Ella Christina in 35-1 upset in Crown 3FP elim

The Western Ideal filly Ella Christina pulled a big upset in the Breeders Crown 3-year-old Filly Pace elimination Friday night at Hoosier Park. She stormed home from seventh at the top of the stretch to post a 1:51 victory and return $72 to her backers after going off at odds of 35-1.

The favorites were all in the early mix, as Caviart Ally left from the rail, putting Agent Q in behind her, then let Idyllic Beach go near the :26.2 quarter, only to retake in early backstretch. Nearing the :55.2 half, even-money favorite Blazin Britches came with a big burst but could not clear the leader on the turn and started to back off past the 1:23 three-quarters.

Caviart Ally led into the stretch with Idyllic Beach entering the passing lane and Agent Q swinging wide to challenge. This group, however, was joined late by Ella Christina, who was angled out by driver Tim Tetrick to storm down the center of the track around Agent Q to edge Idyllic Beach by a head with Agent Q another length back.

This division drew 11 entrants, and under the Breeders Crown rules at Hoosier, which starts nine across and a trailing 10 horse, the top two horses accepting byes automatically got into next week's final. The remaining nine raced Friday to eliminate one horse.

Tequila Monday and Obvious Blue Chip were the two fillies getting byes into the championship event.

Ella Christina will draw a post between one and five as a result of her victory while the rest go into an open draw. Behind Idyllic Beach and Agent Q in order were Carol's Z Tam, Caviart Ally, Inverse Hanover, Blazin Britches, Jaye's A Lady, and Terrortina, who failed to make the final.

The winner tallied for the seventh time this season for trainer Nick Surick, whose Nick Surick Stable LLC co-owns the winner with J. L. Benson Stables Inc., William Daggett Jr. and Lawrence Vukovic. (Breeders Crown) 

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