Sudbury Downs' Juggernaut Series began on Saturday night with two $7,500 divisions, which were won by American Sway and Apache White Foot.
Driven by Mario Rivest, longshot American Sway kicked off the 2012 edition of the series with a 9-1 upset in the first split. The three-year-old American Ideal gelding advanced first over to win in 1:57.3 by two lengths. Frisky Burl (Mike MacNeill) and Twin B Turbo (Jason Ryan) came on for second and third.
American Swift returned $21.80 to his backers. The victory was fourth in 11 starts this year and first since being claimed for $9,750 by Stuart Mackenzie of Sudbury, Ont. on July 5 at Rideau Carleton Raceway and joining the Philippe Belanger stable.
Last year's Juggernaut winning driver Gerry Belanger scored a first leg victory aboard Apache White Foot. The four-year-old son of Whitefish Falls sat third for most of the mile before coming on to win in a new mark of 1:55.4 by more than three lengths over pocket-sitter Pass The Deuce (Jason Ryan) and pacesetter Dannys Atthedance (Mike MacNeill).
Apache White Foot paid $7.90 to win as the second choice in the field. The roan gelding is owned and trained by Brittany Robertson of Chelsmford, Ont. He notched his third straight victory and fifth of the season in 25 starts.
The series is for pacers that are five years old and younger and non-winners of two races or $20,000 lifetime (fillies & mares $27,500 lifetime) as of midnight, Saturday, July 7, 2012. No additional allowances.
The Juggernaut will continue next Saturday, August 4 and feature another leg on Saturday, August 11 before wrapping up with a $22,500 (estimated) final on Saturday, August 18.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Sudbury Downs.