On Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, harness racing's 2 and 3-year-old divisions competed in the Breeders Crown finals. Horses faced a headwind with gusts up to 30 MPH through the stretch and temperatures in the mid 40's, accompanied by intermittent drizzle and showers. The weather did not deter the crowd, who came out to witness superstar Muscle Hill's final career start.
Ten horses went to post in the $617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, but Muscle Hill was the focus of attention, coming into the race off 19 straight victories including the Canadian Trotting Classic, the Hambletonian, and the World Trotting Derby. He was bet down to 1-20 in the win pool, with place and show pools cancelled. The second choice was 22-1 Swan For All, second in the Bluegrass last out, over 44-1 third choice Neighsay Hanover, who defeated Swan For All in the Bluegrass.
Muscle Hill sat in midpack fourth early and on the outside as Swan For All set the initial quarter mile in 28 3/5. Down the backstretch, Sears sent Muscle Hill to the front and he got there effortlessly through a half in 57 2/5 and 3/4 in 1:24 1/5. Through the stretch, Swan for All broke stride while trying to keep up with Muscle Hill, as the heavy favorite opened up a 4 length lead at the 1/8 pole. Triumphant Caviar rallied late to no avail, as Muscle Hill cruised under the line under wraps 2 1/2 lengths in front in 1:54 1/5. It was another 3 3/4 lengths back to Swan For All, who was disqualified from 3rd to 6th for veering inside the pylons when he broke stride.
Results chart
