The $50,000 Whenuwishuponastar Pacing Series final came down to a three-horse battle in deep stretch Thursday night at Mohawk Racetrack, and when the dust settled it was Strike An Attitude emerging victorious for
driver Steve Condren in 1:53.3.
The rookie daughter of Western Hanover–Strike A Balance, racing as part of a three-horse Bob McIntosh-trained entry, left alertly from post seven in the field of 10 and parked well past the first quarter of :27.1 before finally clearing to command.
She watched the lead change hands twice before the half with Rideintothesunset taking over briefly before yielding to Day To Ponder at the second marker in :55.2. The new leader kept the pace rolling and had the field gapped out at three-quarters in 1:23.3.
As the field turned for home, Rideintothesunset and Strike An Attitude began to close in on the leader, setting up the final-quarter showdown. In the end, it was Strike An Attitude forging past late to win with Rideintothesunset edging out Day To Ponder for the place spot.
“Steve (Condren) gave her (Strike An Attitude) good trips the last two weeks,” said assistant trainer Rob McIntosh (son of trainer Bob McIntosh). “You know, she was ready to go a big trip here. Steve did a good job getting her set and the filly did good.”
It was the second victory in just four trips postward for the filly who returned $6.10 in winning. The winner’s share of the purse increased her bankroll to just over $40,000 for Bob McIntosh who co-owns along with Paul Ysebaert of Ontario and C S X Stables of Ohio.
McIntosh also owns and conditioned the series’ namesake, Whenuwishuponastar, who won 20 of 35 starts during her brilliant career while banking more than $578,000.
(WEG)
To view Thursday’s results, click here.