American Virgin Is Victorious Again
Driver Doug McNair completed a sweep of this week's Preferred events at Woodbine Racetrack with American Virgin streaking to his third straight win in the $34,000 Saturday night special.
McNair made a second-quarter move sending 6-5 favourite American Virgin from third to first after Alexas Jackpot (Louis-Philippe Roy) had fired off a :26 opening panel. As American Virgin reached the half in :55, Nickle Bag (Trevor Henry) tipped first-up from fourth and advanced up to second-place on the way to three-quarters in 1:23. However, American Virgin kept that rival at bay through the stretch to score in a season's best 1:50.3 while Alexas Jackpot remained locked in the pocket until squeezing through along the pylons late to nab the runner-up honours.
American Virgin became the first horse to surpass the $100,000 mark for money earned in Canada this year. Richard Moreau trains the five-year-old Always A Virgin gelding, who has won five of his nine seasonal starts, for owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont.
Saturday's successful outing was the 18th lifetime win for American Virgin and pushed his career bankroll over $400,000.
McNair also drove Bernadette to victory in this week's distaff division, which was featured on Friday night's harness racing card.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.