The final OSS Super Final of 2020 wasn't short on fireworks as Rhythm In Motion upset divisional standout Tattoo Artist with a stellar effort in the $250,000 Super Final for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Tattoo Artist (Bob McClure) hustled to the lead from post nine, with Rhythm In Motion (Sylvain Filion) pocketed up. Denali Seelster (Trevor Henry) wasn't able to gain on his stablemate through fractions of :26.1 and :54.4, keeping Beaumond Hanover (Jody Jamieson) and Indictable Hanover (James MacDonald) pinned down to the pylons. Denali Seelster was still first up through a 1:23.2 third station but started to back through turning for home. That room allowed Beaumond Hanover clearance but Rhythm In Motion was live from that pocket trip and he sailed right past the favourite en route to the 10-1 upset and his first OSS victory, winning in a career best 1:50.1. Beaumond Hanover and Indictable Hanover both shook loose late to complete the triactor with Tattoo Artist finishing fourth.
"He's been racing against Tattoo Artist all year and he was tough to follow," admitted Filion. "But I think my horse is getting better and maybe Tattoo Artist is getting a little tired. It was perfect for me."
Rhythm In Motion (Big Jim - Racy Gal Hanover is a homebred of Ontario's Santo & Nunzio Vena. The win is his fourth of the sophomore campaign and fifth lifetime, and the winner's share of the purse puts his bankroll at $259,185.
"He's been racing real good the last month and a half," noted winning trainer Ben Baillargeon. "Last week was a great mile at Western Fair; we got him in gear then he was grabby a little too much, but he's been awesome...I felt really good in the last turn. I kind of liked that Bobby was putting the brakes on and waiting for somebody. I don't know who he was waiting for but I guess it was me!" said Baillargeon with a laugh. "It worked out perfect."
This race was one of eight Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals contested on Saturday, Oct. 17. Check out the rest of the recaps in the OSS Super Final News Centre.