA (My MVP)…TRainer-Virgil Morgan, Jr.,,,Driver-Yannick Gingras

Oh-for-18 this semester with memorable effort over Nfld’s half-miler in Sire Stake recovering from miscue at the start and gobbling up ground late to be second. Second tier and will draft.

JB’s Picks-3-4-9

9th Race $600,000 Three-Year-Old Filly Trot

PP1 SPECIAL WAY (Walner)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt……Driver-Tim Tetrick

Answered some questions in last by coming OFF THE PACE and roaring home—her last 1/2 in :55.1. Expect completely different scenario here from last week’s pedestrian pace. Contends.

PP2 BOND (Southwind Frank)…Trainer-Driver-Ake Svanstedt

Gave noted hint two starts ago with severe sprint from way back and lived up to expectations in Elimination. Is peaking at just the right time and has that winning attitude. Like this spot.

PP3 BLONDE BOMBSHELL (Walner)…R. Nifty Norman…Driver-David Miller

“Even-steven” performance in Elimination and “even-steven” the race before that, too in KY. Filly Futurity. Needs a bit more of a “killer instinct” to pick up a major share of the pie here.

PP4 ROSE RUN YOLANDA (Triumphant Caviar)…Trainer-Todd Luther…Driver-Yannick Gingras

Looked to get backed up a bit in traffic in last but Bluegrass mile was really good trotting last half in :53.3. Quick pace and live cover flow could b e troublesome for her foes in here.

PP5 BARONESS HILL (Kadabra)…Trainer-Chantel Mitchell…Driver-Doug McNair

Seems to be kind of a handy filly where she can either leave of stay off the pace with same results at the end of her journeys. She just might be on the engine looking for closer spot.

PP6 BRAVO ANGEL S (Readly Express)…Trainer-Jonas Czernyson…Scott Zeron

Steep assignment with tough post against these. Was close up for half mile but couldn’t quite handle things when it counted with no denting in the lane. Lot tougher spot than “Consolation.”

PP7 HEAVEN HANOVER (Father Patrick)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver…Brian. Sears

Had good performance in Elimination with good trot late in the mile. Before that in Filly Futurity had a very difficult journey in heavy traffic throughout. Can improve off the pace to “make” tkt.

PP8 SILLY ME HANOVER (Walner)…Trainer-Linda Toscano…Driver-Louis Roy

Must mind manners! Problem is post here. Had perfect journey in last, even stuck nose in front—briefly—but they ganged up on her late. Tough assignment this time.

PP9 QUICK STOP (Tactical Landing)…Trainer-Annette Lorentzon…Driver-Tony Hall

Kinda of a surprise in last by cutting the mustard through sensible panels but they, too, ganged up on her late. Post nine does not help her cause against some of the best in training.

PP10 RAILEE SOMETHING (International Moni)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Second tier post might be a blessing here setting up getting away mid-pack and making a quarter move, Been trying to cut the mustard recently and has held on to the “board” decently.

JB’s Picks—2-4-1-7

10th Race $600,000 Three-Year-old Filly Pace

PP1 STRONG POISON (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Yannick Gingras

In peak form coming into big event after Elim win featuring final 1/2 in :53.4. Drew well & has fastest mark of all here—1:48—at THIS TRACK. Gotta like her chances here. (:24.4 five down)

PP2 BEACH COWGIRL (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Jennifer Bongiorno…Brian Sears

Might not have the credentials of the top ones BUT has shown dazzling speed when straightened away last couple of starts. Looking for live cover flow & quick pace here.

PP3 SWEET AMIRA (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Chantel MItchell…Louis Roy

Left with alacrity in last, got garden spot, stayed fairly close and sprinted :26.1 final…but that wasn’t enough to do any serious damage. Looks to draft along here but very tough foes.

PP4 ZANETTA (Stay Hungry)…Trainer-Jennifer Bongiorno…Joe Bongiorno

Very good form coming in and was given superior, confident and relaxed handling and let the filly do the rest in the late stages with her tenacity. Part of a very talented field here.

