Guardian Angel AS and Top Flight Angel Win Breeders Crown Open Trot Elims
WILKES-BARRE, PA – Guardian Angel AS and Top Flight Angel recorded commanding wins in their respective $25,000 Breeders Crown or Open Trot elims at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Oct. 20.
In the first elim, Matt Kakaley steered Guardian Angel AS to victory after taking the lead after the :28.1 first quarter set by Pinkman. Guardian Angel AS easily came from third to take control of the race, going on to cut the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:24.3.
Pinkman drafted behind Guardian Angel AS as Cruzado Dela Noche attempted a second-tier challenge, which was only enough to finish third, as Pinkman held for second. Yes Mickey broke at the top of the stretch, causing no interference with Marion Marauder, who floated behind Cruzado Dela Noche and finished fourth.
The winning time was 1:52.3 and the winner paid $11.60.
Lindy The Great finished fifth but would not make the final since every horse in the second elim already earned more than him.
Anette Lorentzon trains Guardian Angel AS (Archangel—Provide AS) for owners ACL Stuteri AB, also the breeder, and Kjell Johansson.
Andy Miller guided the Julie Miller-trained Top Flight Angel to a similarly dominating win in the second $25,000 Open Trot elim. Top Flight Angel went directly for the lead leaving the gate, followed by Dunbar Hall, Warrawee Roo and Homicide Hunter.
Top Flight Angel recorded a :27.3 first quarter and continued afloat as the leader in a :57.1 half. Warrawee Roo came out of the pocket to challenge the leader heading for three-quarters but never got close enough to truly threaten as three-quarters went in 1:25.
The top three remained in their stalking positions as Top Flight Angel floated home to win in 1:52.3. Will Take Charge finished fourth and Homicide Hunter took fifth to be the last eligible entry for the final.
Legendary Standardbred Farm owns Top Flight Angel (Archangel—Top Photo), who was bred by Alan C. Hainsworth.
The winner paid $20.60.
Post positions for the Open Pace and Open Trot will be drawn on Tuessday, Oct. 23 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
