Round two of the Harvest Series for three-year-old trotting fillies went postward Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and just a single division was needed this week.
All eyes were on heavily-favoured, week one winner Northern Royale, who was sent off as the 1-2 favourite in the 11-filly affair. Club Belvedere, however, was the one who ultimately upset the apple cart in the $17,000 tilt.
Warrawee Ultra powered to the early lead from Post 4 and had the field chasing her through fractions of :27.4, :58.4 and 1:28.1. Northern Royale, who got away sixth, came first over on the way to the half and was just a length away from the leader as the field headed into the final quarter of the contest. Northern Royale grabbed the lead in the lane, but was picked off in the closing strides by Club Belvedere and driver James MacDonald.
Club Belvedere, who was treated to a ground-saving journey throughout, used a :29.3 closing quarter to shoot up the rail and post the nose decision over Northern Royale in 1:58.1. Miss Congeniality was third.
Dagfin Henriksen trains the homebred daughter of Holiday Road-First To The Front for Dr. Michael Venneri of St. Catharines, Ont. Sent off at odds of 37-1, the filly won for the fourth time this season and for the fifth time in her career.
Carmen Auciello had a productive nights thanks to three trips to victory lane on the 10-race card.
He clicked with Mister Magic (Race 2 – 1:56.2), Grand Poobah (Race 4 – 1:54.1) and Pogey Beach (Race 10 – 1:53.2).
It’s been a career year for Auciello from a money earning perspective as the trainer has watched his barn bank in excess of $3 million. Add to that 166 wins to give him 1,365 to date. The 2019 season also saw Auciello surpass $20 million in lifetime earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.