Upsetters Sweep New Holland Opener

A talented cast of performers clashed in the opening leg of the New Holland Trotting Series during Monday’s 10-race card at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and it was upset city in leg one.

Itstimetogohome erupted for a 34-1 upset in his $30,000 division for the tandem of driver James MacDonald and trainer Carmen Auciello.

The five-year-old son of Creatine-Wake Up Susie got away sixth from Post 9 while Toccoa Falls (:28) and Shadrack Hanover (:56 and 1:24.4) took turns on the lead.  Toccoa Falls came on to reclaim the lead in the late stages of the contest, but Itstimetogohome found late real estate to work with at the pylons and his closing quarter of :28 was enough to earn him the neck decision over Toccoa Falls in 1:53.4.  Third prize went to longshot Franks Angel.    

Dan Sarafian of Unionville, Ont., who recently purchased the gelding privately, watched the 15-time winner win for the first time this season from six attempts.  He’s banked over $20,000 this season and more than $160,000 to date.

Ritson went to the front and didn’t look back en route to posting a 1:53.3 triumph in the $30,000 second division for the duo of driver Scott Young and trainer Shawn Steacy.

The five-year-old son of Cantab Hall-Sheenas Shadow powered to the top from Post 3 and successfully sliced out splits of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:25.4 before sprinting home in :27.4 to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Dealin With Dewey.  Taking home the show dough was El Toro Loco, who was fourth-placed-third.

Sent off at odds of 7-1, Ritson won for the first time this season from nine attempts for owners Mark Steacy, Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc, Dale Larson and Stephen Downey.  The 10-time winner pushed his lifetime earnings to $286,404 with the win.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.