Century Hannibal's ($4.50) 1:53 win in the second round of the Valedictory Pacing Series, for three-year-old colts and geldings, was the cornerstone of a six-win day for James MacDonald on the Boxing Day (Sunday, Dec. 26) card at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

After reeling off wins with Priceless Beach ($10.20, 1:52.3), Kendall Seelster ($2.70, 1:53.3), A Boy Named Suuzz ($10.60, 1:54.2) and Maritime sensation Woodmere Stealdeal ($23.00, 1:52.1), MacDonald captured the lone $18,000 second-round preliminary event in the Valedictory with Paul Ritchie's Century Hannibal — but it took a crafty drive to get the sophomore son of Control The Moment to the winner's enclosure.

Century Hannibal stalked contently in fifth while even-money favourite VP Rockin (Doug McNair) strode clear of Southbeach Hanover (Austin Sorrie) to take charge after a :28 first quarter. VP Rockin looked as though he would maintain control of the terms beyond a :56.1 half, but as the running line formed out of the backfield nearing the far turn, both Take A Gamble (Trevor Henry) and Century Hannibal were quickly flushed out from third and fifth — and the complexion of the race changed in a flash. Take A Gamble surged to the fore midway on the sweeping Mohawk far turn, and Century Hannibal — after being towed forward with live flow — continued his ascent after being left in the breeze at three-quarters in 1:24.2. MacDonald found another gear with Century Hannibal at the eighth pole, surging two lengths clear at the winning post. Take A Gamble held second; VP Rockin salvaged third after giving way abruptly.

James Ritchie trains seven-time winner Century Hannibal, who will look to complete a sweep of the Valedictory Pacing Series in Saturday's (Jan. 1, 2022) $33,600 final.

Following his natural driving quintuple in races 2 through 6, MacDonald sealed his six-bagger in the finale, winning with Real Willey ($4.50, 1:53.4).

To view Sunday's complete results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.