Even-money favourite Passarino proved stout on the lead as he and driver Jason Ryan wired the field in the $11,000 Preferred Trot on Monday, Feb. 9 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Leaving from post two, Passarino blasted off the wings, quickly clearing to the top and taking the field of six to the opening station in :29 with Insanity (Samuel Fillion) drafting along from second. Unchallenged to the half in :59.2, Ryan revved the engine on Passarino and opened up a two-length advantage to three-quarters in 1:28.
Insanity continued to chase entering the final turn, closing the gap on Passarino and tipping off the cones at the head of the lane with the top duo well clear from the rest. The trotters slugged it out for the length of the stretch, with Passarino digging in gamely to stave off Insanity by a half-length in 1:58.4. Lookproud (Brett MacDonald) crossed the wire in third, 6-1/2 lengths behind the winner.
Trained by Garry Merner, Passarino has won three of his last four starts and 16 times in his career. Bred and owned by Seawind Amg Stbs 2005 Inc. of Bouctouche, N.B., the six-year-old gelded son of Lookslikeachpndale-Perfect Prelude has now banked $354,476 for his career.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)