Pepsi North America Cup eligible Tattoo Artist delivered another statement victory on Saturday (June 20) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, stopping the clock in a career-best 1:49.3.
The Dr. Ian Moore trainee followed up his six-length 1:50 score from a week ago with another successful speed mission for driver Bob McClure in Saturday’s eighth race, a Non-Winners of 7 or $125,000 event.
Tattoo Artist blasted out from post 5 to post a :26.3 opening quarter while Legion Seelster parked to his outside. Tattoo Artist and McClure kept Legion Seelster wide and continued to speed towards a :53.1 half.
After putting away his rival, Tattoo Artist stormed by three-quarters in 1:21.2 and stretched his lead in the lane to win by three lengths in 1:49.3.
A son of Hes Watching, Tattoo Artist was last year’s Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final champion. The Moore trainee is now two-for-three this season and seven for 11 overall. His latest victory brings him to $266,325 in career earnings for owners Frank Cannon and Let It Ride Stables Inc.
Another notable "Cup" eligible to race was Beaumond Hanover. The Jack Darling trainee finished third in a Non-Winners of 3 or $50,000 event, finishing just within a length of a 1:50.4 winner.
A son of Sportswriter, Beaumond Hanover turned heads with a 1:49.4 victory in his season debut on June 8. His third-place finish was just his second loss in seven career starts.
The first Ontario Sires Stakes Gold leg of the season will take place on July 4 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Saturday night was originally scheduled to be the Pepsi North America Cup card. This year’s event has been pushed back to Saturday, Aug. 29.
Earlier on the card, William Wellwood champion HP Royal Theo claimed victory following a sixth-place debut last week, becoming the fastest three-year-old trotting colt in North America in the process. Taking the front past a :27 first quarter, Hp Royal Theo trotted splits of :55.4 and 1:25 in progress to a 1:52.3 mile.
The time is also the fourth fastest for a trotting sophomore on the continent this season, behind trotting fillies Hypnotic AM (Q1:51.1), Dubai Princess (1:52) and Sorella (1:52.1).
Live harness racing resumes Monday evening (June 22) at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7 p.m. (EDT).
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(with files from Woodbine Mohawk Park)