Back-to-back O’Brien Award-winning Perfetto went into Monday’s $36,000 Preferred Trot with no wins to speak of in 2022, but a front-stepping triumph put an end to that.
In rein to trainer Dagfin Henriksen, Perfetto powered to the lead from Post 7 and rolled the field through fractions of :28, :58.3 and 1:27 before turning it into a final quarter sprint to the finish line. Perfetto rocketed home in :27.1, and that was good enough to fend off a late-rushing Dream Nation by a nose in 1:54.1. Taking home the show dough in the seven-horse affair was Patriarch Hanover.
Gerald Haggerty of Camden East, Ont. owns the seven-year-old son of Majestic Son-Perfect Prelude, who now owns a 1-1-0 from four trips to the track this season. The 24-time winner is quickly closing in on $700,000 in lifetime earnings.
Monday’s card also featured the $25,000 final of the Pop Up Series for conditioned claimers and Heresthatmanagain came away victorious after being treated to a perfect, pocket trip by driver Colin Kelly.
The five-year-old son of Warrawee Needy-Keystone Romola took over command while racing parked past the quarter pole in :28.2, but it was a short-lived stint on the lead. Race favourite Mayhem Like Me brushed to the lead in the backstretch and had the field chasing him through middle panels of :57.4 and 1:27.1. Kelly angled out of the pocket in the lane and Heresthatmanagain fired home in :27.4 to win by three-quarters of a length over Mayhem Like Me in 1:55.1. The Amazingsando was third.
Darryl Newbigging of Komoka, Ont. owned the gelding, who was claimed from the winning effort. The victory was his second of the season and the 10th of his career. He’s bankrolled just shy of $60,000 to date.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.