Jonathan Drury put the pedal to the metal early with On The Ropes in Monday’s featured trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and the gelding responded by going gate-to-wire in the $28,000 affair.
On The Ropes rushed off the gate from Post 6 and cleared to the lead at the quarter pole in :29. He proceeded to lead the way into the backstretch, and after chopping out middle splits of :58.2 and 1:26.4 he used a :28.1 closing panel to win by 1-1/2 lengths over race favourite Royal Witch in 1:55. Third prize went to the pocket-sitting Big Rich.
Carmen Auciello trains the five-year-old son of Chapter Seven-Rs Giggles for owner Percy Elkins of Milton, Ont. The victory was the first of the year and the 11th lifetime tally for the gelding who went 5-for-22 last season. The $14,000 payday pushed his lifetime earnings over $200,000.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.