After toying with his rivals at Exhibition Park Raceway over the first two cards of the 2021 harness racing season, Blood Money faced a stiffer challenge on Saturday (May 22).
This week, post position definitely played a factor as post five starter and public choice Blood Money (Dr. Mitch Downey) started from the outside of rivals Little Manny (post one, Stephen Trites) and Woodmere Ideal Art (post three, Robert Laffin).
Those three pacers left alertly as the wings of the gate folded to contest the $1,600 feature, with Little Manny yielding to Woodmere Ideal Art in the early stages. Blood Money found a spot in third and watched Woodmere Ideal Art pace through opening panels of :29.2 and :58.2. Downey right-lined Blood Money down the backside to ratchet up the pressure on the pacesetter, narrowing the gap through a 1:28 third panel.
All three of the betting choices held strong around the final turn, with Little Manny locked in the pocket and Blood Money continuing to close. Woodmere Ideal Art wasn't about to pack it in, and held on for the decision by a neck over Blood Money in 1:59 with Little Manny loaded with pace and just back of the front pair.
Now a 21-time winner in his career, Woodmere Ideal Art (Articulator - Very Ideal Hanover) is owned by the Ultimate Stable of Greater Lakeburn, N.B. and trained by Mr. Ultimate himself, Sifroi Melanson.
Handle for the six-race card was $4,742. Live harness racing returns to Saint John next Saturday, May 29.
To view the results for the Saturday card, click the following link: Saturday Results - Exhibition Park Raceway.