PP5 SYLVIA HANOVER (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Mark Steacy…Driver-Bob McClure

Brilliant filly has come home four straight times in :25 and change. Doesn’t matter the pace of the race—fast or not-so-fast—she’s always in the hunt. Can grind with the best of them.

PP6 CHARLESTON (Downbytheseaside)…Trainer-Brett Pelling…Tim Tetrick

Has 6 straight races home in :25-:25.4 (yes, 6 straight) and been long shot in every one of the last five. Would love to see a “bubble” somewhere!!! Haven’t seen one in two around 2 months.

PP7 TWIN B JOE FRESH (Roll With Joe)…Trainer-Chris Ryder…Driver-Dexter Dunn

What a filly! 1:48.4 at two…1:48.2 this year. Had things own way in the Elim and her last half in :54.2 a nose short when caught on the wire. Interesting to see what strategy is used in here.

PP8 ALWAYS B NAUGHTY (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Andrew McCarthy

Post hinders a bit here in event featuring a very deep group. Amazing tat :25 and a piece final panels can’t get the job done…and more amazing that these credentials deserve a 30-1 M/L.

PP9 MCSEASIDE (Downbytheseaside)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-David Miller

Took her record at Red Mile recently but couldn’t follow it up trying different strategy in last two starts. Had some serious pace when straightened in last but hardly dented. Post doesn’t help.

PP10 FRONT PAGE STORY (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Mark Steacy…Driver-James Macdonald

Second tier a blessing…but not enough to do much damage in field this deep. Just an even-steven mile in last mid-pack all the way. Imagine, coming home in :25.3 and hardly making a dent in the field.

JB’S Picks—1-5-7-2

11th Race $672,000 Three-Year-Old Trotting Colts and Geldings

PP1 CELEBRITY BAMBINO (Muscle Hil)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Yannick Gingras

Got away with “murder” in Elim—:30 2nd quarter—and put it away with :27.2 kick home never bothered. Ky Futurity mile was amazing, too, although he din’t win was shuffled badly and closed like freight train.

PP2 ARI FERRARI J (Walner)…Trainer-Tony Alagna…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Had a tough trip in his Elim hung out to dry like wet laundry but they couldn’t put him away and he still finished 2nd.  Races like that tend to toughen a horse up so expecting big mile at a price from good post

PP3 UP YOUR DEO (Walner)…Trainer-Driver Ake Svanstedt

Showed speed off wings in last win but all for naught as he got shuffled to fifth before finding some room to roam to win on strength to :26.2 kick home. Likes to join the fray from get-go (and Ake is amazing!)

PP4 KILMISTER (Chapter Seven)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-Brian Sears

Consistent and fits well with these. Was alert leaving as usual and stayed right with them the entire route. Took record at Red Mile recently so form is sharp. This is, for the most part, evenly matched field.

PP5 HELPFIRSTEDITION (Helpisontheway)…Trainer-Melissa Essig…Driver-John De Long

Huge effort in last being outside chugging for the lead (briefly double-bubbled, too) and then went on to toy with the competition. Can swallow lots of oxygen and knows the racetrack like the back of his…hoof!

PP6 AIR POWER (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-Mattias Melander

Seemed to be handled kind of gingerly off of “x” in Ky Futurity but had some very sharp trot in final stages of Elim last week. Last quarter of :26.1, his fastest since July 1 when he came home in :25.3 at M.

PP7 OSCEOLA (Muscle Mass)…Trainer-Gregg McNair…Driver-Doug McNair

Took charge early in last before yielding at the opener and then drafted along the rest of the way safely in a decent effort. Not sure he can go in (1):50 and a piece so he’ll be a very generous price on the board.

PP8 FRENCH WINE (Bar Hopping)…Trainer-Julie Miller…Driver-Andy Miller

Seems to like the others to expend their energy first as he has “left” when the wings folded on only fiver occasions in 24 lifetime starts-three this year and twice last year. Will be banking on hot fractions here.

