After going unraced as a rookie, Beyond Better made his pari-mutuel debut a winning on Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park for trainer Bob McIntosh.
Beyond Better, one of 77 sophomores that was nominated to the 2020 Pepsi North America Cup, entered Thursday’s assignment with a pair of qualifiers under his belt and apparently those prep races were enough to have him primed for a sharp debut.
In rein to Trevor Henry, the son of Bettors Delight-Somethinincredible got away sixth from Post 7 while Teeter, Day Of Honor and Rocknrolls Shadow battled to the quarter pole in :27.1 before Teeter muscled his way to the lead. Teeter in command through middle splits of :56.3 and 1:26.1, but final turn pressure was applied by Cantfindabettorman.
Beyond Better slipped to the outside in the backstretch and tracked Cantfindabettorman’s cover before kicking off that one’s back at the head of the lane. Beyond Better stormed home in :27.3 to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Justa Bandit in 1:54.1. Cantfindabettorman took home third prize in the $15,000 conditioned event.
Sent off as the 2-1 favourite, Beyond Better scored at first asking for owners/breeders Robert McIntosh Stables Inc, C S X Stables and Dave Boyle. Beyond Better is the full-brother to OSS graduate, Thats Incredible (1:53 - $185,975).
Another hopeful for this year’s Pepsi North America Cup, Springbridge Jim, rallied to an impressive victory later on the card in a $17,000 conditioned event for the tandem of driver Bob McClure and co-owner/trainer Andrew Moore.
McClure got away sixth with the son of Big Jim-Stonebridge Vision, and they held that position through the opening half. With early fractions of :27.2 and :56.3 in front of him, McClure tipped Springbridge Jim into the flow on the way to the three-quarter pole. Springbridge Jim then roared home in :26.3 to win by a half-length margin over race favourite Darth Fader in 1:53.2.
Trainer Moore shares ownership on the pacer with Allan Moore, Tommy Godfrey and Charles Farrell. The partners watched the colt win for the third time this season and for the fourth time in his career. He’s stashed away more than $38,000 to date.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.