No elims for Messenger; Somebeachsomewhere, Shadow Play to meet in final

Those hoping for a rematch between Art Official and Somebeachsomewhere may have to wait for the Breders Crown final, but next Saturday's October 25th Messenger Stakes pacing championship final will feature a small but stellar cast.

Here are the entries for the final jewel of Pacing's Triple Crown, the 2008 Messenger Stakes $650,000 Pace at Yonkers 25OCT08:

Somebeachsomewhere- This son of Mach Three (himself the fastest son of Matts Scooter) holds the world-records for 2 and 3 year old colts and tied the all ages record with his time of 146.4 in the Tattersalls Pace. The "Beach" has Nova Scotia ownership and is the most exciting and talented pacer to come along in years. Niatross won this race, and Beach will be heavily favoured to repeat the feat, and if track and weather conditions permit, fans may get to see him take a run at his 1.49.2 world-record for 3 year old colts pacing on a half-mile track.


Shadow Play - With ownership being a group of PEI'ers with legendary NHL defenceman Serge Savard, Shadow Play (son of top sire The Panderosa) is the 2nd reason Maritime Canada standardbred fans have experienced a thrilling 2008 harness racing season. His connections must feel he's sharp as they paid the $60,000 supplemental entry fee, and the colt is coming off a string of impressive races, including victories in the Little Brown Jug and the Windy City Pace.


Santanna Blue Chip - With just 2 wins in 12 starts, Art Major son Santanna has faced Beach, Shadow, Art Official, Badlands Nitro and all the top 3 year olds, and has 4 places and 3 shows and $588,000+ in winnings. Will make some noise but would need a duel between the top two and a perfect trip to pull this one off.


Dali - With just 1 win in 13 starts, Dali has also repeatedly faced the best colts in the world, and sports 2 places and 4 shows and $344,000 on the year. This son of Real Artist will need to be peaking at just the right time to do better than 3rd.


Legacy N Diamonds - Another fast son of The Panderosa, Legacy is an outsider here but in a small field has a chance to hit the board.


Brother Ray - The Dragon Again gelding is in top form, coming off an upset win Oct 11 in the James Dancer Memorial at Freehold, where he won in 151.3, but he's in tough company here.