Commentary on Interview with Ron Pierce, urging rule

In a revealing and insightful interview with Standardbred Canada's Trot Insider, top harness racing driver Ron Pierce provides heartfelt and worthy reasoning on historical whipping rules versus the wider-ranging set of regulations out there now. I will present some of his words with commentary, then discuss how these rules help us protect the downside, and finish with a world of opportunity for standardbred racing fans, handicappers, breeders, owners, trainers, drivers and industry folk.

Ron Pierce discusses new urging rules with Trot Insider

"I've been driving horses for 33 going on 34 years now and it is our job to know how to make horses go fast. Now, all of a sudden, they take that away from us, and now we have to learn how to make horses go fast all over again. I feel along with all the other top drivers -- except for maybe one or two…maybe just one -- that it puts us in a dangerous situation out there. I mean, there are a lot of loose lines out there now. It is just a matter of time before a horse trips because of a loose line and a driver isn't able to pick him up in time, and I think it is going to cause a serious crash.


"I think if a driver could talk to a horse after he races -- even after say the driver was licking on him pretty good in the lane -- and the driver could ask him what hurts, the horse would probably say that his feet are stinging him really badly after having raced on a hard track; or that its upper back hurts because the bike puts too much pressure on it; or that its knees are really stiff. I think the last thing that horse is going to complain about is that whip. I really don't think the horse would say, 'my side hurts from the guy hitting me,' or 'my back hurts from that guy hitting me.'"

Trot Insider asked Pierce if the urging clampdown is going to have a positive effect on the industry going forward

"I believe that it is not going to help us one bit," Pierce said. "It's great for mommy who brings her little girls down to the grandstand to watch her horses race, but for the gamblers -- the people who are our bread and butter -- we are losing them every day. Before the slots came [the gamblers] were all we had to live on, the people who came to bet on us. They are going elsewhere. It is just going to hurt us, and hurt us, and hurt us.

"What are we going to do when we don't have slots? If we don't have the gamblers and then we don't have the slots, it will just be a matter of time before we don't have racing."

- Ron Pierce, Interviewed by Trot Insider


Full article about whipping rules, Ron Pierce

I understand that many will just view this above pessimism as realism, but it is in fact the former. The loose lines are something that has to be dealt with, but the industry is not on the ropes to the degree portrayed in the last paragraph. I used to be an investment advisor and my biggest job, other than ensuring client diversification and quality of investments, was to help them fight their emotions. I'd say, next time the market is down 30% and you wfeel like you want to sell everything, call me and say Joe, what should we buy? And if the market is up 20% in seven months, maybe call and ask if we should rebalance something that just rose with the tide but wasn't really outperforming. I know I digress, but just keep in mind that the darkest hour is right before the dawn.

First, let's talk about downside protection. Even though race horses are probably the best treated mammals on the planet, getting better round-the-clock care than virtually all other domesticated creatures, possibly excepting dogs and cats though not necessarily so, standardbred horse racing is an exciting public event and so must be aware of the times. Decisions are not always made by people who live with and understand animals, so there is an aspect of transition that is inevitable. Younger drivers will be more used to the new rules and more consistent under them, as will younger horses. Some old horses may not go as fast but who is to say they would have stayed as sound? There's always another side to things that needs to be looked at.

Dog tracks have been closed down because of outside pressure, and though that is not the fate of the Sport of Kings, dwindling attendance at some tracks must be addressed. First of all, we haven't lost all of the gamblers, but have experienced a diminishing market share in a rapidly expanding gambling market, particularly among those under 30 years of age.

More input from horsemen, on a regular basis, is required on the urging issue, and the loose lines issue, but all horsemen must come to understand that there must not only be the appearance of improved rules, but they should exhibit more care and respect for the animals in the industry. Even though 99.9% of the time nothing untoward ever happens, it's because of the whipping rules that drivers are kept in line. Things must be kept in perspective, however, as there is a strong argument that in the Trevor Ritchie disqualification case, bettors and the horses owner were unfairly penalized for a minor infraction. Perhaps a warning or a warning and a fine for first violation, and fine and disqualification for 2nd violation (in trailing 18 months). Here we are not talking about excessive whipping that is alreadsy covered under the previous rules, but rather minor infractions from new rules.

