Brushing to the top moving into the final turn, American Virgin narrowly held off early pacesetter and late pocket-popper Nirvana Seelster to win the $34,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Woodbine Racetrack.

Nirvana Seelster established a :27.1 opening quarter before undergoing first-over pressure from American Virgin heading to the half. Timed in :55.4, American Virgin cleared control circling into the final turn, with Nirvana Seelster yielding for the pocket and Mach Code dropping back in third.

At three-quarters in 1:23.4, American Virgin and Nirvana Seelster were three-lengths clear of the field. Nirvana Seelster tipped off the rail in pursuit of American Virgin through the stretch, finishing second a head, while odds-on favourite Jins Shark rallied from third over for third.

A six-year-old gelding by Always A Virgin out of the Presidential Ball mare Flyfly Judith, American Virgin, winning his 26th race in 99 starts, has earned $578,406. Owned by Bradley Grant, trained by Richard Moreau, and driven by Doug McNair, he paid $6.90 to win.

Trainer Richard Moreau scored two more victories on the 11-race program, including a 1:57.3 wire-to-wire victory in the opener with Class Me Nice, paying $5.60 to win, and a 1:54.4 second-over pounce with Teachers Vet, an $11.20 winner by two-and-one-quarter lengths.

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