Breeders Crown: Queen Of Success upsets in 2-Year-Old Filly Pace elim

The single $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination for juvenile pacing fillies started with two undefeated fillies as favorites, but it was 23-1 shot Queen Of Success, who literally split those two in the late stages, to surprise at the finish line for Andy McCarthy in a 1:50 3/5 mile.

McCarthy used Queen Of Success's gate speed to full advantage, putting the daughter of Captaintreacherous on the front in the early going before yielding to the previously unbeaten Sea Silk and driver Chris Page past the 27 3/5 opening quarter. Page and Sea Silk were able to back down the pace significantly, hitting the half in 56 seconds flat while waiting for competition. Dexter Dunn, driving the other previously unbeaten filly, Niki Hill, waited until past the half to get on the move. Niki Hill advanced towards the leader, but Sea Silk cruised a third quarter in 27 3/5, making it difficult for the entire outer tier to gain contention.

In the homestretch, Sea Silk held firmly, but McCarthy was able to angle off the pylons with Queen Of Success as Niki Hill bore out slightly, allowing clearance. Queen Of Success quickly asserted herself to drive by Sea Silk and held Niki Hill three-quarters of a length at bay in a 27 second flat final quarter.

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Queen Of Success, a daughter of Captaintreacherous and Cashaway, won for the fifth time in eight starts this year for trainer Tony Alagna and owners Alagna Racing LLC., Caviart Farms, and Robert LeBlanc.

Niki Hill finished second with Sea Silk third. Gotthegreenlight, Treacherous Dragon, Boudoir Hanover, Captain Cowgirl and Galleria Hanover finished fourth through eighth, respectively, and also advanced to next Friday's (Oct. 29) $600,000 Breeders Crown final, along with Don't Fence Me In and Lyons Serenity, who were awarded byes.

Queen of Success returned $48.60 to win.

"She was super," said Alagna following the race.