Wilkes-Barre, PA — Homicide Hunter (George Napolitano) slipped up the passing lane to pass Top Flight Angel (Andy Miller) to win the $500,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot in 1:52.3 on sloppy track.

Homicide Hunter gives Napolitano his first Breeders Crown victory. Curtis Salonick photo.

Top Flight Angel led off the gate and hit the first quarter in :27, followed by Homicide Hunter along the rail. Those two led the field to the :55.3 half and on to the 1:24 three-quarters. In sight of the finish line, Homicide Hunter, trailing the leader, angled to the inside passing lane and overtook Top Flight Angel to win.

It was the first Breeders Crown win for Napolitano.

“Wow. Words can’t even explain it,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. I am so grateful. It’s a pretty simple track to drive on. And I have the right people (inaudible). Nothing. Chris didn’t say a word. He knows I know this horse and I know the track. I usually win the four claimers, not the Breeders Crown.”

Homicide Hunter, the fastest trotter in the history of the sport, is trained by Chris Oakes and owned by Crawford Farms Racing.

Top Flight Angel was second and Warawee Roo was third. The winner returned $10.20.