Despite being a career winner of $880,481 going into Monday’s $50,000 Open Trot at Mohawk Racetrack, Define The World was given very little respect
from the wagering public. That didn’t stop the John Bax trainee, however, from upsetting the apple cart to the tune of 40-1.
Define The World and driver Paul MacDonell capitalized on a ground-saving trip and a costly miscue in the stretch by odds-on favourite San Pail to take Monday evening’s main event at the Campbellville oval.
Rose Run Hooligan had the field lined up behind him through a :28.4 first fraction before giving way to Armbro Continental, who took charge in the second quarter and rolled his trotting foes to the mid-way point in :56.3. He maintained the lead at the three quarter pole in 1:25.1 with Armbro Chronicle in attack mode from first over and San Pail second over.
San Pail rolled off stride in the lane throwing things wide open. MacDonell, who traveled on the rail throughout, angled Define The World to the outside in mid-stretch and the four-year-old son of Duke Of York-Venice Holiday rallied for the narrow score in a time of 1:53.4. Armbro Continental held on bravely to finish second and Armbro Chronicle was third.
Bred and owned by Al Libfeld of Pickering, ON, Define The World won for the fourth time this season and for the 18th time in his career. The $25,000 payday boosted the gelding’s career earnings over $900,000.
To view Monday’s harness racing results, click here.