9/24/08: Diamond Creek Buys Into Swan For All
9/22/08: Popular Play Right Looking For His First Victory
9/22/08: Lexington Showdown
9/17/08: Swan For All is No Ugly Duckling
9/17/08: Freshman Trotters Battle In American National Finals
9/09/08: Balmoral Hosts American-National Eliminations
9/04/08: Miller Doubles Up in PASS at The Meadows
8/28/08: Ten Straight Trips To Victory Lane For Bring Me Luck
8/14/08: Track Record for Stage Show at Chester
8/09/08: Zweig Memorial Invades Tioga
7/15/08: Norway-Based Kadabra Filly Wins Her Ninth Straight Race
7/05/08: 22 Straight for Commander Crowe
6/10/08: Plenty of News From Across the Pond
6/08/08: Enough Talk Second to Ghibellino in Copenhagen Cup
5/25/08: NA Breds Do Well on Elitlopp Day
5/03/08: PA Sire Stakes at The Meadows
5/02/08: Before He Cheats Bursts Home to Win Su Mac Lad
4/29/08: Bring Me Luck Wins Fifth Straight
4/08/08: Bring Me Luck Wins Again In Sweden

Bring Me Back Is Back To Winning

December 23 - After a prolonged layoff, Bring Me Back (S Js Caviar - Bax Machine) resumed his winning ways in dominating the $32,000 Soren Nordin Memorial at Solvalla (SE) today. Starting from Post 10 in the second tier, Bring Me Back got away next to last for trainer/driver Stefan Persson, before establishing position in the outside flow third over midway in the 1 5/16 mi. race. By the final turn, Bring Me Back fanned three wide to overtake the competition and win easily in a 2:01.2 mile rate. Persson stated after the race that Bring Me Back is the best horse he's ever sat behind. Bring Me Back will be pointed toward the Kings Trophy next May in Gotenburg, hoping to join stablemate Bring Me Luck who is also being prepped for the Queens Trophy.

Bring Me Luck Wires Field To Win $50,000 Wallenius Cup

December 2 - Bring Me Luck (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover) returned to racing at Solvalla (SE) after a two month layoff, and showed that she hasn't lost her edge in winning the $50,000 Wallenius Cup wire-to-wire by 3 lengths in 1:59f for trainer/driver Stefan Persson. The win was her 13th in 16 career starts, and will be her last race in 2008. Persson said that Bring Me Luck will resume racing in spring, where her biggest engagement will be the $300,000 Queen's Trophy at Aby Racetrack.

Swan For All Wins $84,400 International Stallion Stake in 1:55.4

October 2 - Swan For All continues to display the form that makes him a top contender for the 2 year old colt Breeders Crown in winning his division of the $84,400 International Stallion Stakes today in 1:55.4 at The Red Mile. Starting from Post 2, Swan For All took the lead and set leisurely fractions of 28.4 and 59.2 pace, before previously unbeaten Tom Cango took over the lead after the half. Swan For All tipped back out in the stretch, and eventually wore down the leader to win by a neck for driver Andy Miller. The win raised Swan For All's lifetime earnings to $130,690. "He is a big colt," said trainer Erv Miller of the $300,000 yearling purchase. "He's just starting to learn what it's all about, but he has been a natural from day one."I was somewhat concerned (when he gave up the lead), but he does get a little lazy. Andy did a real good job."

Swan For All Blisters the $114,000 American National Final in 1:54.3

September 18 - Swan For All (Andover Hall - Swan Lake) proved that last week's 1:56 Balmoral track record was just a rest stop by winning the $114,000 American National Final in 1:54.3 tonight for driver Andy Miller. Eased from the gate in Post 6, Swan For All was content to follow the early leaders through quick fractions of :28 and :56. Coming around the final turn, Andy Miller moved Swan For All out behind cover from Definer, fourth and four lengths behind the leaders. Blasting home effortlessly in 28 seconds, Swan For All easily cleared the field to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Owned by John Carver and Mystical Marker Farms, the $300,000 colt now has 3 wins in 3 lifetime starts. After the race, trainer Erv Miller was interviewed in the Winner's Circle. He’s a very big colt, so we took our time getting him ready to race,” he explained. “He does everything very easy but he really hasn’t figured it all out just yet. He’s getting better and better though and when he gets it all together it could be pretty scary how good he could be.”

