After a runner-up finish to world champion Bulldog Hanover in the Canadian Pacing Derby, Tattoo Artist had his moment under the night's sun when winning the $58,500 Open Handicap Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Sept. 17) in 1:47.1.
Driver James MacDonald motored Tattoo Artist for the top to a :26.3 first quarter before yielding control to Warrawee Vital. Warrawee Vital then took the field by the half in :54 and rolled through the final turn to three-quarters in 1:20.2. Tattoo Artist crept from the pocket in the straightaway and slid by Warrawee Vital to win by a length with Poseidon Seelster giving pursuit in third.
A five-year-old stallion by Hes Watching, Tattoo Artist won his 28th race from 66 starts and has now earned $1,837,764. Dr. Ian Moore trains the $3.10 winner for owners Let It Ride Stables Inc., Frank Cannon and Diamond Creek Racing.
An open event for three-year-old trotting fillies opened the card and featured eight of the 11 entered in the Elegantimage Final next week. Mon Cheval took command from her peers by a :28.2 first quarter and controlled every step from there, posting a :57.1 half and 1:24.4 three-quarters to win in 1:52.1. Mischevious Rose rode a pocket trip to finish second, beaten two lengths, with odds-on favourite Warrawee Xenia firing home for third.
Nancy Takter trains Mon Cheval, a filly by Father Patrick, for owner Solveigs Racing Partners. She won her seventh race from 20 starts and has now earned $345,060. She paid $15.20 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.