Breeders Crown: Warrawee Michelle surges to capture Open Mare Trot final

For the better part of the homestretch, Elista Hanover clung to the lead in the $400,000 Grade 1 Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but in the final strides Warrawee Michelle, the 4-5 favorite with driver-trainer Ake Svanstedt in the bike, put her nose in front in a Breeders Crown record 1:50 2/5 mile. A 4-year-old by Walner, Warrawee Michelle captured her second Breeders Crown title.

Svanstedt left the gate with purpose, but not for the front with Warrawee Michelle, as stablemate Nelsonbriteagle NO and James MacDonald took the front early and parked Date Night Hanover with driver Dexter Dunn past the 26 2/5 opening quarter for control. Elista Hanover and David Miller were also parked through the opening bend, and Miller urged his mare to nearly the halfway point before clearing to the front in a brisk 54 3/5 fraction.

Yannick Gingras pulled M-M's Dream to the outside on the turn, followed by Nelsonbriteagle NO and Warrawee Michelle. The third-over cover Svanstedt had expected became fourth-over when pocket-sitter Date Night Hanover pulled to attack Elista Hanover shortly before the leader had reached three-quarters in 1:22 3/5.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

Once into the stretch Date Night Hanover made a break in stride and veered to the outside, leaving Elista Hanover on a clear lead with the remainder of the field looking for lanes but not appearing to be gaining. By the middle of the stretch Elista Hanover looked to be getting tired, and Svanstedt worked feverishly in the bike to motivate Warrawee Michelle. The mare kicked into high gear in the final yards to seal the victory. Elista Hanover was a long nose back in second, with Nelsonbbriteagle NO third. Emoji Hanover and M-M's Dream completed the top five.

It was the 10th lifetime victory in 29 career starts for Warrawee Michelle, a daughter of the Yankee Glide-sired mare Sound Check bred by Warrawee Farms of Rockwood, Ontario. As the 4-5 favorite she returned $3.60 to win.

"At the head of the stretch we were too many lengths behind," said Svanstedt in his post-race interview. She's a good horse."

Warrawee Michelle is owned in partnership by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Santadrea Inc. and Young Guns.