Interestingly, the winner of the $100,000 filly division was Musical Mystery, whose dam Musical Victory is closely related to the dam of Swan For All, Swan Lake. Theirs is the maternal family of World Champion Possess The Magic 3, 1:53.2 ($1,043,503).

Swan For All Sets New 1:56 Track Record At Balmoral

September 9 – Proving the value of his $300,000 yearling price last year at Harrisburg, Swan For All (Andover Hall – Swan Lake) set a new track record for 2 year old trotting colts at Balmoral last night in only his second lifetime pari-mutuel start, eclipsing the record set by Muscle Mass last year by winning his $17,100 elimination for next week’s $106,000 American National Stake. Driven by Andy Miller for trainer Erv Miller, Swan For All quickly took the lead in a 29 second first quarter from Post 4. Miller was content to allow King Solomon to take over the pace in fractions of 57.4 (28.4) and 1:27.4 (30.0), and sat third by 2 lengths at the top of the stretch. With racing room on the inside, Swan For All simply blew by the competition in a final 27.4 quarter to win by an easy 2 lengths. Owned by John Carver and Mystical Marker Farms, LLC, Swan For All now has 2 wins in his 2 lifetime starts.

SWAN FOR ALL’s dam is the brilliant Swan Lake, who with only four living foals has produced 4 in 1:56, including 2004 and 2005 NJ Colt Trotter of the Year MAGIC SWAN 2, 1:57.2; 3, 1:56.2f; 4, 1:55.1f ($447,347), SWAN IMAGE 3, 1:55.2; 4, 1:51.4 ($279,052), SWANDERFUL 3, 1:56.2f; 4, 1:54.3 ($114,356), and SWAN FOR ALL 2, 1:56-08 ($11,550).

Valeris Wins $45,365 PA Sire Stakes at the Meadows

September 4 - Valeris (S Js Caviar - Tasha Yar) won her $45,365 division of the PA Sire Stakes at The Meadows today, for her first Stakes win. Leaving from Post 6 for trainer/driver Jackie Ingrassia, Valeris settled comfortably in second behind favored Canoli. At the top of the stretch, Canoli broke under pressure and gave Valeris clear track to a 1:59f lifetime mark.

Windsong Stable sells Zindi, a Windsong's Legacy half brother to Valeris, in the Concord Stud Farm consignment at Harrisburg.

Lass Chance Is Third in $134,926 Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk

September 4 - Lass Chance (Andover Hall - Lady Windsong) finished a strong third after a very tough trip in the $134,926 Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk today. Starting from Post 8, Lass Chance was 6th by 10 lengths by the 1/4 pole for driver Luc Ouellette. Making a three wide move from 7th at the 3/4 pole, Lass Chance finished her last quarter strongly in 28.3 seconds (fastest in the field) to make up 4 lengths on the eventual winner, and finish a very respectable third while timed in 1:57.1. Her lifetime earnings now stand at $31,677.

Ten Wins In A Row For Bring Me Luck US

August 28 - Bring Me Luck US extended her streak of consecutive victories to ten, remaining undefeated in 2008 by winning the $50,000 Quick Pay Trophy trot at Aby Racetrack in Sweden today. Starting from Post 1, Bring Me Luck US immediately took command of the field, and was never headed during the entire 1 5/16 mile race. Her time of 1:59.1f was a track record for 3 year old trotting fillies. Her lifetime earnings now stand at $150,000.

