2023 Breeders Crown

October 26, 2023, by Rich Fisher, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Trenton, NJ — In John Stefanos’ mind, he has reached the Cooperstown of harness racing.

As a travel baseball coach in Illinois for six years, Stefanos guided his Under-12 squad through a 104-team national tournament into the Sweet 16 held in Cooperstown, N.Y.

As a Standardbred owner his equine namesake, Coach Stefanos, has reached the Breeders Crown final for 3-year-old male pacers at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Saturday (Oct. 28).

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October 25, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — Two-year-old pacers Captain Albano and Geocentric will head to their respective Breeders Crown finals Friday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in a similar position. Each was made a 4-5 morning-line favorite to bring back a trophy.

Captain Albano, a colt trained by Noel Daley, has seven wins and a second in eight starts this season. The filly Geocentric is unbeaten in nine races for trainer Brian Brown.

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October 25, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — T C I has the opportunity to become the sport’s richest-ever 2-year-old on Friday when he competes against nine rivals in the $700,000 Breeders Crown final for rookie male trotters at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, but in the eyes of trainer Ron Burke, a victory would give the colt another distinction.

“If he can win, one, he’s beaten a great horse in Karl and a real nice field; and two, I think it makes him the best 2-year-old of all time,” Burke said. “That’s saying a lot, but he’s gone and done everything that’s been asked of him.”

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Dean Gillette Photos

Tattoo Artist Wins 7th Straight; Bythemissal Snares Second Breeders Crown Open Pace Elimination

By Keith Gisser for the Breeders Crown

On a rough night for favorites, 1-9 choice Tattoo Artist, piloted by Louis Roy, did not let his backers down, coasting to an easy 1:50 victory over 55-1 Abuckabett Hanover in the first $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination for Open Pacers.

Roy put the Ian Moore trainee on the front, although he was parked out nearly to the quarter, reached in 26 seconds. The six-year-old son of He’s Watching got a soft middle half of 58.1 as Charlie May mounted a futile first-over move at the five-eighths pole, but Tattoo Artist was never seriously challenged as he posted his seventh straight victory. It took a photo to determine the third spot, but when the ink dried, Linedrive Hanover had bested Charlie May and Lou’s Pearlman, who rallied late from the outside. All three will join the first two in next week’s Breeders Crown Final.

“He’s so nice to drive,” Roy said. “So easy, you can change your mind with him. It’s such a long stretch here, I didn’t want to let him pace too early, but when I let him, he was like a little rocket.”

Tattoo Artist, owned by Let It Ride Stables and Bottom Line Racing, along with Frank Cannon yielded a paltry return of $2.10 across the board. He was bred by Tara Hills Stud of Canada. Abuckabett Hanover returned $15.40 and $3.80, while Linedrive Hanover paid $3.80 to show.

When six horses are competing for five spots in a final, there’s often not much action in an elimination. That was certainly not the case in the second Crown elimination. Longshot Chase H Hanover took the field past the quarter in a fast 25.1 as 3-5 favorite Bythemissal found a seat third. As the field approached the three-eighths pole, pocket sitting Ponda Warrior, the hometown hero, pulled and went by the early leader, only to be met and passed by the favorite, who clicked the half-mile timer in 54.1. Yannick Gingras continued to lead, as Bythemissal, a Ron Burke-trainee, hit the three quarters in 1:23 and then flew home in 26 seconds to post an impressive 1:49 win over closing Allywag Hanover by about two lengths. It was the first sub-1:50 mile of the evening.

“I didn’t want a slow middle half, “Gingras explained. “I know I can go with him, but it’s a deep group.”

Ponda Warrior closed inside to finish third, while Taurasi and Chase H Hanover also advanced to the final, finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Bythemissal is a four-year-old son of Downbytheseaside, owned by Burke Racing, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. He was bred in New Jersey by Dr. Stephen Dey. He paid $3.20 to win, while posting his ninth victory in 12 seasonal starts. The win pushed his career earnings over $1.7 million dollars.

Logan Park Never Headed in Sole Breeders Crown Open Trot Elimination

By Kimberly Rinker for Breeders Crown

Logan Park and driver Doug McNair led from start to finish to capture the $25,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot Elimination on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Hoosier Park in 1:52.1. Robert Fellows trains the 5-year-old gelded homebred son of Archangel for the Outofthepark Stable, Reg. W. Higgs, and Arped Szabo.

It was the 11th win of the season in 18 starts for Logan Park, who was sent off at 3-1 odds, and his 23rd lifetime triumph in 62 career starts. He now has $216,893 in seasonal earnings and $785,452 in his career bankroll.

Logan Park left handily from the gate from post eight, assumed command and was never headed, takin the field of nine trotters to a :26 opening panel, then backing the speed down a bit, and passing the half mile marker in :55.3 (:29.3), before storming to a 1:24.1 three-quarter clocking to easily hold off both Southwind Tyrion and It’s Academic.

“He’s been good all year,” said winning trainer Robert Fellows. “He’s on a roll, racing good, and is a good horse so it was a no-brainer to bring him here. The horses that took the bye, they’re going to be tough to beat.”

Southwind Tyrion, the even-money favorite was second for trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt, with 2-1 It’s Academic (David Miller) getting up for third. Delayed Hanover was fourth, Pretender fifth, Take All Comers sixth, Lovedbythemasses seventh, and Kildare King was eighth.

Venerate failed to advance by virtue of his ninth-place finish.

The first eight finishers advance to the final to join Alrajah One IT and Rattle My Cage, who both accepted byes into the rich Breeders Crown Final.

Max Contract, Kobe’s Gigi Take Breeders Crown Mare Pace Eliminations

By Ray Cotolo, for Breeders Crown

ANDERSON, Ind.— An off-the-pace effort from Max Contract and a down-the-road mission by Kobe’s Gigi planted them in the winner’s circle of their respective $25,000 eliminations for the Breeders Crown Mare Pace on Saturday night (Oct. 21) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Max Contract burst off the pegs and down the center of the track to win going away in the first elimination for the Mare Pace with a 1:50.3 effort

Silver Label, the 7-5 favorite, pushed from the pylon post for the lead to a :26.4 first quarter while Max Contract settled into fourth. Mikala, positioned third, launched for the front up the backstretch and swooped to the lead through a :55.3 half. To the far turn, Mikala coasted unfettered through three-quarters in 1:23.3 and spun the mostly single-file field for home. Max Contract broke rank out of fourth and barreled to grab the lead in midstretch, spurting clear by 2-1/4 lengths over Mikala. Drama Act closed for third with Silver Label leveling off in fourth and Marloe Hanover rounding the top five.

