American Virgin was a repeat winner in the $34,000 Preferred Pace, scoring in front-end fashion on Saturday night (March 4) at Woodbine Racetrack.
Driver Doug McNair sent even-money favourite American Virgin to the lead from post five through a :26.3 first quarter and cruised through middle splits of :55.3 and 1:24.3 before holding off the pylon-skimming Alexas Jackpot (Louis-Philippe Roy) by a half-length in 1:51.2. Nickle Bag (Trevor Henry), the 2-1 second wagering choice, closed from second-over to finish third.
Trained by Richard Moreau and owned by Brad Grant of Milton, Ont., American Virgin now boasts wins in half of his eight Preferred starts this year along with three other top-three performances to lead all horses in Canada for 2017 earnings -- $89,080.
The five-year-old Always A Virgin-Flyfly Judith gelding returned $4.10 for a $2 Win ticket at the betting windows.
Woodbine's Jackpot Hi-5 wager will feature a $578,231.58 carryover next Saturday when there will be a mandatory payout. Tonight's winning combination of 7-4-5-2-1 was led by Little Woody and driver Louis-Philippe Roy, with Speedling (Doug McNair), Big Yellow (James MacDonald), Hughgetthecredit (Travis Cullen) and Podge (Jody Jamieson) rounding out the top five finish order.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.