Tuning up for next Saturday's Canadian Pacing Derby, Shamballa was back in action locally for the first time in a month during a Friday morning qualifier at Mohawk Racetrack.
The six-year-old sat off the pace early for trainer-driver Rick Zeron, as is customary, before commencing a first-over bid just after the :55 half-mile mark. From there, Shamballa was on top by three at the head of the lane and stretched that margin fourfold. A :54.2 back half put the pacer under the wire in 1:50.4, 12 lengths better than his closest rival.
Co-owned by Zeron, Tao Racing LLC, Howard Taylor and Cool Cat Racing Inc., Shamballa (Somebeachsomewhere-Bolero Takara) boasts a summary of 3-2-3 in 10 seasonal starts with $316,993 in earnings. He comes into the 2016 Canadian Pacing Derby in impeccable form, finishing in the top three in his last four races and boasts a win over his rivals in the 2016 U.S. Pacing Championship earlier this month.
Shamballa is one of 10 top-notch older pacers entered in the 2016 Canadian Pacing Derby, with the post draw taking place on Saturday evening.
Canadian Pacing Derby (Field listed in alphabetical order)
All Bets Off
Always B Miki
Dealt A Winner
Evenin Of Pleasure
Nickle Bag
Nirvana Seelster
Rockin In Heaven
Shamballa
State Treasurer
Wiggle It Jiggleit
To view the charted results from Friday morning's qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results (Qualifiers) - Mohawk Racetrack.