Mohawk Racetrack's latest edition of the $34,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday (July 30) featured a compact field of six and it was a competitive race resulting in a five-across finish, with Evenin Of Pleasure ultimately coming out on top in the win photo.
Evenin Of Pleasure powered out to the early lead from post five for driver Sylvain Filion with Ellis Park (Randy Waples) crossing into second-place ahead of insider State Treasurer (Chris Christoforou). Never quite settling down to the pylons in fourth, 3-5 favourite Shamballa (Rick Zeron), a runner-up in the William Haughton Memorial in his last race, was on the move in the first turn and rushed to command past the :26 first quarter mark. State Treasurer, who was last week's Preferred winner, followed hot on his heels and took over down the backstretch on the way to the half-mile mark in :54.2. Meanwhile, American Virgin (Jody Jamieson) advanced first over with trailer Nickle Bag (Trevor Henry) following the cover.
State Treasurer continued to lead the way past three-quarters in 1:22.3 before the rest of the field closed in down the stretch. Evenin Of Pleasure found room along the pylons as Shamballa tipped out from the pocket. Meanwhile, American Virgin rallied outside with Ellis Park even wider in a blanket finish. In the end, Evenin Of Pleasure nosed out Ellis Park and Shamballa. American Virgin was a neck back with State Treasurer finishing one length behind.
Evenin Of Pleasure is now three-for-three racing in the Preferred class this month, with Saturday's victory clocked in 1:49.3. Richard Moreau trains the six-year-old son of Dragon Again, who was overlooked at odds of 10-1, resulting in a $23.10 win payout.
Evenin Of Pleasure's seasonal earnings climbed to $193,530 and his lifetime bankroll now stands at $685,597. The 21-time winner is owned by Gestion J Y Blais Inc. of Montreal, Que.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.