So let's start talking about the many opportunities for harness racing to bottom out the handle and begin growing the industry again.

Celebrate Somebeachsomewhere and Muscle Hill


Yearling prices are firm in 2009 during a year of great economic tumult, and in Kentucky the median price at the standardbred sale was higher than that of the thoroughbreds, possibly for the first time ever.

Gambling is more socially acceptable than ever. When i was a child, horse racing was the only legal game going but that all changed with the massive debt of the Montreal Olympics, which launched LotoCanada and it was all giant downhill from there. Our handle has been dropping in recent years and market share for even longer. First it was lotteries and the NFL, now it is poker and slot machines. I don't have Ron's negative attitude about the slots. I believe they have kept harness racing and breeding healthy in troubled times because of the symbiotic nature of the industries. Most small casinos can't get the big name talent that Casino Rama gets, but if they can get a racetrack involved...

Our relationship with hockey can be deepened, as major harness tracks are usually close to thriving hockey markets. Hundreds of young standardbreds are named after Beatles songs and other classic rock tunes yet the harness racing industry has barely scratched the surface of co-branding and promotional opportunities with bands and artists. It doesn't always have to be a big show, it can be an indoor acoustic performance and an autograph signing, let's be creative here.

An upside of the new urging rule is greater potential for headcams, a la Nascar and Formula One. If the morning line favorite and fifth favorite were each required to have a driver wearing a helmet camera, some incredible imagery would be emerging on a daily basis. View the cleaning up of the homestretch as preparation for headcams, instant replays, highlights and video games and you are now understanding where the second and third decades in the first half of the twentieth century will take us.

We need a Canadian Harness Racing Channel, and a USA Harness Racing Channel. We can benefit from handicapping teams representing different tracks, possibly even some sponsored by larger farms, in league style play, with playoffs. More handicapping tournaments are required, for both individuals and teams, and we can learn a lot from the various poker formats.

The Internet is the future; note the new October 2009 Betfair deal with Breeders Cup as harbinger of better times ahead for us, mark my words.

Muscle Hill draws the rail, Well Said gets Post 9

Here are the entries for the three year old colt pacing and trotting divisions of the 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto:

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Trot

1. Muscle Hill (Sears) 1-5
2. Hot Shot Blue Chip (LaChance) 25-1
3. Tom Cango (Tetrick) 25-1
4. Striking Lindsey (TBA) 40-1
5. Neighsay Hanover (Campbell) 20-1
6. Triumphant Caviar (Ouellette) 25-1
7. Swan For All (Pierce) 8-1
8. Howthehaloareyou (TBA) 20-1
9. P J Clark (A. Miller) 20-1
10. Broadway Bistro (Brennan) 20-1

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace

1. Keep It Real (Condren) 20-1
2. Mr Wiggles (post selected, Callahan) 9-2
3. Vertical Horizon (Morrill) 25-1
4. Dial Or Nodial (Sears) 5-1
5. Annieswesterncard (Palone) 25-1
6. If I Can Dream (Tetrick) 6-1
7. Carnivore (Jamieson) 15-1
8. Bay Of Sharks (Baillargeon) 10-1
9. Well Said (Pierce) 8-5
10. Vintage Master (Dube) 5-1


Muscle Hill is a freak of nature that appears invincible, while Well Said will face stiff challenges from an array of sharp pacers.

Legendary PEI Pacer Shadow Play retired to stud

"We are all anxiously awaiting the start of his new career. The many moments of enjoyment and all the time myself and family personally spent with Shadow throughout his training and racing career, will never be forgotten and we certainly thank him for that." - Doc Moore





David Miller driving Shadow Play - AP Photo


Shadow Play, the pride of Doc Moore and Maritimers everywhere (2008 will be remembered for the joy Beach and his Shadow gave us...), has ben retired to stud at Blue Chip Farms.

