Veteran trotter Never Mind N hit the 50 career win mark with a sneaky score in the $8,000 fourth race on Monday, Oct. 19 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Never Mind N was forwardly placed off the gate by driver Brett MacDonald, landing third at the pylons before sneaking up the inside in the final turn as pocket-sitter Kilmartin Dreamer (Dave Kelly) joined the outer flow. Chasing the pylon-hugging pacesetter Esquire (Lorne House) into the stretch with Morally Flexible (Austin Sorrie) finding his stride first-up after a break behind the gate, Never Mind N was able to split those rivals late in the lane to get up for the 1-3/4-length victory in 2:01. Morally Flexible finished second over Esquire.
One of just three horses to finish first from off the pace on the 12-race card, Never Mind N returned $14.10 to win at odds of 6-1 as the second choice on the tote board. Heavy favourite Arrakis, winner of this class for $9,500 claimers and 14-year-olds the last two weeks, was not a contender after his own miscue at the start.
Never Mind N was victorious in his second start from the stable of Jamie Copley, his 15th different trainer since arriving in North America in 2020. He currently races for the ownership group of Copley, Michel Letarte of Boucherville, Que., and Kimberly Eaton of Brockville, Ont.
A double-digit winner last season, the 13-year-old Muscle Mass-Ashlyn CR gelding has won five times this year in 34 starts. He's earned $388,608 over the span of 226 races lifetime.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada; photo of Never Mind N from a previous win at Woodbine Mohawk Park)