Fortify was strong right from the get-go as he forged to the front and cruised to an uncontested victory in the $36,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday night, Oct. 19 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Facing a compact field scratched down to five starters, Fortify flashed early gate speed from the outside post for catch-driver Tyler Borth as he quickly crossed to command before the tote board and never looked back, setting fractions of :27.1, :55 and 1:22.3 en route to a widening three-length victory in 1:49.2. 

There was no action from his foes until the final turn when Jack Panic (Jonathan Drury) advanced first-up from fourth and won the race for place in between pocket-pursuer Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald) and Mappos Lion (Paul MacDonell), who closed from the back of the pack off cover.

Coming off a victory in the Brian Paquet Invitational Pace at Hippodrome 3R in his last start two weeks ago, Fortify was sent off as the 3-5 post time favourite and paid $3.40 to win.

Trained by Rene Bourassa, Fortify has now won five of his last seven starts since being acquired at the end of July by owners Daniel Gaudreault of Mont-Joli, Que., and Ecuries Maguire Inc. of Sainte-Marie, Que. A career winner of 28 races, the seven-year-old Sweet Lou-Cant Stop Me Now gelding has amassed a bankroll of $860,882. 

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

(Standardbred Canada)