quotes by James Platz / race details by Kimberly Rinker for the Breeders Crown

Trainer Julie Miller said the beginning of Max Contract’s journey to become a Breeders Crown champion was particularly fun.

“When we went to Cameo Hills to look at yearlings, I came home and [my husband] Andy goes, ‘What horse did you find that you like?’ I said, ‘You’re never going to believe it, but I found a pacing filly that I love.’ That’s how it started,” said Julie, who predominantly trains trotters.

“We bought Max from Lexington [for $200,000] and Jean [Goehlen] has been my partner the whole time. We talked about bringing her back at 4 and I’m so glad we did.

On Saturday (Oct. 28) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Max Contract rallied in the late going to win the $400,000 Crown Mare Pace in 1:50.2, with Andy driving.

When the gate wings folded, 6-5 favorite Grace Hill wasted no time taking command, leading the field to the :25.4 first quarter and :54.4 half, before yielding to Kobe’s Gigi after the 1:23.3 three-quarter marker. Max Contract followed Kobe’s Gigi down the stretch, then moved outside and powered to victory.

It was career win 15 and seasonal victory eight for Max Contract, a 4-year-old mare that upped her career earnings to $635,305. Max Contract, sent off as the 3-2 second choice, finished one length ahead of 20-1 longshot Silver Label and third-place Kobe’s Gigi.

“I just didn’t want to rush her early,” Andy said. “They got out of there pretty good. I really didn’t want to get away fourth, but it was okay. I just bided my time and then I moved her. [Kobe’s Gigi] came out of the 2-hole, so she carried me a little ways. Then I moved her over and she took off.”

Bred by Steve Jones, the daughter of Huntsville—Big Mcdeal, is owned by Andy Miller Stable and Goehlen.

“It’s tough to transition [from age 3 to 4] but she’s a really fast mare and we kind of spaced her races out,” Andy said. “We didn’t race her a whole lot. We were kind of shooting for this.”

The win gave Andy his sixth in the Breeders Crown and Julie her second. The Millers won together with Lucky Jim in the 2009 Open Trot.

“[Max Contract has] always been a fast mare and a talented mare, but she got really versatile with more experience,” Julie said. “This is actually like her 3-year-old year because she got a little sick on me at 2, so she only had the one start.

“I think what we’ve most liked about her is her consistency… she’s won here, she’s won at The Meadowlands and her versatility has been key for her.”

Max Contract paid $5 to win.