Arch Madness beats Flirtin Man, Donato third

Arch Madness got the better of Donato Hanover, again, in the $610,000 Breeders Crown final for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, but it was Flirtin Man he had to hold off to take the victory in a stakes record 1:52.4. Donato Hanover, who led from after the opening quarter, finished third.

Donato Hanover and Ron Pierce left quickly from the outside post nine position ( the rail horse, Bayside Volo was scratched sick). Great Success and David Miller along with Pray I Am and Andy Miller also left for the lead. Great Success passed the quarter pole in :28 and Donato Hanover then took over the lead.

As donato Hanover reached the half in :56.2 Brian Sears pulled Arch Madness from fourth and began a steady  march to the front. The three quarters was passed in 1:24.4 and the two were head to head entering the lane.

Donato Hanover held strong until with about a furlong to race, Arch Madness , who wore him down in similar fashion in last week’s elimination, began inching ahead. But the threat to Arch Madness’s victory came  from Flirtin Man and John Campbell, who was making one of his familiar rallies. But at the wire it was Arch Madness in a stakes record 1:52.4 mile, just one-fifth of a second off the track record for 3-year-old trotting geldings.

A supplemental entry into the Breeders Crown, Arch Madness picked up his 10^th victory of the year in 21 starts and increased his season earnings to $852,391 for owners Barry Goldstein and Marc Goldberg. Trond Smedshammer trains the gelded son of Balanced Image, who was bred by Goldberg

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