Tyler Borth likely didn't draw up a strategy for success like the one employed on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Woodbine Mohawk Park for Emmetts Buddy.
The result, however, showed both the quick thinking of the driver and the versatility of the equine athlete.
Emmetts Buddy was the 2-1 second choice in the $36,000 Preferred Pace, and the slight second choice at that behind last week's Preferred winner Cold Creek Queso. Those two horses joined Points North as contenders into the opening turn, with Cold Creek Queso (Jody Jamieson) taking advantage of his inside post to press on and clear to the lead through a :26.2 opening quarter. Borth was forced to retreat and take a seat in fourth with Emmetts Buddy through middle fractions of :56.3 and 1:25.1.
As the field of seven raced -- and disappeared -- into the far turn, Points North (Sylvain Filion) emerged from third to advance first over and get to near even terms with Cold Creek Queso at the head of the lane. Pocket-sitter Livinthebeachlife (Louis-Philippe Roy) found a seam up the pylons, but Borth found a different seam through the fog to the outside and exploded late with his patented strong finish. With a :26.3 final quarter, Emmetts Buddy hit the wire a head in front of Livinthebeachlife with Cold Creek Queso a half-length back to complete the triactor. The mile was timed in 1:52.3.
Four-year-old Emmetts Buddy (In The Irons - Logicallyinclined) is trained by Mike Kwietniowski for breeder / owner Arthur Rey of St Claude, Man. The win was his 12th of the year and 19th lifetime, bringing his career earnings to $267,719.
Emmetts Buudy paid $6.30 to win.
To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing at Mohawk, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.