The Control The Moment colt Century Hannibal hurried to the front and kept his speed rolling through the rest of the mile to score a 1:50.4 victory in the opening round of the Valedictory Pacing Series on Saturday (Dec. 18) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Away fourth through a :27.3 first quarter, driver James MacDonald brushed to the top with Century Hannibal into the backstretch. He cruised to the half in :55.4 and steadily widened his advantage of Southbeach Hanover around the final turn and pacing to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Off the corner, he opened 6-1/4 lengths on his competition and coasted for home while VP Rockin ripped from last to finish second, beaten three lengths, with Southbeach Hanover third and Kount Blaster fourth.
Owned by Paul Ritchie, Century Hannibal won his sixth race from 20 starts, pushing his earnings to $75,064. James Ritchie trains the $4.10 winner.
Take A Gamble capitalized off a pocket ride in the other division of the Valedictory, landing a head decision in 1:52.1.
Odds-on choice Chantee charged for the front to a :27.1 first quarter while Take A Gamble sat a loosely behind in second. As the tempo slowed to a :56.1 half, Take A Gamble tightened from second as Royal Tang swung off the pegs with a first-over bid for the lead to the final turn. Royal Tang ranged to the leader’s wheel coming to three-quarters in 1:24.1 before starting a retreat which left Take A Gamble with a seam to surge after Chantee into the eighth pole. With fresh legs, the Shawn Steacy pupil surged to the lead just in time to snag victory from Chantee while Great Somewhere finished third and JTs Jet took fourth.
Owned by Stephen Klunowski, Take A Gamble won his fourth race from 20 starts, pushing his earnings to $77,205. Trevor Henry drove the Bettors Delight gelding, who paid $5.90 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.