It wasn't quite to the moon and back, but the journey was still a long one for Luvutothemoonanbak who went first-over en route to a new lifetime mark in winning the $22,000 conditioned trotting feature on Monday (Feb. 2) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Doug McNair had the call on Luvutothemoonanbak who left from post four as the 8-5 favourite in the non-winners of three or $70,000 lifetime affair. The bettors' choice floated away into fifth on the first turn while Daffy Hanover (Travis Cullen) powered to the top from the outside post nine through a :28.1 opening panel. Pantofolaio (Tyler Borth) brushed from fourth and cleared to the lead at the half in :57.4, leaving Luvutothemoonanbak uncovered from third. Luvutothemoonbak powered around Pantofolaio on the final turn, taking a two-length advantage to three-quarters in 1:25.4.
Luvutothemoonanbak built upon his advantage at the head of the lane, leading by four lengths at the eighth pole when Jayport Cash (Daryl Thiessen) began to rally to his outside. Despite the late rally, Luvutothemoonanbak coasted to a wire a length clear of Jayport Cash to top the timer in 1:56. Florida Guy (Trevor Henry) rallied for the show position.
Trained by Blake MacIntosh, Luvutothemoonanbak picked up the first victory of his four-year-old campaign for owners Clancy Farms of Severn, Ont. The Love You-With Sprinkles gelding has won four of 24 lifetime, banking $69,015 for his career.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)