by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent
The Swedish trotter Commander Crowe, who will race in the Breeders Crown next month, was once again in the winner’s circle Wednesday afternoon (September 21) in France.
Gerard Forni photo
Commander Crowe was a narrow winner in the Grand Prix de la Fédération Régionale du Nord.
For the second consecutive year the chestnut trotter, or as they call him in France — Le Grand Blonde, won the Grand Prix de la Fédération Régionale du Nord over the 1-11/16th mile distance at the province track, La Capelle.
This was his third win in a row and sixth for the year.
Commander Crowe has been directed to the front in most of his races, but this time driver Christophe Martens eased him from the start and there was only a half-mile to go before Martens made his move.
Down the stretch Commander Crowe fought bravely with leader Perlando, driven by Jos. Verbeeck, who it seemed was going to win, but just before the finish line Commander Crowe put his head in front and won, followed by a fast finishing Reve de Beyleve, driven by Eric Raffin on the outside. Perlando finished third. Commander Crowe was timed in 1:59.3 (mile rate) and picked up the winner’s purse of $68,450.
Commander Crowe will probably race one more time before heading to Canada and the Breeders Crown.