Second-betting choice Ellis Park took the lead early and continued to control to the finish, wiring the field in the $34,000 Preferred Pace Saturday, May 26 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Chris Christoforou put Ellis Park to the top, leading Nirvana Seelster through the first quarter in :26.2. Unchallenged through a half in :55.1, Ellis Park advanced in front around the far turn while American Virgin ventured first over, carrying race-favourite Sintra on his back. Ellis Park possessed a three-length lead however passing three quarters, timed in 1:23.4, and turned into the stretch with a near-five-length advantage over Sintra rallying off cover into second. Ellis Park bested Sintra, who made his seasonal debut, by two and one-half lengths at the finish in 1:50.3, with American Virgin finishing third.
Owned by David Goodrow Stable, Ellis Park, winning his first race in five starts this season and his 30th in 120 overall, has earned $720,440 through his career. The Tony O'Sullivan-trained nine-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover, out of the Cambest mare Roller Cam, paid $5.00 to win.
North America Cup contender Lather Up shipped north in preparation for the $1-million event, winning a $19,000 conditioned pace in 1:49.1 by seven and three-quarter lengths as the odds-on betting choice. The Clyde Francis-trained son of Im Gorgeous, from the In The Pocket mare Pocket Comb, battled for control through fractions of :26.1 and :54.4 before seizing command to the inside of Nascar Seelster parking the mile. Lather Up passed three quarters in 1:22.4 in progress to his blowout victory over London Seelster and Freddy Bear.
Owned by Gary and Barbara Iles, Lather Up remains undefeated in three starts this season, but collected his seventh win in 10 starts overall, earning $112,100. He paid $3.00 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Saw a lot of good racing this
Saw a lot of good racing this weekend. Must say Lather Up's performance at Mohawk was breathtaking... first and last quarters in 26 and a bit from the nine hole. NA season record for colts.Could be a major player if he stays healthy.