by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — For the first time in harness racing history, four female trotters with more than $1 million in lifetime earnings each will meet in the same race on Saturday night (June 9) at Mohawk Racetrack.

The four mares — Peaceful Way, Pure Ivory, Passionate Glide, and Mystical Sunshine — have combined career purses of more than $7 million and will compete in the $85,000 Classic Oaks. The quartet has totaled six O’Brien awards, four Dan Patch awards, and three Breeders Crown victories.

In addition, the 11-horse field includes world record holder Queen Serene, Breeders Crown winner Susie’s Magic and Birminghim, who won the Queen’s Trophy in Sweden last month.

“I think that’s the best race for mares — ever,” said Harald Lunde, who trains Birminghim. “I’ve never seen so many good ones in one race. It’s the best ever. Maybe we can get lucky and get a good trip.”

Foto Won photo

Passionate Glide won the Conway Hall final on Memorial Day at Vernon Downs in a track record time of 1:54.3.

Three of the millionaires met May 28 at Vernon Downs, a race won by Passionate Glide by a length over another Classic Oaks contender, Buck I St Pat. Mystical Sunshine was fourth and Pure Ivory was fifth.

“That’s a bunch of nice mares in there,” said Steve Condren, who drives and co-owns Pure Ivory. “We’re expecting our horse to start rock and rolling now. She’s got two starts and is beginning to reach her potential. At Vernon, she just wasn’t tight yet. I’ve got no idea how it’s going to set up, but hopefully she’ll be a contender in there.”

Peaceful Way has won 33 of 48 lifetime starts and earned $2.7 million. She received O’Brien awards in Canada as the best in her division in 2003 as a 2-year-old, 2004 as a 3-year-old, and the last two years as an older horse. She also was honored with Dan Patch awards in the U.S. in 2005 and 2006.

Pure Ivory got O’Brien awards at ages 2 and 3 while Passionate Glide received Dan Patch awards in the same divisions. Mystical Sunshine, Peaceful Way and Passionate Glide each have a Breeders Crown title.

“We’ve had a number of mares come back and race and it’s made for a very competitive group,” said John Campbell, who will drive Up Front Hotsey in the Classic Oaks. “I think there will be a very hot pace when you’ve got that many competitive mares in one race. Nobody is going to dominate that division like in the past.”