Art Professor put an end St Elmo Hero’s 25-race winning streak as he prevailed in a thrilling photo finish in the $45,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Racetrack
on Saturday night.
Driven by Jody Jamieson and trained by Meg Crone while in Canada for owner John Barnard, St Elmo Hero settled on top just past the :26.4 opening quarter and proceeded to the half in :56 while Upfront Hoosierboy (Mario Baillargeon) launched a first over attack from the back of the pack.
Upfront Hoosierboy took it to the heavy 1-5 favourite past three-quarters in 1:23.4 and the pair battled head-to-head down the stretch, but it was Art Professor and driver Mark MacDonald who came charging up from fourth with a :26.2 final frame to collar St Elmo Hero right at the wire in 1:51. St Elmo Hero was second with Upfront Hoosierboy and Ideal Race (Rick Zeron) right there in third and fourth.
Ben Wallace trains Art Professor ($8.30) for co-owners Bradley Grant of Milton and Holland Racing Stable Inc. of Aurora, Ont. The four-year-old son of Art Major-Allamerican Toffee, a runner-up in the Four Leaf Clover at the Meadowlands, has won five of 13 races this year to earn $126,500. His victory tonight was win No. 13 and pushed his career bankroll over the $300,000 mark.
A win photo was not needed earlier on the card to determine the $28,000 Preferred 2 Pace winner as Ok Boromir had over three lengths on his rivals at the wire with Doug McNair in the bike for trainer Frank Baker Jr., who also co-owns with Wray and Janet Wilson of Thorndale, Ont.
Ok Boromir got away third but swept to command ahead of Ruthless Ace (Jody Jamieson) after a :26.2 opening quarter. The five-year-old son of No Pan Intended-Double Creme carved out the remaining panels of :56 and 1:24.1 en route to a season‘s-best victory in 1:51.1. Aled Hanover (Scott Zeron) closed like a freight train to grab second and Kindly Poet (Rick Zeron) edged out World Away (Mike Saftic) for third.
The victory was Ok Boromir’s ($9.00) third of the season in 12 tries and pushed his earnings to $58,330. The win was also his 13th lifetime and increased his overall bankroll to $483,464.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
st elmos hero game in defeat
st elmos hero game in defeat last night.
and im sure all involved, considering this very difficult week back home for them,are very proud of the effort last night and all of the great work put into this streak of victories.
the very best to all aroud Balmoral in the days ahead.
jctoronto
I'd just like to mention how
I'd just like to mention how much I've loved watching St Elmo Hero race. He seems as tough as they come, and I know we'll see him back again soon.
I am very proud to see the part that our local Canadian horsemen and women have played in his run. Congrats to Meg Crone and Jody Jamieson.
Here's hoping we see Elmo stay here with Ms Crone for at least another start so we can see him get his next 'spurt' underway...
In Elmo We trust? :)