by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — This time last year, St Elmo Hero, a winner of $461,870, was arguably the most talked about Standardbred racehorse in North America.

New Image Media photo

St Elmo Hero has a second and a third in two starts this year.

The 6-year-old son of Western Hero started out his career with a fabulous 25-race win streak before tasting defeat for the first time, by a nose to Art Professor, in an Open Pace at Woodbine on April 16, 2011.

Trained by Meg Crone while in Canada, the brown gelding returned to Woodbine this past weekend with a second-place finish in the opening leg of the Spring Pacing Championship.

With just a pair of starts this season, St Elmo Hero has a second and third place finish for Illinois owner John Barnard.

“We were really impressed with last week’s effort,” Crone said. “I think he’ll be even sharper (this week) with another start under his belt. He really has gotten stronger. I think Golden Receiver will be tough to beat and I also think the dark horse in the series is Classic Rock Nroll.”

St Elmo Hero, who has a career record of 29-7-3 from 45 lifetime starts, will begin from post one in race 11 for driver Scott Zeron this Saturday (March 31) at Woodbine.

Earlier this week, WEG’s communications department spoke with trainer Meg Crone. To view the interview, please click here.