Grand Circuit trotting champion Southwind Avenger overcame an outside post position and deployed a strong closing effort to win his sophomore debut on Friday night (May 10) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Reunited with driver Trevor Henry, 3-5 favourite Southwind Avenger only had the breaker beat early on in a field of 10, but ultimately prevailed by half a length in 1:56.1 with a :27.4 final frame.
Longshot Melanie G clocked opening panels of :27.4 and :57.4 in the $18,000 conditioned trot before Oceanview Deb struck from first-over at the 1:27.1 third quarter mark. Meanwhile, Southwind Avenger was spotted fourth-over on gapping cover. He was sent wide on the final turn and began to trot up a storm, passing rivals on the far outside down the stretch with Y C Broadway finding a clear path after being shuffled back from an early three-hole and trotting with him to the finish. The pocket-sitting Spectre came through inside between horses to secure third-place honours.
Richard 'Nifty' Norman trains the E L Titan gelding for owners Melvin Hartman, David McDuffee and Little E LLC.
The 2018 Valley Victory winner never missed a cheque during his 11-race freshman campaign in which he banked nearly $400,000. Southwind Avenger, who kicked off his career with an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold victory at Mohawk, also earned a half-dozen runner-up finishes.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.