American Virgin was back in action after skipping a week of racing action and resumed his win streak in Woodbine Racetrack's $34,000 Preferred Pace to cap off a five-win night for the Richard Moreau stable.
Driven by Doug McNair, American Virgin swept to the lead from mid-pack down the backstretch after a :26.4 opening quarter. The 3-5 favourite reached the half in :55.3 then three-quarters in 1:23.3 en route to his fifth straight victory in 1:50.4. Down the stretch, he remained clear of the pocket-pulling Alexas Jackpot (James MacDonald) and late-closing Nickle Bag (Trevor Henry), who came from last in the compact field of five to show.
American Virgin is Canada's top money-earner so far in 2017 with just over $140,000 already banked in purses, and the co-fastest (with tonight's 1:50 winner Champagne Phil) courtesy of his victory last time out on March 25. The five-year-old Always A Virgin-Flyfly Judith gelding is now seven-for-11 this year for owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont.
Lifetime, he boasts 20 wins and a bankroll of $435,036.
With his stable's five victories during the 10-race card, four-time O'Brien Award winner Moreau pulled ahead in the national trainer standings and now has 62 on the year. Louis-Philippe Roy drove Moreau's earlier winners, including Rockin Wizard ($6.30), Traceur Hanover ($7.20), Twomacsonemach ($5.20) and Carracci Hanover ($9.30).
In the final race of the night featuring the Jackpot Hi-5 wager, five-year-old pacer Luke And Duke and driver Steve Bryon got up late to score a 41-1 upset victory in 1:52.3. He won by half a length over Perfect Vista (Jonathan Drury) and UF Bettors Hanover (Phil Hudon), both sent postward with double-digit odds of 15-1 and 11-1, respectively. Favourite Darcee N (Travis Cullen) finished fourth with Single White Sock (James MacDonald) completing the 5-8-4-6-3 winning combination selected by only one handicapper for the Jackpot.
The Jackpot Hi-5 paid $141,059.11 for the single-winning, 20-cent ticket. It had a carryover of $118,631, which had been growing since March 13.
Monday night (April 10) will close out the Woodbine harness meet and live racing will then shift to Mohawk beginning on Thursday night (April 13).
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.