Musical Rhythm made a triumphant return to the Preferred Trot on Monday evening (November 26) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The six-year-old Ben Baillargeon trainee pulled off a 9-1 upset over six rivals in the $34,000 top class.
A rainy Monday led to ‘sloppy’ conditions for the evening’s card of harness racing. Dunbar Hall was the talk of the field, as he entered on a two-race win streak in the Preferred.
Dancer Hall, who finished second in the last two editions of the Preferred, powered to the early lead and posted a :28.3 opener before catching a :30 breather in the second quarter. B Yoyo moved out from fourth and came first-up, which allowed Musical Rhythm and driver Mario Baillargeon to follow from fifth and sit second-over on the far turn.
Dancer Hall maintained the lead to three-quarters in 1:27.4, with B Yoyo pressuring first-up and Musical Rhythm in a perfect second-over spot. Dunbar Hall got away third and rather than coming first-up, he stayed in and was buried fourth turning for home.
In the stretch, B Yoyo immediately trotted by Dancer Hall and took the lead, but it was short-lived, as Musical Rhythm powered by for a three-length score in 1:57.1. Free Willy Hanover finished second, while B Yoyo was third and Dunbar Hall fourth.
A son of Cantab Hall, Musical Rhythm was returning to the Preferred after dropping down and gaining confidence at lower levels. The Baillargeon trainee registered his ninth career Preferred victory and first since last October.
Musical Rhythm now has two wins and $43,780 earned in eight starts this season for owners Santo & Nunzio Vena, Claude Hamel and Ben Baillargeon. Monday’s victory increases his career numbers to 29 wins and $680,228 earned.
A $2 win ticket on Musical Rhythm paid $20.50.
Live racing resumes Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7:10 p.m.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(With files from Woodbine Mohawk Park)