by Perry Lefko, for the Breeders Crown

Toronto, ON — D’One was definitely the one. The marvelous 5-year-old mare, driven by David Miller, came into the 2015 Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot as the prohibitive favorite. And the daughter of Donato Hanover lived up to that billing with authority.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

D’One won the Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot in 1:54.2.

Taking the lead just after the opening quarter-mile and inheriting the lead from pacesetter Shake It Cerry, D’One was never threatened thereafter, winning the $250,000 race by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.2.

The Swedish import has been absolutely solid since trainer Roger Walmann brought D’One to North America with highly-rated stablemate Magic Tonight, winner of the 2015 Elitlopp.

While Magic Tonight hasn’t fared well in North America, D’One has been virtually unbeatable. Aside from a disappointing race in the Maple Leaf Trot in which she broke stride early and finished seventh by 22 lengths as the 7-5 favorite, she has been nothing but money.

Miller has driven her the last two times, both wins.

Starting from the six hole in the Breeders Crown field of 10, D’One was allowed to settle in comfortably, sitting in fourth after the opening quarter set in :27.1 by champion Shake It Cerry. Miller had the lead after a half-mile in :57.2.

It was really over at that point. She made it to the three-quarter pole in 1:26.3, then basically glided the final quarter-mile under mild urging to win.

D’One, owned by a multi-partner Swedish group that race under the nom de plume Stall Kenny 23, has won six of nine races this year. She recently surpassed $1 million in career earnings. She raised her bankroll to more than $1.2 million with the Crown win.

“If I had my choice I would have essentially come up the backstretch and moved her then, but there was horses out there so I had to move her when I did and she held up very well,” said Miller, who celebrated his 15th Breeders Crown victory.

Walmann said D’One has done so well this year because of her immense heart and desire to win.

“If she can be like this next year, we’ll be happy with that,” Walmann said.

D’One, sent postward at just under 1-2, paid $2.90, $2.50, $2.10. Shake It Cerry paid $4.10 and $3.00. Charmed Life, who placed third by 4-1/2 lengths, paid $5.70 to show. The exacta paid $10.70, the trifecta $112.25.