“She loves the long stretch here and loves to close,” winning driver Andy Miller said. “It's just a shame we were not able to race her in Lexington on a big day. She got sick on us. She raced here in Indiana and then got sick on us for two weeks. We were fighting that and seems back to being healthy now.”

A 4-year-old mare by Huntsville, Max Contract has now won 14 races from 25 starts and earned $435,305 for owners Andy Miller Stable Inc. and Jean Goehlen. Steve Jones bred the mare who paid $6.80 to win.

Kobe’s Gigi circled for the lead after the quarter and slipped clear of her competition in progress to a 1:50.1 victory in the second elimination.

Valar Dohaeris fired from post 5 (moving in one slot after the late scratch of Prohibition Legal) for the lead through a :25.4 quarter with Kobe’s Gigi yielding control to sit second. As Valar Dohaeris settled on the point into the backstretch, driver Dexter Dunn swung Kobe’s Gigi from the pocket to retake the lead before a :55.2 half. Kobe’s Gigi charged through the final turn on an expanding lead that grew wider after she clicked past three-quarters in 1:23. Through the lane, Kobe’s Gigi kicked away to a decisive victory under wraps by 2-3/4 lengths over Valar Dohaeris. Boudoir Hanover finished third with 1-5 favorite Grace Hill, trying to close from last, in fourth. Dabarndawgswatchin completed the finalists.

“We put blinders on her and she was sharp,” Dunn said of the mare’s victory.

Melissa Essig trains Kobe’s Gigi, a 5-year-old mare by JK Endofanera bred by Harvey Fry, for owners Leander Schwartz and Black &White Stable. She won for the 14th time from 50 starts and has now earned $554,891. Off the 7/2 second choice, Kobe’s Gigi paid $9.20 to win.

Jiggy Jog S Jogs and Refined Upsets in Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot elims

by Frank Cotolo for The Breeders Crown

Anderson, Ind. – With overwhelming support from the betting public, Jiggy Jog S (Dexter Dunn), at 1-9, won the first of two $25,000 Open Mares Trot elims. The time for the mile was 1:55 on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Leaving the gate, Jiggy Jog S took it easy sitting in third as Adare Castle (James MacDonald) grabbed the lead followed by Weslynn Quest (Andy Miller). Jiggy Jog S let her foes dream about finishing in that order with :28.1, :59.2 and 1:29 fractions to three-quarters.

At three-quarters, Dunn had plenty of room to move off the pylons and allow Jiggy Jog S effortlessly trot to a 1:55 victory. Adare Castle took second, HP Mama B finished third. Herculisa and Weslynn Quest also made the final.

Mischevious Rose (Louis Roy), who galloped just before the gate opened, got back to trotting too late to be one of the five finishers eligible for the final.

Dexter Dunn said the win was as easy as it looked. “I was happy where I was and she has such a great turn of foot. She has put in great performances all year.”

Ake Svanstedt trains Jiggy Jog S for owner Jorgen Sparredal, Inc. Vestmarka Ab bred the Walner—Hot Mess Hanover mare. Her bankroll now reads $1,878,779. She paid $2.10 to win.

In the second Open Mares Trot elim, 12-1 Refined (Uncle Peter—Reinvent) was guided through the stretch by driver Doug McNair and upset heavy hometown favorite M-M’s Dream by a nose in the 1:54.1 mile.

Refined left well and quickly cut the first quarter in :26.4. Martysmagicmoment (Tony Hall) took the catbird seat with M-M’s Dream (David Miller) third. The field raced in line until Miller took M-M’s Dream to the outside and gained command towards a :57.1 half.

M-M’s Dream moved swiftly towards the turn while Warrawee Xenia (Tim Tetrick) moved first over, giving cover to Raised By Lindy (Scott Zeron) forming potential challenges as three-quarter passed in 1:27.2.

Refined found a path to attack M-M’s Dream and pressured the leader to hustle for a win but Miller’s urging could not fault Refined’s momentum and at the wire the photo showed a neck win for the Virgil Morgan Jr.-trained 7-year-old.

M-M’s Dream held for second and Warrawee Xenia was third. Refined paid $26.40 to win for owners Joyce A. McClelland and Larry W. Willis.

Walnut Hall Stock Farm bred the winner of six in 19 starts this season. Her bankroll increased to $985,733.

McNair said, “She was great today but my mare has been great every time I go with her. [Tonight] I moved her fairly early and she trotted right through to the wire.”

Trainer Morgan, Jr. said “We bought her after her three-year-old season and she has just been a pleasure to train. She has done nothing wrong and been ultra-consistent.”

Sophomore Smorgasbord for Pacing Colts in Crown Qualifiers

by Jay Bergman for Breeders Crown

Confederate continued his winning ways racing from off the pace and soaring past rivals in the late stages to capture the first of three $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Saturday night. Driven by Tim Tetrick, Confederate posted a 1:49.4 mile in outsprinting a gutsy Stockade Seelster to the wire with Huntinthelastdolar third across the wire.

Tetrick left for position early but was content as Doug McNair and Huntinthelastdolar moved to the front in the early stages ahead of Buzzsaw Russ. Huntinthelastdolar hit the quarter in :26.3 but felt immediate pressure from Stockade Seelster with David Miller as that pair remained parked from the outset and assumed command well before the :54.4 half mile was reached.

Stockade Seelster slowed the pace a bit during the third quarter and that prompted Tetrick to get a move on with the 1-20 favorite and Confederate moved with purpose to get near the leaders before three quarters were completed. McNair also saw the opportunity to tackle the leader with Huntinthelastdolar and pulled the pocket briefly forcing Confederate a little wider in early stretch. With three-quarters timed in 1:23.2 the field went into full sprint mode and Confederate was widest of all with Tetrick urging him sufficiently in deep stretch to get his attention and prompt him to pass the leaders. Stockade Seelster was resolute in his fight with the remainder and held off Huntinthelastdolar as those two were eye-to-eye through the homestretch.

Owned and bred by Diamond Creek Farm, Confederate, now a winner in 11 of 12 starts this year, is trained by Brett Pelling. As the heavy chalk Confederate paid the minimum $2.10 to win.

“My colt did the job right,” said Tetrick. “He’s just a champion.”

Coach Stefanos and Trace Tetrick blitzed the final quarter in the second Crown elimination and rolled by favored It’s My Show as if he were standing still in midstretch to score in 1:50.3 with the final quarter on the board in :25.2 and his significantly faster. The gelded son of Tellitlikeitis won for the sixth time in 2023 and has been first or second in all but one of his 13 starts for trainer Erv Miller.

