A scratch from Sunday's Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship has forced trainer Brian Brown to change his short-term plans for harness racing's top ranked horse, Fear The Dragon.
Prior to Sunday's scratch at Harrah's Philadelphia, Fear The Dragon had competed in all four preliminary PASS rounds, winning each of his divisions in addition to the North America Cup, Hempt Memorial, and Adios.
Trainer Brian Brown told Trot Insider that the Dragon Again colt tied up for the first time that week, but is doing well now and will qualify on Wednesday (September 13) at Hoosier Park. Brown had planned to race Fear The Dragon in the PASS Finals on Sunday and then again this Saturday in the Jug Preview at Scioto Downs.
Having missed the chance to race in the Jug Preview, Brown will use the qualifier as a tightener leading up to the 72nd renewal of the Little Brown Jug. The third and final leg of pacing's Triple Crown is set for Thursday, Sept. 21 at Delaware County Fair in Ohio.
A career winner of 15 races and $1.4 million, Fear The Dragon is currently ranked second to stablemate Downbytheseaside on the Little Brown Jug's "Top Contenders" list, but remains atop the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Standardbred Poll this week despite the scratch.
Fear The Dragon (Dragon Again - Armbro Cinnmamon) has earned 10 wins this year and has finished no worse than second in 12 races for owner Emerald Highlands Farm.
One thing I have noticed. He
One thing I have noticed. He is gritty and determined coming off the pace. On the front he seems to wait on horses and has be passed on a couple of occasions. Not sure how that would play out assuming he makes it to the Jug.
I love this horse. Hopefully
I love this horse. Hopefully he will continue to the older ranks for a few years as Miki did.
Hope this wonderful horse can
Hope this wonderful horse can come back and win more top races this year.