Odds-on favourite Desperate Man decided to dictate affairs in the $52,000 Open Handicap Pace, but got caught at the finish by a game Codename Cigar Box in a 1:49.1 mile on Saturday night (Sept. 10) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Desperate Man grabbed the lead to a :26 first quarter and rolled to a :54 half and three-quarters in 1:22. Wheels On Fire crept out of the pocket as Codename Cigar Box charged along the rim. The backfield sprung into action in the straightaway as Desperate Man lunged for the finish with desperate strides. Driver Travis Cullen fired Codename Cigar Box off cover in the final eighth and surged to the lead in the final meters to win by a half length. Desperate Man settled for second with Mappos Lion emerging in third.
A four-year-old gelding by Custard The Dragon, Codename Cigar Box won his 22nd race from 49 starts and has now earned $312,593. He competes for owners Paul Sanders, A1stable and Ronald Cullen. Jodie Cullen trains the $16.60 winner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.