That Other Big Race

Note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact the eliminations are held the same day as the final.

While the center of the North American standardbred world is tonight's Breeders Crown races in Toronto, there is a race upcoming next weekend of interest to fans. On Sunday, November 1, Explosive Matter races in the first elimination for the Gran Premio Orsi Mangelli in Milan, Italy. Explosive Matter draws the rail in his split. While I will not pretend to be an expert on the European contenders, the winner of the European 3yo Trotting Championship, Zola Boko is racing in the second division. With Zola Boko winning the championship in a track record 1:11.6 km rate for the 2,100m distance (a track record at Vincennes), next week's eliminations and final should be exciting assuming both advance. Hopefully, once the Crown is over, the North American racing media will be able to cover the race more fully as we will.

Tonight promises to be a great night at Woodbine. If you are unable to be there make sure you try to catch the races. Of course, your local simulcast center and ADWs are covering it but TVG in a rarity, will actually be 'on track' live to broadcast the races live (except the first Crown race on tape delay). Rarely does harness racing get this much coverage, we need to make the most of it. If you intend to wager on the card and happen to have a wagering account through TVG, try to make your wagers through them as the only way they will keep covering races like this is if it makes business sense.