Magic Swan Wins Hal Belote Memorial Series Final

August 20 - After winning an earlier leg of the series, Magic Swan (Enjoy Lavec - Swan Lake) went wire-to-wire to win the $9,000 Hal Belote Memorial Final at Ocean Downs (MD) tonight in 1:57.4 for driver Victor Kirby and trainer/owner Jeffrey Long. Magic Swan earned his 20th lifetime win, and raised his lifetime earnings to $446,722.

Morguns Sweetheart Wins $50,616 (div.) PA Sire Stakes at Chester

August 14 - After an early break by favorite Hawaiian Photograph, Morguns Sweetheart (Lindy Lane - Tasha Yar) won her division of the PA Sire Stakes today at Chester Downs wire-to-wire by 3 lengths in 1:56.2f for trainer/owner "Buzzy" Sholty and driver Eric Goodell. The win raises her lifetime earnings to $112,736.

Swanderful Is Wonderful In 1:54.3 Lifetime Mark

August 1 - Swanderful (S Js Caviar - Swan Lake) added to the accomplishments of his dam, Swan Lake, tonight at the Meadowlands in winning a $22,000 Conditioned race in a lifetime mark of 1:54.3. Starting from Post 8, Swanderful took the lead after the first turn, reaching the 1/4 pole in 27.3. He then cut the entire mile for driver David Miller, and won by a neck over Yankee Frenzy. This was Swanderful's fifth lifetime win, raising his lifetime earnings to over $110,000.

Susquehanna Belle Trots Like A Windsong

July 18 - Susquehanna Belle (Windsong's Legacy - Samantha Yorktowne) is off to a fast start in her career, winning the $20,000 (div.) Reynolds Stake on July 8 at Pocono for trainer/owner Syl King. Starting outside from Post 7, driver Tim Tetrick quickly took the lead in a good 29.1 first quarter. Susquehanna Belle was in complete command the entire mile, winning in a handy 2:01.2. On July 18, Susquehanna Belle placed a strong second after leading the entire race in the $35,285 Tompkins Geers at Tioga Downs. For the year, Susquehanna Belle is now 5 - 1 - 2 - 1 for $20,576 early in the racing season.

Windsong Stable sells Powerlifter, an S Js Caviar half brother to Susquehanna Belle, in the PA Preferred Yearling Sale

Swept To Victory In 1:55f All Age Mare Track Record at Halmstad (SE)

July 5 - If there had been any doubt remaining after her all age Danish National Record at Charlottenlund, Swept To Victory proved today that she belongs with the highest elite of European mare trotters today when she established an all-age mare Track Record at Halmstad (SE) in the $42,000 Elite Mare trotting event. Starting from Post 2, Swept To Victory sat the deep along the rail for most of the race as the top mare Camilla Highness set the pace. At the top of the stretch, Swept To Victory finally managed to get clear and rallied from far behind Camilla Highness to storm up for the win at the wire in 1:55f. This new track record demolished the old Track Record of 1:56.1f.

Her magnificent effort was overshadowed by the untimely sudden death of her dam, Sweepstake Hanover, for Windsong Stable this morning as a result of acute liver failure. Windsong Stable will sell her final foal, the Windsong's Legacy half brother to Swept To Victory, Fast Shuffle, in the Concord Stud Farm consignment in Harrisburg.

Bring Me Luck US Wins 8th In A Row

July 4 - Bring Me Luck US kept her 2008 undefeated status alive today while winning a $25,000 race by 3 lengths against other 3 year old fillies in Sweden in 2:00.2f (mile rate) at Halmstad (SE). Bring Me Luck now is 11 - 9 - 2 - 0 with earnings of $94,000 lifetime for Stall Bring Me and trainer Steffan Persson.

