by Moira Fanning, Hambletonian Society

Cranbury , N.J. – Dan Patch honorees Mr. Muscleman and Loyal Opposition, two-time O’Brien winner Peaceful Way and defending Crown champion Boulder Creek headline the US $1.9 (C$2,385,515) million Breeders Crown Open events to be raced Saturday, Sept. 3, at Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville, Ontario.

The US$590,000 (C$713,900) Breeders Crown Pace drew 15 entries, enough to split into two US$45,000 (C$54,450) eliminations that will be raced on Saturday, August 27 to determine 10 starters for the final. Elimination winners, in an order determined by lot, may choose their post position for the final. The first elimination of eight, from the rail out consists of: 1-Armbro Balmoral, 2-Maltese Artist, 3-Dr No, 4-Mypanmar, 5-Sparkler, 6-Holborn Hanover, 7-Town Champion, 8-Eaton Road Kill. In the second elimination, seven go postward. From the rail out: 1- Georgia Pacific, 2-Quality Western, 3-Boulder Creek, 4-Escape The Wind, 5-Metropolitan, 6-Timesareachanging, 7-Ponder.

No other eliminations will be needed. Just seven older trotters entered the US$800,000 (C$968,000) Breeders Crown Trot. Muscleman, with earnings in excess of $2.4 million will look to avenge just his second loss of the year, which came in the Nat Ray at the hooves of Hellava Hush. The complete field for the richest event for older trotters in North America in alphabetical order is: Cincinnati Kid, Coventry, Elegant Man, Hellava Hush, Mr. Muscleman, Muscles Marinara and Sand Vic.

Despite the astonishing burst of speed displayed by Peaceful Way in the Classic Oaks final, eight trotting mares entered against her in the US$250,000 (C$302,500) Breeders Crown Mare Trot. The title-packed field includes two former Hambletonian Oaks Champions and the defending sophomore Crown winner. In alphabetical order the mares entered are: Bramasole, Ecstatic, Housethatruthbuilt, Mystical Sunshine, Peaceful Way, Silver Springs, Snazzy Millie, Southwind Sasha and Windylane Hanover .

Only the pacing distaff side, 11 mares entered the US$331,500 (C$401,115) Breeders Crown Mare Pace. Breeders Crown conditions allow for one trailer so the field will go directly to the final. The 11 entered include supplement Hanover Chance N and no fewer than six millionaires amongst the elite field. In alphabetical order the mares entered are: Apple Krisp, Artbitration, Burning Point, Carolina Sunshine, Glowing Report, Hanover Chance N, Invitro, L Dees Val, Loyal Opposition, Odds On Charmaine and Please Me Please.

Post positions for all four finals will be drawn Monday, August 29.

The Breeders Crown, harness racing’s divisional championship series, is an important factor in year-end voting. The top-ranked veteran trotters and pacers in the sport are all present and once again it may all come down to the Breeders Crown.