Landing on the lead from post 7, Machaholic maintained control despite growing late-race pressure to score in the $24,800 Autumn Series Final for two- and three-year-old pacing colts and geldings at odds of 16-1 on Friday (Oct. 30) at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Driver Brett MacDonald motored Machaholic to the lead, opening three lengths on pocket-sitter Shifting Views past a :27.2 opening quarter. MacDonald then wound down the three-year-old Mach Three gelding’s speed to a :58.1 half, prompting odds-on favourite Dubai Seelster to angle first over for the attack into the backside. Dubai Seelster took a narrow lead to three-quarters in 1:26.3 and held control off the turn as the backfield sprung into action.
Smilingbillythekid, positioned second over, spun three wide straightening for the finish. Dubai Seelster began to falter between horses while Moonshine Willy flew into contention following a break at the start. But Machaholic to the inside reclaimed command, snagging a head victory over Smilingbillythekid in 1 :57.4 mile with Moonshine Willy close in third and Dubai Seelster settling for fourth.
Returning $35.10 to win, Machaholic collected his fifth win from 12 starts this season and her sixth from 15 overall, earning $27,727. Trevin Shive trains the winner for owners Dr. James Shive and John Philpott.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway.