by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Buck I St Pat, once feared lost for the season, could return to action in time for the Breeders Crown in late August.

The 5-year-old trotting mare, who has been hampered by a tendon injury, visited the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center on Tuesday, where she was examined by Dr. Michael Ross. An initial prognosis suggested a two-month layoff for Buck I St Pat, but it now appears she could return to the track after two weeks of swimming.

“The last couple days the recovery of this mare has just been beyond belief,” trainer Mickey Burke said. “We sent her over to New Bolton to find out for sure what’s going on. Dr. Ross said she’s sounder than when he saw her months back; as I said, this has been an ongoing problem. He told us to swim her for two weeks and go on with her. The best I can tell, she should be back in about a month.”

Burke, who said the injury was a “slight tear,” could have Buck I St Pat ready for the Conway Hall at Vernon Downs on August 15, followed by the Breeders Crown eliminations, if necessary, on August 22 at Mohawk Racetrack.

Buck I St Pat has won 10 of 14 races this year, including the Maxie Lee Memorial at Harrah’s Chester and the Mack Lobell at Pompano Park. On July 12, her most recent start, she won the Perretti Matchmaker at the Meadowlands, which pushed her career earnings past $1 million by $1,027.

She was scratched from the Classic Series on July 19. Last year, Buck I St Pat won the Classic Oaks final.

Lifetime, Buck I St Pat has won 31 of 56 races. She is owned by Howard Taylor, Edwin Gold, Abraham Basen and breeder Ron Fuller. She was driven this year primarily by Tim Tetrick.