PP9 DIRE STRAIGHTS (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Marcus Melander…Driver-David Miller

In a tough spot post position wise here against some bearcats. Had speed off wings in last, yielded and hung in there in his Elimination. Only win this semester in Red Mile’s Commonwealth Series.

PP10 TACTICAL APPROACH (Tactical Landing)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Scott Zeron

What’s this? Another 10 post? This one is different, though, since this is a second tier post which should keep him several lengths closer than in Hambo. Has great credentials and has conquered these before.

JB’s Picks—2-5-10

12th Race. $400,000  Open Pace for Mares

PP1 MAX CONTRACT (Huntsville)…Trainer-Julie Miller…Driver-Andy Miller

Impressive that she came back off scratch (sick), had 3 weeks off, & was tight enough to come home in :26 to win handily. Can put together last half miles under :54 with final panels as quick as :25.3.

PP2 SILVER LABEL (Bettor’s Delight)…Trainer-Nick Gallucci…Driver-Scott Zeron

Had speed off wings, yielded, sat in garden spot and safely on her own to make final. A bit tighter now but in a difficult situation comparing to competition in here.

PP3 DABARNDAWGSWATCHIN (He’s Watching)…Trainer-David Menary…Driver James Macdonald

Did some damage up north of the border and effort in Elim was kind of even-steven with not much movement from mid-pack position. Probably a long proposition comparatively against this group.

PP4 MARLOE HANOVER (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Virgil Morgan, Jr…Driver-Louis Roy

Looked like a “draft-along” mile in last in earning a spot here. Has some success in Open events for mares but, against these at Dayton, was 73 to 1 and picked up minor check. Lotsa wins but tough spot.

PP5 KOBE’S GIGI (JK Endofanera)…Trainer-Melissa Essig…Driver-Dexter Dunn

In superb form coming in and put cards on table against these in Elim leaving in fast opener and re-claiming shortly after yielding and sprinting home in best performance of season. Good draw, too.

PP6 DRAMA ACT (Well Said)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Yannick Gingras

Took time of wings in last settling mid-pack. Little movement thereafter but had some pace when straightened away. Showed she can pace a final quarter in :26. LOVES winning—40 for 93.

PP7 BOUDOIR HANOVER (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Tony Alagna…Driver-Todd McCarthy

Didn’t get too much involved in wicked opening panel in Elim and drafted along the entire route thereafter showing mild pace late. Problem is…post seven and MUST be sprinting off the wings here.

PP8 GRACE HILL (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Virgil Morgan, Jr…Driver-Doug McNair

Grand filly was victimized by post and sizzling opening quarter and no choice but off the pace. Pulled turning for home and :26 final panel saved the day. She’ll be leaving and looking for spot this time.

PP9 VALAR DOHAERIS (Huntsville)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Tim Tetrick

Had wicked speed off wings in last but took full quarter to get the top. Has no choice to try same strategy here going for $400 G’s to join the fray. Might be a sleeper in Super tkts. Has done final in :25.4.

PP10 MIKAKA (Always B Miki)…Trainer-Nik Drennan…Driver-George Brennan

Made nice quarter move after the dust settled, cut sensible fractions but just out-sprinted final 16th. Good thing is she has second tier and will follow the one that out-sprinted her last week in Elims.

JB’s Picks—5-8-9

13th Race  $600,000 Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pace

PP1 CANNIBAL (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Yannick Gingras

Left and looked but not much opened up and went to the top, led rest of the way until mid-stretch when gunned down final stages. Amazing that :26.1 not good enough to get home these days. Factor here.

PP2 STOCKADE SEELSTER (State Treasurer)…Trainer-Ian Moore…Driver-David Miller

Seems to be kind of an anxious colt and always vying for the lead lately. Once he took over after opener, opened some daylight but, again, :26.3 home not quite good enough. Still a consistently good showing.

PP3 EL REY (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Andrew Harris…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Recent big bucks purchase looking to reap some quick rewards here. Explosive closing kick home—:25.3—not unusual for him. Drew well and cover flow would be dangerous—but no walkover in here.

