Harrington: Foiled Again, Clear Vision primed for Quillen Final
One year removed from their epic duel in last year’s event, two of harness racing’s heavyweights among the pacing division, Foiled Again and Clear Vision, are among an accomplished field in the 8th annual $220,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial at Harrington Raceway Monday (September 15).
Those who didn’t get to see last year’s legendary battle or have amnesia from its stale date can view it here.
The combined lifetime bankroll for this year’s Quillen final is a stalwart-filled $15 million, a record for the event. The sport’s richest horse of all time and winner of more than $6.5 million, Foiled Again (2-1, Yannick Gingras), owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables’, is making his record sixth start in the Quillen and has won it twice previously. He tuned up for the final with an equivalent training mile win in 1:51 3/5 in his elimination on September 8.
“It was good for him to get a win and not beat him up too much,” said his driver Yannick Gingras. “It’s usually right around this time of year that he turns the corner. He loves the cooler weather.”
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The path to a third Quillen title will not likely come easy however, and the road may come through one of his Ron Burke-trained stable mates, namely Clear Vision (5/2, Brett Miller), who prevailed in his elimination in a sizzling 1:49 3/5.
Driver Brett Miller has fond memories of last year’s battle.
“It’s pretty amazing in regards to these two horses (Foiled Again and Clear Vision),” he said. “Anytime you are in a horse race and there’s a finish like that, it’s very exciting. To actually win it, was that much better. Clear Vision feels just as good as he did last year going into the race.”
Burke conditions five horses in the field, while trainer Linda Toscano ships in last year’s third-place finisher Heston Blue Chip (5-1, Tim Tetrick) and Doctor Butch (12-1, Tony Morgan).
Completing the field are Easy Again (10-1, Ron Pierce), Tarpon Hanover (6-1, Marcus Miller), Bettors Edge (4-1, Matt Kakaley) and Aracache Hanover (8-1, Ross Wolfenden).
On the wagering front, a $7,500 guaranteed pick four pool (races 3-6) has been added in conjunction with the strategic wagering program offered by the United States Trotting Association (USTA).
The race honors the memory of late legislator Bobby Quillen. Quillen always fought for the best interest of the horsemen and was a regular at the racetrack, while also serving on both the Delaware State Fair and Harrington Raceway Board of Directors.
edited release (Harrington-Matt Sparacino)