Trainer Ben Baillargeon sent three winners to the track Saturday, March 31 on a rainy 10-race program, contested over an off going, at Woodbine Racetrack.
Baillargeon's night kicked off with Royal Witch, a four-year-old mare by Kadabra, winning a $19,000 trot asa the favourite in 1:58.4. Sitting the pocket through splits of :29 and 1:00.2, driver Trevor Henry tipped Royal Witch off the rail passing three-quarters in 1:30.1 before edging by tempo-setter French Bastille and to a one-and-a-half length victory.
Royal Witch, paying $5.50 to win, competes for owners Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin. She won her third race in three starts this season and her sixth in 20 overall, compiling $142,993 in earnings.
Baillargeon returned to the winner's circle the following race, upsetting with Rock This Way, the longest shot on the board, in a $20,000 conditioned pace. Driven by Mario Baillargeon, Rock This Way sat fourth off fractions of :26.3 and :55.3 before moving off the rail in pursuit of pacesetter Big Petes Style.
After three-quarters in 1:25, Rock This Way drew within a length of the lead, held by first-over Tuxedo Bay, in the stretch. The two battled through the stretch, with Rock This Way taking a neck advantage at the line in 1:53.4.
Returning $26.40 to win, Rock This Way, a four-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover, won his first race in six starts this season and his sixth in 36 starts overall, earning $115,355 for owner Santo and Nunzio Vena.
Major Legacy completed Baillargeon's hat trick with a first-over blitz to win a $12,000 conditioned pace in 1:55.1. Sent at 8-1, the five-year-old Art Major stallion sat third off a :28.2 opening quarter set by Bugger Bruiser before tipping wide approaching the half. Timed in :57.4, Major Legacy matched strides with Bugger Bruiser before taking a narrow lead at three-quarters in 1:25.1 and holding on by a half length at the line over a late-rallying Windsong Lightning.
Owned by Claude Gendreau Stable Inc., Major Legacy, winning his second race in seven starts this season and his eighth in 77 overall, has earned $72,997 in his career. He paid $18.50 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.