Overlooked by the betting public, the class climbing Classic Rock Nroll stormed home from the backfield for a 13-1 upset in the $50,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night
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Classic Rock Nroll and driver Doug McNair got away seventh from Post 4 while the three outsiders in the 10-horse field blasted off the gate jockeying for the top spots. Post 10 starter Mystician (Jody Jamieson) was the quickest of them all as he cleared to command before the first turn.
The popular millionaire hit the opening quarter mark in :27, took a second panel breather to the half in :56.3, and raced to three-quarters in 1:24. Meanwhile, the outer flow started to develop with Reibercrombie (Scott Zeron) first up, but unable to make it past second place Upfront Hoosierboy (Mario Baillargeon).
As Mystician spun into the stretch, Upfront Hoosierboy pulled the pocket and edged out in front down the lane, but Classic Rock Nroll weaved between horses for a clear path and blew by them both as he unleashed a :27-second final frame. Classic Rock Nroll hit the wire in 1:52.1 in his Open class debut on the WEG scene while Upfront Hoosierboy and Mystician finished over one length back in second and third, respectively.
The Tony O'Sullivan trainee notched his second consecutive victory and has picked up cheques in all five of his 2012 starts for nearly $50,000 in seasonal earnings. Classic Rock Nroll now sports a lifetime record reading 10-14-7 in 61 outings with $376,910 banked.
New York's Frank Bellino owns the regally bred five-year-old, a son of Rocknroll Hanover and the Hall of Fame mare Classic Wish. He is a half-brother to millionaires Bettors Delight, No Pan Intended, and Roll With Joe.
Classic Rock Nroll returned $29.30 to his backers for a $2 win ticket.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.