Secrets Nephew converted a perfect pocket trip into his first victory of the year crushing Ramegade Bruiser’s seven-race win streak in Saturday’s $50,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Racetrack

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Charging off the gate, Ramegade Bruiser, driven by Chris Christoforou, battled with Secrets Nephew and trainer/driver Lyle MacArthur for the early lead. Secrets Nephew prevailed with the inside advantage reaching the first quarter in :26.4, but the parked Ramegade Bruiser brushed up to take over en route to the half in :55.4.

The heavy favourite led the way past three-quarters in 1:24.1 then turned for home and kicked away by two and a half lengths, but Secrets Nephew plowed down the lane and with a :26.3 final kicker, the 2-1 second-choice poked a head in front to win in 1:51.1. Action Figure (Paul MacDonell) finished third.

Secrets Nephew, who was the runner-up to Ramegade Bruiser in the last three Open events, earned his first win in five starts this year. Canada’s top older pacing horse of 2008 notched his 35th career win and pushed his earnings to $1,164,648 for MacArthur and his partner Frank Grandinetti of Amherst, New York.

Using off the pace tactic, The Admiral was able to start his own win streak in the four-year-old Open.

The Admiral and Paul MacDonell got away sixth from the outside Post 7 as My Masterpiece (Mike Saftic) shot to the lead. P H Bestman (Keith Oliver) was hot on his heels and that one took command after the :26.4 first quarter. As the field rolled down the backside, My Masterpiece attempted a retake while Beach Boy Toy (Rick Zeron) moved three-wide and rushed to the front at the half in :55.3.

Meanwhile, MacDonell had The Admiral out and rolling from the backfield and as the field passed three-quarters in 1:23.4 the 2-1 second choice charged home in :27.3 for the win by a head, stopping the clock in 1:52.3. My Masterpiece and Beach Boy Toy finished second and third.

The four-year-old son of Admirals Galley – Platnium Card scored his second win of the year for trainer Marie St. Charles and LRL Racing of Grosse Ile, Michigan. A winner of 14 races, The Admiral has earned $231,545 in his career.

To view Saturday’s results, click here.