Calipari climbed the class ladder Monday evening looking to double up for trainer Rod Boyd, who watched the suddenly-streaking square-gaiter rally for a 5-1 upset in the $34,000 Preferred Trot at Mohawk Racetrack.
In the midst of a downpour, the six-year-old son of Ken Warkentin-Sheena Hall rallied from out of the clouds – storm clouds, that is – to win by a half-length margin for driver Phil Hudon who timed his move just right with the gelding.
Calipari got away last in the field of seven, and he remained seventh all the way to the three-quarter pole. Doubledown Gass, as per tradition, whacked out panels of :27 and :55.4 before coming under heavy fire from Dancehall Mistress in the third quarter. That mare picked the wrong dance partner to tango with, however, as she quickly faded out the picture.
Doubledown Gass on the other hand was up to the challenge. He rolled by the three-quarter pole in 1:24.1 and opened up coming off the final turn. He eventually tired over the sloppy track, and that left the door wide-open for Calipari to use a :29.1 closing panel to win in 1:54.4. Doubledown Gass held on bravely to grab the runner-up award, while Murmur Hanover shot through late and took home the show dough.
Vito Cucci of Belmar, New Jersey owns the 16-time winner, who improved this year’s record to 4-3-2 from 15 starts with the win. The lion’s share of the purse lifted his seasonal bankroll to $68,585 while his lifetime total soared to $227,938.
To view the full results and payouts from Monday's card at, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.