Would a win in the final major stakes event of the season be enough to lift pacing colt Downbytheseaside to the top of the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll?

On Tuesday (December 5), Harness Racing Commuinications released the final Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll of 2017. Downbytheseaside’s victory in the Hap Hansen Progress Pace did not lead to any shuffling of positions in the rankings, although the sophomore added 36 points to his total and inched nearer to the top three and remains the highest ranked pacer.

Hannelore Hanover finished the season No. 1, followed by Ariana G and Manchego. Downbytheseaside and Fear The Dragon completed the top five.

The Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll does not determine Horse of the Year. The U.S. Harness Writers Association votes in December on all Dan Patch Award division winners plus Trotter of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Horse of the Year.

Rankings based on the votes of harness racing media representatives on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll: Week 28 – 12/5/2017