Winless at two. Perfect at three. 

In the feature race on Thursday, May 8 at Woodbine Mohawk Park - a conditioned trot contested for $18,000 - Bob McClure decided not to sit the pocket trip on 1-5 favourite Zette Athena, taking her to the lead just past the first quarter pole and not looking back. A quick start by Royal Sauce (Doug McNair) was enough to secure the top spot early, but Zette Athena swept by and cruised untouched to the victory.

Royal Sauce led the field to the first quarter in :28.4, when Zette Athena made her move from second, clearing down the backstretch. After reaching the half in :58.2, movement came from the back, as Th Monica (James MacDonald) and Beersnsunshine Deo (Tyler Borth) began the climb on the outside. With no challengers up front until the three quarters was reached in 1:27.4, Kankoon (Louis-Philippe Roy) tipped to the outside, eventually getting past Royal Sauce down the stretch. The pair began running out of steam toward the line, allowing Th Monica to get up for second, and Beersnsunshine Deo third. 

As for the 1:56.1 winner, Bob McClure sat chilly all the way through the line with Zette Athena three lengths ahead of second place, making the a convincing three-for-three in the win column to start the season. The three-year-old Six Pack filly paid $2.60 to win for owner Gestion J Y Blais Inc of Montreal, and trainer Jusin Turcotte, and is now three-for-seven lifetime.

Action returns to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, May 9 with first post set for 6:35 p.m. Thursday’s results can be viewed here: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)