Southwind Amazon has had a long and storied career, competing against the best in the mid-west and across the nation. On Wednesday, Sept. 6, he continued to make history at MGM Northfield Park with a victory against conditioned company.
The 13-year-old son of Camluck tied Rambling Willie for wins on Aug. 30, with a jaw-dropping performance at the Canton fair. On Wednesday night, his connections had something to prove breaking that tie.
The outside post has become "home" for Southwind Amazon, a spot he has drawn in five of his last seven starts. The war horse wasted no time making the lead as Aaron Merriman left alertly, creating some separation into the backstretch.
Merriman backed the big horse down a bit before the quarter in :27.4. Big Law (Chris Lems) began his first-over bid into the far turn for the first time and was within a length of the lead at the half in :56.2.
Merriman stepped on the gas, entering the backstretch for the final time, forcing Big Law into the pocket to save some ground with Delray Dude (Tyler Angus) beginning to apply pressure at three-quarters in 1:24.1.
Turning for home, Big Law took another shot up the passing lane, but My Friend Mel (Kurt Sugg) was going to make Southwind Amazon earn it as he gobbled up ground turning for home, but Southwind Amazon was kept to task, digging in late to win by a neck in 1:54.1.
"This one was the hard one; it was very sentimental," said an emotional Paul Holzman, his trainer. "I was old enough to know who Ramblin Willie was; I'm thrilled."
The victory puts Southwind Amazon eight wins behind Niffit for the most in modern day harness racing. The plan with the gelding is to take it slow and enjoy the ride, says Holzman.
"We will make sure he comes out of the race okay. We are looking at some different options to race him. Right now we are just taking it day-by-day."
Records indicate that Symbol Allen holds harness racing's all-time win record with 241 wins.
Live harness racing resumes on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
(with files from Northfield)