Sure, Mister Big will be voted the top older pacer in North America in 2008. He's earned that title once again with 11 wins in 14 starts and his epic battles with Artistic Fella will long be remembered. Mister Big gets the edge because he was able to wear down his rival in those races.
And it's wonderful that the sport gets a star like Mister Big back to the races again in 2009. He's shooting for his third straight season with a million bucks in earnings.
Which older pacing mare do you think was the best this? Darlin's Delight and My Little Dragon have been going at each other now for several years. This year My Little Dragon has more starts, more wins, and more money than Darlin's Delight,but the latter notched the faster win when she scored in 1:49.2.
Three questions:
(1) Which mare should be named best older pacing mare of 2008?
(2) Do you think Mister Big can have another $1 million season in 2009?
(3) What older pacer will pose the greatest threat to him? Will it be Artistic Fella again?
Look for Mister Big's
Look for Mister Big's greatest threat to come in the form of Shark Gesture. He showed us in the 2006 Breeder's Crown Elimination and Final just how much grit, heart, determination and testicular fortitude he has. He was huge in his 2008 debut Saturday night and I suspect the Remmen brothers MO will suit this horse well. He's now less than $38,000 from becoming the sport's newest millionaire and it could conceivably happen before 2009 arrives.
Wouldn't it be fantastic to see a rivalry develop between these two such as Adios and King's Counsel had? Or who can forget The Revenge Pace when Bret and Cardie squared off once again for another ding dong battle?
While I think that Shadow Play and Art Official will make their presence felt, the transition from the 3 year old ranks to FFA/unrestricted Invitational Paces may be the hardest transition for a pacer to make. I think they would both be helped by another year of seasoning under their belt.
1) My Little Dragon gets my
1) My Little Dragon gets my vote best older pacing mare. She had a great year. I saw her race a a few times this year and she didn't disappoint
2) I believe it will be increasingly difficult for Mister Big to reach the $1.0mm single season earnings threshold, especially if Shadow Play, Art Official and Dali compete against him in the big purse events for aged pacers. I'd really like him to prove me wrong!
3) I believe one of the three mentioned above will challenge MB. Dali certainly looked amazing last night at Dover in the Matron.