Q Forty Five Rejuvenated In Sweden: Takes Second In $76,000 Bronze Division Final

June 28 - Q Forty Five (Muscles Yankee - Bax Machine) disappeared from racing for several years due to chronic knee problems after his sale to Swedish interests. However, with new treatments from trainer Elin Gustavsson, he's back in front of the sulky again and regaining his old form. Today at Bergsaker Racetrack (SE), Q Forty Five started from Post 6 in the $76,000 Bronze Division Final as the longest of long shots in the field. With Gustavsson driving, Q Forty Five got away near the back of the field only to make a big three wide move around the final turn. Clearly the strongest horse in the stretch, Q Forty Five powered to get within a neck of the winner in 1:59.1f (mile rate, 1 5/16 mi). Q Forty Five's lifetime earnings now stand at $106,871.

Magic Swan Wins Open Trot at Rosecroft

June 27 - Magic Swan (Enjoy Lavec - Swan Lake) is no stranger to the Winner's Circle, and tonight at Rosecroft Raceway he again proved that he is one of the toughest competitors in Maryland racing when he won the $6,000 Open Trot in 1:58 after a good two hole trip. This represents the 18th lifetime win, and first win of 2008, for the former 2 & 3 Year Old NJ Colt Trotter of the Year. His lifetime earnings now stand at $439,197 for trainer/owner Jeff Long.

Bring Me Luck US Dominates Again at Jagersro (SE)

June 10 - The 2008 crop of 3 year old trotting fillies and many better colts in Sweden simply have no answer to the dominant performances of Bring Me Luck US (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover). Today at Jagersro, Bring Me Luck US once again beat a good mixed field of three year old trotters. Bring Me Luck gunned to the lead from Post 7, extended to a 28 second first quarter before slowing the pace. After slowing the pace for the next quarter, Bring Me Luck was challenged twice by the field, and each time turned the challengers away. Bring Me Luck won after a strong stretch drive by over a length in 2:01.1f (mile rate, 1 5/16 miles). Her win extends a 7 race streak, keeping her undefeated in 2008. Bring Me Luck US is now 10 - 8 - 2 - 0 lifetime, with earnings of about $80,000, for trainer/driver Stefan Persson (pictured with Bring Me Luck in the Winner's Circle).

Bring Me Luck US Dominates Again at Jaegersro

June 10 - The 2008 crop of 3 year old trotting fillies in Sweden simply have no answer to the dominant performances of Bring Me Luck US (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover). Today at Jaegersro, Bring Me Luck US gunned to the lead form Post 7 in 28 seconds before slowing the pace. The field was simply content to follow her around to the wire, with Bring Me Luck winning by over a length in 2:01.1f (mile rate, 1 5/16 miles). Her win extends a 7 race streak, keeping her undefeated in 2008. Bring Me Luck US is now 10 - 8 - 2 - 0 lifetime, with earnings of about $80,000, for trainer Stefan Persson.

Swept To Victory: Fastest Race Mare of All Time In Denmark

June 8 - Swept To Victory won the Royal Copenhagen Open at the Charlottenlund track north of Copenhagen today in record fashion today, when her 1:55.1f (mile rate) performance set an all time, all age, all track national record for a trotting mare. In her usual fashion, she did it the hard way, starting from Post 8 in the second tier. Swept To Victory got away near the back of the field, where she established fourth position in the outside flow. She held that position past the grandstand the first time, and on the backstretch tipped three wide behind cover to approach the leaders. At the top of the stretch, Swept To Victory fired hard and caught the leader handily at the wire. Her time also tied the Danish all age/track/national record, regardless of sex, and raised her lifetime earnings to $175,000.\.

Highlights A Big Windsong Elitlopp Weekend in Sweden

Bring Me Luck US Wins 300,000kr Carlsbergs-loppet at Solvalla

May 25 - Bring Me Luck US (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover) showed her class by walloping a talented field of 3 year old fillies at Solvalla on Elitlopp day, taking the 300,000kr Carlsberg Lopp in a lifetime best 1:57.4f mile rate. Driven by trainer Stefan Persson, Bring Me Luck needed some luck to spring free from her second tier Post 10. However, Persson drove her to near the front on the outside to establish position first-over, which she held for most of the race. When the field turned for home, Bring Me Luck simply trotted away with her fluid gait to easily win the race. The win keeps Bring Me Luck US undefeated in 2008, and raises her lifetime record to 9 - 7 - 2 - 0 with earnings of 440,000kr (almost $75,000 USD). The members of Stall Bring Me KB were jubliant in the winners circle after the race, and were interviewed by Swedish television.

