Breeders Crown: Huntsville just misses world record in 2-Year-Old Colt Pace

The anticipated showdown between Huntsville and Downbytheseaside emerged in the stretch of the $600,000 Breeders Crown 2-Year-Old Colt Pace, and Huntsville proved better, putting away Downbytheseaside's bid and kicking away to win in 1:49 1/5, a new track record and just a fifth of a second off the world record that he co-holds.

Boogie Shuffle (Scott Zeron) got to the lead early and cut the opening quarter in 26 3/5, but Downbytheseaside (David Miller) and Huntsville (Tim Tetrick) had both overhauled him on the way to the 54 1/5 half. Huntsville went on to reach three-quarters in 1:22, turning away a first-over attempt by Filibuster Hanover (Brett Miller) and setting the stage for the stretch clash.

Downbytheseaside angled out before the eighth pole and looked to have pace, but Tetrick called on Huntsville for his best, and the colt responded, fending off Downbytheseaside and then pulling clear to win by about two lengths. Miso Fast (Matt Kakaley) was up for third, followed by Normandy Beach (Corey Callahan) and Boogie Shuffle.

"Around the last turn I said well we'll separate the men from the boys, and he was the man," said winning trainer, co-owner, and breeder Ray Schnittker. "That's why we race, to see who's going to win."

Huntsville, a colt by Somebeachsomewhere, is owned by Schnittker, Charles Iannazzo, Ted Gewertz, and Steven Arnold. Schnittker and Iannazzo also bred Huntsville, who now has seven wins from ten starts and earnings of $603,234. He's the fourth foal out of the Western Hanover mare Wild West Show, making him a full brother to Stevensville ($429,989) and Cowboy Terrier ($336,365). The 4-5 choice, Huntsville paid $3.60 to win.

Schnittker indicated that Huntsville will be heading to Canada to race in the Governor's Cup at Woodbine, and that will be his final engagement of the season.

"He showed how good he is," added Tetrick in speaking with Ken Weingartner from Harness Racing Communications. "He made a really bold move down the backside. I didn’t know if Dave was going to let me go, or how far he was going to string me out, but he showed how tough he is. At the top of the lane he fought hard and opened up down by the wire. I was really impressed with his effort.

"He’s done nothing wrong. The couple times he’s gotten beat, he was second. He’s never gone a bad race yet. He’s really matured into a good horse. I really thought he had enough speed the first time I sat behind him. But he had a few manner issues and he’s really grown up. Ray’s done a great job with him. He’s really come a long way."