How low can they go? With a number of miles already faster than 1:47 this year over multiple surfaces, those miles prompt questions of just how fast Standardbreds will pace in 2023.

By mid-June in 2022, there was one mile in 1:47 or faster. That mile came courtesy Nicholas Beach and a 1:47 score at Harrah's Philadelphia on May 21.

So far in 2023, there have been three miles in 1:47 or faster: Ruthless Hanover paced Philly in 1:46.3 on May 28, and this past weekend there were two more sizzling miles courtesy Stonebridge Helios — 1:47 at The Meadowlands on June 16 — and Warrawee Vital — 1:46.4 at Woodbine Mohawk Park on the June 17 North America Cup undercard.

Will a pacer break the record of 1:45.4 set by Bulldog Hanover last year? Have your say in our current SC web poll.