Have there been any dominant harness closers?

[Neumeier]

You never really see a dominant closer in harness racing. Does anyone have a good example of someone that would fit this description? I'd love to watch some of these races.

Thanks

[pandy]

You never really see a dominant closer in harness racing. Does anyone have a good example of someone that would fit this description? I'd love to watch some of these races.

Thanks


I've written about this but it's been a while and I don't remember all of the names. Nickawampus Leroy was a top Open caliber pacer in NY back in the 70's and he would come from the clouds. He's one everyone thinks about when you mention deep closers that were top horses.

But there were others. I believe Sir Dalrae raced off the pace a lot. I was nodding off a little while ago so my mind is not sharp right now, but if I remember more tomorrow I'll update.

With the faster bikes now and the way the races are contested, the chances of there ever being another dominant closer in harness racing is virtually zero. Mr. Big retired about 7 or 8 years ago I think and he was a great horse, and he was not that quick from the gate. He won most of his races first or second over and he would get into striking distance and then wear down the leader in the stretch. Mr Big is probably about as close to a pure closer that can dominant as we're ever going to see, but he did not come from the clouds, he was a grinder.

[Stillriledup]

GUTS.

Trained by thoroughbred trainer Barry Abrams.

The great Tom Durkin at the mic.

Guts comes from the clouds to just miss, most of his career races were like this.

VI2rK7T3bVo

[pandy]

GUTS, there's a pleasant blast from the past. Game grinder.

[fiveouttasix]

There was a pacer we used to follow in the 70's (I know, lol)..I wonder if anyone remembers Sleepy Time...driver was Fernand Paquet...used to come from the clouds!
(mostly at Freehold)

[Sea Biscuit]

Woodbine Dec 12, 2015 Race 7

Here is Apprentice Hanover closing from last to first at 15-1 coming off two qualifiers and a lengthy layoff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF4beYzYGuc

[EdZone]

What about Shamballa?

Mohawk Aug. 8, 2015 Race 10
https://youtu.be/yA-Rywz98cI

Mohawk Aug. 15, 2015 Race 3
https://youtu.be/TtQgXqhYfeI

[Peter Berry]

Best ever in Australia was Cocky Raider, circa 1970.

[slimbo]

Mohawk, Sbred, Sept. 7, 2015 Race 11
last to 1st at long odds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qriM6dy8n7U


shot out of a cannon in the stretch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO6vm7TIvrI

[AlBundy33]

I remember My Worthy Champ usually coming from the back in the invites at Hazel Park. Not the biggest name, but he did make about $600,000 for his career.

[pandy]

Billy Joe Byrd.

[Ray2000]

Was Ramblin Willie a closer?

I'm guessing he could go either way. :confused:

[pandy]

As far as I recall, Rambling Willie could be called a closer, but I would call him a grinder. He was not a front running type.

[Stillriledup]

Billy Joe Byrd.

Conquered and Computer 81 Pace. Both were classic closers who had that style.

[pandy]

I remember Conquered. I love watching horses rally to win. Saturday night at the Meadowlands, 11 year old classmaster Real Nice had to go first over from a tough spot, paced a :26 4 third quarter into a bit of a wind, put away the leader in the stretch then held off a fast closer. You have to love those classy grinders who can take air like that and still finish.

[Stillriledup]

I remember Conquered. I love watching horses rally to win. Saturday night at the Meadowlands, 11 year old classmaster Real Nice had to go first over from a tough spot, paced a :26 4 third quarter into a bit of a wind, put away the leader in the stretch then held off a fast closer. You have to love those classy grinders who can take air like that and still finish.

That had no chance to happen decades ago, first over was a death sentence, closers always swept by. You hit the nail on the head when you talked about lightweight and aerodynamic sulkies, sleeker boned horses and athletic drivers, the first overs can get it done, funny how that stuff changed the game.