by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — The connections of two of Europe’s top trotting representatives anted up the $75,000 supplement to compete in the $726,000 (C$784,080) Breeders Crown Trot to be raced Saturday, September 1, at Mohawk Raceway.

Equinox Bi, owned and trained by the Biasuzzi family of Italy, is a 6-year-old son of the American stallion Valley Boss Bi and 1996 Breeders Crown winner Personal Banner. He has earned more than $500,000 racing in Europe and came to North America to compete in the Nat Ray, finishing second to Corleone Kosmos.

Giant Diablo, also an American–bred daughter of Supergill, arrived in New Jersey in June to prepare for her U.S. campaign. The 7-year-old mare has won more than $1.7 million to date, and though she broke stride in the Nat Ray, she won the $100,000 Trot Prestige Invitational at the Hippodrome de Montreal on Sunday, defeating defending Breeders Crown sophomore champion Majestic Son in a track record time of 1:53.3. She is trained by David Wallman and owned by Zenith HB of Stockholm, Sweden.

Both trotters are trying to accumulate points in the World Cup Trot series, which carries a one million euro bonus to any horse that can sweep three legs and the final at Vincennes in France. The top-ranked North American trotters are Corleone Kosmos with 50 points and Equinox Bi with 24 points. In the European rankings, two trotters have each earned 50 points: Oiseux de Feux of France and Il Nino of Italy.

One of four races worth a combined $1.7 million slated for a stakes-packed Labor Day weekend card, the Breeders Crown Trot has been a showcase for such extraordinary champions as Mr Muscleman and Moni Maker.

Top contenders for the Crown Trot include Nat Ray winner Corleone Kosmos and 2005 Hambletonian champion Vivid Photo, recently victorious in the Credit Winner Trot at Vernon Downs and the Titan Cup at The Meadowlands.

Horses eligible to the Breeders Crown events must enter by 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21, also at the Mohawk race office.

Eliminations, if necessary, will be raced Saturday, August 25.

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