Proving himself a worthy champion, Deweycheatumnhowe avenged the only loss of his young, yet brilliant career with an explosive two length victory in Saturday's $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic, on a wet and windy evening at Mohawk Racetrack.
The finest three-year-old trotters of the continent were on display in the Classic, and fans still believed in Deweycheatumnhowe, sending him postward as the 6-5 choice, even though the Ray Schnittker-trained, driven and co-owned colt had to overcome the outside post 10 in vanquishing nine rivals.
Last week, the Hambletonian winner was upset, by three-quarters of a length, in his Classic elimination by Crazed, his first career defeat after winning 17 straight races.
Tonight, his revenge was sweet, as Deweycheatumnhowe pulled from the pocket in mid-stretch, collared pacesetter Crazed, the 3-2 second choice, then safely fended off Clerk Magistrate for the ultra-impressive score, timed in 1:53.2 over a very sloppy track.
"I was pretty disappointed last week," said Schnittker. "But they all get beat. When we drew the 10-hole, I really didn't like my chances, but he just showed me how good a horse he is. He's an unbelievable horse."
Schnittker hustled 'Dewey' to the front immediately from the far outside, as the pair reached the opening quarter in 27.3. But shortly thereafter, Crazed and driver Tim Tetrick came calling and took over before the half, which was reached in :56.2.
Crazed, the Hambo runner-up, still maintained a length lead turning into the long Mohawk lane after a three-quarters in 1:25.1. But Deweycheatumnhowe was able to squeeze out from the pocket, just as Clerk Magistrate and Trevor Ritchie rolled up to challenge three wide.
In the blink of an eye, Deweycheatumnhowe then exploded to the front for the convincing tally.
Deweycheatumnhowe – Cdn. Trotting Classic
"I think so (a better horse tonight than last week)," continued Schnittker. "Maybe I've shipped him too much. Probably won't do that again, maybe fly him instead. He was his old self today. I think he's a lot better (racing) out of the hole. Everybody could see that.
"I was thinking before the race about taking him right back to last. But after watching the races, nobody was coming from last and we were going for a million dollars. So I thought if he's good, he could probably handle them.
"I left out of there hard. I was hoping someone would come and cover me up, which Crazed did, which worked out great. I knew if I got out (in mid-stretch), I'd win by 10. I got out, that was great. He goes to the Kentucky Futurity (next) in three weeks."
There are several similarities between last year's Canadian Trotting Classic winner, champion Donato Hanover, and Deweycheatumnhowe. Both boasted Hambletonian and World Trotting Derby titles and both had suffered but one defeat going into the Classic.
Deweycheatumnhowe earned $500,000 for his 18th win in 19 starts. The son of Muscles Yankee has now banked almost $2.8 million.
To view Saturday's results, click here.
(WEG, photo courtesy New Image Media)