by Moira Fanning, publicity director, The Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A nostril separated them at the wire in last year’s Breeders Crown, with Artistic Fella crowned the winner, though Mister Big eventually wrestled the divisional title away.

Same place, same event and once again the two dominant players are the headliners in a group of ten of North America’s richest and fastest pacers entered in the Breeders Crown Pace, one of four open events worth a combined $1.8 million, scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at Mohawk Racetrack.

Mister Big has the edge, having recently bested Artistic Fella in the Canadian Pacing Derby, US Pacing Championship and Haughton Memorial. Artistic Fella, the defending Crown champ, won the Classic Final and Ben Franklin. Both have more than $2 million in earnings lifetime.

Five of the remaining eight pacers in the field are millionaires as well: Kenneth J, Palone Ranger, Tigerama, Won The West and Zooka. Big Time Ball, Eagle Luck and Western Shore have passed the half-million dollar plateau and a Crown win will launch them closer to that $1 million benchmark.

No eliminations will be necessary and an open draw on Saturday night, August 23, will determine post positions.

The complete field, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Artistic Fella, Big Time Ball, Eagle Luck, Kenneth J, Mister Big, Palone Ranger, Tigerama, Western Shore, Won The West and Zooka.

The Breeders Crown open events will be raced on a stakes-laden card that includes the Metro Pace and She’s A Great Lady finals.