Chittenango, NY – Any breeder would tell you that getting a foal from the ground to the winner’s circle on Hambletonian Day is nothing short of a miracle. With that fact in mind, Crawford Farms has plenty to be grateful for.
Having already bred two (Karl, Ramona Hill) of the last seven winners of the million dollar Hambletonian, while sharing ownership in a third (Atlanta), now the Crawfords are cheering for three entrants in this year’s $500,000 Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks on Saturday (Aug. 2) at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Following last week’s elimination races, the Crawfords were fortunate enough to have bred a trio of fillies that advanced to the lucrative final, one homebred from previous champion Atlanta (Deja Blu) and another pair (Torrisi and R Charm) that were offered at public auction.
“Deja Blu raced super in her Hambo [Oaks] elimination,” noted back-to-back Hambletonian winning trainer Nancy Takter. “She is unbelievably quick and she’s a perfect example of when you breed the best they show up in these major stakes.”
While ‘royally-bred’ is a term that is often used to describe racehorses with strong pedigrees, in the case of Deja Blu, the term may be a relative understatement.
From Muscle Hill, arguably the best trotting sire since Speedy Crown, and she the first foal from the multiple World Champion mare Atlanta 1:49 ($3,533,707), Deja Blu was retained by the Crawfords with co-ownership now including Thomas Pontone.
Trained by Nancy Takter, Deja Blue 2,1:53, 3,1:52—’25 ($178,052) has post two in the Oaks final with Yannick Gingras listed as the driver, who said after her elim, “Very happy with how she raced last week. Had tons of trot finishing and is coming into the final in great form.”
Another Takter trainee in the Oaks final is Torrisi 2,1:54.1, 3,1:54—’25 ($307,816) who was bred and sold by Crawford Farms for $110,000 at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.
By the hot sire Walner and from the top mare Barn Girl 1:53.2 ($860,478), the $135,000 Zweig Filly Stake winner is now owned by Pryde Stables, John Fielding, Caviart Farms and Herb Liverman. Torrisi scores from post 10 with driver Tim Tetrick.
Rounding out the Crawford Farms troika is R Charm 2,1:53.3 ($244,241) who finished a fast closing second by a nose to Conversano in her Oaks elim, race timed in 1:52.4.
The daughter of Propulsion from the Credit Winner mare Jewels In Hock 4,1:51.4 ($533,215) was a $55,000 yearling purchase by Armitage Farm, whose ownership now includes lessee M&L of Delaware. Trained by Hambletonian-winning trainer Linda Toscano, the filly leaves from post four in the Oaks final with David Miller listed to drive.
Fans can watch the 100th renewal of the sport’s most prestigious trotting race, The Hambletonian (and the Hambletonian Oaks), live on the nationally televised broadcast by Fox Sports, as part of the Saratoga Saturday series from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) live from the Meadowlands Racetrack.
While yearling season may be a few short months away, Crawford Farms is pleased to offer an International Moni half-brother to R Charm, and an Ecurie D half-brother to Torrisi at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in October.
A proven breeder of champions, whose progeny continue to inspire and succeed, be sure to schedule your yearling tour today. Visit our website: CrawfordFarms.com for more information, or call Michelle Crawford at 315.382.5378 to visit their New York yearling farm in Chittenango.