Returning to the races after a two month layoff, Maple Leaf Trot champion Intimidate was victorious in the $34,000 Preferred Trot featured on Saturday night's harness racing card at Woodbine Racetrack.
With the support of the betting public behind him, Intimidate was sent postward at odds of 8-5 and paid $5.50 to win. Driver Sylvain Filion steered the near-millionaire to the fourth victory of his five-year-old campaign for trainer Luc Blais.
Flanagan Memory (Chris Christoforou) left for the lead over Fearless Man (Rick Zeron) with Intimidate crossing into the three-hole from his post nine starting spot.
The top two trotters traded turns on the lead through opening fractions of :28.1 and :57.2 before Intimidate brushed by, taking over into the final turn and reaching three-quarters in 1:25.2.
Intimidate began to open up on his foes down the lane to secure the victory in 1:54.1 with Daylon Magician (Jack Moiseyev) advancing into second-place over Fearless Man. Flanagan Memory, locked and loaded in the stretch, finished fourth while Whiskey Tax (Trevor Henry) earned the final paycheque in fifth.
Intimidate's 25th career win brought his earnings to $999,890. The homebred Justice Hall gelding is owned by Judith Farrow of Hemmingford, Que. and Determination of Westmount, Que.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.