Two-year-old pacing gelding Better Than Cash, half-brother to O'Brien Award winner Classic Pro, broke his maiden on Friday night (August 17) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Driven by Bob McClure for trainer Jacques Dupont, Better Than Cash prevailed in a $14,000 two-year-old maiden race over Rousseau and favourite Beach Meadows, a full-sibling to the likes of sub-1:50 pacers Melmerby Beach and Lawrencetown Beach.
Better Than Cash was first off the gate from post four and gave way to Perkins into the first turn before moving back out for the retake after the :28.4 quarter mark. As he landed back on the lead, Beach Meadows swept up from third and cleared to command by the half in :57.3.
Beach Meadows continued to lead the way past three-quarters in 1:26 with Better Than Cash following until the stretch. As Better Than Cash was gaining ground on the outside, Perkins shot through inside of Beach Meadows but broke stride. Pacing his final quarter in :27.3 for his third consecutive start, Better Than Cash went by Beach Meadows down the lane and widened to 3-1/2 lengths before hitting the wire in 1:54 flat.
He paid $11.40 to win as the 4-1 third wagering choice.
Bred by Winbak Farm, Better Than Cash is sired by Betterthancheddar out of the Astreos mare Kattimon, whose offpsring includes Classic Pro, last year's Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year, as well as the stakes-winning mare Devil Child.
A six-figure yearling buy, Better Than Cash was purchased from the Lexington Select Sale by Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc., Ecurie Csl, Gestion C Levesque 2005inc, and 2745 5815 Quebec Inc.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.