It's My Show, the 9-5 choice with Scott Zeron aboard went right to the front ahead of Ants Marching and Ammo and cut the opening quarter in :27.1. Zeron wasted no time in backing down the action hitting the half in a pedestrian :57.1 and appeared to have the field at his mercy. Tetrick and Coach Stefanos came out past the half and followed the cover of Redwood Hanover with Dexter Dunn, but the pair didn’t make up that much ground through the :28 flat third quarter.

In the homestretch It’s My Show pulled away briefly but by midstretch Coach Stefanos was airborne and passed with authority. It’s My Show was well clear for second with Ammo holding third and Command coming on late to finish fourth.

Owned by K.W. Duffy, D &M Trading II LLC and Mr. J. Chris Stefanos, Coach Stefanos was bred by Victory Hill Farm. As the third public choice he returned $8.00 to win.

“The colt raced super,” said Trace Tetrick in the winner’s circle. “He was sharp in his first qualifier and been good ever since. It's a great opportunity [to have the Breeders Crown here]. It provides chances when it's right here in your backyard. It allows everyone to get involved in. It's a great honor to be involved.”

El Rey, purchased recently in an online auction paid dividends immediately for co-owner and trainer Andrew Harris capturing the third $25,000 Crown elimination for driver Dexter Dunn in 1:50.3, overtaking favored Cannibal nearing the wire. A son of Captaintreacherous, El Rey was a winner for the third time in 16 sophomore starts.

El Rey and Dunn left well from the inside but yielded to the speed of Hungry Angel Boy and then Voukefalas before the first turn came up. Cannibal and Yannick Gingras were also present in the early action, but they would be parked well past the :26.2 opening quarter cut by Voukefalas and Jordan Stratton before clearing to the top.

Cannibal led through the half in :55.3 with El Rey and Dunn waiting patiently to move without cover. El Rey moved with purpose late on the final bend for Dunn but Cannibal still had control through the 1:24.3 three-quarters with Gingras asking him to pace strongly through the stretch.

Dunn ducked in briefly behind Cannibal with El Rey but then tipped him off cover and the colt did the rest rather impressively. Bred by Riverview Breeding LLC, El Rey defeated Cannibal with Admiral Hill coming on late between horses for third and advancing to the final.

Owned by Harris along with William Pollock and Bruce Areman, El Rey returned $5.20 to win.

“He’s certainly lived up to expectations,” said Harris in the winner’s circle.

Celebrity Bambino, Up Your Deo and Helpfirstedition Stamp Spots into Breeders Crown

By Ray Cotolo, for Breeders Crown

ANDERSON, Ind.— A trio of $25,000 eliminations for the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Colt and Gelding trotters went to post on Saturday night (Oct. 21) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with top honors claimed by Celebrity Bambino, Up Your Deo and Helpfirstedition.

Celebrity Bambino unfurled a front-stepping effort as the 8-5 second choice to dominate the first elimination in 1:53.1.

Yannick Gingras pushed Celebrity Bambino for the front through a :27.1 first quarter and coasted up the backside to a :57.1 half. Celebrity Bambino remained strong on the helm through the final turn and clocked by three-quarters in 1:25.4 before kicking dust to the field in the lane and posting a 1-1/2-length victory over 3-2 favorite French Wine, who pushed first over through the final turn to take second. Osceola completed the finalists.

“Yeah I wanted to play it by ear and see how the gate would unfold,” Yannick Gingras said. “I thought Dougie [McNair with Osceola] would move, but he didn't and I was looking to follow somebody, but I had to pull. It just worked out that way and he went on to the wire.”

A colt by Muscle Hill, Celebrity Bambino has now won 10 times from 26 starts and earned $859,945 for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Phil Collura. White Birch Farm bred the Ron Burke trainee who paid $5.40 to win.

Up Your Deo mounted a furious charge up the open stretch to snag a 1:53.1 victory in the second elimination.

Trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt sent Up Your Deo for the top but yielded command to Kilmister through a :27 first quarter with Winner’s Bet on the wings. Winner’s Bet then brushed to the front up the backstretch and took the field by the half in :56.4. He snagged a breather through the final turn to clock three-quarters in 1:26 but folded when under siege in the lane. A four-pronged battalion swarmed into action in the last eighth with Up Your Deo cutting through the inside to grab the lead which he held to the beam by three-quarters of a length. Tactical Approach ground first over to take second with Kilmister swooping into third and Air Power, on seasonal earnings, securing the last berth into the final.

“It's actually been a little up and down [for him this year] but now he is finding himself again,” Sarah Svanstedt said. “He did great today. I am very thankful for our horses and the team behind us. It's a whole team so I want to thank everyone out there. They work very hard.”

Winning his sixth race from 20 starts, Up Your Deo has now banked $612,702 for owners Ake Svanstedt, Suleyman Yuksel Stables, Deo Volente Farms and Van Camp Trotting Corp. Deo Volente Farms bred the colt by Walner who paid $11 to win.

The final elimination went emphatically to the lone supplement of the 2023 Breeders Crown when Helpfirstedition rolled to the lead and knocked out his rivals with a 1:53.1 mile.

Getting away fifth, Helpfirstedition followed the outer flow through a :26.2 first quarter set by Dire Straits before Point Of Perfect took the lead. Point Of Perfect then reigned back for the pocket up the backside when 4-5 favorite Ari Ferrari J swooped to take the lead. Helpfirstedition soon found himself uncovered on the rim and pressed forward to complete the shuffle for the lead and clock a :56 half. From there Helpfirstedition peeled away from his peers. He clocked by three-quarters in 1:25.2 and sailed away to a 3-1/2 length victory over Ari Ferrari J with Dire Straits holding third.

“I had a sense of relief when he hit the stretch,” said Lester Schmucker of Running Wild Stable. “I kind of thought he was home free. It was the first time he has ever been on the front and I just want to give thanks to the team.”

Helpfirstedition paid a $72,000 supplemental fee to compete in the Breeders Crown after his 1:53.3 victory in the $250,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final on Oct. 13. Unraced as a 2-year-old, the gelding by Helpisontheway has won eight times from 19 starts and accrued $394,875 for owners Erv Wickey, John Graber, Running Wild Stable and John Schmucker. Martin Wickey bred the Melissa Essig trainee. John De Long piloted him to a victory where he returned $8.20.

