from Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Freehold, NJ — Here is the field in post position order with listed drivers and trainers for Saturday’s C$375,100 Milton Stakes at Mohawk Racetrack in Ontario: 1. To Helen Back, Mike Saftic, John Pentland; 2. Four Starzz Meliss, Jason Brewer, Glenn Lalonde; 3. Alexis Hall, Keith Oliver, Gary Wallace; 4. Hana Hanover, Randy Waples, Mark Steacy; 5. Artimittateslife, Mario Baillargeon, Robert Young; 6. Southwind Swallow, Luc Ouellette, Mike Vanderkemp; 7. Crystal Chris, Mark MacDonald, Ned Simmons; 8. Southwind Tempo, Jody Jamieson, Darren McCall; 9. Dreamfair Eternal, Tony Kerwood, Patrick Fletcher; 10. Tug River Princess, Steve Condren, Darren McCall.

Owners: 1. Mike Shunock, Anne Shunock; 2. Jennifer Lalonde, John Nother; 3. Alan Wallace; 4. David Reid, David McDonald, Stan Klemencic, Malcolm Man Son Hing; 5. Robert Young, Paul Gazzola, Brian Barton; 6. Adam Victor & Son Stable, Blue Chip Bloodstock; 7. Ned Simmons; 8. Let It Ride Stables, Jerry Silva; 9. John Lamers, Mary Lamers; 10. Let It Ride Stables, Robert Cooper Stables, Jerry Silva.

To Helen Back won the single Milton elimination race, beating Dreamfair Eternal by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:51.4. Hana Hanover was third, followed by Crystal Chris, Alexis Hall, Southwind Swallow, Artimittateslife, Four Starzz Meliss, Ms Goliath, and A And G’sconfusion. All but Ms Goliath and A And G’sconfusion advanced to the final.

A 6-year-old mare, To Helen Back could top the $1 million mark in U.S. earnings in the Milton. She has won $923,108. The connections of To Helen Back got to pick their post position, choosing post one.

Hana Hanover won the $331,500 Breeders Crown Mare Pace on August 22 at the Meadowlands, equaling the world record of 1:48.4 for older pacing mares in the process. She was second in the $214,000 Golden Girls and third in the $314,802 Classic Distaff. The 5-year-old has earned $1.1 million lifetime.

Southwind Tempo and Tug River Princess accepted byes into the Milton final. Southwind Tempo, who was the 2007 Dan Patch Award winner as best 3-year-old filly pacer, needs less than $2,000 to reach $2 million in lifetime U.S. earnings. Earlier this year, she won the Golden Girls, $246,000 Lady Liberty, Classic Distaff and $250,000 Betsy Ross. She was second in the $127,000 Artiscape.

Tug River Princess, who was the 2008 Dan Patch Award winner as best 3-year-old filly pacer, won the Artiscape on September 12 at Tioga Downs and was second in the Breeders Crown, Lady Liberty and Classic Distaff.

Dreamfair Eternal won the $343,712 Roses Are Red on July 25 at Mohawk.

Last year’s Milton Stakes was won by Darlin’s Delight. Eight of the last nine winners of the Milton have gone on to be named the Dan Patch Award honoree as best pacing mare: Darlin’s Delight (2008), Moving Pictures (2007), Loyal Opposition (2004-05), Eternal Camnation (2001-02-03), and French Panicure (2000). Other Dan Patch Award winners to claim the Milton over the last 30 years include Mystical Maddy, She’s A Great Lady, Ellamony, Shady Daisy, Delinquent Account, Caesar’s Jackpot, Armbro Feather, Green With Envy, Fan Hanover, and Tender Loving Care.