Harness: Mission Brief adds hobbles for qualifier
World Champion Mission Brief was back at the Meadowlands to qualify on Friday morning. She was looking to right the ship after making a break in her previous attempt. The 3-year-old trotting filly was adorned with hobbles for the first time and successfully completed the mile without a miscue.
Mission Brief left between horses for the lead and secured pylon position before the quarter in 28 4/5. She would face constant pressure from an uncontrollable I’m So Fancy which forced a reasonably quick half for a morning session of 56 3/5.
With I’m So Fancy finally settled in the pocket, driver Yannick Gingras guided Mission Brief to three quarters in 1:25 4/5 and allowed her to drift a bit in the lane while holding off her early challenger rather easily by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:54 3/5.
“She was a little better but nowhere near where she has to go,” said Gingras about the effort.
According to Gingras, the hobbles were the “next best option” as trainer Ron Burke attempts to get the daughter of Muscle Hill back to the form that saw her win 9 of 13 races as a rookie and post an incredible 1:50 3/5 clocking at the Red Mile.
“I’m trying not to do too much,” said Gingras about letting the filly drift through the stretch.
Mission Brief is scheduled to make her next on-track appearance in the Del Miller at the Meadowlands on July 18.