Woodmere Ideal Art dethrones Blood Money

Woodmere Ideal Art denied Blood Money a third straight victory in the Exhibition Park top harness racing condition on Saturday with a gutsy stretch drive.

Woodmere Ideal Art stepped to the front from the three-hole for Robert Laffin as the starting car pulled away. Blood Money (Mitchell Downey) saw the back of a helmet for the first time in three weeks as he tucked in third. Woodmere Ideal Art set first-half splits of :29.2 and :58.2 on the lead against no resistance, but Blood Money made his move as the field of five neared three-quarters in 1:28.

Blood Money made progress through the third quarter,but Woodmere Ideal Art turned for home with a length-and-a-quarter advantage. Blood stormed home though, and the two hit the line together with Little Manny (Stephen Trites), who found room late. The photo showed Woodmere Ideal Art kept his nose in front for the victory in 1:59.

Blood Money finished second, and Little Manny was third after being trapped for most of the stretch. The winner paid $6.60.

Woodmere Ideal Art took his 21st win and increased his career bankroll to $79,149 in his 77th start for Ultimate Stable of Greater Lakeburn. Sifroi Melanson trains the six-year-old Articulator gelding.

Mark Haig drove half of the day’s winners: Iloveroses in the second (2:00.4), Bugger Max in the third (2:00.2), and Rose Run Slider (1:59) in race five.

Exhibition Park will return on Saturday, May 29 with a first post of 1 p.m. ADT.

For full race results, click here.