by Ellen Harvey, For The Breeders Crown
Homicide Hunter (George Napolitano Jr.) slipped up the passing lane to pass Top Flight Angel (Andy Miller) to win the $500,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot in 1:52.3 on sloppy track.
Homicide Hunter is trained By Chris Oakes and owned by Crawford Farms Racing.
Top Flight Angel led off the gate and hit the first quarter in :27, followed by Homicide Hunter along the rail. Those two led the field to the :55.3 half and on to the 1:24 three-quarter marker. In sight of the finish line, Homicide Hunter, trailing the leader, angled to the inside passing lane and overtook Top Flight Angel to win by about a length.
It was the first Breeders Crown win for Napolitano. "Wow. Words can’t even explain it," he said. “It’s unbelievable. I am so grateful. It’s a pretty simple track to drive on, and I have the right people beside me.” On if trainer Chris Oakes had any words for him before the race, Napolitano said, “Nothing. Chris didn’t say a word. He knows I know this horse and I know the track. I usually win the four claimers, not the Breeders Crown.”
Top Flight Angel was second and Warrawee Roo was third. The winner returned $10.20 to win, $5.20 to place, and $4.00 to show.
