In his first start since being nominated to the Pepsi North America Cup, Talbot Romeo turned heads at Woodbine Racetrack on Thursday night (February 23) with the fastest winning mile in Canada so far this year by a three-year-old.
Mike Saftic guided the 9-5 favourite in the $17,000 sixth race for non-winners of three or $28,500 lifetime to a 1:52.3 five-length victory from off the pace. After following in seventh through panels of :26.2, :55.2 and 1:24.2, Talbot Romeo powered home from fourth-over in the outer flow, sprinting his final quarter in :27.1. JRs Big Buddy and Emptythetill rounded out the top three finish order.
Trained by John Pentland and owned by Karen Carroll of Shedden, Ont., the homebred Roll With Joe-Northern Duchess colt has now won his last three races by a combined 15-1/2 lengths. He has earned $31,700 in four career starts.
The nomination fee for Canada's richest race was due February 15, with sustaining payments still to follow on March 15, April 15 and May 15. One of the highlights on the WEG stakes schedule, the North America Cup will be held on June 17 at Mohawk Racetrack with eliminations the week prior.
In other Thursday night racing action, trainer Rene Allard swept the last three races on the 10-race card with Top Dollar ($3.40), Bank Shot Hanover ($5) and Vital Sign ($3.20). The Allard winners wrapped up a four-win night for driver Louis-Philippe Roy.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.