In other Elitlopp weekend racing, Swept To Victory (S Js Caviar - Sweepstake Hanover) overcame a horrible trip to finish a valiant 3rd in the 440,000kr Bronze Division Final. Stuck outside in Post 7, driver Orjan Kihlstrom was completely shut out from any kind of position at the start of the race. Swept To Victory was soon shuffled to the rear of the crowded 12 horse field. Trying to make a move down the backstretch behind Golden Tilly, Swept To Victory was then badly impeded when Golden Tilly made a break, and struck the bike in front of her. Miraculously, Swept To Victory did not break stride, but finally fanned out far wide at the top of the stretch to pass most of the field in a huge rush to finish a well earned third for trainer Roger Wallman. Her 55,000kr prize raised Swept To Victory's lifetime earnings to 1,024,654kr (about $170,000), which will require her to race in the higher Silver Division during the next series. Trainer Roger Wallman has noted that Swept To Victory has gained considerable confidence and calm this year, which allows her to race more effectively, even with adverse circumstances.

A surpise starter at Solvalla on Elitlopp weekend was Windsong-raised and sold Q Forty Five, a Muscles Yankee half brother to undefeated Swedish 3 year old star Bring Me Back US. Q Forty Five won several NJ Sire Stakes as a juvenile for trainer Jimmy Takter, before his sale to Swedish interests. Unfortunately, soundness problems plagued Q Forty Five until this year, when trainer Elin Gustavsson seems to have found the right combination to get him racing. Q Forty Five started in a 200,000kr 2140 m. race, and found traffic problems that prevented his making a move till deep stretch. He still finished a good fourth, and was timed in a very fast 1:56.1 (mile rate). Q Forty Five's lifetime earnings are now 591,671kr, just short of the magic $100,000 USD level.

Swedish racing fans were sorely disappointed that the undefeated Windsong-bred 3 year old colt Bring Me Back US was scratched from his first meeting of undefeated 2&3 year old Swedish champion Lord Capar in the 600,000kr Din Del Loppet Haken Wallner Memorial race. Without Bring Me Back to provide stiff competition, Lord Capar won easily in a 14.4 mile rate. Trainer Steffan Persson stated that Bring Me Back had a slight reaction on flexion testing, and to his credit took no chances of injury by preserving his horse for another time.

Windsong Stable partner Paul Spears was on hand for the excitement, and will chronicle the week for the website on another page.

Swept To Victory Wins $40,000 Bronze Division in Sweden

May 7 - Swept To Victory (S Js Caviar - Sweepstake Hanover) once again displayed her dominance by winning a $40,000 Bronze Division Elimination race in preparation for the $80,000 Final on Elitlopp weekend. Starting from Post 6, Swept To Victory quickly gained the lead after the first turn. She then settled into a leisurely lead, as no horse challenged her. After rounding the last turn, Swept To Victory simply kept the field at bay under a hand drive for an easy win. The 1 1/4 mile race went in 1:59.1f mile rate. Her career earnings are now approximately $150,000.

Morgun's Sweetheart and Swan Image Star For Windsong Stable

May 4 - Spring has sprung in a big way for Windsong Stable, which enjoyed an excellent weekend of racing. Morgun's Sweetheart (Lindy Lane - Tasha Yar) won her $41,452 division of the PASS at The Meadows after getting stuck in traffic for driver Dave Palone and trainer George "Buzzy" Sholty. Leaving from Post 5, Morgun's Sweetheart quickly tucked into second spot, content to take a pocket trip. However, that plan soon turned sour when the pacesetter ran out of gas in the backstretch as the outside flow developed, leaving her badly boxed in and losing ground around the final turn. Shuffled back to fifth at the top of the stretch, Morgun's Sweetheart weaved around dead cover to pass the rest of the field in the "Lightning Lane", winning her first race of 2008 with plenty to spare.