Special Way and Bond Headed for a Crown Showdown in Sophomore Filly Trot Final

By JAY BERGMAN for Breeders Crown

Special Way and driver Tim Tetrick came from off the pace wide down the homestretch to capture the first of two $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday night, Oct. 20. Last year’s Crown champion in this division, Special Way trotted the mile in 1:55 for her fifth win in seven sophomore starts.

Kentucky Futurity Filly champion Mommamia Volo was sent off as the 1-2 favorite and driver Todd McCarthy left strongly looking for the front but made a break heading into the first turn and was never a threat afterwards. Quick Stop and Tony Hall left from the pole position and kept control of the race as a 67-1 offering, cutting the first half fractions of :28.1 and :58.1 uncontested.

Special Way moved to the outside with Tetrick following to the half and flushed the cover first of Heaven Hanover and Brian Sears and then Silly Me Hanover came up without cover nearing three quarters to put him in third over position.

Following a three quarters set by Quick Stop in 1:27.2 Special Way rallied wide and quickly gained traction swooping the field by midstretch and coasting home to an easy score. Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover rallied late for second with Baroness Hill coming between horses for third. Quick Stop held well enough for the fourth spot with Silly Me Hanover completing the qualifiers.

Trained by Ake Svanstedt, Special Way is owned and was bred by Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld.

“She was a little short in the Futurity,” said Tetrick, “She just flew by them tonight.”

As the second choice in the field Special Way returned $8.60 to win.

Svanstedt-trained fillies swept the divisions when Ake piloted Bond in the second $25,000 stanza to an impressive 1:52.2 victory pulling away late from pacesetter Railee Something for her seventh win in 11 starts this year. The daughter of Southwind Frank scored as the prohibitive 1-5 favorite.

Bond and Railee Something left out hard at the start with the latter assuming control before the field hit the first turn for driver Dexter Dunn. Railee Something cut the opening fraction in :27 1/5 and was able to settle the pace down nicely in the second quarter hitting the halfway marker in :56 4/5.

With little action coming from the rear Railee Something and Bond pulled away from the field through the three quarters clocked in 1:25 2/5 and the two locked horns in early stretch where Bond shifted into high gear and trotted off powerfully through the :27 final quarter to win in hand. Railee Something was a solid second with Rose Run Yolanda rallying late for the third spot. Bravo Angel S and Blonde Bombshell will also return for the final having finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Owned by Svanstedt along with partners Little E LLC and L. Berg Inc., Bond was bred by Diamond Creek Farms.

“My plan was to sit behind Dexter (Dunn),” Svanstedt said following the race. “And it worked out.”

Now with 14 victories in 20 career starts Bond and Special Way will have the advantage of drawing within the first five posts for the final.

Zanatta, Strong Poison Foil Star Fillies in Breeders Crown Eliminations

By Ray Cotolo, for Breeders Crown

All year long Sylvia Hanover and Twin B Joe Fresh have reigned atop the divisional standings, but both were upset as odds-on choices when Zanatta and Strong Poison struck gold in the pair of $25,000 eliminations for the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Pace on Friday night (Oct. 20) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.

The long Hoosier stretch aided a persistent Zanatta in the first elimination as she plugged off a pocket trip to a last-inch victory against 1-9 favorite Twin B Joe Fresh in a 1:52 mile to take the first elimination.

Twin B Joe Fresh marched forward from post 5 for the lead with Zanatta, leaving from the pylon post, securing the pocket. After a :28.1 first quarter, no one bid to challenge Twin B Joe Fresh up the backstretch. She strolled uncontested by a :57.3 half and gradually gathered speed to the far turn while Zanatta followed with keen interest on her helmet. Twin B Joe Fresh clicked by three-quarters in 1:25.4 and spun for home well held until the pressure kept mounting from pocket-pulling Zanatta in midstretch. Twin B Joe Fresh extended for the finish but Zanatta came with a final lunge that landed a nose blow at the beam. Always B Naughty grabbed third from McSeaside and Front Page Story rounded the top five.

“I have absolute faith in this filly,” winning trainer Jenn Bongiorno said. “She is amazing. I was just really proud of how she could hunt her [Twin B Joe Fresh] down tonight. She has been my favorite the whole time training down as a baby. Last year she won the Three Diamonds and it was amazing. This is a huge feat for her. Winning a Breeders Crown elim with my brother means the world to me. I hope we are back here [in the winner's circle] next week. That would top everything but right now I'm a really happy girl.”

Jenn’s brother, Joe Bongiorno, piloted Zanatta to her sixth victory from 27 starts, which pushed her bankroll to $600,085 for owner One Legend Stable Inc. AM Bloodstock Inc. bred the daughter of Stay Hungry who returned $24.80 to win in the upset.

Strong Poison then went on a speed mission down the highway to victory lane over 1-5 favorite Sylvia Hanover with a 1:51.2 win in the second elimination.

Leaving from post 6, driver Yannick Gingras planted Strong Poison on the helm by a :27 first quarter while Sylvia Hanover settled into fourth. With no challengers oncoming, Strong Poison snagged a breather to a :57.3 half and pushed on the pedal as Sylvia Hanover mounted a first-over charge to the far turn. Strong Poison slipped to a wider lead coming to three-quarters in 1:25.3 and fired down the stretch with a :25.4 final quarter to seal a 2-3/4 length victory over Sylvia Hanover. Charleston closed up the inside for third with Beach Cowgirl finishing fourth and Sweet Amira completing the finalists.

“She's been knocking on the door all season and the Lasix tonight may have made a difference,” Yannick Gingras said. “She was getting a little weak in the last 16th every week in Lexington but she was strong to the wire tonight. They were walking up there so I figured why not give [going to the front] a shot.”

Winning her eighth race from 25 starts, Strong Poison has now banked $751,975 for owners Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Knox Services and Beasty LLC. The Ron Burke-trained daughter of Always B Miki was bred by Steve Stewart and Charles and Julie Nash. She paid $10.20 to win.

Dean Gillette/Chris Tully Photos

Better Is Nice, Storm Shadow, Captain Albano Take Breeders Crown Elims

By Frank Cotolo for Breeders Crown

Anderson, Ind. – In the first of three $25,000 freshman colt pacer elims, Better Is Nice flew five wide from behind in the stretch to catch fading favorite Newsroom and brush off a late close by Gem Quality to win by a neck in 1:50.3 with Andrew McCarthy in the bike.

Newsroom pushed a scorching first quarter passing Dancin Champion’s fast start and took the top in :25.4. The pace continued with a :54.4 half as Newsroom led and Gem Quality went first over with Total Stranger picking up cover. The field got to three-quarters in 1:23.2.

