Century Hannibal Sweeps Valedictory

The now four-year-old Control The Moment stallion Century Hannibal emerged through the squall well in front of his competition to win the $33,600 final for the Valedictory Pacing Series, completing a sweep of the stake on Saturday (Jan. 1).

Sent the 2-5 choice, Century Hannibal settled into fourth while Chantee charged to the front into a :26.2 opening quarter. He snagged a breather in the backside to a :55.3 half as few were willing to brave a trip off the pylons and through the snow. But with the tempo still tepid to three-quarters in 1:25.4, driver James MacDonald attacked with Century Hannibal, rushing the James Ritchie pupil out of fourth to take over the lead around the final turn and open five lengths on his competition off the corner. Great Somewhere kicked off cover through the stretch to narrow on the leader’s margin, but settled for second in the 1:53.4 mile by 3-3/4 lengths. VP Rockin finished third and Kount Blaster took fourth.

Owned by Paul Ritchie, Century Hannibal won his eighth race from 22 starts, earning $100,864. He paid $2.70 to win.

Saratoga Blue Chip opened the card and a four-win night for trainer Carmen Auciello with an easy win in the opening $20,000 leg of the New Year Claiming Series.

Leaving from post 1, Saratoga Blue Chip floated away fourth to a :27.3 first quarter before rushing to the lead into the backstretch and leading the field by the half in :57.1. The four-year-old Hes Watching gelding then parried a first-over challenge from Montysgonemarble by three-quarters in 1:26.1 and coasted home a 2-1/4-length winner over pocket-sitter Little Willy. All Cheddar, the 8-5 favourite, closed for third and Sir A took fourth.

Owned by Daniel Sarafian, Saratoga Blue Chip scored his fourth win from 34 starts, earning $67,067. Jonathan Drury drove the $8.80 winner for Auciello, who won three of the first four races with victories by Goldinthebadlands ($8.50) and Rays Kredit ($7.50) before completing his grand slam towards the tail of the card with a win by Uhtred ($9.40).

Commanding Officer started the New Year with a bang to win in a $24,000 overnight event, grabbing his fifth-consecutive win in the process. The Ben Baillargeon trainee rallied from second over to deliver as the 1-2 choice in a 1:51.3 mile over his stablemate Undrthsouthrnsun N. Richard Berthiaume owns the four-year-old Captaintreacherous stallion who paid $3.10 to win.

Woodbine Mohawk Park also honoured its 2021 leaders during the first card of 2022. A presentation was held to recognize the meet's leading driver, James MacDonald; the meet's leading owner, Millar Farms; and the meet's leading trainer, Richard Moreau.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.