PP4 CONFEDERATE (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Brett Pelling…Driver-Tim Tetrick

The KING until dethroned. On incredible roll this season and has been relentless once he gets going. Morning Line is 3 to 5 but thinking he just might be a tick higher judging the depth of this field.

PP5 COACH STEFANOS (Tellitlikeitis)…Trainer-Er MIller…Driver-Trace Tetrick

Accomplished an “impossible” last quarter in last—:24.2 (a 1:37.3 mile rate) but was aided somewhat by strong tail winds. Still, an amazing accomplishment but can’t look for a repeat with different weather.

PP6 HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR (Huntsville)…Trainer-Gregg McNair…Driver-Doug McNair

Had some speed off wings in last, yielded, sat in the garden spot, stuck nose in front mid-stretch but couldn’t withstand the winner’s relentless ways. Also, leader came back again to edge him for second.

PP7 ADMIRAL HILL (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Chris Ryder…Driver-Louis Roy

Lolly-gagged well back early, was still well back turning for home, had very sharp, pace late to get up for a spot tonight. HIs :25.4 finale his second fastest ever—the fastest in a Big M qually in April (:25.2.)

PP8 COMMAND (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Brett Pelling…Driver-Todd McCarthy

Wasreserved off the slow pace in Elim, never really got rolling until stretch drive, :25.3 finale let him edge by in late stages for spot here. Very tough situation to overcome from this postposition.

PP9 IT’S MY SHOW (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Linda Toscano…Driver-Scott Zeron

Rebounded after tough start in Tattersalls to get solid second after cutting the mustard in Elim—his last quarter :26 still not quite good enough during winner’s wind aided :24.2 final. Leaves and looks here.

PP10 AMMO (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Joe Holloway…Driver-Andrew McCarthy

Kind of a non-eventful draft along mile in last with other similar competition. Good mile, yes, but so were some others in there. Second tier post here looks like same scenario with draft along situation.

JN’s Picks—4-2-1

14th Race.  $600,000 Open Trot

PP1 DELAYED HANOVER (Southwind Frank)…Trainer-Kevin Mc Dermott…Driver-Jordan Stratton

Very rarely leaves with alacrity—only twice this year—so post shouldn’t play any factor here. Did show some good trot when straightened and closed strongly. Needs aggressive handling following live cover.

PP2 IT’S ACADEMIC (Uncle Peter)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-David Miller

Hard a bot of speed off wings in last to find advantageous spot, stayed close throughout and stayed within reach until the wire…but no threat  to the winner or Tyrion who out kicked him in late stages.

PP3 SOUTHWIND TYRION (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Driver-Ake Svanstedt

Left a bit for short early lead, yielded, sat in garden spot all the way and actually out-kicked It’s Academic in the final steps of the mile. Could be on the engine and yielding for up close journey here.

PP4 PRETENDER (Muscle Hill)…Trainer-Nancy Takter…Driver-Scott Zeron

JUst a draft-along trip in last as he got away mid-pack and remained there throughout the mile. Had trot last quarter…but so did a host of others, as well. Looks like a tall order this time around.

PP5 LOGAN PARK (Archangel)…Trainer-Robert Fellows…Doug McNair

On a roll coming into Breeders Crown with four straight wins. Last week, zipped off wings with great alacrity—:26 and was never threatened thereafter. Will be on the choo-choo train again when the wings open and try to go down the road. Another :26 opener could be deterrent from other taking a shot!

PP6 LOVEDBYTHEMASSES (Muscle Mass)…Trainer-Jeff Cullipher…Driver-Todd McCarthy

Been tossing in these :27 and a piece final quarters but always too far back early to do much damage. Has 27 lifetime wins but only 2 this year and none since leaving Meadowlands almost three months ago.

PP7 TAKE ALL COMERS (Creatine)…Trainer-Jim Campbell…Driver-Tim Tetrick

Post may have hindered a bit in last and, while he did have decent trot in the lane, he was just too far back to do any damage. Again, this week, drew kind of an outside post, which may be a hindrance.