Dr. Ian Moore comments on Shadow Play's Retirement

Myself especially, but also my partners Ron and Gail MacLellan, Serge Savard and this years partner, Blue Chip Farm, have all enjoyed the ride Shadow gave us the past 3 years, and we are all anxiously awaiting the start of his new career. The many moments of enjoyment and all the time myself and family personally spent with Shadow throughout his training and racing career, will never be forgotten and we certainly thank him for that. When I was leaving Lexington a week ago Sunday, I stopped in to feed him one last time at 5 in the morning on my way to the airport, and I certainly shed a tear as I walked back to my car. Blue Chip Farm has a beautiful facility with excellent people there, and I do know he will be well looked after, and that's really all that matters. So long, Shadow.


Standardbred Canada article on retirement of Shadow Play to stand as a stallion

Wikipedia web page about racehorse Shadow Play

Shadow Play wins US Pacing Championship over Mister Big

Breeders Crown 2009 24OCT at Woodbine; Trainer's Comments

The Hambletonian Society and Standardbred Canada have put together interviews with the trainers of top horses in the Breeders Crown 2009 Finals. Here are some links to choice online articles about the faves for Saturday evening at Woodbine:

Standardbred Trainer Greg Peck on Muscle Hill


Muscle Hill draws Post Position 1

“I was very pleased with the draw. Anytime you draw the rail you have to be happy. I’ve always liked the rail. The horse is in good shape and he’s ready to go. He’s been good all year. I’m at the point now where I’m ready to go and he’s ready to go. I’m going to enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed him all year, but it’s still a horse race. He’s still got to go out and do it. We’re not going to take anything for granted, that’s for sure."


Top Trainer Brenda Teague on Mr Wiggles

Mr. Wiggles draws Post 2

“He’s doing really well. If we race as well as we did last Saturday, I think my chances are as good as anybody else’s. He’s a good horse just like they are. He’s a great horse and a lot of fun to be with. He’s got a good attitude.”


Steve Elliott, Trainer of Well Said, Post 9

“What are you going to do? You draw where you draw, and you go from there. We’ve had our steady diet of it (outside), but we’ll be OK.”


Standardbred Canada article about 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto

Woodbine: Entries for Breeders Crown Saturday October 24, 2009

Woodbine Entries for Breeders Crown Finals October 24th, 2009:

2 -- Pace, purse $731,158 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
Post time: 07:52 P.M. Lasix: 03:37 P.M.
1 Kabbalah Karen B Ma Macdonald T Brainard 15-1
2 Yellow Diamond J Morrill Jr T Brainard 8-5
3 West Of L A R Pierce R Mcintosh 10-1
4 Special Sweetheart D Miller T Artandi 6-1
5 Shanghai Lil M Lachance P Foley 7-1
6 Shacked Up T Tetrick T Brainard 2-1
7 Ginger And Fred D Palone R Burke 5-1
8 Blogette Hanover Ra Waples J Burns 25-1
Race 2 - Retention Barn - All horses

4 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P4, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
(US PURSE $600,000)
Post time: 08:40 P.M. Lasix: 04:25 P.M.
1 Costa Rica= R Pierce J Takter 3-1 (MusclesYankee/Examination)
2 Christiana Hanover S Condren R Rekila 7-1 (AndoverHall/CrCalendarGirl)
3 Tequila Slammer P Macdonell J Bax 25-1 (YankeeGlide/SillySenorita)
4 Poof Shes Gone D Miller R Norman 7-5 (Kadabra/TravelinSuperlite)
5 Fashion Feline B Sears J Campbell 5-1 (BroadwayHall/SlyFox)
6 Ultimate Cameron M Lachance R Stewart 25-1 (YankeeGlide/CameronHall)
7 Southwind Samurai= J Campbell B Noren 8-1 (ConwayHall/SouthwindSeasons)
8 Action Broadway B Miller V Morgan Jr 30-1 (BroadwayHall/PhotoWithMolly)
9 Spicy Wings= J Campbell D Mccall 8-1 (AndoverHall/AngelFireHanover)
10 Levis Lady B Sears D Minor 30-1 (AngusHall/BalticBrat)
AE1 Croquet Style P Wallinder A Lorentzon 25-1 (YankeeGlide/GlamourShot)
AE2 Impressive Kemp A Mccarthy M Vanderkemp 15-1 (CreditWinner/EmilieCasEl)
Race 4 - Retention Barn - All horses

