by Nick Salvi, for The Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ — There were just five qualifiers on a blustery Breeders Crown Saturday morning at the Meadowlands, held under sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-30s and a considerable cross-wind.

Sebastian K came out to get some pre-TVG Final work in and he looked sharp in a 1:55 win for Ake Svanstedt. Sebastian K left the gate alertly with ears pricked, then allowed Svanstedt to rate him through a kind :59.4 half with Lindy’s Tru Grit in close pocket attendance. The pair of trotters finished the mile out with a final quarter of :27. Sebastian K held to be a comfortable three-quarter length winner over a very willing Lindy’s Tru Grit who closed it up a bit near the wire for Tim Tetrick.

Race three saw a pair of nice 3-year-old pacers zip around the oval in 1:53.4/:26.4 with Ontario-bred Play It Again Sam holding off early season sensation National Debt.

Golden Receiver looked fantastic in a 1:52.1/:26.2 romp, leading all the way with driver Andy Miller never straightening up on him. The “Golden One” has the TVG Final next week if his connections so choose and he certainly made a case for himself this morning.

The Breeders Crown championship races continue at the Meadowlands Saturday evening with first post at 7:15 p.m. It’s quite a card, the weather looks good and excitement is high. Get any info you may desire on the night’s racing at www.playmeadowlands.com.