If anyone doubts that Lexington will be the epicentre of harness racing over the next couple weeks, they should take note that perhaps both Somebeachsomewhere and Mister Big may take shots at the world record if all the planets line up properly and the weather and circumstances are right.
Which horse can pace the faster mile? And just how fast can each one go? Tell me your thoughts.
The weather forecast that I’ve seen for Lexington looks splendid, but we all know that can change.
The fastest mile ever by a Standardbred is Cambest’s 1:46.1 in a 1993 time trial. That came at Springfield, Illinois and in his next start Cambest was beaten in a $20,000 pace at Garden State in 1:53.2. He then won the Senior Jug at Delaware, but was disqualified when it was found he’d been given a milkshake prior to the race.
The fastest race mile was Holborn Hanover’s 1:46.4 at the Big M and we know that Art Official and Somebeachsomewhere hit the wire virtually together in 1:47 in the Meadowlands Pace a couple months ago.
Mister Big sports a mark of 1:47.4 and Somebeachsomewhere has a mark this year of 1:48.3. I think it’s fair to assume that both pacers can lower their marks, but just how fast do you think they can go? Can they erase Cambest from the record books and take Standardbred speed into the uncharted 1:45 waters? Anyone see a mile faster than 1:45?
Tell me your best guess at how fast each horse can pace on the right day at The Red Mile.
everyone remembers the
everyone remembers the fastest speed time that they were there tosee.,/how mnany recall the greatest stretch battle they witnessed?the courageand skill of the horse and driver are tested?... great horses have and heart!!! i would love to see dewey challanged hard and win/ jk
Its true, each of these
Its true, each of these horses are gifted athletes, there is no doubt there. Mister Big continues to florish with age, and Somebeachsomewhere's fan base basically doubles after every race. Each horse continues to dominate their field of rivals and each horse continues to display huge efforts every time they step out to race. I've just recently heard a quirky saying about how 'Time only counts behind bars', but in this case, its everything. My predictions are that Mister Big will beat the world record before he heads into the time trial, and then Somebeachsomewhere will futher lower it during his attack on father time.
Some-time-some-where. Lexington, Kentucky. 1:44.4
I was at the Springfield
I was at the Springfield Fair on August 16, 1993 when Cambest was timed off video of his time trial. The timer did not work for his race so I have always doubted the time. Horses continue to go faster. I saw American Ideal win a division of the Bluegrass in 2005 in 1:47.4. I plan to go to Lexington both weekends of the Grand Circuit. As you mentioned, a lot depends on the weather. I hope both horses make an attempt. Mister Big is five years old so he has age and maturity on his side. In his races I have seen, he has a finishing kick that separates him from the competition. I think he can break 1:47. Somebeachsomewhere has been pointed for a record attempt in Lexington. He should have more in the tank than any of the horses who raced two heats in the Jug. I think he can break 1:47 also. The best chance for both is in a time trial rather than an actual race. Wouldn't it be great to have a match race between the two with a "rabbit" to set a record pace!
Seeing horses establish race
Seeing horses establish race time records is something I truly look forward to everytime I go to a track during the warm weather months. I've never seen a time trial but watched a video of Cambest' effort. It was truly amazing watching him race further into the mile and hearing the crowd grow louder as he passed each quarter mile pole. My wife, Wendy and I have followed both SBSW and Mister Big either in person or on HPI and always hope for that glorious mile. I'm very optimistic both can rewrite the record books on a perfect day in Lexington. It would be icing on the cake to have them both go under 1:46! (My guess: SBSW 1:45:3 and Mister Big 1:46:0) Fans of this sport already have so many memories to draw upon from this year alone! Dean, don't forget about Dewey! I think he'll finish the year with 1:49:4 mile!