Maple Leaf Trot picks – Grand Circuit $1 Million Challenge

#1 SEBASTIAN K – He has been absolutely flawless since arriving in North America. In his five starts he hasn’t shown any reason to doubt he won’t turn in another sensational performance. Track and Stakes record (1:50.4) is in jeopardy in this race. #2 MARKET SHARE – Won last year’s Maple Leaf Trot and looked good winning his elim. Tetrick picked post two likely to stay as close as possible to Sebastian K. Tetrick will give him a good chance to win, but I can’t see anyone getting by Sebastian K. #7 CREATINE – Finished up his mile strong last week and got another start under his belt as a four-year-old. That transition can be tough from three-to-four and facing the older competition. As the week’s pass by I think he will continue to improve. #6 MISTER HERBIE – He won this race in 2012 and was the runner-up last year, you can never count this horse out. He is always close, so you can expect him to be right there. He is the track and stakes record holder at 1:50.4.

#1 SEBASTIAN K – Toyed with the foes he faced in last week’s Maple Leaf Trot elimination after dropping the jaws of the entire sport when he toured Pocono’s oval in 1:49 just thirteen days earlier.  The Svanstedt super horse will lay down a pair of beatings in Saturday’s final – the first will be on the competition and the second will be on the teletimer. #3 INTIMIDATE – Is well-known for being a ‘stalk and sprint’ type of horse, but he was pressed into front-end duty in last week’s elimination.  That’s not his cup of tea.  He should be able to rate just off the lead in the final and put his closing kick to good use.  If he’s three or four lengths off the lead turning for home he can be a major player. #2 MARKET SHARE – came first-over in his elimination and simply drew away from the competition en route to a 1:53 decision.  It was nice to see the defending Maple Leaf Trot champ get back on the beam after going through some mid-season struggles for trainer Toscano.  Look for Tetrick to shadow to Svanstedt like he did with Hes Watching on the back of Brian Sears in last Saturday’s Meadowlands Pace. #6 MISTER HERBIE – has been the runner-up in nine of his last fifteen assignments, and that includes last week’s second-place finish to Market Share in the elimination round.  The 2012 Maple Leaf Trot champ draws an excellent post position for the duo of Gillis and Condren, and considering he’s making just his fourth start off the bench – he might be sitting on his biggest race of the year.  He can work his way onto the ticket, as well.

#1 SEBASTIAN K – jogged to a 1:52.2 easy score in his Canadian debut to remain undefeated thru 5 starts in North America.  He’s the best in the sport right now and will likely be the leader at every call again from the rail.  The 1:50.4 track record is in serious jeopardy if Svanstedt wants to go for it. #10 MODERN FAMILY – has been runner-up to Sebastian K S on three occasions this year and would likely be happy to leave this race with another.  He has great gate speed and will be aiming for the coveted two hole journey behind the heavy favorite. #2 MARKET SHARE – captured the second elim with an easy looking first over win where he was in hand to driver Tim Tetrick.  The richest trotter in the field is the defending champ in this event and will need to be at his absolute best to threaten for the top spot.  A little racing luck wouldn’t hurt either.   GREG GANGLE (Host/Racing Analyst) – 1-2-6