5 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
(US PURSE $600,000)
Post time: 09:05 P.M. Lasix: 04:50 P.M.
1 Wishing Stone B Sears D Minor 4-1 (ConwayHall/MeadowbranchMagic)
2 Pilgrims Taj M Lachance K Armer 2-1 (BroadwayHall/BwtMaija)
3 Classic Son A Miller E Miller 20-1 (ClassicPhoto/TouchOfSun)
4 Lucky Chucky J Campbell C Sylvester 9-5 (WindsongsLegacy/Aerobics)
5 Temple Of Doom D Miller J Czernyson 10-1 (YankeeGlide/ArmbroTemple)
6 Keystone Bernard B Sears G Peck 30-1 (CantabHall/BalancedAction)
7 Magic Fruit S Condren P Henriksen 30-1 (Kadabra/AnnaBanana)
8 Hard Livin D Dube J Takter 15-1 (SjsCaviar/Affinity)
9 Baximum T Tetrick J Czernyson 20-1 (CantabHall/BaxMachine)
10 Newport Volo(L) J Jamieson J Gillis 10-1 (YankeeGlide/BankOfNewport)
AE1 Rc Serpent D Daley D Daley 30-1 (ConwayHall/DixieCrystal)
AE2 Hes Spooky M Lachance F Antonacci 30-1 (CantabHall/YankeeTopaz)
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses

6 -- Pace, purse $628,178 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
(US PURSE $610,000)
Post time: 09:30 P.M. Lasix: 05:15 P.M.
1 Cannae Cammie L Ouellette M Vanderkemp 30-1 (CamsCardShark/CannaePeach)
2 Fancy Filly B Sears B Teague 2-1 (WesternHanover/FancifulHanover)
3 Western Silk Ma Macdonald C Coleman 5-2 (WesternTerror/Extemporaneous)
4 Higher And Higher D Palone T Brainard 7-2 (WesternTerror/ProBowlBest)
5 Ticket To Rock J Campbell J Darling 25-1 (RocknrollHanover/OddsOnJP)
6 Casino Nights T Tetrick M Vanderkemp 12-1 (WesternIdeal/CanDuRiver)
7 Slimsplace Ra Waples J Gillis 30-1 (Artsplace/ShesBeachy)
8 Full Picture R Silverman J Silverman 25-1 (Artsplace/HeathersWestern)
9 Put On A Show J Jamieson C Ryder 7-2 (RocknrollHanover/StienamsPlace)
10 Panagler S Condren R Mcintosh 25-1 (NoPanIntended/Panipulator)
AE1 Native Doll D Miller M Capone 30-1 (AllamericanNative/DebrasCharm)
AE2 Siri Hanover R Pierce M Austin 20-1 (AllamericanNative/SamiCam)
Race 6 - Retention Barn - All horses

7 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
Post time: 09:55 P.M. Lasix: 05:40 P.M.
1 Margarita Momma= R Pierce J Johnson 2-1
2 The Ice Queen= J Morrill Jr T Smedshammer 12-1
3 Yursa Hanover T Tetrick B Baillargeon 5-1
4 Elusive Desire P Macdonell M Keeling 3-1
5 Raising Rachel J Moiseyev J Kopas 8-1
6 Sirenuse(L) J Campbell J Silverman 25-1
7 Broadway Schooner=(L) B Sears J Campbell 8-1
8 Seaside= D Miller J Czernyson 6-1
9 Windsong Soprano S Condren R Mcintosh 20-1
10 Dont Wear Pjs M Lachance H Lunde 30-1
AE1 Littlemscantbwrong J Jamieson P Henriksen 25-1
AE2 Keep The Spirit Ra Waples S Weber 25-1
Race 7 - Retention Barn - All horses

