San Pail became this nation’s fastest trotter of 2009 when he scorched Mohawk Racetrack’s seven-eighths
mile oval in 1:52.4 in Monday evening’s $50,000 Open Trot .
It also went down as a career-best clocking for the five-year-old son of San Pellegrino, who had his winning trip mapped out by teamster Randy Waples. It was the fourth win of the 2009 campaign for the gelding, who is now a 14-time winner in his career.
Waples tucked San Pail into the four-hole as the field chased Armbro Chronicle to the quarter pole in :26.3. That millionaire continued to the lead the way to the mid-way point in :55.4, but he came under pressure in the third quarter when San Pail marched after him from first-over.
Armbro Chronicle tripped the teletimer at the three-quarter pole in 1:25, with San Pail just a length away on the outside. San Pail muscled past the tempo-setter and used a :27.3 final frame to post the 1:52.4 decision. Race favourite Sakic Seelster, who sat a pocket-trip throughout the mile, rallied to finish second. Third prize went to Windsun Lane.
Rodney Hughes trains and co-owns San Pail with Glenn Van Camp, who also bred the career winner of $470,715.
To view Monday’s results, click here.