Away since scratching lame seven months ago from the $157,000 Camluck Classic, Sintra returned to the track a winner in the $36,000 Preferred Handicap Pace on the opening card of the year Saturday (Jan. 4) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Driver Jody Jamieson positioned the seven-year-old Mach Three gelding in fourth while Nirvana Seelster led to the first quarter in :27.3. Pocket-sitter East End soon circled to the front into the backside as Easy Lover Hanover floated first over, carrying Sintra second over into a :56.2 half.
Nirvana Seelster faltered around the final turn, leaving a seam for Easy Lover Hanover to duck into the pocket. Sintra raced uncovered to three-quarters in 1:24 and drew closer to East End through the stretch. At the finish the 1-2 favourite finished two-and-a-quarter lengths in front of Real Surreal snagging second from East End in a 1:52.1 mile.
Owned by Michael Guerriero, Kelly Waxman, Nunzio Vena and Frank Cirillo, Sintra won his 25th race from 58 starts, earning $1,126,436. Dave Menary conditions the $3.00 winner.
Youaremycandygirl rolled from off the pace to take the $32,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap Pace in 1:53.1.
Double A Mint took command towards a :28 first quarter as Cousin Mary made a break, interfering with So Much More and Youaremycandygirl. Double A Mint continued on the front unchallenged into a :57 half but faced pressure around the far turn from 9-5 favourite Kendall Seelster.
Youaremycandygirl launched wide to catch cover from Kendall Seelster past three-quarters in 1:25 but swooped to the lead in the stretch. The Richard Moreau trainee strolled two-and-a-half lengths clear of Kendall Seelster heading to the finish to win while So Much More closed for third.
A five-year-old mare by American Ideal, Youaremycandygirl won her 23rd race from 45 starts, earning $1,644,349. Sylvain Filion steered the $6.40 winner for owner William Donovan.
Trainer Carmen Auciello sent three winners on the 11-race card. He began the evening with Dreamfair B J ($8.40) coming from second over to win a $21,000 conditioned pace and, a few races later, took a $20,000 conditioned pace with High Rolling A ($19.70) popping pocket to win by a neck. Auciello completed the hat trick with Points North ($4.60) holding on by a neck to win the $21,000 nightcap.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.