by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A pair of pacing mares from either side of the U.S.-Canadian border are willing to test a stellar group of Crown eligibles by supplementing to the $363,000 (C$392,040) Breeders Crown Mare Pace, to be raced Saturday, September 1, at Mohawk Raceway.

Trainer Kelvin Harrison said it was an easy decision to pay the $37,5000 supplement for Free, who’s won two of the last three Open Mare handicaps at Chester Downs.

“She’s actually getting better right now, and her last three races at Chester were just incredible miles. Her toughness is her greatest attribute. You can line up and maybe beat her but she will hurt you in the process. And the next week she’ll be back at you again,” emphasized Harrison.

Harrison bought Free in May from Illinois trainer Stan Miller for long-time friend and owner Joe Alflen.

“Joe is quite keen to race in the Crown and she certainly has earned her way,” said Harrison.

Those sentiments were echoed by John Nother, who co-owns another top mare, Four Starzz Meliss, with trainer Glenn Lalonde’s wife, Jennifer.

“We’ve had ‘Meliss’ since last October and she is everything we could have wished for,” said Nother. “I never thought I would get one this good and I think the only thing she needs is a Breeders Crown on her resume.

“The fact that the race is at our home track of Mohawk didn’t really enter the equation,” continued Nother. “My trainer, who is also co-owner, and I got together and agreed she deserves the shot in the Breeders Crown. We are very excited about being in it.”

One of four races worth a combined $1.7 million slated for a stakes-packed Labor Day weekend card, the Breeders Crown Mare Pace has been won in the past by such legendary champions as Eternal Camnation, Shady Daisy and Burning Point.

Current eligibles to the mare pace include two-time Crown champion My Little Dragon, defending Dan Patch sophomore titlist Darlin’s Delight, Golden Girls winner Armbro Dancer and $2 million winner Invitro.

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.