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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

American Jewel Nips Economy Terror in Final Strides in Breeders Crown Elim

By Frank and Ray Cotolo

American Jewel returned to her winning ways by edging second-choice Economy Terror at the wire in a thrilling three-year-old filly pace Breeders Crown elim mile at Woodbine in 1:52.3.

Economy Terror gunned for the lead, with American Jewel in second and Jet Wash in third. Economy Terror paced by the opening quarter in :28.

Marty Party was the first to make a move after the leader from sixth, pulling first over at the half in :57 (:29). Rolling into the far turn, Economy Terror was still on top. American Jewel began to edge out of the pocket and Big Mcdeal picked up cover from Marty Party.

American Jewel and Economy Terror hooked up in a match race at three-quarters in 1:25.3 (:28.3).

The pace picked up turning for home as American Jewel sprinted after Economy Terror pacing down the stretch. Big Mcdeal was rallying into third and Marty Party was gaining ground in between horses fourth.

American Jewel made one final lunge under Tim Tetrick’s urging and nosed Economy Terror in the final strides. Big Mcdeal was third, Marty Party was fourth and Jet Wash finished fifth. Ramalama was the only filly eliminated with the scratch of Bettor B Lucky.

American Jewel ($3.20) is by American Ideal, out of the mare Trim Hanover by Camluck. She is owned by Brittany Farms and trained by Jimmy Takter.

“There was no pace at all in the race, [it was] an extremely slow pace for these horses,” Takter said. “It’s hard to make up a length in a sprint  but she got it done. They’ve [Economy Terror and American Jewel] been battling each other this year and I’m happy to win the elimination so I get to pick my post.”