by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Du Quoin, IL — Danae, starting from post seven in the $150,000 World Trotting Derby for fillies, comes into the race off consecutive victories in the $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks and the $150,000 American-National Stake at Balmoral on August 25.

After an early season marked by illness and breaks, she’s won $450,000 in the month of August alone. Does trainer and co-owner George Teague, Jr. think her troubles are all behind Danae?

“You’re never really in the free and clear,” says Teague. “But it’s nice to see her out and staying healthy. Even last year, I thought she was as good as anything else out there, if you put the top two fillies aside (Possess The Magic and Pampered Princess). They were in a class above her. This year, adding the trotting hopples and with Brenda (his sister and partner in the stable) and Dr. Seeber changing her shoeing around, she’s not interfering with herself and she’s more confident.”

Danae will have the services of driver Ryan Anderson, the fifth different driver she’s had this year, including Teague in two qualifying miles.

“With her gait the way it was, it wasn’t safe to let her out but now she can really show what she has. As long as she’s on her game, she’s a driver’s dream.”

Teague won’t be in Du Quoin, as he is racing several horses in the Breeders Crown at Mohawk Racetrack near Toronto on Saturday night. His assistant trainer, Clyde Francis, will send out the daughter of Andover Hall from their base at The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.