Equinox Bi takes Breeders Crown Open Trot

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CAMPBELLVILLE, Ontario -- Equinox Bi took advantage of a late break by the leading Corleone Kosmos and won the $726,000 Breeders Crown Open Trot Final in 1:52 at Mohawk Racetrack.

Winning driver Trevor Ritchie was a last-minute replacement for Mike Lachance, who competed at the World Trotting Derby in Illinois.

"I got the call when I was home lying on the couch that I was going to drive the horse," Ritchie said. "I got away third and made a move in the last turn and would have not caught Corleone Kosmos if John (Campbell) did not have trouble at the end and make that bobble."

Corleone Kosmos' break in stride led to Equinox Bi being placed first. The 6-year-old son of Valley Boss Bi is trained by Jan Nordin for owner Scuderia Gina Biasuzzi of Fort Pierce, Fla., picked up his fourth win in nine tries this season. He was supplemented to the Breeders Crown for $75,000.

"I watched this horse race at the Meadowlands and Mike Lachance said he was impressed with him," Ritchie said. "Jan Nordin called me and asked me to train him so I knew he was a good horse."

Corleone Kosmos looked like he had the Crown victory in hand, but in the final strides he began galloping and was set down to second. Vivid Photo finished third.

The winning time equaled the track record for older trotters set by Mr Muscleman in 2005.

In other Breeders Crown races:

--Artistic Fella took the Open Pace for his 20th career victory, covering the mile in 1:49.2 in taking the photo finish from Mister Big. The 4-year-old is trained by Steve Elliott, who earlier in the day won the World Trotting Derby at the Du Quoin (Ill.) State Fair with Donato Hanover.

--Mystical Sunshine picked up her second consecutive Breeders Crown by winning the Open Mare Trot in a time of 1:54.2.

--Long shot Moving Pictures took charge in the stretch and won the Open Mare Pace in 1:51.2 for driver Mark MacDonald.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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