Once pointed to the center of the track, Sintra gunned by pacesetter Wheels On Fire to post a 1:50 victory in the $36,000 Preferred Pace—serving for many as a prep for the Canadian Pacing Derby—on Saturday (Aug. 29) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Sintra raced unhurried off the gate, tracking the speed of even-money favourite American History. American History tucked into fourth while Sintra raced wide before landing in seventh to a :26 first quarter set by Wheels On Fire, who slowed the tempo towards the half in :55.
American History angled first over tracked by The Devils Own N and Sintra moving to the far turn, but gained little ground as Wheels On Fire sped to three-quarters in 1:22.1. Wheels On Fire began to slow into the stretch as American History tired through the field with The Devils Own N and Sintra rallying off cover.
Matticulous GB pounced from the pocket moving to the finish and took a short lead as Sintra motored quickest to the far outside, sliding by the herd to win. Matticulous GB took second with Wheels On Fire third and Pretty Handsome sneaking into fourth.
A seven-year-old gelding by Mach Three, Sintra won his sixth race from 13 starts this season and his 30th from 70 overall, earning $1,244,267. Jody Jamieson drove the $11.00 winner for trainer Anthony Beaton and owners Michael Guerriero, Kelly Waxman, Nunzio Vena and Frank Cirillo.
The Preferred was one of the many major events on the 2020 Pepsi North America Cup undercard. Be sure to check out the 2020 Pepsi North America Cup News Centre for all recaps and replays.