Roxie Hart and driver Mario Baillargeon kicked off the Monday (Dec. 1) Woodbine Mohawk Card with razzle dazzle as they teamed up to take the $22,000 co-feature on the card in a career best 1:54.
A field of nine trotters lined up behind the gate in the lid-lifter who where non-winners of three or $50,000 or optional $60,000 claimers with Roxie Heart leaving from post five as the 5-2 second choice. Roxie Hart left alertly from the wings, landing in second while Sunday Shoes (Billy Davis Jr.) cut the opening quarter in :27.3. Roxie Hart wasn't content to follow, popping the pocket and storming to the lead on the backstretch through a half in :57 before trotting to three-quarters 2-1/4 lengths clear in 1:25.1. Even-money favourite, Chic Choc Rose (James MacDonald), began to close first-over with Roxie Hart digging in to hold her at bay by three-quarters of a length on the wire. Ultra Myles (Louis-Philippe Roy) rallied for the show spot.
Benoit Baillargeon trains, bred and co-owns Roxie Hart with Jeff Baillargeon, both of Guelph, Ont. The three-year-old daughter of Musical Rhythm-Rockin With Dewey as won four of 23 in 2025, good for seasonal earnings of $172,199 following the lifetime best performance. Roxie Hart paid $7 to win.
In the second division of the same condition later on the card, Manoah and driver Travis Henry held up their end of the bargain as the 6-5 favourite in a matching 1:54.
Leaving from post five, Manoah got away in third while Chip Happened (Jody Jamieson) assumed command at 99-1 through a quarter of :27.2. Manoah brushed to the lead quickly before the half in :56.2, opening up on the lead by 2-1/4 lengths at three-quarters in 1:25.2. Manoah maintained and open length advantage in the lane, coasting to the line two lengths clear over Veracruz (Davis Jr.), who outdueled Ready For Landing (Jean Plante) for second.
Mark Etsell trains Manoah for owners Frank Lamacchia of St George, Ont., Tony P Miceli and Deanmar Sons Stable both of Mississauga, Ont., and Gennarino Lamacchia of St George, Ont. The third win in 19 starts this season was also a career best for the three-year-old Greenshoe-Southwind Sauna who has banked $93,996 this season.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)