Rocknificent beats Lyon Sentinel in Breeders Crown elim

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Rocknificent finally defeated 1-2 favorite Lyon Sentinel after following her home second in six races since July this season, winning the lone harness racing elimination of the Breeders Crown Mare Pace on Saturday (Oct. 23) at The Meadowlands.

The field left evenly with the outside mares leaving quickly but unable to find good spots as Indiana Sires Stakes champion Rockin Nola grabbed the lead over Rocknificent and Peaky Sneaky. Atop for fractions of :26.2, :55 and 1:21.4, Rockin Nola was challenged going into the stretch as Peaky Sneaky came out from her cover and Lyons Sentinel made a move on the outside.

Rocknificent and driver Scott Zeron had no trouble shaking those two off, leaving Rockin Nola behind to win in 1:48.4. Peaky Sneaky held for second; Lyons Sentinel got third.

”She’s the picture of consistency; she’s just a sweetheart,” said Toscano. “It’s absolutely amazing that she can leave as many weeks as she does and still come back to him with two fingers.”

Linda Toscano trains the Captaintreacherous mare, who was bred by Deo Volente Farms LLC and TLP Stable. Rocknificent, who paid $7.60 to win, has now earned $968,662 for owners Enviro Stable LTD, South Mountain Stables and Little E LLC.

ROCKNIFICENT REPLAY

In addition to the top three elimination finishers, JK First Lady, Rockin Nola, Keep Rockin A and Marloe Hanover also made next Saturday’s (Oct. 30) $330,000 Breeders Crown final, along with Drama Act, Racine Bell and So Much More, who were awarded byes.

For full race results, click here.

For all updates to final fields for the Breeders Crown

by Frank Cotolo, for the Breeders Crown