On Saturday at Mohawk Racetrack, trainer Ben Wallace will send out Art Professor in the Canadian Pacing Derby. Regardless of how the four-year-old fares in the tilt, the son of Art Major has already exceeded the veteran conditioner's expectations
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Art Professor, who was purchased for $210,000 at the 2010 Harrisburg Mixed Sale, has earned a whopping $388,037 with nine victories this season.
“Beyond a doubt [he has exceeded our expectations],” Wallace said. “We bought him to be a respectable racehorse, not to think that he would be second choice going for $800,000. It’s been a real good run for us.”
With $565,094 in career earnings, the 17-time winner from 48 career starts has finished second in a trio of rich events this season, but Wallace hopes that changes this weekend. The bay horse finished second in each the $300,000 Molson Pace, the $177,750 Des Smith and the $100,000 Gold Cup.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all [if Art Professor found the winner's circle],” Wallace said. “But, that’s a great group of horses and I would love to own and train any one of them. He’s going to need a break somewhere along the line to win, but by no means is he a longshot.”
Just four starts ago on July 23, Art Professor marched into the Mohawk record books when he stopped the clock in 1:47.4, a track record for older pacing horses.
“He’s simply just a courageous racehorse and it makes my job and the driver's job that much easier when you have that sort of ingredient,” Wallace commented. “His speed comes from his desire to get there first and his courage.”
Art Professor will start from Post 3 for driver Jody Jamieson and owners Brad Grant and Holland Racing Stable Inc.
To view entries for Saturday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Mohawk Racetrack.
(WEG)