Freshman pacing fillies American Jewel and Romantic Moment reigned supreme in their Eternal Camnation Stakes divisions for trainer Jimmy Takter and driver Marcus Johansson Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack
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American Jewel remained undefeated in four starts after capturing the first $132,033 division.
As the starting gate pulled away, 4-5 favourite American Jewel broke stride. Big Mcdeal (Paul MacDonell) took command and held the lead through fractions of :26.4, :54.4 and 1:23.1.
The early breaker was able to recover and by the half, Johansson found a spot on the rail in fourth. Entering the final turn, Shelliscape (Randy Waples) launched a first-over attack from third with American Jewel catching cover.
In the stretch, Johansson angled the two-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Trim Hanover three-wide and she paced on by the tempo-setter, scoring a four length victory in 1:52.2. Big Mcdeal finished second with Shelliscape rounding out the triactor.
“I don’t know what happened, but she is professional and she corrected it,” Johansson said of the filly's miscue. “I can’t recall her making a break training or racing, it has to be the first time.”
Despite the break in stride, Johansson, Takter’s son-in-law, wasn’t surprised his filly found the winner’s circle.
“I know she is a great horse, but actually the trip worked out great for us after all,” he said. “I was just going to try to get a cheque with her after what happened, but she felt strong and did it all by herself.”
The lion’s share of the purse lifted her lifetime earnings to $106,391 for owner-breeder Brittany Farms of Versailles, Kentucky.
American Jewel paid $3.90 to win.
Romantic Moment captured the second $133,533 division in a career-best clocking of 1:52.3, while also notching her first lifetime victory in the process.
Bound To Rock (Scott Zeron) clocked the opening panel in :27.4, but her lead was short lived as a parked out Notreadytobenice (Jack Moiseyev) took command into the backstretch.
Romantic Moment came first-up from third and was the leader on the outside past the half in :55.4. The Takter pupil held the front, hitting the three-quarter marker in 1:24.1. Romantic Moment dug in to score a two and a quarter length victory over Notreadytobenice. Bound To Rock finished third.
“She was fighting me pretty good before we turned to the gate, even in the hole she couldn’t really relax, so I decided to move her early,” said Johansson following the win.
The Allentown, New Jersey resident believes Romantic Moment is close to being on the same level as her stablemate, American Jewel. He says all she needs is a little more experience.
The two-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Time N Again has a lifetime record of 1-1-1 in three career outings with a bankroll of $84,583 for Brittany Farms.
Romantic Moment paid $8 to win as the second choice.
For recaps of tonight's Nassagaweya Stakes divisions for pacing colts, click here.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.
(With files from WEG)
Very disappointed by the
Very disappointed by the poor showing of ,"Shelliscape". "Big Mcdeal", one who's been playing second fiddle to ,"Shelliscape", did a good of it getting off the gate quickly and taking the lead. She over-heated the tempo however, and melted down the 2nd split. That left her with only one even and one slow split thru the 2nd half. A good set-up for "Shelliscape", to make a 1st over challenge. Which she did. That effort, however, set-up excellant cover for Meadowlands Invader,"American Jewel". One who did well to recover and get back into it after making a break. (A sign of a good one.) Though it may be asking too much for,"Shelliscape", to out-last a tripped out, 2nd over,"American Jewel",........ she should have brushed home stronger than she did, and manage to grab second money.