Musical Rhythm pulled off a 12-1 upset in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park to complete a ‘Grand Slam’ for trainer Ben Baillargeon.
Freezing rain had no impact on Baillargeon trainees, as four of his five starters on Monday’s 10-race card visited the winner’s circle. Those that supported the veteran trainer’s horses at the windows had a large night, with three of the four going off at odds of 9-1 or higher.
Musical Rhythm captured Monday’s feature contest by tracking race favourite Dunbar Hall second-over around the far turn and out-battling the previous top class winner in the lane for a victory of half a length in 1:54.1.
The victory gives the gritty seven-year-old 30 for his career and pushes his career earnings to $698,928 for owners Santo & Nunzio Vena, Claude Hamel and Ben Baillargeon.
Musical Rhythm returned $26.10 to win.
Four-year-old trotter Bautista ($21.60) got the night rolling for Baillargeon in the second race by picking up his first win in his third start for the barn. Six-year-old pacer Major Legacy ($39.10) collected the second win for Baillargeon by narrowly holding on in the evening’s fifth race.
The ‘Hat Trick’ for Baillargeon came in the evening’s sixth race with six-year-old trotting mare P L Jill ($4.50) taking care of business as the public’s top choice.
Sylvain Filion steered Bautista and P L Jill to victory, while Mario Baillargeon drove Major Legacy and Musical Rhythm.
Live racing resumes Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7:10 p.m.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Mohawk Park.
(Woodbine Mohawk Park)