Herestopatrick needed every inch of racetrack to score a nose decision in Monday’s $40,100 Ontario Sired Autumn Series Final for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers at Woodbine Racetrack.

Jack Moiseyev guided the colt to the hard-fought victory from post five after finishing a charging second in last week’s elimination.

In Monday’s contest, the son of Apaches Fame left hard and wrestled command through a :27.1 first quarter. He faced backstretch pressure from 8-5 co-favourite Blended Whiskey who shot up to take the lead just past the :57.1 half.

The top pair remained that way turning for home with Blended Whiskey beginning to tire and drifting wide. Moiseyev pointed his charge through an opening at the inside and quickly got on even terms with the pacesetter.

Blended Whiskey remained determined and battled hard right to the finish but was unable to hold off Herestopatrick who persevered in the final strides. Longshot Allamerican Extra was a solid third from post 10.

The 1:53.2 clocking was a new lifetime mark for Herestopatrick. It was second win in six tries this year for the colt who is trained by Mark Austin for owner Michael Cecile of Windsor, Ontario.

(WEG)

To view Monday’s results, click here.