8 -- Pace, purse $720,860 (EX, P3, P4, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
(US PURSE $700,000)
Post time: 10:21 P.M. Lasix: 06:06 P.M.
1 Rockin Image J Campbell J Takter 5-1 (RocknrollHanover/Kikikatie)
2 Sportswriter Ma Macdonald C Coleman 1-1 (Artsplace/PreciousBeauty)
3 Whackamole Hanover A Miller T Pinske 25-1 (CamsCardShark/WesternDuel)
4 Urgent Action R Silverman J Silverman 25-1 (Artsplace/GrandLady)
5 Paynes Landing D Miller P Stafford 30-1 (FourStarzzzShark/OJAlmahurst)
6 All Speed Hanover R Pierce M Vanderkemp 9-2 (CamsCardShark/AllamericanCool)
7 World Of Rocknroll A Miller E Miller 15-1 (RocknrollHanover/WorldlyBeauty)
8 Ok Commander J Jamieson R Mcnair 30-1 (ArtMajor/DoubleCreme)
9 Malicious D Miller Dr I Moore 4-1 (BettorsDelight/Silky)
10 Shoobees Place B Sears R Norman 30-1 (Artsplace/Shoobeedobeedo)
11 Kyle Major J Jamieson S Robinson 30-1 (ArtMajor/SoClear)
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses


$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Trot

1. Muscle Hill (Sears) 1-5
2. Hot Shot Blue Chip (LaChance) 25-1
3. Tom Cango (Tetrick) 25-1
4. Striking Lindsey (TBA) 40-1
5. Neighsay Hanover (Campbell) 20-1
6. Triumphant Caviar (Ouellette) 25-1
7. Swan For All (Pierce) 8-1
8. Howthehaloareyou (TBA) 20-1
9. P J Clark (A. Miller) 20-1
10. Broadway Bistro (Brennan) 20-1

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace

1. Keep It Real (Condren) 20-1
2. Mr Wiggles (post selected, Callahan) 9-2
3. Vertical Horizon (Morrill) 25-1
4. Dial Or Nodial (Sears) 5-1
5. Annieswesterncard (Palone) 25-1
6. If I Can Dream (Tetrick) 6-1
7. Carnivore (Jamieson) 15-1
8. Bay Of Sharks (Baillargeon) 10-1
9. Well Said (Pierce) 8-5
10. Vintage Master (Dube) 5-1


Full Woodbine Standardbred entries for 24oct09

Entries for 2009 Breeders Crown eliminations at Woodbine Friday and Saturday

Here are the horses entered for the eliminations for the 2009 Breeders Crown, being held this Friday October 16th and Saturday October 17th (finals to be held Saturday October 24th):

Friday October 16th Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations:

2 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 07:50 P.M. Lasix: 03:35 P.M.
1 Tequila Slammer P Macdonell J Bax (YankeeGlide/SillySenorita)
2 Poof Shes Gone D Miller R Norman (Kadabra/TravelinSuperlite)
3 Levis Lady B Sears D Minor (AngusHall/BalticBrat)
4 Bone A Fide Y Gingras R Burke (SJsPhoto/OnTheBones)
5 Ultimate Cameron M Lachance R Stewart (YankeeGlide/CameronHall)
6 Spicy Wings= S Condren D Mccall (AndoverHall/AngelFireHanover)
7 Impressive Kemp A Mccarthy M Vanderkemp (CreditWinner/EmilieCasEl)


3 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 08:10 P.M. Lasix: 03:55 P.M.
1 Fashion Feline B Sears J Campbell (BroadwayHall/SlyFox)
2 Christiana Hanover S Condren R Rekila (AndoverHall/CrCalendarGirl)
3 Costa Rica= R Pierce J Takter (MusclesYankee/Examination)
4***Up Front Juansteen= T Tetrick K Odonnell (AndoverHall/YankeeDakota) (cog: no test)
5 Action Broadway T Tetrick V Morgan Jr (BroadwayHall/PhotoWithMolly)
6 Croquet Style P Wallinder A Lorentzon (YankeeGlide/GlamourShot)
7 Angostura= T Ritchie D Creighton (AngusHall/Peluso)
8 Southwind Samurai= J Campbell B Noren (ConwayHall/SouthwindSeasons)


