by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — John and Mary Lamer’s Roses Are Red winner Dreamfair Eternal will take the supplemental route to the $331,500 Breeders Crown Mare Pace, scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The 5-year-old daughter of 1991 Breeders Crown champion Camluck has won nine of 17 starts this year, including the C$343,712 Roses Are Red. Dreamfair Eternal, trained by Pat Fletcher, was third in her “test” start at the Meadowlands, a mare invitational on Hambletonian Day won by Btwynurheartnmine in 1:48.3.

“We had our eye on it (the Crown race) a couple of months ago when we realized she was a little better than your average mare,” related trainer Pat Fletcher. “When she won the Roses Are Red against the best mares, then we thought we had a decent shot at it.”

Fletcher brought Dreamfair Eternal to Kristie Leigh Farm in Middletown, N.Y., in preparation for her first start ever at the Meadowlands.

“That’s something I’ve noticed about her,” said Fletcher. “She’s a mare who likes her routine and maybe gets a little bit off when you change her surroundings and her schedule. She’s always a little better the second start in a new place.”

Dreamfair Eternal is a half-sister to $871,000 winner Dreamfair Vogel and has won $476,868, most of it this year.

One of four races worth a combined $1.6 million slated for a stakes-packed closing day card, the Breeders Crown Mare Pace has been won in the past by such legendary champions as My Little Dragon, Eternal Camnation, Shady Daisy and Burning Point.

Current eligibles to the Mare Pace include defending sophomore champ Southwind Tempo, $2.8 million winner Darlin’s Delight and defending 3-year-old winner A And G’sconfusion.

Horses eligible to the Breeders Crown events must enter by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, at the Meadowlands race office. Eliminations, if necessary, are scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

A complete listing of all eligibles to the four open events and more information on the race can be found at www.hambletonian.org.