by Moira Fanning, publicity director, The Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A compact group of six of the sport’s fastest and richest older pacers will report directly to the $500,000 Final on Saturday August 22. Though Mister Big is the defending Crown champion and is well on his way to $4 million in earnings, Shadow Play served notice on Hambletonian day that he will put up a fight for divisional honors. Last year’s Little Brown Jug winner reeled off a 1:47.4 mile in the U.S. Pacing Championship to beat Mister Big by a length and three-quarters.

The Breeders Crown Pace is one of four open events worth a combined $1.6 million, along with the $400,000 Woodrow Wilson and $350,000 Sweetheart scheduled for closing night at The Meadowlands, Saturday, August 22.

Bettor Sweet and Shadow Play share that world record time, as Bettor Sweet stunned this group with a 1:47.2 Graduate victory back in May at the Meadowlands.

It could also be “Shark Week” in the Breeders Crown, as Shark Gesture, the 2006 Breeders Crown sophomore champion, is a constant and consistent threat with five wins and five seconds in 20 starts this year. Last year’s Meadowlands Pace winner Art Official and stalwart Won The West round out the field of heavyweights.

All Crown entrants but Shadow Play have opted to race in a prep this weekend at the Meadowlands. Since no eliminations will be necessary an open draw will be televised live on Big M TV during the Saturday Aug. 15 card. The track is dark Friday, Aug. 14.