Sintra battled through rainy and windy conditions to reach the wire first for a second-consecutive Preferred score on Saturday night (Jan. 11) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The seven-year-old gelding and driver Jody Jamieson rallied from fifth at the head of the lane to win the $36,000 Preferred Handicap by a neck over Nirvana Seelster, who cut the mile, and the same margin over East End in 1:53.2.
Competing on a 'sloppy' track with rain and high winds, Nirvana Seelster led the field of six older pacers through fractions of :27, :57.1 and 1:25.3. Real Surreal angled out from fourth to come first over going to three-quarters while Sintra sat fifth and followed the cover loosely. Youaremycandygirl, the lone mare in the field, gave chase from sixth.
After facing little pressure, Nirvana Seelster attempted to close the victory with a final-quarter sprint, aided by the wind at his back. But Sintra gained a little more than four lengths with a :27 final quarter to snag the victory. Youaremycandygirl finished fourth on the far outside, with Rockin In Heaven and Real Surreal rounding out the field.
Trained by Dave Menary, Sintra is now two for two since returning from injury. The seven-year-old gelding had his 2019 season end last May after starting the campaign six for eight. He’s now banked $36,000 in two victories this season for owners Michael Guerriero, Kelly Waxman, Nunzio Vena and Frank Cirillo.
Sintra’s latest victory has improved his career numbers to 26 wins and $1,144,436 earned. He paid $2.50 to win.
(Woodbine Mohawk Park)
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.