5 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 08:50 P.M. Lasix: 04:35 P.M.
1***Muscle Massive R Pierce J Takter (MusclesYankee/GracefulTouch) (cog: no test)
2 Classic Son A Miller E Miller (ClassicPhoto/TouchOfSun)
3 Magic Fruit S Condren P Henriksen (Kadabra/AnnaBanana)
4 Il Villaggio T Tetrick E Miller (YankeeGlide/DanceToMarket)
5 Hes A Demon J Jamieson J Gillis (MusclesYankee/SabrinaHall)
6 Hes Spooky M Lachance F Antonacci (CantabHall/YankeeTopaz)
7 Lucky Chucky J Campbell C Sylvester (WindsongsLegacy/Aerobics)
8 Keystone Bernard B Sears G Peck (CantabHall/BalancedAction)
9 Temple Of Doom D Miller J Czernyson (YankeeGlide/ArmbroTemple)
10 Expressway K= Ra Waples J Stutzman (AngusHall/FastLaneK)


6 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 09:10 P.M. Lasix: 04:55 P.M.
1 Grumpy Jake J Moiseyev M Guitard (StrikingSahbra/EleganceAngus)
2***Sailaway Dream T Tetrick A Lorentzon (DaguetRapide/Splashabout) (cog: no test)
3 Baximum D Miller J Czernyson (CantabHall/BaxMachine)
4***Rc Serpent D Daley D Daley (ConwayHall/DixieCrystal) (cog: no test)
5 Wishing Stone J Campbell D Minor (ConwayHall/MeadowbranchMagic)
6 Newport Volo(L) J Jamieson J Gillis (YankeeGlide/BankOfNewport)
7***Flashback A Miller E Miller (ClassicPhoto/SoleMate) (cog: no test)
8 Pilgrims Taj M Lachance K Armer (BroadwayHall/BwtMaija)
9 Hard Livin D Dube J Takter (SjsCaviar/Affinity)
Race 6 - Retention Barn - Horse #: 8


7 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 09:30 P.M. Lasix: 05:15 P.M.
1***Wenditions M Lachance F Antonacci (RocknrollHanover/WendyMHanover) (cog: no test)
2 A And Gs Princess Y Gingras M Capone (AllamericanNative/AmorosaHanover)
3 Siri Hanover R Pierce M Austin (AllamericanNative/SamiCam)
4 Fancy Filly B Sears B Teague (WesternHanover/FancifulHanover)
5 Western Silk Ma Macdonald C Coleman (WesternTerror/Extemporaneous)
6***Full Picture R Silverman J Silverman (Artsplace/HeathersWestern) (cog: no test)
7 Cannae Cammie L Ouellette M Vanderkemp (CamsCardShark/CannaePeach)
8 Ticket To Rock J Campbell J Darling (RocknrollHanover/OddsOnJP)


9 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 10:10 P.M. Lasix: 05:55 P.M.
1 Slimsplace Ra Waples J Gillis (Artsplace/ShesBeachy)
2 Casino Nights T Tetrick M Vanderkemp (WesternIdeal/CanDuRiver)
3 Ultimate Best A Miller D Swick (Cambest/BoleroUltima)
4 Dancin Barefoot D Dube J Takter (RocknrollHanover/WishforaFullhouse)
5 Native Doll D Palone M Capone (AllamericanNative/DebrasCharm)
6 Panagler S Condren R Mcintosh (NoPanIntended/Panipulator)
7 Put On A Show J Jamieson C Ryder (RocknrollHanover/StienamsPlace)
8 Higher And Higher D Palone T Brainard (WesternTerror/ProBowlBest)

