Dancer Hall flexed his muscles to win the $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday (Sept. 11).
A deep field of 10, featuring Maple Leaf Trot finalists Ariana G, Dancer Hall, Pinkman and Warrawee Roo, clashed in this week’s edition of the top-level trot.
Paul Reid-trainee Dancer Hall, making his first start since finishing fourth in the Maple Leaf Trot, came first over on the far turn for driver Sylvain Filion after a relatively soft opening-half and ground his way to a 1:53.3 score.
Longshot B Yoyo sprinted off the wings of the gate from post 10 and secured the early lead and posting a :28 opening quarter. Double-millionaire Ariana G floated away from post eight and worked her way to the top, clearing control entering the backstretch.
After posting a :57 half, Ariana G carried the lead around the far turn and by the three-quarter pole in 1:25.4 while Dancer Hall worked his way closer committing first-up from fifth.
In the stretch, Ariana G tried to fight off Dancer Hall but surrendered the lead entering the final eighth of the mile. Several others put themselves in the mix for a top spot as B Yoyo slipped up the rail while Dunbar Hall, who got a three-hole trip, was searching for room behind the leader and Warrawee Roo rallied toward the outside after being second-over.
Dancer Hall reached the wire first to win by three-quarters of a length. Dunbar Hall found room late to finish second while B Yoyo and Warrawee Roo were third and fourth, respectively.
Owned by 1187422 Ontario Inc, Dancer Hall scored his ninth win of the season and fifth in the Woodbine Preferred. The four-year-old son of Deweycheatumnhowe has had a breakout season, earning $247,372 in 16 starts.
Tuesday’s victory was the 17th career win for Dancer Hall and pushes his career earnings to $347,022. He paid $4.60 to win.
Live racing resumes Thursday at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Post time is 7:10 p.m.
(Woodbine Mohawk Park)