Pulling pocket around the final turn, Nocturnal Bluechip blasted to a four-length lead in the stretch and maintained the open-length margin to the wire to take the $27,000 featured pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Nirvana Seelster crossed from post nine to the pylons and led the field past a :27 opening quarter with Nocturnal Bluechip in tow second. Regal Son, racing fourth, angled first over as Nirvana Seelster sped through a :55.3 half and gradually drew closer to the leader rounding the final turn.
Driver Bob McClure tipped Nocturnal Bluechip from the pocket heading to three-quarters in 1:24.1 and sprung to a widening lead through the stretch. Race-favourite Pointomygranson, fanning off cover towards the center of the course, swept into second while Regal Son settled for third.
Owned by NLG Racing Stable, Nocturnal Bluechip won his 11th race from 30 starts this season and his 18th from 78 overall, earning $443,771. Jeff Gillis trains the five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding who paid $13.90 to win.
Trainer Ben Baillargeon collected three wins on the 10-race card. He sent Rock This Way ($10.60) to a 1:53 off-the-pace victory in a $14,000 pace, Torrin Hanover ($4.80) to a 1:51 near-wire-to-wire effort in a $20,000 pace and Traceur Hanover ($7.20) to a 1:51.1 win in a $22,000 pace.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.