Breeders Crown: Commander Crowe ultra-game in aged trot final
Commander Crowe saved his best for last. The 11-year-old became the oldest horse to win a Breeders Crown race and he did it in eye-popping fashion scoring from post nine in 1:51 in the $500,000 Open Trotting event at the Meadowlands on Saturday night
Driver Orjan Kihilstrom sent Commander Crowe towards the lead but Maven, Archangel and Creatine were all inside of him and determined to see the top as well. The pace was spirited with a :27 opening quarter with Maven first, Archangel second and eventually Creatine clearing to the front. Commander Crowe finally secured the front at the :54 4/5 opening half but almost immediately saw a solid uncovered bid by Maven and driver Yannick Gingras during the third quarter.
Commander Crowe was still in front through the hectic 1:22 4/5 three quarter clocking and the chestnut gelding refused to give way. Maven kept coming but could only get within three quarters of a length at the wire trotted in a stunning 1:51 mile.
It was the 61st victory in the storied career of Commander Crowe and his first Breeders Crown win after accepting invitations twice before without a victory.
Commander Crowe had previously finished second in the Yonkers International Trot Preview and clearly he showed his real talent over the mile track at the Meadowlands.
Maven finished second with Creatine a solid third in the field.
Sent off at 5-1 Commander Crowe returned $12 to win.
“He’s a very tough old horse,” said Kihlstrom of the Fabrice Souloy-trained gelding.
It was reported that this was set to be Commander Crowe’s final career start. The victory pushed his career earnings to roughly $5.1 million for owners Snogarps Gard.
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