Complete entries for Woodbine standardbreds including 2009 Breeders Crown Friday October 16th



Saturday October 17th Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations:

5 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $7,500 U.S.
Post time: 09:18 P.M. Lasix: 05:03 P.M.
1 Margarita Momma= R Pierce J Johnson
2 Friendly Amigo Br Richardson B Burgess
3 Ok To Play D Dube E Miller
4 Seaside= D Miller J Czernyson
5 Yursa Hanover T Tetrick B Baillargeon
6***The Ice Queen= J Morrill Jr T Smedshammer (cog: no test)
7 Windsong Soprano S Condren R Mcintosh
8 Southwind Wasabi M Lachance C Sylvester
9***Highscore Kemp= T Tetrick F Antonacci (cog: 23-SEP-2009)
10 Littlemscantbwrong J Jamieson P Henriksen
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses



8 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR, W4)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $7,500 U.S.
Post time: 10:18 P.M. Lasix: 06:03 P.M.
1 Keep It Real S Condren J Shea
2 Straight Shooting D Palone R Burke
3 Carnivore J Jamieson J Darling
4 If I Can Dream(L) T Tetrick T Brainard
5 Bay Of Sharks M Baillargeon B Wallace
6 Mr Wiggles(L) C Callahan B Teague
7 Runaway Energy Ma Macdonald T Brainard
8 Vertical Horizon(L) J Morrill Jr T Brainard
9 Annieswesterncard T Tetrick J Seekman
10 Dial Or Nodial B Sears J Campbell
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses

Note: Well Said and Vintage Master each have a bye to the final.

Complete entries for Woodbine standardbreds including 2009 Breeders Crown Saturday October 17th


Major contenders and favorites for 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto


Yellow Diamond and Shacked Up each supplement to 2009 Breeders Crown


UStrotting.com handicapping analysis of 2009 Breeders Crown eliminations in Toronto

Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations Friday / Saturday at Woodbine in Toronto

Ontario harness racing fans will again be treated to the fastest standardbreds in the world the next two weekends as the 2009 Breeders Crown harness racing stakes events for two year old and three year old colts and fillies will be held at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

Supplements to Breeders Crown closed Monday October 12th at 12 noon.

Entries to 2009 Breeders Crown close 10.30am Tuesday October 13th at Mohawk race office.

Friday October 16th: 2 Year Old elims, if necessary

Saturday October 17th: 3 Year Old elims, if necessary

Saturday October 24th: Breeders Crown 2009 Finals


Links to be activated Tuesday evening:

Entries for Breeders Crown 2 Year Olds Friday October 17th at Woodbine


2009 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3 year olds at Woodbine Saturday

October 2009 Top Harness Racing Drivers and Trainers

Here is a completely unofficial ranking of the top North American standardbred drivers and trainers, based on who has been hitting the board regularly in recent weeks and months, with preference for wins in bigger races.

HOT Drivers and Trainers in BOLD

Top 25 Drivers

Tim Tetrick
Brian Sears
David M Palone
Jody Jamieson
Mark Macdonald
James Morrill Jr
Randy Waples
David Miller
Sylvain Filion
Jason Bartlett
George Brennan
Andy Miller
Mario Baillargeon
Ron Pierce
Yannick Gingras
Brad Forward
Anthony Morgan
Aaron Merriman
Richard Zeron
Paul Macdonell
Peter Wrenn
Joshua Marks
John Campbell
Corey Callahan
Cat Manzi
Anthony Morgan



Top 25 Trainers

Ronald Burke
Tracy Brainard
Casie Coleman
Jimmy Takter
Julie Miller
Ervin Miller
Joshua Green
George Teague Jr
Benoit Baillargeon
Mark Kesmodel
Robert Mcintosh
Rene Allard
Richard Moreau
John Kopas
Mark Harder
Linda Toscano
Christopher Oakes
Keith Clark
Noel Daley
Kenneth Rucker
Joe Anderson
Kevin McMaster
Sebastien Giroux
Greg McNair
Darren McCall