Preferred regular Nickle Bag earned his first win of the year at Woodbine Racetrack, prevailing in this week's $34,000 featured event on Saturday night (February 18).
Nickle Bag, who sat out last week after earning three top-three finishes early this year, advanced first-over to defeat the pacesetting Alexas Jackpot (:26.3, :55.3 and 1:23) and Louis Philippe Roy by one length in 1:50.4 for driver Trevor Henry and trainer Bill Robinson.
He paid $10.10 to win as the 4-1 second choice to last week's winner American Virgin, who broke stride from the pocket in the first turn and was taken to the safety lane by Doug McNair.
Nirvana Seelster and Rick Zeron finished third.
Nickle Bag notched his 33rd career win and boosted his bankroll to $868,970. The seven-year-old Rocknroll Hanover-Buckle Bunni gelding is owned by Linda Loyens of Denfield, Ont., and Harry Loyens of Ilderton, Ont.
Returning to Canada from New Zealand, trainer Duane Marfisi also made a visit the WEG winner's circle on Saturday with his first Canadian starter since the summer of 2010, Australian import Our Sky Major N ($3.70). WEG's leading driver, Doug McNair, guided the seven-year-old son of Art Major to a 1:50.2 victory.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.