The trip was sweet and the payday turned out to be even sweeter for Captain Crunch who collared Proof in the stretch to capture the $600,000 Breeders Crown Two-Year-Old Colt Pace for the tandem of driver Scott Zeron and trainer Nancy Johansson.
Captain Crunch got away in good order for Zeron, who sat second behind Blood Money through an opening quarter clocked in :26.4. Zeron slipped to the front end with Captain Crunch as the field passed in front of the grandstand, but the lead proved to be a short-lived one.
Proof was on the move, as well, and he brushed to the top going into the turn. Proof then laid down middle panels of :55.1 and 1:23.2. Proof was still the leader turning into the lane, but Captain Crunch was full of pace as he re-emerged from the pocket spot. Captain Crunch sailed past Proof and handily defeated that foe in a sharp clocking of 1:51.3. Love Me Some Lou rounded out the Trifecta ticket.
It was the fifth win of the season from eight attempts for the son of Captaintreacherous-Sweet Paprika, who is owned by 3 Brothers Stables, Christina Takter, Rojan Stables and Caviart Farms. The $300,000 payday helped the youngster bump his bankroll to $404,725.
The Two-Year-Old Colt Pace was one of 12 lucrative finals on a star-studded 2018 Breeders Crown night at Pocono featuring most of harness racing's top participants. Read about the rest of the stakes action in the 2018 Breeders Crown News Centre.