It’s proved to be a record-setting month when it comes to speed at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and Musical Rhythm added his name to a pair of impressive lists when he smoked the oval in 1:50.4 on Monday evening.
Musical Rhythm, who was shooting for six straight wins, took on five foes for Team Baillargeon in the weekly edition of the $34,000 Preferred Trot.
Mario Baillargeon hustled Musical Rhythm to the early lead, but was pressed and eventually overtaken by stablemate Bautista at the quarter pole in :26.4. B Yoyo, who got away third, teed off when the trotters hit the backstretch and he quickly got into gear before clearing to the front. He cruised past the half in :54.4 before coming under pressure from the odds-on favourite, Musical Rhythm.
The Ben Baillargeon trainee powered to the top and opened up a solid lead on the field at the three-quarter marker in 1:22.4. A :28-second closing quarter sealed the deal for Musical Rhythm, who fended off a hard-driving Free Willy Hanover by a half-length margin. Catch The Dream stormed home in :27.2 to finish third.
Santo Vena, Nunzio Vena, Claude Hamel and Ben Baillargeon share ownership on the seven-year-old son of Cantab Hall-Musical Victory who equalled Mister Herbie’s track and Canadian record for older trotting horses. The victory was the seventh of the season in 15 attempts for the 36-time winner. His bankroll climbed to $837,988 with the win.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.