Tyler Redwood continued to roll at Cornerstone Raceway winning five races Friday, the second week in a row he has had a quintet of wins. But only one win really mattered Friday, that coming in race six where Redwood piloted Judges Discretion to her 10th consecutive win.
Judges Discretion won in 2:02.4 this time over Hugh Woods with Oral Fixation and Clayton Braybrook with Als Dream Gal.
Redwood said there was not a moment in the race he felt Judges Discretion wasn’t in control and in a position for the win. From the three-hole, Redwood took the mare to the early lead, although he said he knew there was "a lot of early inside speed" in the race. "But she loves when she gets to the front end," said Redwood, adding she responds to challenges well. "It brings out a whole different side of her."
Leading at the half-mile, Redwood said he knew challenges were coming. "But I knew I had a ton of horse left."
By the three-quarter-mile pole Judges Discretion was in control, pulling away from the pack down the stretch. For Redwood the win was huge.
"That was the biggest win I've ever had," he said, adding it was not just the streak, but the fact that his father, Kelvin Godlien, owns Judges Discretion. "To share that moment...He saved my life many years ago...It was something special."
Redwood admitted the win had him in tears, adding he had to compose himself a little before rolling into the winner's circle after a big hug from his father.
Godlien was all smiles too. "It's just awesome," he said, adding having his son in the bike makes it sweeter.
Godlien was also quick to credit his son with a huge part of the success. "He's always got her in contention so when he does want her to race she's right there," he said.
Judges Discretion is also the horse Godlien now points to as the best he has owned since starting in the sport in 1990. "I had a nice three-year-old in '99, but this is by far the best," he said.
When asked if he ever thought about such a streak with Judges Discretion, Godlien was quick to reply. "Not in my wildest dreams," he said, adding last year the mare showed no hint of such success managing only two wins. "At the end of the race meet [in 2011] if I could have got a thousand dollars I was going to sell her."
Judges Discretion will try for an 11th straight win Tuesday as a night of races will be held to make up for an earlier rain out. The mare is also entered to race again Friday.
Redwood is not worried about three races in eight days. "She's a tough mare. She knows what her job is," he said, adding "She's done it before." Redwood said the horse is there to race, so they'll keep her going and hope the streak holds.
As it is, Redwood said 10-wins is more than imagined. "Who would have ever dreamed of winning 10-in-a-row?" he asked. "I sure didn't I'm happy winning two-in-a-row."
Godlien said whatever happens the rest of the year is pure gravy. "We talked about it, if we could get 10, the rest of the year wouldn't matter," he said.
As for the secret to 10-wins, it is something neither Redwood or Godlien are sure about. "I really don't know," said the driver, adding it is a bonus she is in the right class, that being $2,500 claimers.
Of course being in a claiming class Redwood said he is surprised Judges Discretion has not been picked up. "If it was me I'd be up and claiming her," he said, adding it's hard to not be interested in a winning horse. Redwood said if a claim comes they won't be disappointed since it is part of the business.
Other than being classed correctly, Redwood said his father does the weekly work with the horse. "Dad does every little ounce of work with her. I don't do anything at all with her," he said.
Redwood also took the Yorkton Exhibition feature for three-year-olds, winning with Im A Wildcat in 2:05.4 over Robert Baxter with Simply Dynamite, who finished third but was placed second by the judges, as Cory Manning with Gottaaluckydeal finished second but was placed third.
Redwood also won with Ignite The Spark, Light The Board, and G GS Dominator.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Yorkton Exhibition.
(Trot Insider exclusive by Calvin Daniels)