Pocono: Sons of Archangel spring surprises in Breeders Crown Open Trot eliminations

Upsets by 4-year-old sons of Archangel were the order of the day in the Breeders Crown Open Trot eliminations Saturday night at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. First, it was 9-2 offering Guardian Angel As scoring in the opener of a pair of $25,000 elimination races. Then, Andy Miller scored with Top Flight Angel at 9-1 in the second elimination in virtually the same fashion.

With most of the final spots secured as nine of the dozen horses entered would qualify, most drivers showed caution early, opening the door for the upsets.

In the first prelim longshot Pinkman moved to the front quickly before Matt Kakaley and Guardian Angel As moved briskly past the 28 1/5 opening fraction to gain command. Kakaley waltzed a half in 57 seconds, and then waited for International Trot winner Cruzado Dela Noche to come into contention. Brian Sears advanced with Cruzado Dela Noche, but Guardian Angel As was quicker, kicking off a 27 3/5 third quarter and sprinting home in 28 seconds flat to secure the 1:52 3/5 tally.

Pinkman rallied up the inside for second ,with Cruzado Dela Noche holding firmly in third, and Marion Marauder a late-closing fourth. All advanced to the October 27 final.

Anette Lorentzon trains Guardian Angel As for Acl Stuteri Ab and Kjell Johansson.

The second elimination saw Top Flight Angel and Dunbar Hall leave quickly, with Top Flight Angel in front in 27 3/5. Warrawee Roo took an early seat and Dan Dube moved him to challenge prior to the 57 1/5 opening half, but Andy Miller and Top Flight Angel left the competition gasping as he sprinted off with a 27 4/5 third quarter. Warrawee Roo couldn't contend but held his ground well as Hannelore Hanover backed off from second-over and world champion Homicide Hunter appeared in danger of not reaching the final.

Top Flight Angel crossed the wire in 1:52 3/5, a career-best clocking for the horse who is trained by Julie Miller for Legendary Standarbred Farm. Dunbar Hall was second, with Warrawee Roo, Will Take Charge and Homicide Hunter reaching the final. Defending Horse of the Year Hannelore Hanover was sixth and did not qualify.

The draw for the Breeders Crown Open Trot final will take place at a press conference on Tuesday.