Amidst a stake-filled card on Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack, Eagle On It and Montreal Phil put forth their own valiant winning efforts in their respective assignments over a sloppy track.
In the $35,000 Open Pace for four-year-olds, Eagle On It and Sylvain Filion nosed out the pacesetter, Last Call Hanover (Mark MacDonald), to win in 1:55.
The odds on favourite made an early miscue and was gapped back in eighth as Last Call Hanover carved out fractions of :26.3, :55.3 and 1:24.4. Eagle On It tipped off the cover of Balanchine (Paul MacDonell) going into the stretch and used a :29.1 final quarter effort to beat Last Call Hanover at the wire. Sky Tantrum (Chris Christoforou) closed well for third.
The four-year-old son of Grinfromeartoear, who sports a bankroll of $175,849, scored his 12th lifetime win for trainer Gregg McNair and owner Frank Dettore of North Ridgeville, Ohio.
In other action, Montreal Phil maintained a perfect seasonal record with his ninth consecutive win in Race 3's $26,000 pacing event in rein to Mario Baillargeon.
The four-year-old son of Blissful Hall, who is owned by Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc. of Hudson, Que., shot to the lead from Post 6 and set the tempo with panels of :27, :56.3 and 1:26.1 before sprinting home in :29.4 for the win in 1:56.
Real Nice (Chris Christoforou) finished almost two lengths back in second and Castlecary Wildcat (Jody Jamieson) was third.
The winner of $75,700 in purses hangs his harness in the Ben Wallace barn.
To view Saturday’s results, click here.