Sled dog breed questions?

I just read an article about a man, last name Suter, who raced poodles. A little bit before that I read a question that said herding dogs would not work as sled dogs because they have to look at their owner to understand the commands that they are being given. But I was wondering if, for a recreational team, a border collie could run with huskies. I was also wondering if a St. Bernard would stand a chance, or if because of their size and shortish muzzles if it would be too hard on them to run with other dogs, and if they would be better off as a house pet. As a mention in every one of my sled dog questions, I have been looking forward to training sled dogs for almost three years, and I have to wait about sixteen more until I can get through college and actually fulfill my dream of being a dog driver. I was also wondering, since my parents won't let me get a dog, if it would be worth my time to give it a shot and try to train a hamster to pull my Popsicle stick sled with a polly pocket on it...just for the heck of it. Any answers will help! smile :D