The uneven fractions got to Newsroom and he began to fade while challenged. Getting the best of the pace was Better Is Nice, who came flying late to get a neck up over Gem Quality. Newsroom hung grittily for third and Huntingforchrome fourth.

McCarthy mentioned the race’s first quarter, saying “I was pretty happy with that and was going to have to push off for the first eighth. Then I thought it might be wrong to do that. We ended up getting way back but it turned out that was not a bad place to be. [My colt] came from seventh. He has crazy amounts of speed.”

Tony Alagna trains Better Is Nice, a Bettors Wish—Thatsoveryverynice colt. Alagna Racing LLC, Pryde Stables Inc. and Birnam Wood Farms own the colt that was bred by Alagna Racing LLC and Marvin Katz. Better Is Nice has now earned $503,120. He paid $13.40 to win.

In the second division, Storm Shadow won his third straight stakes event (at three different tracks) for trainer Ian Moore. Bob McClure steered the colt for the last two, winning this one in 1:52.

Though Storm Shadow left alertly, Boston Rocks rushed to take the lead in a :27 first quarter with no sign of slowing down. At the half Boston Rocks was 2 lengths ahead of Storm Shadow with Captain Luke pushing the third spot in a 1:25.1 third quarter. That was all Boston Rocks had to offer as he began to struggle in the stretch while Storm Shadow ate real estate to get to the wire first by a head with Captain Luke finishing second and Boston Rocks left a tired third. Nijinsky was fourth.

Bob McClure said, “From what I know about him I have nothing but good things to say. He's nice to drive, he's good-gaited and he's handy. Last week [in the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Gold Final] he kind of fell into a nice trip but tonight he was great.”

RG McGroup LTD, Serge Savard, Bolton Stables and Mac Nichol own Storm Shadow, a Bettor’s Delight—Fade colt bred by Tara Hills Stud. Storm Shadow has now earned $223,560 in his first season. He paid $7.40 to win.

In the last of the freshman colt-pacing elims the stretch was a playground for Captain Albano. The Captaintreacherous—Angelou colt was all out for driver Todd McCarthy once he put away early leader Magnifico Hanover, who tried to take total control in a blazing :26.2 first quarter. Before the :55.4 half, Captain Albano dismissed the lot of them, soaring to the lead by 2 lengths and increasing the lead until he crossed the wire in 1:50.4, 3-1/2 lengths ahead of the late arriving Legendary Hanover with Nuclear and Noblesville well out of sight.

Noblesville finished fourth and by the nature of his earnings makes the final.

Trainer Noel Daley said he “just asked Todd if he had something left and he said [Captain Albano] did it with his ears pricked. He's a very nice horse and he's gotten lucky with a bunch of nice trips lately.”

Captain Albano’s bankroll is now $288,180.

Patricia Stable, LA Express & Sjoblom Inc, and M.E. Dolan own Captain Albano, who won his sixth race in a row and paid $2.80 to win.

Frederick W. Hertrich bred the colt.

Geocentric Racks Up Nine Straight in Crown Freshman Filly Pace Elim by Kimberly Rinker, for the Breeders Crown

In the second $25,000 elimination for freshman pacing females, 1-5 favorite Geocentric with Tim Tetrick aboard nailed down her ninth consecutive win for trainer Brian Brown in 1:51 for owners Leeman, Keith, Stambaugh and Sbrocco. Geocentric pushed her career earnings to $549,251 with the win.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. sent 43-1 shot Canigetalouploup to the lead in a :27.2 first quarter before being overtaken by the eventual winner, who paced through quarters of :56.3 and 1:25, before cruising under the wire well within herself. My Girl EJ (Dexter Dunn) was second at 2-1, with Canigetalouploup third, Caviart Bell fourth, and Peace Talks fifth.

“She had picked a shoe half off in the post parade and we had to get it fixed,” said winning trainer Brian Brown about the slight race delay. “This mare doesn’t really do anything wrong. I was a little concerned about My Girl EJ coming down the stretch, but Timmy (driver Tetrick) never pulled the ear plugs.”

The daughter of Sweet Lou is out of the unraced Somebeachsomewhere mare Geometry, bred by Diamond Creek Farm and has half-siblings in Horizontal (Always B Miki) p, 3, 1:48.4 ($99,182) and Divide (A Rocknroll Dance) p, 3, 1:54.1s ($46,733).

Pass Line made it look easy in the first Breeders Crown elimination for 2-year-old filly pacers on Friday evening, Oct.20th, at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The daughter of All Bets Off was the 3-5 choice among the bettors, securing the victory for trainer Ronnie Burke and driver Yannick Gingras.

The homebred bay filly is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, and Frank Baldachino and procured her sixth straight triumph with this win, the tenth of her career in 12 starts, and she now has $390,948 in career earnings for these connections.

“There was a lot of movement in the race and when I came up, they were going pretty slow up front,” said winning driver Gingras. “She can go pretty fast and this filly is Burke all the way in terms of breeding. They have more and more mares and the quality of them have gotten better over the past five years.”

When the gate opened in front of the field of six, 67-1 longshot Genie Hanover (Todd McCarthy) took the early lead to a :27 first quarter, before being overtaken by 52-1 Behest (Scott Zeron). Going to the half the leader was challenged by It’s A Love Thing (James MacDonald), the 4-1 choice, before Pass Line stormed quickly to the outside to the 1:26 three-quarters, pacing home to win easily in 1:53. Blue Pacific got up for second, Camerican was third, with Behest and It’s A Love Thing rounding out the elim.

Pass Line is one of five horses trained by Burke in these two eliminations, while conditioner Brian Brown has two as well.

Warrawee Michelle speeds to Crown frosh filly trot elim win

by Kimberly Rinker, for the Hambletonian Society

ANDERSON, Ind. — Warrawee Michelle took top honors across three $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 2-year-old trotting fillies, held Thursday (Oct. 19) at Harrah's Hoosier Park, with a 1:53.4 win in the third split. Buy A Round and Drawn Impression captured the other eliminations over a sloppy racing surface.

Even-money favorite Warrawee Michelle (Walner) took advantage of a garden trip to best five rivals in the final of three elims. Chaparmbro (Dexter Dunn), the 3-1 choice, led the field to the :28.3 first quarter, with Warrawee Michelle in close pursuit and 4-1 Date Night Hanover (Brian Sears) right on her heels to the :57.4 half and 1:26.2 three-quarter marker. From there, it was an easy stroll home for Warrawee Michelle, who barely needed any urging from her trainer-driver to take down her five rivals.

