Crime Of Passion Closes in Second ‘National’

CRETE, IL— Crime Of Passion closed from mid-pack to win the $121,000 two-year-old colt pace American National at Balmoral Park on Saturday, November 12. Star Recruit finished second, Caviart Key was third and Peck Blue Chip finished fourth.

Peck Blue Chip, Goose On The Rocks and Fridaynightflight all left for the front heading to the first turn. Peck Blue Chip cleared, with Fridaynightflight in second and Goose On The Rocks was in third. Peck Blue Chip took them by the quarter in :28.3.

Star Recruit came first over approaching the half mile. Fridaynightflight came out and forced Star Recruit three wide. Peck Blue Chip and Fridaynightflight were dueling at the half in :56.3 (:28). Caviart Key tracked Star Recruit’s cover and settled in third.

Peck Blue Chip still had the lead around the far turn. Fridaynightflight was on the outside in second and Caviart Key was in third. Crime Of Passion was third over and came off cover three wide at three-quarters in 1:25.1 (:28.3).

Peck Blue Chip had the lead in the stretch. Crime Of Passion circled out four wide and Caviart Key came up the inside. Star Recruit was two wide and coming on. Crime Of Passion took the lead at the wire and he won. Finishing second was Star Recruit, Caviart Key was third and Peck Blue Chip finished fourth.

Crime Of Passion is a two-year-old gelding by Armbro Mackintosh out of the mare Broadway Passion by Broadway Express. He has earned $116,317 in his lifetime. He is owned by Erv Miller, Omer Miller and Leland Mathias. He is trained by Erv Miller and Marcus Miller was in the bike to win in 1:54.3.

“I was hoping I could catch some live cover and get up close. When he’s good, he will run down the horse in front of him. He’s very fast and has a good attitude,” driver Marcus Miller said.