With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it was only fitting for Luvutothemoonanbak to make it two-for-two in his young career, recovering from an early miscue to score against $18,000 conditioned company at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Leaving from post eight as the 9-5 favourite, Luvutothemoonanbak and driver Doug McNair bobbled off the wings of the gate, before quickly recovering and landing in fifth as C Kan Trot (Michiel Vanderkamp) trotted to the inside of Mr Ballykeel (Louis-Philippe Roy) to the quarter in :29.2. Mr Ballykeel cleared had things his way to the half in :58.4 before action picked up on the final turn. C Kan Trot popped the pocket on the way to three-quarters while Wheelin N Stealin (Brett MacDonald) tipped three-deep to vie for the lead at that station in 1:29.3 while Luvutothemoonanbak moved within striking distance.
The trotters fanned out five-deep turning for home, with Luvutothemoonanbak grabbing a short lead to the inside of Royal Beluga (Mark Etsell) midway through the lane. The two surged clear late, slugging it out with Luvutothemoonanbak prevailing by a head on the wire over Royal Beluga in 2:00. Major Bank (Tyler Borth) navigated traffic in the lane to rally for third.
The 2:00 clocking was a new best for Luvutothemoonanbak, who remains perfect through two career outings for trainer Blake MacIntosh. The gelded three-year-old son of Love You-With Sprinkles is owned by Clancy Farms of Severn, Ont.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)