by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A crowded entry box forced eliminations in every division but the freshman filly trotters for the $4.7 million Breeders Crown finals on November 24 at The Meadowlands.

Thirteen $25,000 eliminations will be held on Friday (November 16) and Saturday (November 17) at The Meadowlands. Friday’s elimination races for 2-year-olds will include a single field of 10 2-year-old colt pacers who will race for eight spots on the gate. The Carl Jamieson Stable’s three-horse entry meant that the two top money-earners (coincidentally the Jamieson-trained Santanna Blue Chip and Robert’s Rage) will automatically advance to the final as the two richest in the field.

There will be two elims for freshman colt trotters, despite the presence of the undefeated Deweycheatumnhowe, who will face competition from Matron winner Lear Jetta, who has not lost a race since June.

The standout in the two elims for freshman filly pacers is A And G’sconfusion, who with $810,770 in earnings has her eye on the single season’s earning record of $1.1 million set by Miss Easy in 1990.

On Saturday, November 17, all four sophomore divisions will go two elimination races each. Millionaire and Horse of the Year candidate Donato Hanover will seek his 20th win in a row Saturday, as one of 14 sophomore colt trotters entered in the $610,000 Breeders Crown 3-year-old colt trot.

The hard-fought sophomore pacing colt division drew 15, with divisional stars Southwind Lynx, Tell All and Always A Virgin all vying for a berth in the $555,000 final.

Distaff trotting sophomores number 18, and feature Pampered Princess, Hambletonian Oaks winner Danae and Vulcanize.

Their pacing counterparts will split into six and seven filly fields, and may be the last battle for Southwind Tempo and Hana Hanover, who have provided some of the most exciting racing of the season.

Elimination winners may pick their post positions. The sole division that did not need eliminations is the $650,000 2-year-old filly trot. The eight fillies entered in alphabetical order are Celebrity Tribute, It’s Coast Time, It’s My Time, Lindy’s Heiress, Saorse, Satin Pillows, Snow White and Somebody To Love.