State Treasurer capitalized off hot early fractions, including a track record opening quarter, to sweep by the field of Preferred pacers in the stretch for a 12-1 upset victory in Saturday's $34,000 feature event at Mohawk Racetrack.
Driver Chris Christoforou steered the four-year-old son of Real Desire to a 1:50 triumph for trainer Dr. Ian Moore and owners Sally MacDonald of Souris, P.E.I. and Paul MacDonald of Regina, Sask.
Bestofbest Hanover (Sylvain Filion) fired off the gate from post five in this week's Preferred and sprinted Mohawk's fastest first quarter in a sizzling :25-seconds. Favourite Upfront Hoosierboy (Randy Waples) was hot on his heels though and swept to command from the pocket as they moved into the backstretch.
Upfront Hoosierboy led the way to the half in :54.1 while Transcending (Doug McNair) advanced first over from fourth with Modern Legend (Jack Moiseyev) picking up the cover. Meanwhile, State Treasurer, who trailed the seven-horse field, followed into the outer flow.
Upfront Hoosierboy was still on top at three-quarters in 1:23.1 with Transcending looming, but unable to keep up once they hit the stretch. Upfront Hoosierboy was swarmed down the lane as Modern Legend dug in to his outside while State Treasurer fanned wide and Bestofbest Hanover dove down along the pylons.
Unleashing a :25.3 closing kick, State Treasurer got by his rivals for the half-length victory. Modern Legend was second and Upfront Hoosierboy settled for third one length behind over Bestofbest Hanover.
State Treasurer returned $26.20 to his backers for the upset win.
He now has four victories in 14 races this year and a career record reading 11-6-3 in 41 starts with earnings totalling $424,411.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.