Following a disappointing finish in the Breeders Crown final, Sintra hit his stride in his return to home dirt with a 1:49.4 performance to take the $36,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday (Nov. 14) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Away fifth to a :26 opening quarter, Sintra continued to sit mid pack while HP Napoleon looped by early leader Real Willey and Points North readied a charge towards the front from fourth. Past a :54.4 half, Points North cleared command but soon faced pressure into the far turn as Sintra angled off the pegs and flushed cover from Real Willey approaching three-quarters in 1:23. The battlers faltered off the turn as driver Bob McClure motored Sintra off a helmet and powered to the front while a livened backfield cut minorly into its deficit. Sintra hit the finish two lengths in front of Hail Christian N closing for second, with Wheels On Fire rallying from last for third.
A seven-year-old gelding by Mach Three, Sintra won his seventh race from 20 starts this season and his 31st from 77 overall, earning $1,321,967. Anthony Beaton trains the $10.30 winner for owners Michael Guerriero, Kelly Waxman, Nunzio Vena and Frank Cirillo.
So Much More rejoined her peers in the $32,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Handicap Pace and emerged victorious with a 1:52.3 effort.
Parked to a :27.1 opening quarter, So Much More cleared command exiting the turn and held an uncontested lead as Parisian Blue Chip angled first over and began to roll towards the front to a :57.1 half. Parisian Blue Chip drew to equal terms with So Much More past three-quarters in 1:25.2 but lost slight ground through the stretch as So Much More regained the lead and edged to a half-length victory. Lit De Rose, off a pocket trip, finished third.
Co-owned by trainer Don Beatson with Kenneth Beatson and Cole England, So Much More won her 11th race from 27 starts this season and her 30th from 61 overall, earning $522,867. James MacDonald drove the four-year-old Big Jim mare who paid $3.80 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.