Loosen Up Could Put Ex-Dodger Branca in Harness World Series

Ralph Branca was at a media luncheon Tuesday to talk about harness racing.

That’s right, the former Brooklyn Dodger pitcher, who triggered Bobby Thomson’s “shot heard ‘round the world” in the New York Giants’ playoff victory 40 years ago, was talking about pacers and trotters, which he has been involved with as an owner for 15 years.

“We have pieces of three horses,” Branca said, adding that he and his wife, Ann, used to be more involved in the sport, but that the upkeep of horses has doubled.

“We love the game,” he said. “We’ve met a lot of nice people in it.”

The Brancas and four others make up Chill Out Stable, which could be represented in the Breeders Crown finals on Oct. 25 at Pompano Harness at Pompano Beach, Fla.

The stable’s Loosen Up can qualify for the final of the 3-year-old Filly Trot by finishing at least fourth in an elimination heat Friday night.

“She’s the best horse I’ve had,” Branca said of the filly, whose name has the sound of baseball. She was named, however, before she was purchased by Chill Out Stable.

“She finished third in the Breeders Crown (2-year-old filly pace) last year and she’s won $340,000,” Branca said.

Of Loosen Up’s earnings, $148,061 have come this year on a record of five victories, two seconds and two thirds in 14 starts.

“She should qualify for the final,” Branca said.

The 3-year-old Filly Trot will be one of eight Breeders Crown races for 2-year-old filly, colt and gelding pacers and trotters at Pompano.

Featured will be 3-year-old colt pacers and trotters.

Artsplace and Die Laughing top a field of nine pacers. Artsplace won the Breeders Crown 2-year-old Colt and Gelding Pace last year, but is the 2-1 early second betting choice behind 9-5 Die Laughing.

Among nine 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters are Giant Victory, the Hambletonian winner, and Somatic, winner of the World Trotting Derby.