American Virgin ($3.50) and Woodbine Racetrack's leading driver Doug McNair delivered as the favourites in this week's Saturday night special, the $34,000 Preferred Pace.
Alexas Jackpot (Louis Philippe Roy) out-left his rivals from post five to establish a three-length lead by the :26.1 quarter mark, but 3-5 favourite American Virgin looped the early leaver on the way to the half in :55.3. Meanwhile, last week's upset winner, Jins Shark (James MacDonald), moved underway first-over from fifth and continued to pursue the front-striding American Virgin past three-quarters in 1:23.4, but had to settle for the runner-up role this night as American Virgin was strong through the stretch to score the one-length victory in 1:51, with Alexas Jackpot hanging on inside for third.
The ultra-consistent American Virgin was a winner in this class on January 21, with that start sandwiched between a pair of close runner-up finishes. He's been no worse than third in five starts this year and is the top money-earner in Canada so far in 2017 with more than $55,000 already banked in purses. Richard Moreau, Canada's 2016 Trainer of the Year, conditions the five-year-old Always A Virgin gelding for owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont.
Millionaire pacer Domethatagain, who will be standing his first season in 2017 at Abby Stables in Ohio, was victorious in his final career start in 1:50.4 with Louis Philippe Roy engineering the winning trip for trainer and co-owner Rene Allard. The son of Bettors Delight was seventh through hot opening fractions in a $25,000 conditioned pace before moving into the outer flow and out-finishing his rivals with a 27-second final frame. He paid $16.40 to win.
The 1:48 pacer, who notched his 27th career win, is also owned by Allard Racing Inc. of Saint-Esprit, Que., Robert Hamather of Exeter, Ont., and Bruce Soulsby of Powell, Ohio.
Also noteworthy on Saturday, the streaking trotter Free Willy Hanover ($2.70) maintained his perfect record since shipping north of the border thanks to another winning performance in the evening's opener. Rallying off cover down the stretch in rein to Jonathan Drury, the four-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner got up in the final strides for the 1:56.2 victory ahead of P L Jill (Mike Saftic) and Amoureuse Hanover (Travis Cullen).
The 15-time starter's current Canadian streak includes six of his seven career wins. He is now three-for-three in 2017 since joining the stable of Carmen Auciello, who shares ownership with Rocco Auciello of Stouffville, Ont., Armando Cappuccitti of Maple, Ont., Robert Watson of London, Ont., and Mike Bartram of Ingersoll, Ont.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.