Yonkers: Field set for $250K International Trot Preview

On Sunday afternoon (10/19) Yonkers Raceway announced the field for the International Preview for older trotters. Sebastian K heads a field of eight slated to race 1 1/4 miles in the $250,000 event on October 25.

Scheduled to join Sebastian K are some of the best trotters in North America along with his Swedish rival Commander Crowe. Alphabetically, Archangel, Arch Madness, Bee a Magician, Market Share, Natural Herbie, and Not Afraid round out the octet.

[UPDATE: Market Share has elected to race on Friday in the $160,000 Dayton Trotting Derby instead of the International preview. No replacement has been named as of this writing.]

The International Trot Preview is a precursor to the revival of the International Trot, a race featuring horses from countries around the world. The International was last contested two decades ago.

Ranked as the best horse in North America in 2014, Sebastian K has won eight of 11 starts for $663,853 in earnings. His current year accomplishments also include trotting the fastest mile in history, a 1:49 clocking at Pocono Downs.

Commander Crowe, one of the best horses in Europe, will make his first North American start since competing in the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Racetrack in 2012. The winner of 60 career races is also expected to compete in this year's Breeders Crown at the Meadowlands on November 22.

Natural Herbie made a name for himself by capturing the Vincennes Trot on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands. The 4-year-old has won three straight races and 11 of 22 starts this season.

Reigning Horse of the Year Bee A Magician takes on the boys for the International. She won her lone Yonkers appearance this year in a track record 1:55.

The International is one of five major stakes on the October 25 card. The co-features are the $500,000 Messenger for 3-year-old pacers and the $500,000 Yonkers Trot for the same age group on the opposite gait. Post positions for all three races will be drawn on Tuesday afternoon.

All of the action can be viewed live on DRF.

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