Ontario-owned Michelangelo produced a fifth straight work of art, running his winning streak to five in a row in the $10,000 feature race at Vernon Downs on Friday night.
That streak has now stretched over two different tracks, with Michelangelo winning three straight at Rideau Carleton Raceway before crossing the border and picking up two straight wins at Vernon Downs.
The betting favourite in the feature, House Money, actually set the pace on a very windy night at Vernon Downs. The first quarter-mile, which went with the wind, was trotted in :27.4. The field then turned into the backstretch and faced the gale, which resulted in a slower second quarter of :30-seconds flat. House Money continued to dictate the pace through three-quarters in 1:27.2.
It appeared that setting the pace in the blustery conditions took quite a toll on House Money, as the favourite was passed first by Michelangelo and then by A Penny Earned for second. House Money had to settle for third. Michelangelo's final time for the mile was 1:54.3. The favourite finishing out of the top two triggered an exacta payout of $100.
Michelangelo was driven to victory by Truman Gale. Gale kept Michelangelo tucked in behind the leader throughout the first three-quarters and perfectly timed his move to the front in the stretch.
Michelangelo is owned and trained by Chelsea Knapp of Brockville, Ont.
The complete order of finish for the field of five was Michelangelo, A Penny Earned, House Money, Pine Credit, and Sand Top Gun.
Live racing will resume at Vernon Downs on Saturday night with a first post time of 6:45 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)