by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Erv Miller, the 2005 Trainer of the Year, was pleased with the yearlings coming his way after that portion of the Standardbred Horse Sale at Harrisburg, even if he didn’t get everything he hoped.

Among the yearlings selected by Miller were Lispole, a half brother to Breeders Crown champ Lis Mara, purchased for $72,000; World Of Her Own, the first foal out of Worldly Beauty, bought for $195,000 by Andy Willinger; and Andover Hall filly Shakira Hanover, purchased for $180,000 by Norman and Gerald Smiley.

“I saw her at the farm; she moved good and was put together like a good horse, real square,” Miller said about Shakira Hanover. “I thought Lis Mara’s brother looked just like him, just a little bigger. He might take a little longer to come around, but he’s got the head of a good horse and in the long run will be all right.”

USTA Photo

Erv Miller eyes horses while his son, Marcus, studies the catalog.

Other horses selected by Miller included General McArdle (McArdle-Armbro Terrace), Hey Mister DJ (Western Ideal-Impressive Sign), Dinneratartsplace (Artsplace-Singin For Supper), Madam Countess (Art Major-Fedorov), Edra Hanover (The Panderosa-Express Gate), Boston Red Sock (Red River Hanover-Plant A Kiss), Beach Boy Toy (Artiscape-Good Vibrations) and Tashablanca (Dream Vacation-Tahitian Tasha).

“I’m learning through time; a few years ago I would have picked any horse with conformation over breeding,” Miller said. “Now, I try to mix them both up. I think it’s still very important they have the conformation. Putting that pressure on them to race at two, if they don’t have good conformation whatever it is will bug them before you can get them raced unless they’re a big-hearted horse.”

One yearling Miller didn’t get was All Pro Hall (Cambest-Angel Place), who sold for $135,000.

“He was a real nice colt, but I just couldn’t keep going,” Miller said. “I bet you see him down the road; I bet he’s a good horse.”