by John Siscos, WEG communications
Toronto, ON — The Breeders Crown got underway Saturday (Oct. 29) at Woodbine Racetrack with a stirring half-length victory by Frenchfrysnvinegar and driver Jody Jamieson, who nailed pacesetter Action-Broadway on the wire in 1:53.3 in the $300,000 Open Mare Trot.
USTA/Mark Hall photo
Frenchfrysnvinegar defeated Action Broadway at the wire to win the Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot.
It was the eighth win in 25 starts this year for Frenchfrysnvinegar, a 6-year-old daughter of Angus Hall, who was supplemented to the race by owner David Smith of Rockwood, Ontario, for $31,250.
After Autumn Escapade had taken the field to the half in :56.4, driver Mark MacDonald and Action-Broadway took over, getting to the three-quarters in 1:24.4. The leader appeared to be in charge in mid-stretch, before a last second rally on the outside by the winner, who left from the unenviable 10-hole and had to come first-over to challenge turning for home. Autumn Escapade faded to third, two lengths back.
Meanwhile, the 9-5 favorite, Jersey As, with Ron Pierce substituting for George Brennan, was never in it, eventually finishing ninth.
Trained by Jeff Gillis, Frenchfrysnvinegar paid $10.60, $5.60 and $3.80.
“It’s certainly not how you draw it up,” said Gillis. “It looked good for a while and then her cover cleared, but she’s incredibly determined and really likes to fight a horse. We’re thrilled.”
Chris Tymon, Dave Smith’s nephew, added: “This is amazing. I’m so happy to pick up his trophy for him. I think he deserves it. I’m going to hold it for ransom, though, to pick it up. (Laughs). Jody gave an excellent drive and played it out perfectly. I was hooting and hollering down the stretch and she just came on strong at the end.”