Driven by her trainer, Åke Svanstedt, Warrawee Michelle is co-owned by Svanstedt, Santandrea Inc. and Young Guns. The win was her third of the season in eight starts and pushed her career earnings to $128,125. She also has a pair of second-place finishes and one third to her credit this year.

Warrawee Michelle was a $200,000 purchase at the 2022 Lexington Select Yearling Sale and is the third foal out of her Yankee Glide broodmare Sound Check, 2, 1:58.2f ($23,832), making her a full sister to both Testing Testing 3, 1:52 ($128,115) and Warrawee Yes 3, 1:54.4s ($128,110).

Buy A Round, a daughter of Walner, got up in the late going to take the first elimination, stopping the clock in 1:55.2 by a whisker over 19-1 long shot Chapalonia and driver David Miller.

R Melina, the eventual fifth-place finisher, took the lead for driver Tim Tetrick, taking the field through fractions of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:27 before tiring as her six rivals surrounded her in late stretch. Buy A Round used a strong late kick to prevail, with Chapalonia a whisker behind, and Sierra Girl third at 5-1 for Åke Svanstedt.

Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, Buy A Round is trained by Noel Daley for owner-breeder Frederick W. Hertrich III, of Seaford, Del., and was driven by Andrew McCarthy to her sixth win of the season in eight tries. The victory pushed her career earnings to $280,000. Buy A Round is the first foal out of the unraced Cantab Hall mare On Your Tab.

“The footing is good enough, just a little sloppy, so with the long, slow steady rain, it’s hard to keep it up, but it’s not bad,” said McCarthy. “Worst case scenario, my filly had to come first-up, but I knew she could handle it. This was actually a pretty regular trip for her, I took her off the gate and wanted a second or third-over trip. Going into the first turn I figured Åke (with Sierra Girl) would drop in there, but I wasn’t concerned as this filly is fast enough to go with them.”

“Noel is an unbelievable trainer — this filly is not easy — she’s a Walner and he’s done an amazing job keeping her calm and getting her to finish the way she does.”

As expected, Drawn Impression, a Muscle Hill lass and 4-5 choice, easily bested her rivals in 1:57 in the second elimination. Louis Roy piloted the filly to her fourth career win in five starts for trainer Luc Blais and owner-breeder Determination, of Montreal, Que.

Sugar Instead was hustled out of the gate early, taking the field to a :27 first quarter and leisurely :58.1 half, before 3-1 Pizzelle (David Miller) came first up to challenge to the 1:28.3 three-quarter marker. Drawn Impression, who had been stalking the leaders behind Pizzelle, came charging at the wire to secure the triumph for her connections. Getting up for second was 7-1 Senorita Palema for Tim Tetrick, with Sugar Instead holding on at 3-1 for Ronnie Gillespie.

“I was a little more off the gate than I wanted to be, but she’s a pretty smart filly and tonight she was more on the bit than she has been. She kind of made a break on me going into the first turn for no reason and I thought her being a bit hot might be the reason, but I am so confident in this filly,” said winning driver Roy. “Luc (trainer Blais) knows how to manage a horse and even if they’re off for a little while you know he’ll have them sharp.”

The victory pushed Drawn Impression’s career earnings to $194,625.

Drawn Impression is the first foal out of the top mare Emoticon Hanover (by Kadabra), who earned $1,778,033 and recorded a 4-year-old record of 1:50.2f.

The winners from each of the eliminations and Soiree Hanover — who won the $400,000 Jim Doherty Memorial at Hoosier Park on Sept. 15 — will draw for post positions one through five, and all others will go into an open draw, which will take place at a later time to be determined. Below are the contestants for the $700,000 Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Filly Trot final:

Karl, Private Access win Crown elims for 2-year-old male trotters

October 19, 2023, by Jay Bergman, for the Hambletonian Society

Anderson, IN — Karl and Yannick Gingras regained winning form in a powerhouse performance, capturing the first of two $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination for juvenile trotting colts and geldings, on Thursday night (Oct. 19) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, in 1:54 over a track labeled sloppy.

Karl started from post one and Gingras was not concerned with early speed, allowing Wild Ticket and Brian Sears to take control as the gates unfolded. Mr Bluebird and Åke Svanstedt also left and found a spot in the pocket with Dashing Danny spotted third into the first turn.

With an opening quarter cut in :28.1 for Wild Ticket, Karl and Gingras made an extended move to the lead and arrived there halfway home in :57.2. As the 1-10 betting choice, Karl rolled through three-quarters in 1:26 and then took off from the field as expected, rolling home in :28 to win for the sixth time in seven career starts for trainer and co-owner Nancy Takter. Mr Bluebird rallied to be a clear second with Greenspan unleashing a powerful stretch kick and closing in for third. Dashing Danny nailed the fourth spot right on the wire with early pacesetter Wild Ticket fading to fifth.

Bred by Crawford Farms, Karl, a son of Tactical Landing from the R C Royalty-sired dam Avalicious, is owned by Christina and Nancy Takter, Black Horse Racing, Crawford Farms and Bender Sweden Inc.

“He was super today,” said Nancy Takter in the winner’s circle. “I’m looking forward to next week.”

As the prohibitive public choice, Karl returned $2.20 to win.

The second $25,000 Crown elimination saw the tables turn on the heavy favorite with the second longest shot in the field, Private Access and Louis-Philippe Roy, scoring a 19-1 upset for just his second win of the year in a 1:54.4 clocking.

Trained by Luc Blais for Determination, Private Access, a son of Muscle Hill, had not raced competitively since Sept. 14 in the Champlain Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park, where he made a break.

Roy had Private Access out quickly moving to the front as the gate opened and putting Situationship in the pocket behind him. Following an opening fraction of :27.2, Scott Zeron moved Dame Good Time to the lead shortly before the half with Roy willing to sit the pocket. The complexion changed following the :57.3 opening half when Dame Good Time made a miscue, putting Private Access back in control.

Tim Tetrick, with 1-5 favorite Security Protected, moved midway on the final turn but struggled to reach the leader as the pace accelerated through a :29 third quarter. Roy looked confident in mid-stretch as Private Access pulled clear of the outside challengers, but Situationship and driver Åke Svanstedt had room to the inside and appeared to be threatening in mid-stretch. Private Access recognized his rival and fought on bravely to the wire to keep him at bay through a :28.1 final quarter. Situationship settled for second with Security Protected and Musclefantastic third and fourth across the wire and into the final. Fifth-place finisher Magic Hill lacked the funds necessary to advance, beaten by Wild Ticket, who finished fifth in the first elimination.

