Fans at Mohawk Racetrack on Monday evening were treated to a knock ‘em down and drag ‘em out thriller between San Pail and Gutsy Volo

in the $50,000 Open Trot.

It took the photo-finish camera to declare Gutsy Volo the 8-1 winner in what turned out to be a terrific back half battle between the square-gaited heavyweights.

Gutsy Volo and driver Mike Saftic got away next to last in the seven-horse affair while Enny Youngman front-stepped the group to the quarter pole in :28.2. It was a short-lived lead, however, for Enny Youngman who gave way in the backstretch to the white-hot San Pail.

San Pail laid down a :58.3 first half clocking before hooking up with Gutsy Volo as the field moved towards the final turn. Those two had synchronized strides past the three quarter pole in 1:28, and they continued that way all the way down the stretch. Gutsy Volo’s :27.1 final quarter clocking was just enough to surge past San Pail right at the finish line. Third prize went to Enny Youngman, who was more than fourth length in arrears.

Robbie Robinson conditions the five-year-old son of Yankee Glide – Gutsy Lobell for owners Brian Cassell, Jacqueline Dinelle and Sean Hibbert. It was the gelding’s second win in eight trips postward this season, and it was the 21st triumph of his career. He has banked in excess of $175,000 to date.

To view Monday’s results, click here.