Racing room was a concern for most of the mile for even-money favourite Musical Rhythm in Friday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Mohawk Racetrack, but a patient steer by Mario Baillargeon helped the trotter earn a trip to victory lane.
Musical Rhythm got away third while Major Athens and Big Rich battled to the quarter in :26.3. Major Athens worked his way to the lead while Big Rich settled for the pocket spot. Musical Rhythm tucked into the three-hole, while Cue Hall found himself parked out in the first turn and into the backstretch.
Major Athens used the parked out Cue Hall as a ‘pick’, and the leader managed to steal away with the next two panels in :56.1 and 1:25. Jamieson grabbed some daylight on the field as the group entered the lane, but even with the soft middle fractions the tempo-setter couldn’t fend off the ferocious rush of Musical Rhythm who shook loose late and exploded home for the win in 1:52.4. Major Athens was next best, with Catch The Dream taking home the show dough.
Trainer Ben Baillargeon co-owns the five-year-old son of Cantab Hall-Musical Victory with Claude Hamel, Nunzio Vena and Santo Vena. The 26-time winner is 5-for-15 this season. The win pushed his lifetime earnings over $600,000.
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.