To watch a race replay of Rocknificent’s Breeders Crown elimination victory, click here.

East Rutherford, NJ — Rocknificent finally defeated 1-2 favorite Lyon Sentinel after following her home second in five races since July this season, winning the lone elimination of the Breeders Crown Mare Pace on Saturday (Oct. 23) at The Meadowlands.

Rocknificent won the lone elimination of the Breeders Crown Mare Pace on Saturday. Lisa photo.

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 trainer Linda Toscano. “It’s absolutely amazing that she can leave as many weeks as she does and still come back to him with two fingers.”

The Captaintreacherous mare was bred by Deo Volente Farms and T L P Stable. Rocknificent, who paid $7.60 to win, has now earned $968,662 for owners Enviro Stables LTD, South Mountain Stables and Little E LLC.

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.

By virtue of her elimination win, Rocknificent drew for posts one through five in the final before the remainder of the field took part in an open draw.

The complete field, with post positions, nominated drivers, and trainers, are as follows:

$330,000 Breeders Crown — Mare Pace
1. Rocknificent (Scott Zeron, Linda Toscano)
2. Peaky Sneaky (Dexter Dunn, Nancy Takter)
3. So Much More (James MacDonald, Don Beatson)
4. Lyons Sentinel (Tim Tetrick, Jim King Jr.)
5. JK First Lady (David Miller, Nancy Takter)
6. Keep Rockin A (Andy McCarthy, Nifty Norman)
7. Racine Bell (Jason Bartlett, David Dewhurst)
8. Rockin Nola (Joey Putnam, Joe Putnam)
9. Marloe Hanover (Brian Sears, Nifty Norman)
10. Drama Act (Chris Page, Ron Burke)
AE1. Treacherous Reign (Bob McClure, Tony Alagna)
AE2. Sweet Lucy Lou (Todd McCarthy, Robert Cleary)