Swan Image (Balanced Image - Swan Lake) survived a very tough, parked-out third-over trip to rush the leaders with a 26.3 final quarter to take second in the $132,500 Su Mac Lad Final at the Meadowlands for driver Dave Miller and trainer Ross Croghan. Swan Image is now 9 - 3 - 4 - 0 with seasonal earnings of $97,200 in 2008, raising his lifetime earnings to $279,052.

Windsong Breds Top Ranked in Sweden

April 29 - Windsong Stable breds continue their dominating presence in Swedish racing. Bring Me Back US (S Js Caviar - Bax Machine) remains undefeated in his racing career, and only last week defeated the #1 ranked Micro Mesh. Bring Me Back US is currently ranked the #2 3 year old trotting colt in the Swedish racing press. Bring Me Luck US (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover) continues her winning ways this week with another dominating and easy win, and also is undefeated in 2008. Bring Me Luck US is also ranked the #2 3 year old trotting filly in Sweden. Swept To Victory, the 5 year old trotting mare by S Js Caviar out of Sweepstake Hanover, finished a strong second last week to qualify for the $80,000 Elite mare final at Solvalla on Elitlopp weekend. All reports indicate that these three horses will be racing at Solvalla during Elitlopp weekend.

Swan Image Fastest of 2008 In Father Foley

April 9 - Swan Image (Balanced Image - Swan Lake) continued what he began last year as Seasons Champion 4 Year Old Trotting Stallion by resuming his spot at the head of the speed charts in winning his $20,000 leg of the Father Foley Series in 1:52.1. Starting from Post 4 for driver David Miller, Swan Image sat third for the first half until coming out near the 3/4 pole to challenge pacesetting Cayenne Turbo. After taking the lead at the top of the stretch, Swan Image opened a three length lead by the wire for owner Larry Roman. In 2008, Swan Image is already 6 - 3 - 2 - 0 with earnings of $49,375. His lifetime earnings are now $231,227.

Windsong Stable Continues Swedish Success

March 25 - Windsong Stable has had two more big wins in Sweden this week. Bring Me Luck US won her first start of the year wire-to-wire, stretching her lead to an awesome 10 lengths, in 2:03.3f (mile rate: 1 5/16 mi) over a heavy track. Trainer Stefan Persson said after the race that he was considering a Canadian campaign with her this year. After starting in Post 12, getting away 11th, and later buried in traffic three wide, Swept To Victory made a four wide move at the top of the stretch to pass 5 horses in a tremendous rush to win in 1:57.2f at Solvalla for trainer Roger Wallman.

Windsong Swedish Connections Resume Winning Ways in 2008

March 13 - Windsong Stable had three top trotters in Sweden in 2007 - 4 year old mare Swept To Victory (S Js Caviar - Sweepstake Hanover), 2 year old colt Bring Me Back US (S Js Caviar - Bax Machine), and Bring Me Luck US (Kadabra - Polyester Hanover). One year later, and they haven't missed a beat. Following in the footsteps of her stablemate, Giant Diablo, Swept To Victory shook traffic problems and took command in her first start of the season, winning in 1:58.3f at Eskilstuna Racetrack near Stockholm. In his first start of 2008, Bring Me Back US quickly took the lead and dominated a large field to win at Aby Racetrack in Gothenburg at a mile rate of 2:02.2f for 1 5/16 miles. Bring Me Back US has won all 3 starts after a winning qualifier in his racing career, and has not yet been tested. We look forward to Bring Me Luck US returning in her 3 year old debut.