Brad Grant’s American Virgin ($11.70) was taxed through a :25.4 first quarter to clear from his outside post in the featured $34,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night (Feb. 24), but he had enough left late to repel a stout first-over push from The Rev en route to a one-length win.
Doug McNair sent the six-year-old Always A Virgin gelding straight to the front from post 9, but it took American Virgin that blistering initial split to clear the front. After rating a :30.1 second-quarter breather, American Virgin faced stern first-over pressure from The Rev (Jody Jamieson), and in fact was headed through a :28.2 third quarter. American Virgin held steadfast off the home turn, repelling his outside rival and maintaining a length of clearance from pocket rival Nirvana Seelster (Trevor Henry), who angled off the pegs and rallied for second. The Rev, another length back in the end, faded to finish third.
Perennial top trainer Richard Moreau conditions American Virgin, whose 27th career win was his third in five starts this year and one of four winning horses sent out by Moreau on the Saturday card.
To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.