Nike Franco N cruises to victory in Crown elim

ANDERSON, Ind. – Nike Franco N cruised to victory in the second $25,000 elimination of the Breeders Crown Mares Pace Friday night at Hoosier Park. Tim Tetrick guided the 2-5 harness racing favorite to a 1:51.2 score.

Call Me Queen Be took the lead early but Nike Franco N was able to regain command past the :26.2 opening quarter and then set even fractions of :55.3 and 1:24 with Medusa offering token pressure. In the stretch, Nike Franco N cruised to a handy victory with her :27.2 final quarter putting her 2¼ lengths ahead of runner up Bedroomconfessions at the wire.

Owned by Richard Poillucci of North Easton, Massachusetts, the 7-year-old by McArdle mare was a winner for the 29th time in her 52-race career. Jim King Jr. trains Nike Franco N.

"She's just a sweetheart," said Tetrick. "She's just as good on or off the pace. When they let her go 1:24 to the three quarters, she likes that, too."

Nike Franco N returned $2.80 to win. Joining the top pair in the October 27 Breeders Crown finale will be L A Delight, Seventimesavirgin and Sassa Hanover.

Post positions for the final:

1. L A Delight
2. Pure Country
3. Nike Franco N*
4. Darlinonthebeach*
5. Windsun Glory
6. Bedroomconfessions
7. Sassa Hanover
8. Lady Shadow
9. Seventimesavirgin
10. Blue Moon Stride
AE1. Medusa
AE2. Wrangler Magic
 

*Elimination winners draw from posts one through five.

Nike Franco N

By Jay Bergman, for Breeders Crown