A prevailing nostril separated Artistic Fella from Mister Big during the 2007 Breeders Crown Open Pace at Mohawk Racetrack. On August 30, the duo will tangle at the same place, during the same event.

Once again the two dominant players are the headliners in a group of North America's ten richest and fastest pacers that have been entered to contest the 'Pace,' one of four Breeders Crown Open events worth a combined $1.8 million (U.S.) on the stakes-packed card.

2007 Breeders Crown Open Pace

Mister Big has the current edge over his foe, having recently bested Artistic Fella in the Canadian Pacing Derby, US Pacing Championship and Haughton Memorial. Artistic Fella, the defending Crown champ, won the his final of The Classic Series and the Ben Franklin stakes. Both Mister Big and Artistic Fella have more than $2 million in earnings lifetime.

Five of the remaining eight pacers in the field are millionaires as well: Kenneth J, Palone Ranger, Tigerama, Won The West and Zooka. Big Time Ball and Western Shore have passed the half-million dollar mark and Eagle Luck would go over the lofty benchmark with a good performance.

No eliminations will be necessary and an open draw on Saturday night, August 23, will determine post positions.

The complete field in alphabetical order is as follows:

Artistic Fella
Big Time Ball
Eagle Luck
Kenneth J
Mister Big
Palone Ranger
Tigerama
Western Shore
Won The West
Zooka

The Breeders Crown Open events will be raced on a stakes-laden card that includes the $1 million Metro Pace and $782,000 (estimated) Shes A Great Lady finals.

(With files from the Breeders Crown)