Fashion Frenzie trotted away for his first Grand Circuit harness racing victory in the $240,000 Goodtimes Final on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Louis-Philippe Roy allowed three foes to pass and battle into the first turn, but the reinsman activated Fashion Frenzie passing the quarter mile pole in :27.2 and pushed the Archangel gelding to the lead. They stopped the clock on the half in :56.3, but a first-up advance from favourite Dancinginthedark M (Tim Tetrick) forced Roy to accelerate his filly going into the final turn.
Dancinginthedark M broke stride as they swung for home, giving Fashion Frenzie an easy path to victory. Fashion Frenzie left her remaining opponents behind at the eighth pole as she surged to a four-length 1:53.2 victory.
Ritson (James MacDonald) passed eight rivals after sitting ninth at three-quarters to take place. Publicity Seeker (Doug McNair) finished third. The win price was $7.
“[Dancinginthedark M], with Timmy driving, I think the only way to beat him is I have to make him work or something,” Roy said in his post-race interview. “That’s what actually happened in the last turn. […] I’m pretty confident in my horse but that horse looked pretty good too last time, and even when racing in the States, so when I saw him coming that was game on right there.”
FASHION FRENZIE REPLAY
Fashion Frenzie is now 10-for-16 lifetime and has earned $529,765. Richard Moreau conditions the gelding for Ecurie Francis Richard, Mario Bourgea, Pierre Guillemette, and Sylvain Richard.
“I really fell in love with the horse, especially this year,” Roy said. “Earlier in the season he felt like he was a little bit crazy in the post parade and going to the gate, but like I’ve said in every interview, he’s just been smarter and smarter. The trip he did today, I could’ve let him in the hole, I could’ve done whatever I wanted with him. It’s a big asset to have on a trotter.”
For full race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink