Little Manny reasserted his dominance in the top class at Truro Raceway on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 12) with a determined dash to the front off the gate.
After seeing his November win streak snapped in last week's $2,000 Winners Over pacing feature by newcomer Denali Seelster, Little Manny rebounded with co-owner Stephen Trites back in the bike.
The race began as it had the last two weeks, with 8-5 second choice American Risk (Redmond Doucet) leaving from the inside post, but he had company with Little Manny and Good Friday Three (Andrew Campbell) firing ahead from posts four and five, respectively. Little Manny was adamant on controlling the pace and kept Good Friday Three parked out through panels of :28.2 and :57.2.
As the field turned into the backstretch the final time, even-money favourite Denali Seelster (Darren Crowe) swept three-wide from the backfield while Good Friday Three threw in the towel. Meanwhile, Little Manny opened up 2-1/4 lengths through three-quarters in 1:27.1 and when Denali Seelster broke stride at the top of the stretch, he was left to fend off the late-surging American Risk at the pylons. Little Manny persisted, prevailing by half a length in 1:57.1 over the 'good' track, which was rated two seconds off. Well Did (Paul Langille) followed 3-1/2 length back in third.
Sent postward as the 9-5 third choice, Little Manny paid $5.90 to win.
Trained by Charles Miles, the four-year-old Articulator gelding has compiled a seasonal summary reading 11-6-3 from 29 starts for Trites and partners Dean McLaughlin, Brad McLaughlin and Mark Taylor. The victory was his 16th lifetime.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Truro Raceway.