Yonkers, NY (Best E Casino) - Harness racing's two Triple Crown series are both set to conclude Saturday at Yonkers Raceway. The leading three-year-old pacers and trotters will finish their respective Triple Crown races with the Yonkers Trot and Messenger Pace.
Glidemaster has a chance to become the eighth standardbred to sweep the trotting Triple Crown. He will take on seven other trotters on Yonkers' half- mile track.
Glidemaster has already won the first two legs of the trotting Triple Crown, and trainer Blair Burgess has decided to give him a shot at the final jewel of the crown.
"You never know if youre ever going to get this chance again," Burgess said. "If I hadnt done it, Id probably kick myself later. Its no bravado on our part; were just seeing what we can do. The horse seemed to be in good spirits and that, coupled with the chance to win the Triple Crown and the prestige of the event, is the reason were going."
Glidemaster will start from post 5 in the eight horse field with George Brennan driving. The three-year-old is co-owned by Bob Burgess, Karin Olsson- Burgess, Marsha Cohen & Brittany Farms.
Glidemaster won the fastest Hambletonian in history when he trotted to a 1:51.1 victory on Aug. 5. On Oct. 7 he was a two-heat Kenturity Futurity winner over E L Mikko.
He is the richest horse of the year with earnings of $1,554,236 with seven wins in 14 starts. Glidemaster also has seven second-place finishes this year.
Windsongs Legacy in 2004 was the last winner of trotting's Triple Crown.
Here is the complete Yonkers Trot field in post position order: Naughty Nunu, Mike Lachance; Algiers Hall, John Stark Jr.; Bob Heyden, Trond Smedshammer; Ira K, Yannick Gingras; Glidemaster, George Brennan; Limbo Glide, Ron Pierce; Here Comes Herbie, Jody Jamieson and 8-RC Royalty, Dan Daley.
The $546,830 Messenger Stakes, for 3-year-old colt pacers, attracted a half- dozen participants. This is the first Messenger Stakes to be contested at Yonkers since 1988.
The Messenger field, in post order is made up of Winslow Gambler, Jody Jamieson; Shark Gesture, George Brennan; Palone Ranger, Ron Pierce; Perfect Union, Dave Miller; Livestrong, Steve Smith; Jake Of Diamonds, Ray Schnittker.
Breeders' Crown winner Shark Gesture has eight wins and two seconds in his 15 starts in 2006 for $634,320. He is owned by Norman and Gerald Smiley, and TLP Stable and is trained by Erv Miller.
