Undefeated Metro Pace champion Sportswriter leads a list of 11 entrants for the $700,000 (U.S.) Breeders Crown for two-year-old male pacers on October 24
at Woodbine Racetrack.
No elimination race will be necessary. Joining Sportswriter in the field are All Speed Hanover, Kyle Major, Malicious, OK Commander, Paynes Landing, Rockin Image, Shoobees Place, Urgent Action, Whackamole Hanover, and World Of Rocknroll.
Sportswriter won the $1 million Metro Pace on September 5 at Mohawk Racetrack by two lengths in a World Record 1:49.2 performance. The Artsplace--Precious Beauty colt is driven by Mark MacDonald and trained by Casie Coleman. His other wins this year include divisions of the Champlain and Nassagaweya stakes.
He is owned by Steve Calhoun and West Wins Stable and has earned $685,196.
“He’s very good,” Coleman said about Sportswriter. “He hasn’t raced since the Champlain so I was hoping (for an elimination race). I qualified him last week and I’m planning on going again this week. I’d love to get a race under his belt before the final, but if not then I’ll qualify the horse again probably on Friday.
“I trained both Sportswriter and (Breeders Crown Two-Year-Old Filly Pace entrant) Western Silk this morning. They both trained absolutely great. They’re both healthy and sound and feeling good, so hopefully we can have a little bit of luck.”
Malicious has won eight of 10 races this year and banked $306,996 for trainer/co-owner Dr. Ian Moore. Malicious’ wins include a division of the Nassagaweya. He was third in the Governor’s Cup and fourth in the Metro.
Moore shares ownership of Malicious (Bettors Delight--Silky) with RG McGroup and former NHL star Serge Savard – the same connections that found success with standout pacer Shadow Play.
Rockin Image is coming off wins in divisions of the Bluegrass and International Stallion Stakes at the Red Mile in Lexington. The son of Rocknroll Hanover--Kikikatie has won three of seven starts and earned $229,636 for trainer Jimmy Takter and owner Lothlorien Stable.
(Hambletonian Society)
Related Story