PP8 KILDARE KING (Trixton)…Trainer-Chris Beaver…Driver-Brian Sears

Post destroyed chances last week but at least he tried a bit with a couple of bubbles on the line. But situation hasn’t changed for this week’s mile and too many others inside have very good credentials.

PP9 ALRAJAH ONE IT(Maharajah)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Came from Italy last year, startled everyone at Meadowlands winning debut in 1:50-3—:25.3. Two more wins in similar time, scratched sick, OUT A YEAR, 2 for 3 this year, won last in 1:50.2 in Lex. Grinds on!

PP10 RATTLE MY CAGE (Love You)…Trainer-Ake Svanstedt…Driver-Yannick Gingras

Winless this semester but two moves in last which took toll late and finished third to top pick. Second tier post and just has to find way to get start mid-pack to hit the board here at very lucrative price.

JB’s Picks-9-10-5

15th Race.  $600,000 Open Pace

PP1 LOU’S PEARLMAN (Sweet Lou)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Tim Tetrick

Has the “rail” but recent form against same type haven’t been fruitful. Last notable start was in Pacing Derby here making bold 1/4 move but nailed on the line by Allywag. Terrific horse but tough assignment.

PP2 BYTHEMISSAL (Downbytheseaside)…Trainer-Ron Burke…Driver-Yannick Gingras

In great form, has winning attitude, confident win in Elim making quarter move to the top and sealing the issue with :26 finale. Look for him roaring from the pocket here. Might get a bit of a price here, too.

PP3 TATTOO ARTIST (He’s Watching)…Trainer-Ian Moore…Driver-Louis Roy

The richest of field here and on serious roll with 7-in-a-row. Odds 1 to 20 in last & used :25.4 blast home to draw away again late. Sure, has come long way since winning 1st start in Canada in 1:54 in 2019.

PP4 PONDA WARRIOR (Rockin Image)…Trainer-Jay Hochstetler…Driver-Kyle Wilfong

Hasn’t missed the board in nine starts this year—so fresh legs. Been right there with the best of them all season and been around :26 coming home in every recent start. Supreme test but from an enviable post.

PP5 ABUCKABETT HABNOVER (Betting Line)…Trainer-Andrew Harris…Driver-Dexter Dunn

Very decent mile in last after being outside and grinding final 5/8ths. And kept digging to the wire coming home in :26. Getting tighter every start. After that month off…a good omen coming into the big event.

PP6 CHARLIE MAY (McArdle)…Trainer-Steve Carter…Driver-David Miller

Tough decision from post…”To Leave or Not to Leave!” Had to go 1st up in Elim facing a :25.4 final panel, which he couldn’t quite handle—his :26.2. Still, rugged performer and doesn’t miss many checks.

PP7 TAURASI (Racing Hill)…Trainer-Tony Alagna…Driver-Andrew McCarthy

Has been well back in recent starts but can fashion severe pace once straightened away. Doesn’t get much respect at the windows in these type races but can sure “make” the ticket when he hits the board.

PP8 LINEDRIVE HANOVER (Betting Line)…Trainer-Linda Toscano…Driver-James Macdonald

Showed a bit of speed off the wings and found nice spot, relaxed and even-steven before finding a bit of room to roam and finished third finishing in :26. Problem is post here with a lot of ground to make up.

PP9 CHASE H HANOVER (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Virgil Morgan, Jr….Driver-Tony Hall

Zipped off the wings in last and carded a scorching opener :25.3, yielded (of course0 and kind of drafted along fresh of the way not giving an inch…or gaining an inch…in the process. Very tough foes in here.

PP10 ALLYWAG HANOVER (Captaintreacherous)…Trainer-Brett Pelling…Driver-Todd McCarthy

Just a gutsy performer in all aspects. Lie the 10 post here (second tier) and one who is not afraid to go first up grinding away—as he did last start and chased the winner valiantly through fast final quarter.

JB’s Picks-2-7-10

“May The Horse Be With You!”

For a Hoosier Park free race program, click here.

by John Berry, for Harnesslink