Bred by Fair Winds Farms Inc., Private Access was a $250,000 yearling purchased from last year’s Harrisburg Sale.

“We knew he had a lot of talent,” said Roy in the winner’s circle. “He was making stupid breaks.”

As to the challenge in the homestretch, “He still had plenty of trot, but I didn’t want to pull the plugs.”

Both Private Access and Karl will draw for the inside five positions for the final with T C I, already in the final by way of his victory in the Peter Haughton, also granted top-five placement. Completing the field for the Breeders Crown final are: Mr Bluebird, Greenspan, Dashing Danny, Wild Ticket, Situationship, Security Protected and Musclefantastic.

pdf charts

October 18, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Cranbury, NJ — Confederate, ranked No. 1 in the sport’s Top 10, and returning champions Ammo, Jiggy Jog S, Grace Hill, Treacherous Dragon, and Gaines Hanover will be among the horses in action Saturday when Harrah’s Hoosier Park hosts the last of three nights of Breeders Crown eliminations.

Full Story

October 17, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Hightstown, NJ — After finishing one-two in last week’s Indiana Sire Stakes championship, 2-year-old male trotters Musclefantastic and Dashing Danny are ready for action in Thursday’s Breeders Crown eliminations at their home track, Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Full Story

Cranbury, NJ — Two of the sport’s Top 10 stars, 3-year-old female pacer Sylvia Hanover and 2-year-old female pacer Geocentric, will lead a total of 60 horses into Friday’s Breeders Crown eliminations at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Full Story

October 16, 2023, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Cranbury, NJ — Karl, who last month missed equaling the world record for 2-year-old male trotters by one-fifth of a second, will be among a group of 15 freshman colts and geldings competing in Breeders Crown eliminations Thursday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Full Story

October 16, 2023, by Moira Fanning, for the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A decisive victory in last Friday’s $250,000 Indiana Sire Stakes final from post nine was all the impetus the ownership group of Helpfirstedition needed to write a $72,000 supplemental check for entry into the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

He is the only supplement to the Breeders Crown program, a fee that is 12 percent of the advertised purse for the division. The entire supplemental fee will be added to the purse, bringing it to $672,000.

The gelded sophomore son of Helpisontheway–She Knows Swagger was a $17,000 yearling purchase for owners Erv Wickey, John Graber, Running Wild Stables (Lester Schmucker) and John Schmucker, and “was good from the start,” according to Wickey.

“I like to buy young horses and get them going and then give them to a couple of different trainers,” he continued.

Helpfirstedition’s only start at age 2 was a qualifier in late July at Hoosier, and the precocious youngster won by 17-3/4 lengths in 2:01 with a last quarter of :28.2.

“Maybe three days later he seemed a little gimpy,” said Wickey. “He was always kind of ornery, so we think he hurt himself in his stall, so we had him X-rayed and he had. We shut him down and then gelded him in the fall of last year.”

Helpfirstedition responded to the time off, winning three straight races in April 2023 before entering Indiana Sire Stakes competition. He’s won seven of his 18 starts this year for trainer Missy Essig, including the $110,000 Phil Langley Memorial and the aforementioned state-bred final, for an impressive $382,375 in earnings, having never missed a check.

“We thought about staking him a bit this year, but we didn’t really outside of the sire stakes. But we said if he was good in the final we were going to go ahead and do it (supplement) since he’s really just starting to peak right now,” said Wickey. “We had to take the chance. We have the home-track advantage and that means something here.”

Eligible Breeders Crown 3-year-old trotters enter Wednesday (Oct. 18) and if eliminations are necessary, Helpfirstedition will have to clear that barrier on Saturday when 3-year-old colt and open Crown divisions hold eliminations.

The 2-year-old trot eliminations have been drawn and can be found here.

Breeders Crown entries for 2-year-old male and female pacers, 3-year-old female pacers, and 3-year-old female trotters are due by 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Tuesday. Eliminations, if necessary, will be held Friday. The remaining Breeders Crown entries are due by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, with necessary elims on Saturday.

Racing begins at 6:15 p.m. (EDT) Thursday. For complete entries, click here. For free daily program pages, click here.

The $7 million Breeders Crown finals will be raced on Friday (Oct. 27) for all 2-year-olds and Saturday (Oct. 28) for 3-year-olds and up. Post time is 6 p.m. both nights.

For more information go to www.Hambletonian.com or Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

How to supplement PDF

The entry box for potential supplements to the 3-year-old and older Breeders Crown races and for all eligible horses to declare in to the $7M year-end championship events at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino closes next week.

Supplemental entries for 3-year-old and open events are due and payable by 12:00 noon [EDT], Monday, Oct. 16, in the race office of Harrah’s Hoosier Park or at the Hambletonian Society offices in Cranbury, NJ. There are no supplements for 2-year-old races.

Click here for more instructions on supplementing: Supplemental declaration amounts are listed below:

Gtd. Purse

Crown Event

Supplement is 12% of advertised purse

$600,000

3-Year-Old Events

$72,000

$600,000

Open Trot & Pace

$72,000

$400,000

Open Mare Pace & Trot

$48,000

The entrance fee is included in the supplemental amount. The percentage of the supplement added to the purse is determined by The Hambletonian Society.

This one-time supplemental payment also makes a horse eligible to all subsequent years’ Breeders Crown events under the normal schedule of payments.

The Hoosier Park starting gate scores nine horses across with the 10-post horse a trailer. There is a passing lane at Hoosier Park.

Eligible 2-year-old trotters also enter Monday, Oct. 16, by 10:00 a.m. for eliminations if needed on Thursday, Oct. 19. “Win and You’re In” trotters are not eligible to race in eliminations but advance directly to the Final.

Eligible 2-year-old pacers and all 3-year-old fillies enter on Tuesday, Oct. 17 by 1:30 p.m. for scheduled eliminations of Friday, October 20.

Eligible 3-year-old colts and open events enter on Wednesday, Oct. 18 by 1:30 p.m. for elimination, if needed, on Saturday, Oct. 21. Eligible 3-year-olds have the option of entering the sophomore event to which they were nominated or an Open event.

You can access the Harrah’s Hoosier Park Condition Sheet here: Harrahs-Hoosier-Park condition-sheets

All eliminations will race for a minimum of $25,000.

If there are eliminations, post positions in the Final will be determined by an open draw with the exception that elimination winners in an order determined by lot, will draw for post positions number one (#1) through five (#5) in the final. All other finalists will be placed in an open draw for the remaining post positions. Any horse(s) that receive a bye into the Final will be in the open draw for post positions in the Final. The two Win and You’re In horses for the freshman Trot divisions skip the eliminations and draw for posts 1-5. The winner receives 50% of the purse but all horses that start in the Final receive money.

All 2-Year-Old races will be held Friday, Oct. 28 with an early post time of 6:00 p.m. [EDT].

All 3-Year-Old and Open events will race Saturday, Oct. 29, also with an early post of 6:00 p.m. [EDT]

For more information and racing conditions click: Harrah's Hoosier Park Breeders Crown or call 609-371-2211.

Headed for Lexington for the sales, the races, or just plain fun? Then you’re invited to attend the 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge Launch Party on Tues., Oct. 3 at noon in the Kentucky Room at Fasig-Tipton sale arena.

The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale is one of the most anticipated events of the year and the sale company has graciously hosted the Crown Charity launch party and stallion breeding auction for five straight years.

Day two of the glitzy yearling sale starts at 1p.m. with the auction of a 2024 breeding to seven of the most sought-after stallions in harness racing: Walner, a four-legged Fort Knox whose offspring have racked up $22.6 million on the track in a scant five years; Sweet Lou, whose great white blaze and blazing speed have been passed down to colts and fillies in winner’s circles across the country, Bettor’s Delight, arguably the most prolific stallion in harness racing whose get have earned a staggering $328,990,937; the blue-blooded Trixton, whose son Just For Trix boasts the only sub-1:50 trot mile of 2023 (1:49.4); and the fastest harness horse on wheels Bulldog Hanover, along with his fellow Horse of the Year Honoree Tall Dark Stranger and the pride of Ohio, Downbytheseaside, whose progeny are eligible to one of the most lucrative sire stakes program in North America.

Hoosier Park’s Emily Gaskin will host the noon ceremonies, detailing the Charity Challenge contest to date and previewing the $7 million Breeders Crown events at Harrah’s Hoosier Park later in the month,

In addition, top owner and breeder Marvin Katz, whose efforts launched the charity component of the Breeders Crown series, will present a $10,000 check to Lexington mayor Linda Gorton. Ms. Gorton has chosen the Stable Recovery program as the local recipient of Katz’s annual largesse. The Stable Recovery’s mission is to provide a safe and stable living environment for men in early recovery, with a focus on equine-related training and employment opportunities. While participating in the recovery housing program, residents attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm. They receive training and on-the-job experience in several different facets of the Thoroughbred industry by the very best in the business at Taylor Made. Taylor Made then helps graduates seek potential employment opportunities at participating horse farms in and around Lexington, Kentucky.

Thanks to the generous donors, sponsors and supporters, the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge along with the harness racing community has raised more than $1.2 million since 2019 for deserving local and regional charities in host track regions.

ANDERSON, Ind.—August 30, 2023— Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is excited to announce an unparalleled event that combines the thrill of harness racing, the passion of charitable giving, and the star power of renowned celebrities. The highly anticipated 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge is underway and set to culminate at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, October 27 as part of the 2023 Breeders Crown.

The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge began under the direction of Marvin Katz in 2018 and is not just a celebration of harness racing’s world championship event; it's a demonstration of the racing community's dedication to giving back that has grown every year. This year, all proceeds from the event will be channeled towards four exceptional charities: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, Teachers Treasures, Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, and Helping Veterans and Families. Each charity plays a pivotal role in making positive changes in their respective areas.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the challenge, four notable celebrities have aligned themselves with these charities, passionately vying for victory. The four celebrities include country western content creators Tratter House Co. representing New Vocations, JMV of 1075 The Fan radio host linked to Teachers’ Treasures, former Indianapolis Colts player Gary Brackett representing the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, and WIBC Radio Host Rob Kendall with Helping Veterans and Families.

“The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge has become an integral part of the annual Breeders Crown Event. In fact, you might say, it has become an event unto an event,” said Rick Moore, Harrah’s Hoosier Park vice president and general manager of racing. On behalf of all of us at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, I want to thank the celebrities representing our most well-deserving charities, as well as the hard-working individuals from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, the Indiana Standardbred Association and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, who are intent on making this year’s Charity Challenge one of the best if not best ever! And, I have two final words for the four charities vying for the top spot……..Game On!”

The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge will consist of four contests. The competition will be intense as these celebrities compete in a series of challenges to secure the top spot for their chosen charity. The 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge kicked off with a thrilling double-seated cart race where local radio personality JMV of 1075 The Fan teamed up with Harrah’s Hoosier Park driver Atlee Bender to find the winner’s circle.

The challenge will also include a, a handicapping challenge that tests the celebrity’s knowledge of the sport, a social media ‘like’ challenge to engage and rally support, and a Gala participation challenge.

The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge isn't just about the on-site festivities. The event aims to raise funds through various channels to maximize its charitable impact. An online auction of exclusive items will offer bidders a chance to snag unique memorabilia and experiences. The on-line auction is live now and will conclude on September 22.

Additionally, a stallion breeding auction will offer a rare opportunity to secure donated breedings to some of the top stallions in all of harness racing. The breedings will be auctioned off at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, and the Ohio Buckeye Select Sale.

The culmination of these efforts will come to a head on night one of the Breeders Crown, on Friday, October 27. In addition to the incredible racing action on the track, the spotlight will shine on the winner of the Charity Challenge, highlighting not only their competitive spirit but also their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

The 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge promises an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts, charity supporters, and celebrities alike.

For more information and to view the items available below on the online auction, go to the Boone Auction site at: 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge Online Auction | Boone Marketing INC (hibid.com)

About the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge

The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge is an annual event that brings together harness racing, charitable giving, celebrities, and community engagement. By partnering with notable charities and celebrities, the event aims to raise funds and awareness for important causes while delivering unparalleled entertainment to attendees. The 2023 edition of the event will take place at Harrah's Hoosier Park on Friday, October 27, coinciding with the Breeders Crown harness racing championships.

About Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and team member culture. Harrah’s Hoosier Park, a fully-integrated gaming and racing facility, features 1,300 of the latest slots and electronic table games, as well as 31 tables games, and a 7/8 mile oval horse track offering live harness racing each year. Simulcast wagering is offered year-round at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & OTB in Downtown Indianapolis and Winner’s Circle OTB in New Haven/Fort Wayne, Ind. For more information, please visit www.HarrahsHoosierPark.com. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448).